by Jamie Harris
The Berkeley Springs Indians varsity basketball team continued their strong start to the season, improving to 5-1 after splitting two games in the 39th Annual Tri-State Shootout held at a packed Berkeley Springs High School gymnasium on December 29 and 30.
On December 29, Berkeley Springs hosted their Pennsylvania counterparts, the Southern Fulton Indians, in what was expected to be another back-and-forth battle.
The Tribe had already defeated Southern Fulton 62-51 in the season opener on December 9, and they were determined to repeat that success.
Southern Fulton jumped out to a 12-10 lead after the first quarter, but Berkeley Springs clawed back with a 13-10 second quarter run to take a slim 23-22 halftime advantage. The Indians extended their lead in the third quarter with a 12-10 surge, making it 35-32 heading into the final frame. In the fourth, Berkeley Springs dominated with a 12-8 run to seal a 57-40 victory and punch their ticket to the championship game.
Berkeley Springs was led by Sammy Stotler (14 points), Colten Dixon (10), Jake Aulabaugh (9), Kyle Moore (8), Landon Stotler (8), LT Tausen (6) and Jalen Miller (2). Southern Fulton’s top scorers were Trenton Cain (10), Camden Cain (10) and Vili Arloe (8).
On December 30, the Indians squared off against the Boonsboro Warriors (Md.), who advanced after defeating James Wood (Va.). Both teams struggled offensively early, with Boonsboro holding a narrow 6-5 lead after one quarter. The Warriors found their rhythm in the second, using an 8-2 run to take a 14-7 halftime lead. Berkeley Springs tried to rally, but Boonsboro’s 21-13 third-quarter surge stretched the margin to 35-20. The Warriors kept the pressure on in the fourth, closing out a 50-37 win and handing Berkeley Springs its first loss of the season.
Berkeley Springs was paced by Brennan Hoover (10 points), Sammy Stotler (8), Jake Aulabaugh (6), Kyle Moore (4), Landon Stotler (4), LT Tausen (3) and Colten Dixon (2).
The Tribe returned to action on January 3, hosting Robert C. Byrd from Harrison County. Berkeley Springs started strong, taking a 13-10 lead after the first quarter. However, the Eagles responded with a decisive 20-7 second quarter run to grab a 30-20 halftime lead. The Indians’ offensive struggles continued in the third as R.C. Byrd extended the margin to 45-27. The Eagles kept the tempo high in the fourth, finishing with a 62-45 win and handing Berkeley Springs its second straight loss.
Berkeley Springs was led by Colten Dixon (14 points), Sammy Stotler (8 points), Kyle Moore (6 points), Landon Stotler (6 points), Jake Aulabaugh (5 points), Brennan Hoover (3 points) and Brian Ailor (3 points).
Berkeley Springs (5-2) looked to bounce back with an away contest at Keyser on Tuesday, January 6, followed by a home matchup against the Clear Spring Blazers on Friday, January 9. Junior varsity tips off at 6 p.m., with varsity action set for 7:30 p.m.
