MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Andrew Shull won 48 of the 52 games he played wearing a Chapmanville jersey. He sensed opponents at times knew what was coming.
“We were kind of the teams you didn’t want to play,” Shull said. “We were the team you didn’t want to see walk in the gym. You finally make it to Charleston and you are like — we have to play Chapmanville.”
Shull began his high school career at Huntington and transferred to Chapmanville at the start of his junior season.
“They accepted me and the fans, they were great. I made so many great relationships down there. I love those people. They took me in kind of like I was one of their own.”
The Tigers went 26-2 in Shull’s junior season, winning the Class AA state championship thanks to a deep and talented roster.
“We were one of the best teams to come through West Virginia. We had six college players. And we had six guys average double figures. Out of those six guys, we had guys who could go on any team and be the guy.”
Chapmanville was in line for the top seed in the state tourney this year before play was suspended in the regional round. Shull received word on game day at the barber shop.
“I was distraught. I was so mad. I am always sitting there talking to my barber back and forth. The dude is cutting my hair and I am talking to him the whole time. I didn’t say anything.”
The Tigers were seeking their third consecutive state title and were the odds on favorite with fellow seniors Obinna Anochili-Killen and Philip Mullins.
“You were going to have to stop three or four different options to stop us three at one time. We just played so well together.”
In just two seasons, Shull matched up against county rival Logan six times, winning five of those contests in an atmosphere that was unmatched.
“You get cold chills because they are screaming. Your fans are going crazy. You go by the Logan student section and they are booing you and calling you everything. And you are like, ‘Let’s go’!”
Since the March 12 shutdown, Shull has used some unique methods to build strength and stay in shape.
“I have been helping my mom in the garden, as crazy as that sounds. I put up a fence for her. I don’t know if anybody has ever done that but that is some tough stuff.”
Shull will continue his hoop career at the University of Rio Grande in Ohio, playing for former Teays Valley Christian head coach Ryan Arrowood.
“We have all new guys coming in. I am going to have to step up and be a leader.”
(Taylor Kennedy contributed to this report)