Radford wins two close ones against Carroll County

Radford Luke Woodard
Radford’s Luke Woodard helped lead the Bobcats to two close wins this week over Carroll County. (Brian Bishop/The Patriot)

Patriot Staff Report

Two of  the area’s better boys basketball teams went at it this week, first in Hillsville and then back in Radford.

Wednesday night, Radford overcame a cold shooting first quarter to edge Carroll County, 50-44.

It was the second win of the week for Rick Cormany’s Bobcats over Anthony Barnes’ Cavaliers who fell in Hillsville Monday night, 64-55.

Carroll led Radford 11-5 at the end of the first quarter as Radford could only hit on two shots.

The Bobcats recovered in the second quarter, however, outscoring Carroll, 14-11 to trail at the half, 22-19.

Radford completed its comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Cavs by five and taking a 30-28 lead into the final quarter.

Radford closed out the scoring strong with 20 points to Carroll’s 16 for the 50-44 final.

Elijah Kelly led Radford with 28 points, while Gavin Cormany added 10 and Luke Woodard chipped in 8.

Carroll County was led by Elijah Cox with 12 points. Bryce Smoot added 11 and Mario Campbell chipped in 8.

In Monday’s battle, Carroll again got off to a strong start to lead at the end of the first stanza, 17-11.

But Radford came roaring back in the second quarter with a 20-6 run to lead at the half, 33-23.

Radford took the third quarter, 20-15 and held off a strong Carroll County rally in the fourth for the 64-55 final score as foul trouble hampered the Cavs’  comeback.

Radford double-teamed Carroll’s leader, Elijah Cox and held the Hillsville star to just four points on the night.

However, that somewhat freed up Bryce Smoot and Davis Reitzel to have one of their better games. Smoot finished with 23 and Reitzel added 20 in the losing effort.

Other Cavalier scoring was Ethan Richardson with 5 and Brayden Smoot with 3.

Elijah Kelly led the Bobcats with 26 points. Gavin Cormany added 19 and Luke Woodard had 10.

Other Bobcat scorers were Parker Prioleau with 7, Sinaere Taylor and Max Kanipe 1 each.

Radford comes away from the battles against Carroll County with an overall record of 13-1, while Carroll drops to 12-7.

Prior to the battles with Carroll County, last week Radford humbled Alleghany at home, 51-33.

The Bobcats jumped out early to a 16-6 lead and never looked back.

Elijah Kelly had 21 points to lead the effort for Radford, with Gavin Cormany collecting 9 points and Luke Woodard adding 8.