By Stephen Smoot
It was not long ago that the Union opener caused Pendleton County girls’ basketball coaches headaches, heartburn, or whatever minor ailment one can imagine caused by stress. In past seasons, Pendleton County’s athletic squads that would have preferred racing up and down the court ran into a team just as determined to slow it to a crawl and rely on their inside game to give them a chance.
In some games, the Wildcats considered themselves fortunate to garner the victory. Times, however, have changed.
Last year, now-retired head coach Donnie Kopp worked to build both basketball skills and also a program identity. Along the way, the Wildcats qualified for the state tournament and laid the foundation for future success. Now led by Travis Heavner, the team has multiple leaders and playmakers capable of doing damage on the offensive or defensive end.
While the Wildcats hosted Union in their season opener, the Tigers had taken the court previously in a 96-16 loss to Cumberland, Maryland’s, Bishop Walsh High School.
In the last two seasons, Union enjoyed a height and strength advantage against Pendleton County inside. In this game, Susan Vincell, a junior center, powered through Union on the post with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman Tia Heavner poured in 13, while Jameigh Miller scored 12 points and took four steals.
Every player earned a place on the statistics sheet for positive play.
Pendleton County was scheduled Tuesday to travel to Pocahontas County in a match between, potentially, two of the top teams in the region.
Pocahontas County has two wins thus far on the year. They opened with a 99 point (yes, that is right, 99 point) victory over Richwood. Next, they decisively defeated Bath County in Virginia who currently has an even record at two and two. In both games, Pocahontas County had four players in double digit scoring.
Friday and Saturday, the Wildcats travel to Petersburg to play in a holiday tournament. On the 29th and 30th, they will compete in a tournament held at Robert C. Byrd High School.
