SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Four Patriots scored in double figures as George Washington claimed the Mountain State Athletic Conference title with a 65-53 win over Cabell Midland. GW has handed the Knights two of their three defeats this season.
“Some people tell us a conference championship is no big deal. I have never believed that,” said George Washington head coach Rick Greene. “You have to be very consistent to get here. You have had to win on the road most likely to get here. And then when this game comes, you have to be ready to play.”
Indeed, the Patriots (14-5) were ready to play. They never trailed in the contest and used a 7-0 run early in the first quarter to take a lead they would not relinquish. The Patriots led 19-12 after the first quarter and extended that lead to 34-21 at halftime.
The Knights used an 11-2 run midway through the third quarter to creep within five points at 39-34. However, the Patriots opened the fourth quarter on an 8-0 burst and they led by double digits the rest of the way.
Mason Pinkett led GW with 15 points. Alex Yokum scored 12. Jack Ingold added 11 and William Gabbert chipped in with 10.
“If Mason Pinkett is on another team, he could average 30. But he makes everybody better. I really appreciate that in him and the other kids are just as unselfish.”
Cabell Midland (18-3) was led by Dominic Schmidt’s 18-point effort. Chandler Schmidt scored 15 points and Palmer Riggio added 10.