The Glenvar Highlanders had a light schedule early in December with a prolonged football season, but they’ve been making up for it. The Highlanders lost at Carroll County on Tuesday as they played their sixth game in 11 days, including stints in the Northside Invitational Tournament and the Chance Harman Classic in Floyd County.
On Tuesday in Hillsville the Highlanders fell to 4-6 with an 80-76 loss against host Carroll County. It was the first Three Rivers District game for both teams as Carroll improved to 5-4 overall. Parker Doolan scored 35 points for the Highlanders.
On Monday at home Glenvar lost to Hidden Valley for the second time this season, this time by a 77-50 score as the Titans remained undefeated on the season. Doolan led Glenvar with 18 points.
“Tough night against a very good, well coached Hidden Valley team,” said Glenvar coach Hank Luton. “They turned us over 25 times and we aren’t going to be competitive when we do that. I’ve still got great confidence in our group.”
Glenvar had little time for New Year’s festivities last week as the Highlanders played in two annual events. They finished sixth in the eight team Northside Invitational on December 27, 29 and 30, winning one game around two losses.
The Highlanders opened the tournament with a 61-50 loss to host Northside. Ryder Francisco led Glenvar with 20 points, Jax Bolling had 13 and James Housh had 10. Glenvar went down 9-0 at the outset but battled back to make it a game.
“Credit to our guys for responding well,” said Luton. “We couldn’t get over the hump in the fourth quarter. Credit Northside for their pressure the entire game. They are athletic and always well coached.”
The Highlanders bounced back in the next round with a 63-62 win over Blacksburg, their third win over the Bruins in the month of September. Francisco hit the winning shot to finish off a big night with 36 points.
“Ryder shot the ball well,” said Luton. “Credit to our guys for continuing to find him in rhythm. Jax Bolling made a big play late to get Ryder a clean look to win it. Credit Doug Day and his Blacksburg team for really outplaying and out coaching us. It’s always a challenge against them, we are fortunate to come out on top.”
That put the Highlanders in the fifth place game, where they fell to George Wythe, 62-50. Francisco had 22 points and Evan Harris had 10.
“Our best offensive game of the year in terms of moving the ball, getting clean looks, and executing our stuff,” said Luton. “Unfortunately we just didn’t shoot it well. GW made a ton of shots. They are always well coached and have some talented players. I’d expect them to compete for another State Title run this season.
“Overall, just thankful to play in the NIT this season. I’ll take three games against the quality teams and coaches any day, over taking break off.”
Last Friday Glenvar played in the annual Chance Harman Invitational hosted by Floyd County. Glenvar played and fell 76-56. Bolling had 17 to lead the Highlanders.
Glenvar will host James River in a Three Rivers District game this Friday, followed by a trip to always tough Radford next Tuesday, January 13.
“I’m pleased with our effort and attitudes, but lacking results right now,” said Luton. “We need to get closer to full strength to compete in the next few weeks.”
