CHARMCO, W.Va. — Just two days after claiming the Big Atlantic Classic Championship with a 19-point win over Wyoming East, Shady Spring collected another impressive victory by defeating Greenbrier West 62-59.
Both the Tigers (15-2) and the Cavaliers (13-4) entered the game ranked fifth in their respective classes in this week’s AP poll.
Steven Williams caught fire in the second half, ending the game with 27 points for the Tigers. Thomas Williams added 16.
The Cavaliers were led by Noah Midkiff’s 23-point effort. Collin O’Dell chipped in with 16.
The game was tightly contested throughout with neither team leading by more than six points. Greenbrier West trailed 26-22 at halftime but they used a 9-0 run early in the third quarter to take a 34-30 lead. The Cavaliers extended their cushion to six points at the end of the quarter, leading 45-39.
The Tigers opened the fourth quarter on a 7-1 run to even the score at 46. The game was tied at 52 with two minutes to play and Shady’s Shepherd Greyson buried a three-pointer from the corner to put the Tigers ahead for good.
The game was much more competitive than when these teams met on December 18th. Shady Spring cruised to an 89-56 win. “Good teams win these games,” said Shady Spring head coach Ronnie Olson. “They defended, they rebounded. We got a little nervous but then we executed and got some big buckets down the stretch. That’s what good teams do. They finish it out on the road.”
Shady Spring will host Bluefield (12-0) Friday. The Beavers are the only unbeaten team in Class AA and they handed Shady a 44-43 loss on January 23rd. Greenbrier West will meet Williamstown Wednesday in the Little General Shootout at West Virginia State University.