FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Eight players scored for Fairmont Senior as the Polar Bears grinded out a 50-41 win over Big 10 Conference rival Buckhannon-Upshur at the 201st Fairmont Senior Fieldhouse.
In a game that featured patient, half-court offensive attacks, Fairmont Senior took a lead they would not relinquish in a second quarter where they allowed just four points. The Polar Bears led 19-13 at halftime and used a 7-0 run in the third quarter to stretch the cushion to double digits.
Fairmont Senior head coach Corey Hines says the deliberate pace of play was made with an eye towards the postseason. “We know that in those games, there are going to be fewer possessions. So you have to prepare your team to be able to function in that element. We want them to be a little more patient and get better shots.”
Marley Washenitz led the Polar Bears in scoring with 19 points. The defending Class AA state champions have won five of their last six games.
“A lot of people are getting up to play Fairmont Senior,” Hines said. “Teams aren’t going to roll over for you. They are going to come and give you their best shots. They are going to learn. It is easier to learn when you are winning games. I know some people say you can learn a lot from a loss. But I am past that. I have learned all I need to learn from losses.”
Brooklyn Maxwell led the Bucs (6-5) with 17 points while Shelby McDaniels added 11.
The Polar Bears return to action on January 21st at Preston. BU returns to Fairmont to face East the same day.