by Jamie Harris
The Paw Paw Pirates boys basketball team battled through a demanding four-game slate this past week, finishing 2–2 and pushing their season record to 9–11. The Pirates picked up a dominant road win at Harman and a strong home victory over Bishop Walsh, while falling to East Hardy and Tygarts Valley.
Paw Paw opened the week at home against the East Hardy Cougars but struggled offensively in a 57–35 loss.
Senior Taylor Carder led the Pirates with 25 points, accounting for the bulk of the team’s scoring while adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Junior Nathan Dick contributed 5 rebounds and 3 steals, while senior RJ Ryan collected 2 rebounds and 3 steals.
Though the Pirates forced 12 steals, second-chance opportunities were limited, and East Hardy capitalized on Paw Paw’s scoring droughts to pull away in the second half.
A day later, the Pirates bounced back in a major way, traveling to Harman and unleashing one of their most balanced scoring attacks of the season during a 77–57 victory.
Senior leader Taylor Carder poured in 30 points, while sophomore Braylen Paul turned in a standout double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Dick added 11 points and 8 rebounds and Ryan chipped in 7 points.
Paw Paw dominated the glass with 36 total rebounds and dished out 18 team assists, showing crisp ball movement and high energy on both ends.
The Pirates kept their momentum rolling with a 59–47 win over Bishop Walsh in front of the home crowd.
Paw Paw controlled the boards all night, hauling in 46 rebounds, including 19 offensive boards that extended crucial possessions.
Dick again was a force inside with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Paul added another strong performance with 10 points and 13 boards. Carder delivered 15 points and 9 assists, quarterbacking an efficient offense.
Seniors Tomy Santos and RJ Ryan each added 6 and 5 points respectively, helping the Pirates secure their second straight victory.
In their fourth game in six days, the Pirates traveled to Tygarts Valley, where the Bulldogs used a fast-paced attack to claim a 75–56 win.
Despite the loss, Paw Paw had standout individual performances. Sophomore Braylen Paul posted a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds, marking his third double-double of the week. Carder added 20 points, while Dick finished with 7 points and 6 rebounds.
Fatigue from the demanding schedule showed late, as Tygarts Valley pulled away behind transition scoring and second-half shooting.
The Pirates look to close out February strong with two key matchups on February 26 against Berkeley Springs at 6 p.m. and February 27 at Union at 6 p.m.
With postseason play approaching, Paw Paw will aim to build on the energy and momentum shown during their two victories this week.