CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Elijah Cuffee erupted for 29 points and 13 rebounds as Poca’s undefeated season continued Friday night in the Class AA boys basketball semifinals.
The Dots used a 20-12 fourth quarter to knock off Westside 59-49 and advance into Saturday’s championship game.
“That was a really good win for us,” said Poca coach Allen Osborne. “This was Westside’s first Class AA loss and our kids just kept battling and battling. We found a way to win. Elijah Cuffee was a warrior. I’m tickled to death for them because they’re good people and they’ve worked so hard to get here.”
The two teams were tied at the half, 21-21, as Poca (26-0) dominated the offensive glass 10-1, leading to 10 second-chance points.
The third quarter was even as baskets were traded on both sides and neither team led by more than four points. A Noah Frampton layup gave the Dots a 39-37 advantage entering the fourth quarter.
“This is the state tournament—this is how it’s supposed to be,” Osborne said. “You’re not going to come in here and just walk through it.”
An Elijah Cuffee 3 with 7:10 to go gave Poca its largest lead to that point at 42-37 — that sparked an overall run that eventually put the Dots up 56-44 with 1:46 left following another Noah Frampton layup.
“We weren’t playing up to what we usually play,” Cuffee said. “The game was close and we didn’t shoot very well in the first half. We had to pick it up.”
Poca struggled to hit free throws in the final minute and a half to completely put Westside away, but the Renegades couldn’t find the big shot to get them back in the game. The Dots finished just 9 of 21 from the line – a stat that ultimately wouldn’t matter as Poca shot 58 percent from the floor in the second half overall to pull away.
Noah Frampton finished with 19 points for the Dots, while Luke Frampton scored six points and grabbed 10 rebounds in front of a packed Charleston Civic Center.
“It was an amazing (environment),” Noah Frampton said. “I want to thank the fans who came to support us, the Lord for giving us this win. Cuffee stepped up. We played well as a team and it was a great feeling to win.”
Justin Cogar led Westside (20-3) with 21 points in the loss, while Will Fox scored 16.
“Defensively, I’m proud of my kids because they run a very sophisticated offense,” said Westside coach Nick Cook. “I thought our communication was pretty good tonight and we limited them in a lot of things that they like to do. The difference, I thought, was in transition a couple of times with Cuffee. This group right here will never know that they meant to me – it’s a pretty incredible group of kids.”
Standing in the way of Poca’s undefeated season will be No. 3 Fairmont Senior (23-2) at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Polar Bears defeated Bridgeport 80-56 earlier Friday.
“They scored it every way you can score it,” Osborne said. “They shot the 3, they drove it, they got the ball inside, they had fast-break baskets and their defense was outstanding. That team they beat today was good, and they just man-handled them. It’s going to take a heck of an effort. They have guards that can penetrate and score, they’re quick and fast and they have guys who can step out and shoot the 3.”
It will be Poca’s first championship game appearance since a 2002 loss to Wyoming East.
“It’d be something (to win),” Osborne said. “These kids have worked so hard and they’re a great bunch of kids. They’re honor roll students, leaders in the school and it would be special for them, our school and our community.”
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