Byrd downs GHS for first hoop win
VINTON – All William Byrd basketball coach Kevin Tuck wanted for Christmas was a win by his basketball team, and he must have been good. The Terriers wrapped one up and left it under the tree last Friday.
Byrd broke into the win column with a 72-61 victory over Roanoke County rival Glenvar, taking a 72-61 win in Vinton. It was the kind of game Tuck could see coming.
Brandon Byrd soars to the hoop to score a bucket for the Terriers.
“We had lost a game in overtime and one in double overtime, so we were getting better,” he said. “We have a lot of young kids and, to tell the truth, I’m not at all surprised to see us struggle early in the season. Now they’re getting used to varsity basketball, and I expect them to continue to improve.”
Joe Barton, one of Byrd’s few returnees with experience from last season, had his best game of the year. Joe scored 16 points, had six assists, and four steals for the Terriers while playing a solid floor game.
“Joe isn’t big but he finds a way to get in there and get it done,” said Tuck.
Koty Collier continued his improvement. The sophomore had 18 points and he’s now put a couple strong games together, giving Byrd fans a glimpse of his bright future.
“It’s not just in games, he’s come on in practice as well,” said Tuck. “Koty’s become more aggressive. It takes awhile for a sophomore to get used to varsity basketball. It’s a big adjustment.”
Zac Hill, another sophomore, came off the bench to score seven points and grab seven rebounds. Brandon Byrd scored 10 points, all in the second half, and hit two threes and four free throws down the stretch.
“Give them credit, they shot the lights out,” said Glenvar coach David Redding. “They’re a much better team than their record.”
Byrd is now 1-6 and in the midst of an 11 day stretch without a game. The Terriers will return to action next Wednesday, December 28, in the Northside Invitational Tournament at Northside High School. The Terriers were lucky enough to draw the tournament favorite, Christiansburg, on opening day at 4:15 pm. Christiansburg won its 21st straight regular season game last Saturday when the Blue Demons beat William Fleming.
“They’re big and athletic and very good,” said Tuck. “It will be a real challenge for us.”
Also in the tournament will be E.C. Glass, who knocked Byrd out of the regional last year, Pulaski County, Blacksburg, Franklin County, Brookville, and host Northside.
“It should be some great competition,” said Tuck.
