The James River girls completed the 2022 portion of their basketball schedule with a 7-1 record after defeating Rockbridge County in Lexington last week, 43-40.
The Knights are on a roll under coach Ryan Firebaugh just two years after a winless season. River is now an even 14-14 since Firebaugh took over prior to the 2021-22 season, and they’re looking to keep up the pace this week as they open Three Rivers District play. The Knights have their work cut out for them as they open the season with a game at Floyd on Tuesday and at Glenvar Friday.
Last week at Rockbridge the Knights jumped out to a 12-6 lead in the first quarter and held a 20-16 lead at the half. River still held a slim margin heading into the deciding fourth quarter but were able to hold on for the win. The girls were able to make some key steals down the stretch and hit their foul shots to close out the game.
“We stepped up big time in the fourth quarter,” said Firebaugh. “We were only up by three points going in the fourth quarter but we understood what we had to do defensively in order to win the game. We got consistent stops and we had some girls step up in many different ways.”
Caitlin Canada led River with 17 points, nine rebounds and five steals. Sierra Davis added 11 points and three steals and Lexi McCullough had eight points, six boards and two steals. Jalen Thompson had seven rebounds.
“Coming off a 13-day break I knew we were going to be rusty in some aspects of our game,” said Firebaugh. “It’s hard to have a break when you’re playing well and playing two or three times a week, but we were able to jump out in front early and keep the lead throughout the game.”
