by Jamie Harris
The Berkeley Springs Indians boys’ basketball program endured a week of highs, lows, comebacks and standout performances as the varsity squad pushed its season record to 6–3 following a split against Keyser and Clear Spring.
On Tuesday, January 6, the Indians loaded the buses and traveled to Mineral County for a full evening of basketball against the Keyser Golden Tornado and a history lesson, too. Keyser honored local tradition by suiting up in throwback uniforms representing the former Piedmont High School, adding retro flair to an already intense matchup.
In the opening contest, the freshmen Indians fought hard but fell 46-34. No official stats were available.
Keyser kept the momentum rolling as their JV squad secured a 36-15 win.
Berkeley Springs’ scoring was spread across the lineup by Nick Quarantillo – 3 points, Conner Maconaughey – 3 points, Levi McFarland – 2 points, Evan Kessel – 3 points, Saul Williams – 2 points and Jalen Miller – 2 points.
The varsity showdown proved to be a tale of two halves.
Berkeley Springs fell behind 12-6 in the first quarter but erupted with a 17-3 run in the second to seize a 23-15 halftime advantage. After holding off an 11-5 Keyser surge in the third, the Tribe entered the final quarter still in control.
But the Golden Tornado had one more whirlwind left in them—storming to a 16-3 fourth-quarter run that flipped the script and handed Berkeley Springs a 42-31 defeat.
Indians scoring leaders were Sammy Stotler – 14 points, Kyle Moore – 7 points, Jake Aulabaugh – 6 points, Brennan Hoover – 3 points and LT Tausen – 3 points.
A capacity crowd filled Berkeley Springs High School on Friday, January 9 as the Indians welcomed the Clear Spring Blazers for JV and varsity action and this time, the hometown fans went home happy.
Berkeley Springs 57
Clear Spring 49
(Junior Varsity)
After trailing 19-13 after one quarter, the JV Indians roared to life, stringing together a gritty comeback to claim a 57-49 victory.
Top JV performers were Conner Maconaughey – 18 points, four 3-pointers, Nick Quarantillo – 11 points, Jalen Miller – 11 points, Levi McFarland – 4 points, Evan Kessel – 4 points and Saul Williams – 2 points.
Berkeley Springs 59
Clear Spring 46
(Varsity)
The varsity Indians wasted no time putting their stamp on the game. With sharp ball movement and high-energy defense, Berkeley Springs jumped out to a 17-7 first-quarter lead and then exploded for a 20-4 second quarter, taking full command with a 37-11 halftime cushion.
Clear Spring made a push in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Indians 24-12, but the early Berkeley Springs dominance held firm as the Tribe secured a strong 59-46 bounce-back win.
Indians scoring leaders were Sammy Stotler – 14 points, Jake Aulabaugh – 11 points, Colten Dixon – 10 points, Brennan Hoover – 8 points, Kyle Moore – 7 points, LT Tausen – 3 points, Conner Maconaughey – 2 points, Landon Stotler – 2 points and Brian Ailor – 2 points.
Upcoming Schedule
Varsity & Junior Varsity
January 12, 7:30 p.m. at Moorefield.
January 16, 7:30 p.m. at home against Frankfort.
*JV games begin at 6 p.m.
Freshmen
January 13, 6 p.m. at home against Smithsburg.
January 14, 5 p.m. at South Hagerstown, Md.
January 16, 4:30 p.m. at home against Frankfort.
The week served as a reminder of the Indians’ balance of resilience and firepower. With the season heating up, Berkeley Springs now looks ahead to two key matchups that could further shape their winning momentum.
