The Craig County boys are hoping to put their first mark in the win column Thursday when they play Montcalm High in the second game of a doubleheader in West Virginia.
The Rockets lost a close one to Montcalm in New Castle the first time they played, but coach Ryan Frazier feels the team is much improved since then. The team has shored up some rebounding problems that hurt the first time around.
“It’s a game we can compete in,” said Frazier. “We’re looking forward to a chance to play them again.”
The Rockets came into this week at 0-4 and were scheduled to play at Alleghany Monday. A win in that game was a long shot, as the Mountaineers pounded the Rockets in New Castle a week prior, 78-33. Caleb Todd had a dozen points to lead the scoring for Craig but the Rockets trailed 54-18 at the half and were never in the game.
“Alleghany is really good,” said Frazier. “We have a tough time matching up with them.”
Last Thursday in New Castle it was much closer when the Rockets hosted Roanoke Valley Christian, but RVC got out of town with a 60-47 win. The visitors outscored the Rockets 23-9 in the second quarter, and other than that it was an even game.
Dalton McPherson led Craig in this one with 15 points and eight rebounds. Todd had 13 points and Noah Nichols filled up the stat sheet with a dozen points, half a dozen boards and five steals. Brandon Swingle also gave Craig a spark off the bench with five points and a couple assists.
Thursday’s game is the last of 2017 for the boys as they take a break for Christmas, returning January 3 with a Pioneer District game in Covington.