Photos by Birdie Boblett
The James River boys will host Alleghany in basketball tonight as the Cougars prepare to leave the Three Rivers District after this season. The two teams will play again on February 19 to make up a game that was postponed on January 9.
River comes in at 6-9 after dropping a district game at Floyd County Monday, 58-29. The Knights hung tough early against a stout Buffalo team but eventually wore down. Jack Beheler led River with eight points and Maddox Pichay had seven.
“We kept it competitive for a lot longer this time around,” said River coach Ethan Humphries. “Even at halftime we were giving ourselves a chance against top-ranked Floyd. Ultimately, the better team won but our guys showed some fight.”
River dropped two district games last week, beginning with a 58-48 loss to Patrick County at home. Pichay had 14 points, six rebounds and five assists and Ryder Ward chipped in 13 points.
“Out of our district games this one was one we feel like we should’ve gotten,” said Humphries. “Our defense wasn’t up to par on a night where we were taking care of the ball. We just gave them too many easy baskets that we normally don’t give up.”
Last Thursday the Knights hosted Glenvar and dropped a 54-21 decision. The Highlanders closed the last 1:45 of the second quarter on a 11-2 run to blow the game open and take a 26- 11 halftime lead. Mark Voight and Ben Lawson had six points each.
“Our guys were doing all the right things the first 14 minutes of the game and then the flood gates opened and it got out of hand quickly,” said Humphries. “But at the end of the day, 21 points is not winning varsity basketball games. If we are taking requests we need to double our points and half our turnovers to give ourselves a fighting chance in any district game.”
Things don’t get any easier this week. After tonight’s home game with Alleghany, the Knights go to undefeated Carroll County on Friday.
