By Bill Nestor Sports Editor
Winning state championships isn’t easy and there have only been a handful of basketball titles won by Harrison County schools over the years. Bridgeport is currently the reigning Class AAA champion. An even more difficult task is to win back-to-back titles, but after catching my first glimpse of this year’s edition, I wouldn’t bet against them.
This past Friday, the Indians hosted Robert C. Byrd in a crosstown rival contest. Both teams have been in the top 10 in Class AAA all season and it was set up to be an epic showdown. The first time these two teams met at One Eagle Way, the home team was without star Riley Dickerson. Dickerson was back and ready for the second go round.
Their top scorer, assist man, and steals leader, Anderson McDougal, was sidelined due to illness. Bridgeport would look to the long ball to help offset the loss of their superstar. Before we delve into the specifics of this clash, let’s clarify that the Indians are far from a one man show. Aryon Dodd and Gavin Williams are elite players as well and, combined with McDougal are among the elite players in North Central West Virginia. Sam Romano, Cooper Straley, Jake Holcomb, Bodhi Sickles, and Daniel Riley are very solid players in their own right. There are also other quality players in their own right. There are also other players on the roster that I didn’t have a chance to see play.
Make no mistake about it, this is a team and that is exactly what veteran mentor Dave Marshall expects. There is value in every member of his squad and at the same time, there are expectations that each player is responsible for meeting.
Playing shorthanded was no issue for Marshall; it was an opportunity for someone to step up. On this night, one particular player did that while the rest of the team got in line for their respective turn. Dodd led the way with a game-high 31 points and seven rebounds. Dodd hit four of his team’s impressive 11 three pointers in a 61 to 38 win.
Williams netted 13 points, including three long-range balls. Williams was the defensive catalyst, which is impressive considering every player for the Tribe plays lock down defense. Williams had three of his team’s 11 steals. Jake Holcomb recorded three trifectas to finish with nine points.
The victory moved Bridgeport’s record to 16 and four and it served notice to the rest of Class AAA. Every team desires to play its best basketball at the end of the season and that was on display in “Tribe Territory” last week. The win all but locks up the top seed in the region and means that the Indians will need just one postseason victory to advance to Charleston with a chance to repeat.
Time is on Bridgeport’s side and that’s not good for their future regional opponent. Marshall is known for his attention to detail and he will have until March 10 to prepare his team for postseason play. The Tribe is just four wins away from making history and they say it has a way of repeating itself.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!