The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS – The effort was there, but the offensive rhythm was not as the Riverheads boys basketball team topped the Bath County boys Thursday night, 65-51.
The Gladiators jumped out to a 13-12 lead after one and led 32-25 at the half.
John King led the Gladiators (4-1) with a game-high 32 points, while Cody Smith added 17 for the winners.
Matt Quantz led Bath County with 14 points, while Ryan Plecker had eight and Owen Fry and Jonah Ford scored six each. Aaron Newmarker, Ethan Wrights and Brandon Via scored four each, Xavier Smothers had three and Thomas Shrader rounded out the BC scoring with two points.
“We didn’t lose because of lack of effort, that is for sure,” said Bath County coach Steve Shaver this morning.
“The kids played hard and never quit. We just couldn’t get into a rhythm offensively.
“I’m still going through a learning curve as a coach and the team knows it, but they continue to play hard,” added Shaver. “I’m very proud of them, we just need to put four quarters together and get better offensively.”
Bath County (1-7) will be back in action Wednesday as they host the Allegheny Mountain Radio Basketball Tournament.
The Chargers will take on Faith Christian in Wednesday’s first semifinal at 6 p.m., while Pocahontas, W.Va. will play Highland in the second semifinal.
The tournament resumes Thursday with the consolation game at 6 p.m. with the finals to follow.
“We are excited about hosting the Allegheny Mountain Radio tournament,” said Shaver. “It’s another chance for us to get better and get this season turned around before opening district play in January.”
