Floyd County High School’s girls’ varsity basketball team gave retiring coach Alan Cantrell a final home victory Tuesday night with a 71-37 trouncing of James River in the opening regional tournament play at the FCHS gym.

The Lady Buffs roared out to a quick lead early and never looked back. By the time Cantrell put his starters on the bench to rest the lead was 40 points.

The FCHS boys’ team faces James River tonight for their first-round play in regionals.

On Thursday, the girls face Glenvar, which disposed of Patrick Henry 55-48. Perennial rival Radford defeated Fort Chiswell 61-52 and faces Chilhowie on Thursday as well.

The winners of those semi-final matchups meet for the regional final Saturday.

The Lady Buffs are hoping for a fifth straight return to the final four in the Virginia High School league tournament in Richmond in March and also hoped to give Cantrell another state championship as a going away present.

Cantrell leaves his coaching position at the end of the season with many records along with many state, regional and state championships.

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• Bittersweet moment for Alan Cantrell, Floyd County (blueridgemuse.com)