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The Parry McCluer High School boys basketball team got back to its winning ways, defeating James River 47-41 on Tuesday of last week in Buchanan.
When the teams met six days earlier in Buena Vista, the Fighting Blues (2-2) cruised to a 50-15 win – their lone win against two defeats in the first week of the season.
Reviewing the rematch, PM head coach Tyler Kerr said, “James River had a much better game plan for us. They gave us a lot of the outside corners, but just would not allow us into the paint easy. We had a poor shooting night as well, so that worked out well for them. We ended up being in a dogfight.”
James River was coming off a 57-55 win over Bath County three days earlier and ended the week at 1-5.
Against JR, Evan Cook led the Blues with 12 points, six steals and four assists and pulled down four rebounds. Braedyn Houck was 3-of-6 on 3-pointers, scoring seven points, and Landon Catlett and Langston Cook each added seven points. JJ Jones grabbed nine rebounds and six steals.
“It was a quiet night scoring for us, but we still forced 24 turnovers and had 12 assists,” said Kerr. “When you go on the road and don’t shoot well at times, and still find a way to win, it’s very encouraging.”
The Blues were scheduled to start Pioneer District action at home against Narrows last night and will continue district action at home against Eastern Montgomery on Thursday. Both nights start with junior varsity action at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Blues’ varsity team will face Goochland in a tournament at Lord Botetourt at 1 p.m.
Looking ahead to the matchup against Narrows, the defending district champion, Kerr said, “I know they’re a bit younger, but they’re bringing up really good ballplayers. I can’t reiterate it enough, [Narrows guard] Kolier Pruett is the best player in the region. We will have to find ways to slow him down and put in some of our own baskets.”
