The Glenvar boys basketball team will be put to the test tonight when the Highlanders play at Radford.
The Bobcats come into the week at 9-4 overall and 3-0 in the Three Rivers District.
“This will be a big game for us,” said Glenvar coach David Redding. “We’ve been playing well and this will be a test.”
Glenvar improved to 8-5 on the season with a 66-45 win over Floyd County at GHS Tuesday. After opening the season with three losses the Highlanders have now won eight of their last 10.
Glenvar centers Noah Lovelace and Landry Gerbers are starting to step up for the Highlanders. On Tuesday they combined for 16 points and 16 rebounds splitting time at center, and occasionally playing together when the situation calls for it.
“It they can do that every game, they can carry us,” said Redding. “If they combine for a double-double we’re going to be in good shape.”
Tuesday’s game was tied at 23-23 at the half and Redding gave them a wake up all at intermission. The Highlanders got the message and outscored the Buffaloes 25-8 in the third quarter, including an 18-0 run.
Noah Duncan led Glenvar with 17 points, followed by Logan Williams with 12, all on threes. Hank Conner had 10 points.
Last week, after the snow melted, Glenvar won back-to-back games over Giles and Alleghany at home.
Those were big wins, as Giles is a Conference 38 and Three Rivers District opponent, and Alleghany is Group 3A school that holds a win over area powerhouse Northside this year.
On Friday against Giles Conner was at his best with 24 points, four assists and seven rebounds. Williams sat this one out after getting elbowed in the eye in practice and the other Highlanders picked up the slack for a 53-47 win.
On Friday, also at home, Dakota Francisco put on a show for the Glenvar crowd. Francisco hit five of six three point attempts and five of six from the line for a season-high 20 points. Duncan had 17 and Glenvar’s guards played well against Alleghany’s quick backcourt. Glenvar jumped to a 21-11 lead and never trailed thereafter.
After tonight’s game at Radford the Highlanders will have a home-and-home with James River next week. Glenvar will go to River Monday to make up a snowed out game, then host the Knights on Wednesday, January 25.