The area’s first substantial snowfall brought frigid temperatures this past weekend and while the weather outside was frightful, the hoops inside were delightful. Early season basketball brings a great deal of excitement. Fans are eager to find out just how good their favorite teams will be and the best way to find out is through the eye test. The Christmas spirit fills the air and basketball contests provide a break from all of the hustle and bustle that surrounds the holiday.
Last Saturday brought a basketball doubleheader at the T. Edward Davis gymnasium on the campus of Salem University. The Tigers played host to West Virginia Wesleyan College for a men’s and women’s twin bill. Any time I have an opportunity to head to “Tiger Territory” I take advantage of it. Athletic Director Alex Joseph, sports information director Kaden Shoop, and the entire gameday staff do an excellent job of preparation and execution for sporting events guaranteeing a top notch experience with every visit.
The women locked up in the first tilt, which pitted Shinnston’s Brett Vincent against Fairmont’s Corey Hines. Vincent is in his fifth year as the Head Coach of West Virginia Wesleyan, while Hines is in his first campaign at the helm of the Tigers’ program. Vincent’s squad is coming off a rather impressive season a year ago and was a preseason number two pick in the Mountain East Conference this season.
Hines has a track record of winning everywhere he goes and his team has already showed improvement in the early stages of 2025.
The Bobcats utilized a stingy defensive effort (holding Salem to single digit scoring in the first, second, and third quarters, while leaning on several in state players to garner a 71 to 43 win. Kilah Dandridge (Martinsburg), Alie Daniels (Huntington), Sydney Baird (Webster Springs), Ana Young (Pendleton County), Avery Childers (Stonewood), and Abby McDonough (Doddridge County), made up the top seven contributors for Vincent. Dandridge (15 points and five rebounds), Daniels (12 points and 12 rebounds), Baird (11 points), Young (four points), and McDonough (four points and six rebounds) have proven to be integral parts to the group’s early success. W. Va Wesleyan has won four of their last five matchups.
The men’s game was a see-saw affair between the very well-coached squads. The outcome was in question until the final possession as Salem defended its home court, taking a 76 to 75 win. There were 12 ties and 16 lead changes. The Tigers used the foul line to their advantage while the Bobcats went deep. Salem was 21 of 30 (78 percent) from the charity stripe while W. Va Wesleyan nailed 11 three-pointers in the affair.
Salem University provides an excellent venue to catch a game and with several upgrades, the gym becomes a must see for area fans. The Rockefeller Center on the Wesleyan campus is another great place to catch a contest. As a matter of fact, these four teams will do battle once again on January 28th in Buckhannon. Supporting local institutions, players, and coaches is extremely important and gratifying at the same time. We should take pride and show support for them and there is no better way than to get out and attend.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!
