Photo by Leigh Downey
Undefeated Staunton River downed host James River in the championship game of the Knights Holiday Classic girls’ basketball tournament. The River girls hosted the eight-team tournament on December 19 to 21.
James River came into the tournament at 4-0 and opened with a 53-34 win over Amherst. Caitlin Canada had 18 points and Gillian Smith had a dozen, including 10 in the third quarter, to lead the Knights.
“After a slow start our offense and defense came alive in the third quarter,” said River coach Donald Eggleston. “Ella Hutchens had some key rebounds to stop Amherst from getting easy put-back baskets.”
On Friday the Knights took on Northside, who beat Craig County in the opener. River jumped to a 19-9 halftime lead, then outscored the Vikings 10-1 in the third quarter to pull away. Canada had 14 points and Jalen Thompson and Audrey Benson had eight each.
“Defense again was the key to beating Northside,” said Eggleston.
In Saturday’s championship game the Knights went up against a hot Staunton River team and lost 59-33. Canada led River with nine points as Staunton River remained undefeated. Canada and Smith were named to the All-Tournament team from River.
