To say it’s been a tough season for the Cougar basketball team would be an understatement. Wins have been few and far between, but Head Coach Tyler Cannoy and his Cougars earned a big one Saturday, taking down James River 58-49 in the Chance Harmon Classic in Floyd County.
James River came into the contest with a solid 9-3 record. They have wins over Parry McCluer, Christiansburg, Halifax County, Rockbridge County, Waynesboro, Floyd County, and Glenvar. Their losses had come from Lord Botetourt twice and Rockbridge County.
The Cougars started the game off strong, taking a 22-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Knights came roaring back, outscoring the Cougars 16-9 in the second quarter to take a 35-31 lead at the halftime break.
Pulaski County cranked up the defense in the second half, holding the Knights to just seven points in each of the final two periods. Meanwhile, the Cougars added 12 points in the third quarter and 15 more in the fourth to earn the big 58-49 victory.
Senior Khalib Horton helped lead the Cougars with a team and game-high 20 points. Sophomore Tootie O’Dell added 16 points. Sophomore Jeremiah Turner scored eight. Senior Kyle O’Neal and junior Lane Nester added seven points each.
The Knights were led by Ryan Steger with 17 points, Sam Bell with 13, and George Toliver with 11.
With the win the Cougars move to 3-9 on the season.
Pulaski County is set to host Cave Spring Tuesday, January 10. Friday, January 13, the Cougars will have a road game against the Salem Spartans. JV action each night is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the varsity contests at 7 p.m.