Looking Back On A Memorable West Virginia Boys State Basketball Tournament
The 2026 West Virginia Boys State Basketball Tournament is in the books, and what an event it was! Two of our local teams are bringing back hardware and others had their moments to make this one of the most exciting state tournaments in recent memory. With all 28 games in the books, here are some final thoughts from the greatest event in West Virginia high school basketball.
THREE-PEAT COMPLETE
The Tug Valley Panthers became the seventh team in West Virginia history to win at least three state titles in a row. This was the school's sixth boys basketball state title and fifth under head coach Garland "Rabbit" Thompson. Along the way, senior Braydun Ferris set a Class A state tournament record with 86 points over the three tournament games.
For Ferris and fellow seniors Bryson Elia, Carson Newsome and Jace Hale it was the perfect way to cap off their high school careers. The senior quartet will graduate with 91 wins, which is the most in school history. Ferris was named the MVP of the Class A State Tournament and was joined on the all-tournament team by Newsome and Zade Rash.
Speaking of Rash, he hit two of the biggest shots in the tournament for Tug Valley. First, he hit a three-pointer off a dish from Ferris to end the first half and give the Panthers a 27-20 lead over Tucker County in the semifinals. He then hit a three-pointer on another kick out from Ferris with 5:00 left in the Championship game against Greater Beckley Christian to make it a 50-44 lead. GBC never was able to make it a one possession game the rest of the way.
TIGER ... TIGER ... TITLE
Speaking of championship teams, the Chapmanville Tigers capped off an amazing season with the Class AAA State Championship by defeating North Marion in a thrilling game, 71-67. This was Chapmanville's fourth state title with all coming under current head coach Brad Napier. The thing is, these Tigers may be starting a huge run of their own with a lot of key pieces set to come back for multiple seasons.
Chapmanville sophomores Keaton Terry, Dakota Dalton and Jay Brock were named to the Class AAA all-tournament team with Terry being named the MVP. Terry had a double-double in every game and was a rebounding machine. He had 44 rebounds over three games to break the Class AAA State Tournament record. His 19 rebounds in the title game tied the Class AAA tournament record for most rebounds in a single game. Brock and Dalton both hit huge outside shots when the Tigers needed them, and Kai Martin played great off the bench. All of them will be back next season, so this team will be one of the early favorites to cut down the nets again.
For seniors Benji Adkins, Eli Smith, Austin Adkins and Wesley Watts, it was the perfect way to go out. Benji Adkins and Smith really helped settle the young Tigers several times throughout the tournament and will end their high school careers on a high note.
WAYNE MAKES HISTORY
The Wayne Pioneers made it to the boys basketball state tournament for the first time in school history and made quite an impression out of the gate. The Pioneers, under head coach Sean Meddings, dismantled Doddridge County in the opening round, 72-48, and turned some heads at the Charleston Civic Center. Wayne bowed out to eventual state champion Wheeling Central in the semifinal round.
Senior Colton Heck was named to the all-tournament team, giving him a great way to finish off his high school career. Sophomores Landon Preece and Colton Preece as well as junior Carter Ross all played well on the big stage. I think there's a good chance that the state hasn't seen the last of Wayne Pioneers on the Civic Center floor.
TOUGH EXIT FOR ST JOE
Huntington St Joe entered the Class A tournament as the third seed and one of the favorites to capture the championship. However, they fell to an experienced Tucker County team, 59-57, in the opening round.
While the Irish say goodbye to seniors Grady Paynter, Isaiah and Cylis Allen, head coach Josh Harris will return a lot of talent in Micaiah Ehirim and Noah Keaton coming back to lead the charge. There's a good chance that you see St Joe right in the mix of everything again next season.
LOGAN'S SEASON COMES TO AN END AFTER AMAZING REGIONAL WIN
The Logan Wildcats made it to Charleston in dramatic fashion after a steal and Lucas Lambert layup at the buzzer to defeat Charleston Catholic in the Class AA Region IV Co-Final.
Logan fell to eventual runners-up Wyoming East, 81-56, in the opening round. While seniors Ivan Miller, Mason Spence and Braydon Craddock will graduate, there are quite a few underclassmen, including Lucas Lambert, Zo Murphy, Bentley Williamson, Landon Hall and Alex Good remaining. Add in some up and coming middle school players, and head coach Mark Hatcher has a great group of talent heading into next season.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2025-26 West Virginia boys basketball season has come to a close. Huge congratulations are in order for all of the state champions - Tug Valley (A), Wheeling Central (AA), Chapmanville (AAA) and George Washington (AAAA).
Our local teams had some of the best fanbases around as Tug Valley, Chapmanville, Logan and Wayne all had a lot of support. Tug Valley even captured the school spirit award in Class A.
After all of the celebrations, everyone will be back in the gym to prepare for next season, which promises many memorable moments. As for this past season, it's been a blast for us here at D&D Sports Network.
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