MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A 24-point first quarter set the tone for the Martinsburg Bulldogs as they defeated sectional rival Hedgesville 71-61 Friday at the Martinsburg Fieldhouse.
The Eagles entered the game allowing just 37 points per game and they had not yielded more than 57 points in any game this season. The Bulldogs pulled away late with a 22-point fourth quarter.
“Hedgesville does a good job of controlling tempo,” said Martinsburg head coach Dave Rogers. “The team that gets out in front and can control the tempo… it is a big thing. I just thought our kids played hard tonight. Coming off a big win Monday (at Morgantown), I was worried about a little bit of a letdown. But there wasn’t.”
Teddy Marshall scored 9 of his team-high 22 points in the opening quarter. The Bulldogs led 24-16 after the first quarter and took a 36-33 lead into halftime. The Eagles scored the first five points of the third quarter to take a 38-36 edge. But a 7-0 Martinsburg run midway through the third quarter gave the Bulldogs a lead they would not relinquish.
In addition to Marshall, three more Martinsburg players scored in double figures. Anthony Smith netted 13 while Tre Segar and Doryn Smith each added 11.
“It is a jam-packed ball game. It is heated. It is a rivalry. And I thought our kids did a great job tonight.”
Evan Hosby led the Eagles with 23 points while Javin Wilmer added 21. Hedgesville (11-3) saw their five-game win streak come to an end as they suffered their first loss to an in-state opponent.
Martinsburg (9-2) has won six consecutive games and they remain unbeaten against in-state competition. The Eagles and the Bulldogs will meet again at HHS on February 21st.
“It won’t be any different out there (at Hedgesville). It will be a big crowd. It will be aggressive. When you play Hedgesville, that is what it always is.”