By Bill Nestor
The last time we talked, best Virginia had opened up the TBT (The Basketball tournament) with a win. The team that is comprised of, and named after, former West Virginia University standout players along with some solid players that either have ties to the Mountain State or have connections to current squad members.
The second round matchup pitted Best Virginia against their bitter rival Herd That. Herd That is a squad centered around former Marshall hoopsters. Herd That had its way with Best Virginia in 2023, claiming a 13-point win to eliminate the former Mountaineers while evening the all-time series in the TBT at one victory apiece.
The rubber match left Herd That hounded as they were without DeAndre Kane and Jon Elmore. However, the plus for Herd That is that they neutralized Best Virtginia’s home court advantage. Normally, hooping in Charleston would give Best Virginia a sizeable cheering section that would overwhelm their opponents, but given the short distance from Marshall to the Civic Center (a 50 minute drive) Thundering Herd fans were able to show up to support their alumni.
Adding to the intrigue was that former Marshall point guard Jarrod West was now suiting up for their arch rival. West starred for the Herd from 2017 to 2021. He averaged 32 minutes or more a game in three of those seasons. West is the all-time leader in steals in the Marshall program and he stole Herd hearts when he departed to play for their rival.
Best Virginia was hot out of the gate, putting up matching 22s in the first and second quarters to lead 44 to 31 at the break. Strong halftime adjustments propelled the Herd to a 23 to 20 scoring advantage in the third period. Consistency down the stretch propelled Best Virginia to an 82 to 75 win.
BV had four players in double figures. Tre Mitchell netted a team high 23 points and hit the game-winning shot. James Reese V had 20 points. Kedrian Johnson netted 18 points. J.D. Weatherspoon recorded a double-double with 10 points and a team-high 14 rebounds.
The win would set up a battle with top seeded Elite Nation. A third consecutive battle in Charleston ensued with this most recent contest netting the biggest home court advantage to date. With Best Virginia trailing by five points at halftime to a heavily favored opponent, they were in need of a spark. The crowd was rowdy and it inspired a comeback, helping BV to a 19 to 15 third quarter advantage.
The fourth was even more impressive with a 12 to four start and a nine to five finish. Best Virginia shocked the world and Elite Nation with a 79 to 68 victory. It gave BV their second regional championship in TBT history and moved them closer to the million dollar prize. Reese had 24, Johnson followed with 17, Weatherspoon scored 16 and grabbed a team high seven caroms, and Mitchell chipped in with 11.
Best Virginia has continued to impress with each game. They are fun and exciting to watch and they have caught the attention of the other remaining teams in the tournament. Who would have thought basketball in the summer could be this much fun?
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!
