The River Valley boys basketball team picked up a win during the teams home opener 56-41 over Evansville on Tuesday night. The Blackhawks were ahead 25-14 at halftime and went up by 17 in the second half, before the Blue Devils got within 7 points twice down the stretch. Key three point baskets and enough free throws got River Valley a more comfortable lead and eventually the win.
River Valley Senior guard Hughson Thatcher led all scorers with 19 points, Quincy Blakley added 12, and Lucas Klein made three important 3 point baskets on the way to 11 points. Sam Pape had 9, Caleb Drachenburg and Keegan Heiser both had 2 points and Sumner Nachreiner added a point. The Blackhawks were 11 for 20 from the line.
Evansville was led by Tyrell Louis and Cade McCollough who each netted 9 points. The Blue Devils made 3 three pointers and went 4 for 7 from the line.
The visitors defeated River Valley in the JV game, 57-43.
After the 56-41 Varsity win, the Blackhawks are now 1-1 on the young season and will play another non-conference test at Brodhead Monday night. Evansville is 1-2 and they will host Edgerton this Friday night.