BIDWELL, Ohio —The River Valley boys basketball team trailed by as many as 21 in the second half to Ohio Valley Conference rival Coal Grove Friday night in Gallia County, but the Raiders fought back to lose by just four points, 52-48.

RVHS (2-12, 0-8 OVC) traded leads with CGHS (11-5, 4-4 OVC) in the opening minutes, and the Hornets would take a four point lead into the second quarter, 13-9.

Bryan Steele stepped up his game for the guests and scored 10 of his club’s 18 points in the second period. The Raiders were plagued by turnovers in the quarter and only managed to score seven points. At the break CGHS had a commanding lead, 31-16.

After Coal Grove started the half with three quick buckets Coach Hill took a timeout to rally his troops. River Valley went on a 14-7 run the in the remainder of the period, cutting the Hornets’ lead to 44-30 headed into the finale.

The Raiders kept up the momentum and their teamwork helped them outscore their opponents 18-8 in the final stanza. Coal Grove missed all seven free throws it attempted in the fourth quarter but managed to just hold off RVHS, 52-48.

Coal Grove gained a 7-6 lead with a just over three minutes left in the first period, and never relinquished it. This is the second victory over River Valley this season for Coal Grove, the first coming by one point, 55-54 in Pedro.

River Valley was led by Ethan Dovenbarger with 11 points and Austin Lewis who had eight points and 14 rebounds. Derek Flint and Aaron Harrison also scored eight points, while Trey Noble finished with five. Chris Clemente scored four points, and to round out RVHS’ scoring Kyle Bays and Joseph Loyd finished with two apiece.

Coal Grove had three players in double figures, led by Bryan Steele who had a game-high 19 points. Connor Markins finished with 11 points and Alex Bare finished with 10 for the Hornets.

River Valley traveled to Meigs Saturday and returns to action Tuesday when they host Nelsonville York at 6 p.m. in Bidwell.

Coal Grove 52, River Valley 48

CG 13-18-13-8 — 52

RV 9-7-14-18-48

COAL GROVE (11-5, 4-4 OVC): Jordan Beals: 2 0-0 4, Alex Bare 5 0-2 10, Jacob Pauley 0 0-1 0, Cotton Bryant 2 0-0 4, Connor Markins 5 1-6 11, Bryan Steele 9 1-4 19, Kyle Estep 2 0-0 4. TOTALS: 25 2-13 52. Three-point goals: none. Rebounds: 26. Turnovers: 14.

RIVER VALLEY (2-12, 0-8 OVC): Austin Whobrey 0 0-0 0, Derek Flint 3 1-2 8, Kyle Bays 1 0-0 2, Chris Clemente 2 0-0 4, Trey Noble 2 0-1 5, Aaron Harrison 4 0-0 8, Joseph Loyd 1 0-0 2, Austin Lewis 3 2-5 8, Ethan Dovenbarger 4 3-5 11. TOTALS: 20 6-13 48. Three-point goals: 2 (Flint, Noble). Field goals 20-54 (.370). Rebounds: 36. Turnovers: 19.