by Jamie Harris
Last Friday, February 27, the #7 Berkeley Springs Lady Indians made the long trek to Philip Barbour High School for the opening round of the Class AA Region II Championships. Facing the #2 Colts on their home court was always going to be a challenge, and Philip Barbour wasted no time showing why they entered the postseason as one of the top teams in the state.
The Colts imposed their will early, using their size, speed and relentless pace to build a 15–5 lead after the first quarter. Berkeley Springs struggled to find offensive rhythm against the aggressive Philip Barbour defense, and by halftime the deficit had stretched to 31–9.
The second half brought more of the same, as the Colts continued to fire on all cylinders, ultimately sealing a 73–27 victory and punching their ticket to the next round.
Despite the loss, Berkeley Springs (12–11) saw standout performances, including Katie Risinger, who led the Lady Indians with a strong 16-point effort. Senior guard Maddie Close, the emotional and competitive anchor of the team all season, finished her Lady Indians career with 8 points. Ava Michael added 2 points and Hailey Adkins chipped in 1 to round out the scoring.
The final score may not reflect the fight this Lady Indians team showed all season, but their journey tells a much bigger story, one that frames the 2025–2026 campaign as a turning point for the program.
With a roster dominated by youth, Berkeley Springs defied expectations from the opening tip in November. Game after game, they showcased resilience beyond their years, pulling off multiple come-from-behind victories and learning to thrive under pressure. That toughness translated into something the community hasn’t seen in quite some time: the first winning season in Lady Indians basketball in many years.
At the center of that resurgence was senior guard Maddie Close, whose leadership, poise, and scoring ability set the tone night after night. Close’s consistency made her the rock of the team, and her presence will be deeply missed both on the court and in the locker room. Her legacy, however, is already planted firmly in the foundation of the younger players who grew under her guidance.
But while the season closes on a tough note, the future for Berkeley Springs is undeniably bright. With the majority of the roster returning and armed with a year of battle-tested experience, the Lady Indians are positioned to build on this year’s success. Risinger’s breakout performances, paired with a core of emerging talents of freshmen and sophomores, signals a new era for the program: one defined by confidence, chemistry and belief.
The loss at Philip Barbour may mark the end of one chapter, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new one. If this season proved anything, it’s that the Lady Indians are no longer rebuilding. They’re rising.