Photo by Jon Fleming
Nelson County will send a full bus to Springwood Friday as the James River basketball team plays host to two teams of Governors to begin the Region 2C tournament.
The River girls will host Nelson at 6 p.m., followed by the Knights and Governors in a boys game to follow. The two winners will advance to the next round on Tuesday, February 21.
Since the Three Rivers District does not have a post-season tournament the River boys have not played since they closed the regular season with a win over Waynesboro on February 6. The Knights will take a 12-10 record into Friday’s game and, if they win, they would play at Glenvar next Tuesday.
The girls are 10-12 overall after ending the regular season with a 56-46 loss to Parry McCluer in Springwood last Friday. River trailed by a dozen at the half but cut the lead to eight after three quarters, 41-33. The Knights got as close as three points in the fourth quarter but the Blues then hit their free throws down the stretch to keep the host girls at bay.
Caitlin Canada led the Knights with 19 points and four rebounds. Kelsi Maydian had a dozen points and five boards.
“The girls competed,” said coach Ryan Firebugh. “Being down early they could have very easily threw in the towel but that is not them.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the way the girls battled. I told them after the game, things didn’t go our way and it stinks, but it happens and you cannot let that dictate how you play the next game. Keep your heads high and be ready to go.”