By Stephen Smoot
Pendleton County’s march across the 2023-24 season saw the boys’ basketball team struggling early, as inexperienced as lambs.
But down the stretch, the Wildcats roared like lions.
Since a closer than the score indicated setback against Tucker County on Jan. 30, Pendleton County has seen the work of the season truly come together. That included two lopsided victories over a Paw Paw team with 13 wins to their credit and a statement game at rival Moorefield.
The only blemishes during that run came at the hands of East Hardy. Max Preps currently ranks them first in West Virginia single A and 15th among all schools in the state.
Pendleton County, holding a 10 and seven record, rose to sixth in single A in the estimation of the same outlet.
At the start of the season, the Wildcats searched to establish a new identity after losing Clayton Kisamore and Jacob Beachler to graduation. Head coach Jeremy Bodkin, however, had three returning players who personified reliability in 2022-23. Josiah Kimble continued to improve his dual threat game from last year, bringing a steady outside shot and an explosive first step to offense to complement feisty aggressive defense.
Chase Owens added strength in the last year and it showed as Pendleton County increasingly used him to attack defenders on the post. His inside work helped to free up other shooters on the perimeter and also put him in a position to haul down more rebounds. Those on the offensive end often made it in the basket for points.
Senior point guard Dusty Smith does not light up the scoring sheet, but not because he lacks a shooter’s touch. His job lies in marshaling the team up the floor against opponents’ presses and setting the table for the rest of the offense. Smith’s hustle plays on defense creating turnovers and breaking up opponents’ offensive rhythms.
The success of the team relied heavily on the known quantities that the team brought from last year. Successful seasons from the supporting cast, however, served as vital factors in developing the strength of the squad. Unlike many programs, Bodkin’s team earned the coach’s confidence to use any player on his bench in key game situations.
Cashton Kisamore established his presence underneath early, working for rebounds and showing a deft touch with post moves. Also providing strength underneath was Zykijah Wright, an unmovable object once he establishes position on offense or defense.
Wyatt Franklin could have earned the title of Mr. Versatility, if it existed. Time and time again, he extends offensive possessions with rebounds, or ends them with outside shots. Bradey Bowers brings toughness off the bench, using aggression and skill to keep opposing offenses off-balance. In many games this year, the long, lanky, and accurate shooter Henry Warner has provided a spark off the bench, hitting key shots to push momentum.
Down the stretch, Bodkin has taken contributions from the rest of his bench as well. Justus Kuykendall’s senior leadership and quick, aggressive guarding of opponents have rendered him a valuable contributor. His and Jaydon Hess’s high energy defense and ball-handling allowed coaches to give more rest to key backcourt players late in close games. Caleb Armentrout has provided solid play and key minutes when opportunity allowed.
The team overcame a huge challenge mid-season that could have broken the momentum established. Inclement weather time and time again led to postponed games and canceled practices, but it did not break team focus or development.
The last week of the season offers a trifecta of challenges for Pendleton County. Frankfort brought 13 wins to town on Monday, including a signature win against a strong class AAA Lincoln squad.
On Tuesday, Pendleton County hosted Petersburg. The Vikings defeated the Wildcats twice at George Halterman court, but the last time only by five.
Max Preps ranks Petersburg ninth and Frankfort 10th in class double A.
The season ends Friday with a hosting of the Moorefield Yellow Jackets who have been themselves stung by Pendleton County twice this season.
Nothing was inevitable about the Wildcats scratching and clawing their way to a 10-win season with a very young, but scrappy team.
One of their most remarkable traits lay in emulating the best mental qualities of great baseball pitchers (which stands to reason since two of them play that position for Sam Yokum’s baseball squad). No bad game, no bad quarter, no bad possession affected them for long. They absorbed the lessons taught by coaches and game experience and applied them the next available chance.
The school of the regular season will soon close down. Postseason play in March, where teams apply the lessons learned, awaits the lions in winter.
