Photo by John Wacher
The James River golfers took second place behind Three Rivers strong boy Floyd County in two district matches in the past week. The Knights also hosted a non-district match at the Botetourt Golf & Swim Club last Thursday.
On September 8 the district played at the Olde Mill course and River took second, seven strokes behind Floyd and two strokes better than Radford. The Knights were led by Mason Gilliland with a 74, and having his best high school match was Braden Persinger with a 75 on a very difficult course.
“The top of our district is super competitive,” said River coach Donna Cox.
On Monday at the River Course the Knights tied host Radford for second place with a 322, four strokes behind Floyd. Landon Bolling led the team with a one under par 71 and Gilliland was close on his heels, shooting three over par 75. Tucker Hall shot his best match score with an 88.
Last Thursday the Knights hosted Glenvar at the Botetourt Golf & Swim Club. The top two players from JR and Glenvar played a “fun” match play format with Bolling and Gilliland representing River and John Deel and Mason Young playing for Glenvar.
“These four have developed a great friendship and the camaraderie between them is astounding for high schoolers,” said Cox.
Bolling paired up with Glenvar’s number two, Young, and Gilliland paired up with Glenvar’s number one, John Deel. Glenvar’s pair eventually won the match.
“Mason Young stated how much fun he had playing with Landon and just how much he learned from playing with him,” said Cox. “It will be sad to see Landon and Mason graduate this year because their leadership, experience, and deep knowledge of the game have been invaluable both on and off the field. They have helped guide younger players, set an example through their hard work and dedication, and contributed countless memories along the way.”
The Knights are scheduled to play today against Galax and Floyd and on Thursday they’re back at Hanging Rock for a makeup of a Three Rivers match that was previously rained out. Next Monday they’re at Great Oaks for a district match hosted by Floyd County.
