After falling 72-43 to Alleghany just a night before, the boys basketball team rebounded to defeat the high scoring Stuarts Draft High School Cougars, 86-84, in the annual Rock the Ribbon Roundball Shootout hosted by RCHS on January 21. The ‘Cats were led in scoring by Ty Bennett, who finished the night with 36 points.

Rockbridge took a commanding eight-point lead into the half, 38-30, and opened the third quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 16-point lead, 46-30. Stuarts Draft stepped up their full-court press after a timeout and were able to pull within single digits after a three-pointer by Robert Peck. Trailing 61-53 at the end of the third quarter, the Cougars went on an 8-3 run to bring the game within one possession, 64-61.

Stuarts Draft came within one point of the ‘Cats after John Gumann went 1-2 at the charity stripe to make the score 77-76. Only leading 81-78 with time running down, senior Ty Bennett hit two big free throws to extend the Wildcat lead to a two-possession game. With time expiring and trailing 85-82, the Cougars were forced to foul junior Byron Winchester. Winchester only needed to make one of his free throws to make the game a two-possession game. After missing the first free throw, Winchester came through clutch and hit the second to extend the lead to 86-82.

A quick lay-up by the Cougars made the score 86-84, but it was to no avail, as time expired after the shot and the ‘Cats held on for a big win at home.

The win over Stuarts Draft improved the Wildcat’s record to 8-8 overall on the season. The ‘Cats will return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at home against Lord Botetourt. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.