By Bill Nestor
During the high school basketball season there are certain matchups that everyone looks forward to seeing. Usually it takes a couple key components to keep the interest of hoops fans. First, the series must be competitive and it helps when both teams earn their fair share of wins. Secondly, it helps when the games that are played are more meaningful, for example, if they have postseason ramifications.
Both are common denominators in the Lincoln and Robert C. Byrd rivalry. These two squads have had some epic battles over the last several years with each earning hard fought victories along the way. The regular season lock-ups have always had postseason seeding implications and as recently as last year, the Cougars trumped the Flying Eagles in sectional play.
The two teams met up for the first time this season last Sunday in Clarksburg. Lincoln Head Coach Jordan Toth and Robert C. Byrd’s Head Man Basil Lucas are both defensive minded men. Their respective teams responded with intense effort early.
The Flying Eagles held a nine to six lead after one period of play and took a 19 to 11 advantage into the halftime break.
Toth went to senior Wyatt Finch in the third quarter and he responded with an offensive outburst. Finch hit a three-pointer, a pair of two-point field goals, and a free throw to score eight third period points. It was the most contested frame of the contest with RCB holding a 15 to 14 scoring advantage. The Flying Eagles garnered the hard-fought win and the game delivered what everyone wanted – another chapter in the rivalry.
The Flying Eagles were led by Logan Boyce, Cam Newsaun, and Carson Bennett. Boyce finished with a game-high 19 points while Newsaun and Bennett chipped in with 10 points each.
The Cougars were paced by Finch’s 13 points while Aiden Rice chipped in with nine.
Next week, Lincoln plays host to Bridgeport on Tuesday before the return matchup with Robert C. Byrd on Thursday. RCB is on the road Monday versus Mingo Central before heading to Shinnston in what is sure to deliver another exciting battle!
From Parkersburg South High School to Rocky Top! That has been the path taken by basketball coach Kim Caldwell. . The 36 year old has had the Midas touch ever since she grabbed a whistle and became a head coach. After starring for the Patriots, a trip to Glenville State would start the process to the next level. Caldwell was the team captain in 2010-11 when the Pioneers won a conference championship.
Caldwell would leave Glenville and return to coach her alma mater in 2016. She spent several years at the helm of the Pioneer program, winning six regular season conference championships and four conference championships. Caldwell wasn’t satisfied with a minimal amount of postseason success. She would guide Glenville State to six NCAA Division II tournament appearances with a National Championship in 2022.
Caldwell is known for her five player substitution pattern that cycles every couple of minutes. Her teams play full court pressure defense and they smother and wear down their opponents with a relentless approach. Critics said that her system would not work on the next level. Caldwell proved them wrong, moving to Marshall in 2024, earning Coach of the Year in the Sun Belt Conference.
This year Caldwell took over the famed Tennessee program. She just gave birth to her first child on Jan 20. One week later, Caldwell was back on the sidelines coaching against South Carolina. Through 20 games, the Vols are 15 and five, so it looks like Caldwell is delivering both on and off the court.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!