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WEATHER ALERT

JAMES RIVER KNIGHTS

Hardwood happenings spice up Roanoke sports scene

Roanoke, Va. – The Lord Botetourt Cavaliers opened their season Wednesday, hosting James River. Kyle Arnholt lead the way for Lord Botetourt with 25 points, and James River’s Patrick Clevenger had 24 for the Knights. Meanwhile, Roanoke County schools hit the practice courts Wednesday after being cleared to compete Tuesday afternoon. The biggest difference since Tuesday is Roanoke County schools have been cleared for competition, which means teams can integrate passing the ball at practice. “You practice every day like you’re going to play so that’s our attitude towards every practice, that you’re going to play.

Knights cut ribbon on new all-weather track

Buchanan, Va. – It was something that was always talked about, but never realized. James River high school unveiled its new, state of the art, all-weather six lane track. Planning began more than a year ago and Knights athletic director Vincent Wyatt says construction took just 3 months to complete. When I first started coaching here we’d always talk about how it’d be nice if we got a new track. And we have some really good kids, good student-athletes and they came down and loved it from the time they stepped foot on it,” Wyatt said.

Former James River hoops star Ethan Humphries ready for coaching challenge at his alma mater

In his 6th year at Cave Spring, he helped lead the Knights to a state title under head coach Jacob Gruse. “Coach Gruse, he’s been unbelievable, he’s taught me many things on and off the court but I’m looking forward to the next chapter,” Humphries said. The next chapter is a head coaching position at his alma mater, James River High School. A lot of the pride comes from its only boys basketball state title in 2010, a game Humphries helped win. I’m excited to be back in the community, I know what a great community it is, just happy to compete with them,” he finished.

Rural Retreat, Christiansburg earn state silver at wrestling championships

Salem, Va. – Southwest Virginia’s top team contender in the class 1 ranks remains Rural Retreat. The Knights Mason Stewart won the 138-pound crown with a 5-2 decision, to help his father’s team to a program best--third place team finish. .I"I feel like most of the people on my team know what to do next year, we’re gonna bring it next year. I think they’re going to know how to overcome that and get in the finals next year," Mason Stewart explained. The Blue Demons won this head to head battle with the Trojans at 120, when Brandon Crowder racked up a 3-0 decision win.