Boys Basketball: Where things stand entering the new year

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A look at the bigger picture in boys basketball as we enter the new year.

Class AAA

— Defending state champion University is 7-2 overall following a 2-2 showing against elite competition in the Beach Ball Classic. The Hawks lost their first two games in the event, dropping close contests to Millennium (AZ) 65-63 and Myrtle Beach (SC) 79-73. UHS was able to bounce back with an 85-80 double overtime victory over Morgantown Park (IL) and an 84-55 win over Buchtel (OH) in advance of Friday’s showdown against unbeaten Morgantown. Guard Kaden Metheny was named to the all-tournament team after averaging 26 points and seven assists over the four contests.

— Morgantown is one of only two remaining unbeatens in Class AAA (with Cabell Midland being the other). The Mohigans (6-0) have won all six games by double digits, including a 27-point win over Hurricane and 12-point victory over Woodrow Wilson in the G Force Lock & Safe Holiday Classic.

— Cabell Midland brings a 5-0 mark into Friday’s game against Spring Valley. The Knights, a state semifinalist a year ago, last played Dec. 28 when they posted a 57-35 win over Ripley.

— Wheeling Park (5-1) is unbeaten outside of a close loss to University. The Patriots are the only team to beat Musselman (3-1) to this point. Park faces a stiff challenge Friday against Chapmanville. The Tigers have won the Class AA state championship each of the last two seasons.

— Hedgesville took a 5-0 record into the Modie Risher Classic in Charleston, S.C. After winning its tournament opener over Colleton County (SC), 60-49, the Eagles suffered consecutive losses by a combined three points. Hedgesville’s first setback came against Burke (SC), 57-55, before a 42-40 overtime loss to Summerville (SC) in the third place game.

— Martinsburg (3-2) gets another crack at Stafford (VA) on Saturday. The Indians beat the Bulldogs by one point back on Dec. 10 in Martinsburg’s season opener.

— Parkersburg South and St. Albans are each 4-1. All four PSHS wins are by double figures with the lone loss against Fort Frye (OH). The Red Dragons only loss came in competitive fashion to Cabell Midland, though they will likely learn a lot more after facing Musselman and George Washington in their next two contests.

Class AA

— Chapmanville brings a five-game win streak into Friday’s contest with Wheeling Park. The Tigers (5-1) won a pair of games in the Country Roads Showcase as well as two more in the Bob Runyon Holiday Tournament.

— At least to this point, the Tigers’ top challenger in Class AA appears to be Shady Spring. At 7-0, Shady Spring has all the results it has desired to this point. Considering the Tigers have already beaten Fairmont Senior, Robert C. Byrd, Capital, South Charleston, George Washington, Woodrow Wilson and Wyoming East only makes their unbeaten start to the season all the more impressive.

— Joining Shady Spring as remaining unbeatens in Class AA are North Marion (4-0) and Man (4-0). The Huskies have won all four games by at least 19 points, while the Hillbillies have three relatively close calls. Man takes on  Logan and Wildcats’ standout David Early this Saturday, which should serve as a solid measuring stick.

— Bridgeport (5-1) is off to a strong start under first-year head coach Dave Marshall. The Indians won the IOGA Classic at Glenville State and split a pair of games in Lewis County’s Holiday Tournament. The Tribe responded from its lone setback to date against Cesar Chavez (DC) with Tuesday’s win at Fairmont Senior. Bridgeport battles rival Robert C. Byrd on Saturday.

— Poca (5-1) has won four straight since its lone loss to University. The Dots have held the opposition to fewer than 50 points in every win.

— Bluefield (5-1) has won three straight games since falling to Princeton, which is off to one of the better starts of any Class AAA team at 6-2.

— Clay County and Braxton County meet Friday in a battle of 4-1 teams.

Class A

— Six unbeaten teams remain as Clay-Battelle (7-0), Saint Joseph Central (6-0), Williamstown (6-0), Parkersburg Catholic (4-0) Greenbrier West (4-0) and Pendleton County (4-0) have yet to suffer a loss.

The Cee Bees have narrow wins over Trinity and Cameron to go with five victories by a comfortable margin.

Saint Joseph has won three games by single digits and will face perhaps its toughest test yet Friday against Charleston Catholic.

The Yellowjackets’ closest call to date is an 11-point victory over St. Marys — the first of two Williamstown wins over St. Marys.

The Crusaders have only played once since Dec. 19, when they pulled out a late win at Notre Dame.

The Cavaliers have won three straight in lopsided fashion, though they’ve played only once since Dec. 17.

The Wildcats have held three of their four opponents to 41 or fewer points.

 — Wheeling Central Catholic is 5-1 with its lone loss to Fort Frye in the Buckeye 8 Challenge. The Maroon Knights recently won twice in the Undo’s Tournament.

— Webster County brought a 4-0 record and 32-game win streak into Thursday’s matchup with Westside, but the Highlanders suffered their first setback in two seasons against the Renegades.

— Greater Beckley Christian recently posted impressive wins over Princeton and Notre Dame. The Crusaders (4-2) have won three straight since suffering two losses in the Country Roads Tip-Off Classic.





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