The Glenvar High boys opened the Region 2C basketball tournament on a roll Friday but let the game slip away and were defeated by Liberty High. Glenvar fell 72-64 in Bedford to see their season come to an end at an even 12-12.
“Great atmosphere for a regional game,” said Glenvar coach Hank Luton. “We got off to a great start and had control at halftime. In the second half they played with a little more grit and came away with the win. Our guys battled, but couldn’t keep them off the glass. Credit to them for attacking one of our weaknesses.”
Parker Doolan led Glenvar with 20 points. Jax Bolling had 17 and Ryder Francisco had 11.
“As a coach, just need to get better in all situations to give our guys a better chance to be successful,” said Luton. “They give us everything they have.”
Glenvar had a good year. The Highlanders lost a potential all-state player when Brody Dawyot took early enrollment at UNC-Charlotte to prepare for next fall’s football season. A couple other seniors did not play for one reason or another and Luton didn’t know what he had until close to mid-December.
However, playing in a very tough Three Rivers District with a young team the Highlanders competed. They defeated Carroll County at GHS in the last game of the regular season last Wednesday, 82-78 in overtime, to finish 8-4 in the district. Doolan hit a big shot to send the game into overtime and Bolling made the game winner.
“Tough, overtime win coming off a road win at Floyd,” said Luton.
The Highlanders lose just two seniors, Ishan Patel and Gray Hutchison, and will welcome back JD Williamson, who started his freshman year on fire before a knee injury ended his season. Luton also will get some talent coming up from the jayvee team.
“Overall, a long season and one that will go down as one of my more interesting and memorable ones,” said Luton. “ A lot of weird injuries, sickness and guys out throughout, but our kids found a way to be competitive each night.
“Proud that we are the Three Rivers District runners-up two years in a row, but certainly looking to take a bigger step starting ASAP. Excited about a short break and getting back in the gym. Our team will look very similar to this year but we need to get better.”
