CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Chapmanville Tigers secured their fourth West Virginia Class AAA state championship in the last nine years on Saturday, overcoming a determined effort from North Marion in a 71-67 victory at the Charleston Coliseum. The win wasn’t a display of dominance, but a testament to grit, rebounding, and a refusal to yield in a back-and-forth contest that exemplified high-stakes high school basketball. The championship game was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, showcasing the talent and resilience of both teams.
Chapmanville (23-3) entered the game as the No. 1 seed, but North Marion (23-3) proved a formidable opponent, matching the Tigers’ intensity and offensive firepower. Early in the season, Chapmanville coach Brad Napier noted his team’s strength in second-chance opportunities, a characteristic that ultimately proved crucial in Saturday’s title game. While the Tigers improved their shooting throughout the year, their relentless pursuit of offensive rebounds continued to be a defining feature of their play. This championship win wasn’t just about scoring; it was about winning possessions.
A Battle of Wills in Charleston
The game remained incredibly tight throughout, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. North Marion’s ability to answer every Chapmanville run kept the pressure on, forcing the Tigers to continually earn every point. With just under two minutes remaining and Chapmanville leading by two, a missed pair of free throws by Benji Adkins could have swung the momentum. However, a crucial offensive rebound off the Huskies, leading to a three-pointer from Jay Brock, extended the Tigers’ lead to five.
North Marion immediately responded with a three-pointer from Maddox Batson, narrowing the gap once more. The back-and-forth continued, with Kati Martin securing a vital offensive rebound and follow-up basket for Chapmanville, extending their advantage to 67-63 with 1:44 left on the clock. “Probably the difference in the game,” Napier said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to attacking the offensive glass. “That’s kind of become who they are and they embrace that.”
Terry Leads the Charge, Championship Sealed
Despite Chapmanville’s efforts, North Marion refused to go away quietly. Conner Balwanz and Batson scored 16 seconds apart, bringing the Huskies within one point. However, Chapmanville’s sophomore standout, Terry, answered with a close-range basket, pushing the lead back to three with 31 seconds remaining. A missed three-point attempt by Eli Ramsey for North Marion sealed their fate, and Terry secured the victory by making the first of two free throws with 5.9 seconds left, finalizing the score at 71-67.
Terry’s performance was nothing short of dominant, finishing with 23 points and an impressive 19 rebounds, earning him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. North Marion coach Steve Harbert acknowledged Terry’s impact, stating, “He’s a man for being a sophomore.” Brock added 20 points, including five three-pointers, while Adkins and Martin each contributed 11 points to the Tigers’ winning effort.
Offensive Efficiency and a Gritty Performance
Chapmanville’s offensive efficiency was a key factor in their success, shooting 29-of-47 from the field (better than 61 percent) and 24-of-34 from inside the arc. However, it was their relentless effort on the boards that truly set them apart. North Marion also showcased strong offensive execution, with Batson leading the way with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting and four three-pointers. Balwanz (17 points), Ramsey (14 points), and Jacob Kucish (12 points) also contributed significantly to the Huskies’ scoring.
The first half saw both teams trading baskets, ending with Chapmanville holding a narrow 35-34 lead at halftime. The Tigers’ shooting performance was particularly impressive, making 15 of their first 20 field goal attempts. Harbert praised his team’s resilience, noting their “next-play mentality” and ability to respond after conceding baskets. “It showed how tough, gritty and resilient our kids are,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chapmanville will undoubtedly celebrate this hard-earned championship. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) will likely release official tournament statistics and all-tournament teams in the coming days. The WVSSAC website will be the official source for any further announcements regarding the Class AAA state basketball tournament. The Tigers’ victory serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork, perseverance, and a commitment to fundamentals in achieving success on the court.
This championship game was a true battle, as North Marion coach Harbert put it, “That’s how a championship game should be.” The Tigers’ victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and a moment that players, coaches, and fans will remember for years to come.
What did you sense of the game? Share your thoughts and congratulations to both teams in the comments below.
