WHITE SULPHUR SPGS- This weekend, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, and for the fourth consecutive year, the Battle for the Springhouse returns to the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur in what is one of the most unique High School Basketball tournaments not just in the state, but the entire country.
Games are played in Colonial Hall just like the previous years and features a fan friendly experience including a concession area right outside the Hall.
The tournament features another great lineup of teams and includes some of the top teams in the state. Both the Greenbrier East boys’ and girls’ teams will act as the hosts again and will play this Friday night at 6:00 PM (boys) and 8:00 PM (girls) respectively. Tickets for all games are five dollars.
Here is a small preview for each team and the two-day schedule (Team Records as of Jan. 27)
Boys:
Greenbrier East — The Spartans, of course, are the “home team” for this tournament. They are off to a 5-4 start and ranked No. 9 in Class AAA, according to the Associated Press poll. Juniors Brody Hamric and Nathan Dixon are two of the top scorers to watch.
Morgantown — The defending Class AAAA state champions, as well as the defending Battle for the Springhouse Boys Division champions, are again one of the best teams in the state. They’re 9-1 and ranked No. 2 in the state. The only loss came to Spring Mills on January 14, and a rematch could be a possibility on the tournament’s second day.
Spring Mills — The Cardinals are 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state in Class AAAA. They’re making their first appearance at the Battle for the Springhouse.
Virginia Episcopal — The first school from outside of West Virginia’s borders to participate in the Battle for the Springhouse, Virginia Episcopal is a private school out of Lynchburg, Virginia. Its roster features players from four different states and three different countries.
Girls:
Greenbrier East — Coached by former West Virginia Governor and current United States Senator Jim Justice, the Lady Spartans are ranked No. 1 in Class AAA. They are 14-0 to start the season and have won every game by double digits. Junior Kennedy Stewart and sophomore Ava Workman are two dynamic scorers, while junior Hannah Fuller is a force in the paint.
Huntington — A Class AAAA state semifinalist last year, the Highlanders are off to a slow start this season but have a rich girls basketball tradition and a veteran coaching staff. They’re making their Battle for the Springhouse debut.
Charleston Catholic — The Irish are 7-2 and ranked No. 5 in Class AA. They’re led by junior forward Mary Rushworth, who is averaging 16.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game. Freshman guard Ali Wilcox is also a dynamic scorer and is second on the team with 3.1 assists per game. The Irish are competing in the Battle for the Springhouse for the first time.
North Marion — The defending Battle for the Springhouse Girls Division champions are starting to click under a new coach and have won four of their last six games. They’ll come in with confidence after the success of a year ago.
Schedule:
Friday, January 31
2 p.m. — North Marion vs. Charleston Catholic (Girls)
4 p.m. — Morgantown vs. Virginia Episcopal (Boys)
6 p.m. — Greenbrier East vs. Spring Mills (Boys)
8 p.m. — Greenbrier East vs. Huntington (Girls)
Saturday, February 1
1 p.m. — Boys Consolation Game
3 p.m. — Girls Consolation Game
5 p.m. — Boys Championship Game
7 p.m. — Girls Championship Game
