The James River boys opened the 2018-19 basketball season on Monday with a game at Covington. The Knights led at the half and after three quarters but lost to the Cougars, 64-59.

“It was a typical first game,” said coach Mike Goad. “We have a lot of inexperience but our kids showed good poise.”

Sophomore Walker Andrews led the Knights with 20 points, and he figures to be one of the top scores in the River Ridge District this year after a solid freshman season on the varsity. Patrick Clevenger, a current freshman, had 13 points Monday in his first varsity game.

Senoir River Clonch had a dozen points Monday and dished out four assists while Jack Hutchens, a senior, had six points. Senior Devin Cheatwood had nine rebounds and four points and senior Josh Bonds had seven boards.

Other players on the River roster include seniors Tristan Flood, Jackson Mabe and Will Miller and juniors Kevin Austin, Owen Marshall and Dyllan McAllister.

“We have a lot of new players,” said Goad. “We’ll get better as the season progresses.”