by Jamie Harris
The past week proved to be a gut‑punch for the Berkeley Springs Indians varsity basketball team, who suffered back‑to‑back one‑point losses—both in the final moments—to fall to 6–5 on the season.
On January 13, the Indians traveled to Moorefield to face the Yellow Jackets in what quickly became a defensive grinder. Berkeley Springs opened the night with a narrow 9–8 edge after the first quarter, and both teams continued to battle with intensity through the second frame, entering halftime deadlocked at 13–13.
Moorefield inched ahead in the third quarter, taking a 24–20 lead after three periods.
The Indians continued to claw their way back, setting up a tense final minute. But with only seconds left, a foul call against Berkeley Springs sent Moorefield to the line, where the Yellow Jackets sank the decisive free throw to seal a 32–31 victory.
Berkeley Springs was led by Sammy Stotler (10 points), followed by Jake Aulabaugh (6), Kyle Moore (6), Brennan Hoover (5) and Landon Stotler (4).
In the JV matchup, Moorefield also claimed the win, defeating the JV Indians 39–28. Offensive leaders for Berkeley Springs were Saul Williams (10 points), Conner Maconaughey (6), Nick Quarantillo (4), Ethan Rawlings (4) and Jalen Miller (4).
Just three days later on January 16, the Indians returned home to host rival Frankfort in another showdown that went down to the wire.
The Falcons jumped ahead early, holding an 11–8 lead after one quarter and extending their advantage to 27–22 by halftime. Berkeley Springs found themselves trailing 40–33 heading into the fourth, but the Indians surged back with a fierce 15–9 run.
Despite the late push and the home crowd’s energy, Berkeley Springs couldn’t quite overtake the Falcons, falling just short in a 49–48 nail‑biter.
The Indians’ offensive charge was led once again by Sammy Stotler, who poured in 17 points. Kyle Moore added 10, Brennan Hoover 9, with Jake Aulabaugh and Landon Stotler contributing 5 points each. LT Tausen chipped in 2.
Frankfort also took the JV contest, topping the JV Tribe 48–35. Berkeley Springs was paced by Jalen Miller (14 points), Saul Williams (9), Conner Maconaughey (5), Nick Quarantillo (4), and Parker Macey (3).
Up Next
Berkeley Springs (6–5) looked to rebound on Tuesday, January 20, when they host the Hampshire Trojans. JV was scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m., with varsity to follow at 7:30 p.m.
Nick Quarantillo looks for an opening for the JV Indians.
photo by Lori Younker
