University, Morgantown post convincing wins at Country Roads Tip-Off Classic

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Looking every bit like a defending state champion capable of a repeat, University’s boys basketball team started its season in strong fashion Friday night.

Kaden Metheny scored 21 of his 31 points in the first half to help the Hawks build a 30-point lead in a 93-63 victory over Greater Beckley Christian.

The contest marked the nightcap of Friday’s action in the Big Shots Country Roads Tip-Off Classic at UHS. In the earlier game, Morgantown handled Notre Dame, 96-44.

UNIVERSITY 93, Greater Beckley Christian 63: The Hawks held a 30-19 lead through one quarter and never looked back in their season-opening win.

Metheny scored 11 points in the opening frame and started the second quarter with a triple.

John Mazza gave UHS a big lift off the bench with three 3-pointers in the second quarter, and Ryan Niceler threw down a dunk in transition as part of his 5-for-5 shooting in the opening half.

“That sounds like Ryan,” University head coach Joe Schmidle said. “He’s good. He’s a lot better than people think he is and he’s going to be a key factor for us this year.”

Metheny, who also dished out six assists in the first two periods, was one of four University players to score at least nine points by halftime. That allowed the Hawks to hold a 55-25 lead at the break.

KJ McClurg had 13 of his 18 points before halftime, while Niceler and Mazza had 10 and nine, respectively, at the break.

“We shot the lights out,” Schmidle said. “We’re not going to shoot that well every day, but the biggest thing for me was the kids shared the ball and played team basketball.”

Metheny accounted for eight consecutive points during the third quarter to up the UHS lead to 42 points.

University made 12 3s in the win, with seven from Metheny.

Mike Maumbe had a game-high eight rebounds for the Hawks.

“Maumbe did a great job controlling the boards,” Schmidle said. “All in all, I was happy.”

GBC (1-1) was led by Elijah Edwards, who made seven 3s in a 30-point performance. Edwards scored all but 11 of his team’s points in the first half. 

No other Crusader finished in double figures.

Morgantown’s Alex Rudy attempts a shot against Notre Dame.

MORGANTOWN 96, Notre Dame 44: The Mohigans used a dominant second quarter to open up a 21-point halftime advantage in a convincing win over the Irish.

Morgantown (2-0) led 22-17 in the early stages of the second, before outscoring ND by 16 points over the remainder of the half to hold a commanding 45-24 lead.

The Mohigans had an advantage inside throughout and their length and athleticism caused issues for the Irish.

A balanced attack featured Xavier Pryor scoring 12 points in the opening half, while teammates Mac McMillen and Troy Battle added nine and eight, respectively.

The Mohigans continued to pour it on in the second half and outscored the Irish (1-1) 32-9 in the third quarter to build a 44-point advantage.

Pryor finished with 16 points, while McMillen (14), Battle (12) and Alex Rudy (12) were also in double figures.

Morgantown outrebounded the Irish, 35-16, over the final three quarters.

Elijah Goodman led ND with 15 points and Jaidyn West scored 12 in defeat.





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