Photo by Leigh Downey
The James River girls opened their Three Rivers District basketball schedule with a win over Carroll County in Hillsville last Friday. The Knights blew the game open by outscoring the Cavaliers 18-4 in the second quarter and raced to a 46-24 win.
With the victory the River girls improved to 8-1 on the season. Their only loss has been to Staunton River in the championship game of the Knights Christmas Classic, and the Class 3 Eagles are undefeated after nine games.
River hosted another Class 3 team, Cave Spring, in Springwood last week and won 51-34. Again, the second quarter was the difference as River outscored the visitors 15-3 after leading by just one point after the first period.
“A strong defensive effort in the second and third periods was the difference in the game,” said River coach Donald Eggleston.
Caitlin Canada led River with a “double-double,” scoring 13 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Ella Hutchens had a big game in her first varsity start with seven points and six boards.
The Knights are scheduled to be back home tonight for a district game with Alleghany, but inclement weather and freezing temperatures might be a factor. No decision on the game had been made at press time.
The Knights are scheduled to play against Monticello at Western Albemarle High School this Saturday in the “Play for Preemies Showcase” annual event. The event’s goal is to raise awareness and funds for premature births at the UVA Children’s Hospital in Charlottesville and Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital in Roanoke.
