The James River girls are leading the Three Rivers District after winning their first three basketball games of the 3RD season. The Knights opened the district season with wins over Martinsville, Radford and Glenvar last week.
After defeating Martinsville in Springwood last Tuesday, 45-36, the Knights traveled to Radford on Thursday for the first leg of a back-to-back. They pulled out a 45-42 win over the host Bobcats in a game that went down to the wire. River trailed 25-23 at the half but turned up the defensive pressure and held Radford to five third quarter points in taking the lead.
“A strong defense in the third quarter made a big difference in the game,” said River coach Donald Eggleston. “Holding a team the caliber of Radford to five points in a quarter is great defense. Controlling the boards was another key to victory in this game.”
Jalen Thompson led the Knights with 13 points. Siera Davis and Audrey Benson were also in double figures with 11 and 10. Benson nailed three three-pointers.
Photos by Leigh Downey
On Friday night the girls played host to Glenvar and sent the Highlanders to their 50th straight loss, covering four seasons, by a 52-32 score. River jumped to a 15-5 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
“A quick start to the game was key to the victory,” said Eggleston. “Pressure defense caused Glenvar to have several key turnovers that led to easy baskets.”
Benson led River with 17 points as nine different players scored. Samaya Osborne had eight and Gillian Smith had seven points.
With the win the Knights improved to 7-4 overall. They were scheduled to play at Cave Spring on Tuesday but results were too late for publication. On Thursday of this week Floyd County is here and Saturday they’re at Greenbrier East for a non-district game beginning at 7 p.m.
