By Stephen Smoot
In the past year, the three-point shot in basketball has suddenly become controversial. Former Mountaineer and current world champion Boston Celtic coach Joe Mazzulla blamed it in part for the significant decline in National Basketball Association ratings.
East Hardy’s Cougars this season, however, have used the new fashioned three-point play to their advantage, relying heavily on it to spur their offense. When they miss, 6’6” sophomore center Gideon Good has the athleticism and poise to secure a number of offensive rebounds while also making the most of passes inside with the skilled post play of a traditional big man.
Last Friday night, Pendleton County traveled to Baker and ran into a Cougar team that played in top form inside and out and on both ends of the court.
The Cougars won the tipoff and took the first score on a layup 28 seconds into the game and added a free throw shortly thereafter. Pendleton County responded at the 6:23 mark when Jaydon Hess used a Cashton Kisamore pick to get separation and hit a 10-foot pull up jump shot.
Separation proved difficult for the Wildcat scorers. East Hardy guards and wing players move quickly and use their long lanky forms to take up space in passing lanes.
An important early moment came in the first quarter when Henry Warner drove down the court for a layup. He had his shot swatted away in an apparent goal tend, but the Wildcats did not get the call.
Warner’s play has shown his growth as the season progresses. He shows more confidence in both offense and defense, taking big shots and making big defensive plays.
As the second quarter opened, Chase Owens hit a pull up six-foot jumper to close the Cougar lead to 17-11. The best opportunities for the Wildcats came off of pull up jump shots off of drives.
In the first half of the second quarter, Pendleton County fought to keep the game within six, but East Hardy continued to hit three-point shots — many of them contested by the Wildcats. For them, it was one of those dream nights for deep-shooting teams where every player has the hot hand regardless of how well they are defended.
Jeremy Bodkin, head coach, threw the kitchen sink of defenses at the Cougars, switching between the two-three zone, the one-three-one, and man defenses. This proved effective against Moorefield earlier this season. East Hardy, no matter how closely guarded, seemingly could not miss, winning 73-41.
The snow scrambled schedule had been good for the Wildcats, who won three of four coming into the game. Pendleton County walloped Pocahontas County in Dunmore 92-55 while also edging Petersburg on the road 67-63.
February finds Pendleton County playing a number of teams that they have defeated earlier in the season. Six of the final nine games, not counting any make up games, take place at home — which should relieve this squad of road warriors.
Pendleton County’s talented team has faced a number of challenges this season, even more than the stacked schedule has placed upon them, but remains focused on continuing to improve.