This season has been a significant turnaround for the George Washington boys basketball team.
The Patriots’ dominance over opponents has been remarkable and has played a major part in their path back to the state tournament after last year’s absence due to a late-season tailspin in which they lost five games down the stretch.
So what has been the difference? GW coach Rick Greene attributes the change to the Patriots’ character.
George Washington players including Noah Lewis (5), Jeff Harris (2) and Gale Lamb (11) celebrate defeating Morgantown 49-47 in a WVSSAC Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- Gazette-Mail file
Morgantown's Max Frey (left) tries to block a shot by George Washington's Jeff Harris (right) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mai
George Washington's Noah Lewis (5) shoots over Morgantown's Brady Savage (32) and Waylon Colistra (31) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
George Washington’s Gale Lamb (11) goes up to the basket ahead of Morgantown’s Marty Johnson (21) during a Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament semifinal Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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George Washington's Kai Martin (34) looks to pass while guarded by Morgantown's Waylon Colistra (31) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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George Washington Head Coach Rick Greene instructs his players on the court during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game against Morgantown Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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George Washington’s Jeff Harris (2) brings the ball downcourt while being guarded by Morgantown’s Marty Johnson (21) during a WVSSAC Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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George Washington's Dominic Sprouse (33) and Morgantown's Waylon Colistra (31) battle for the ball during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Tug Valley's Ashton Davis (24) goes up to the basket ahead of Greater Beckley Christian's Keegan Davidson (4) during their WVSSAC Class A Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Tug Valley's Bryson Elia (right) drives to the basket guarded by Greater Beckley Christian's Averyk Woodson during their WVSSAC Class A Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Tug Valley's Braydun Ferris (1) looks to shoot between Greater Beckley Christian's Keegan Davidson (4) and Eli Gunter (10) during their WVSSAC Class A Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Tug Valley's Braydun Ferris (1) shoots over Greater Beckley Christian's Drew Fitzwater (34) during their WVSSAC Class A Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Tug Valley's Carson Newsome (right) tries to get around Greater Beckley Christian's Keegan Davidson during their WVSSAC Class A Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Greater Beckley Christian's Kash Hendrix (5) and Tug Valley's Bryson Elia (0) battle for a rebound during their WVSSAC Class A Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Tug Valley's Bryson Elia (0), Kaden Hale (35), Ashton Davis (24) and Braydun Ferris (1) walk off the court during a timeout in a WVSSAC Class A boys basketball state tournament semifinal game against Greater Beckley Christian on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Spring Mills' Tyler Jones (4) tries to block a shot by Spring Valley's Colton Caldwell (5) as Spring Mills' Akwasi Opoku-Achampong (2), Max Anderson (15) and Spring Valley's Harrison Riggs (15 right) look on during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Spring Valley's Harrison Riggs (15) shoots between Spring Mills' Akwasi Opoku-Achampong (2) and Loakkhae Uth-Snith (11) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Spring Valley's Keyan Grayson (right) tries to get by Spring Mills' Akwasi Opoku-Achampong during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Spring Valley's Colton Caldwell (left) drives to the basket ahead of Spring Mills' Xavier Anderson (10) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Spring Valley's Harrison Riggs (15) looks to shoot while guardedby Spring Mills' Xavier Anderson (10) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Spring Mills' Akwasi Opoku-Achampong shoots a 3-point basket over Spring Valley's Clay Robertson (left) during a WVSSAC Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Spring Valley's Colton Caldwell (5) tries to block a shot by Spring Mills' Loakkhae Uth-Smith (11) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Spring Valley’s Clay Robertson (2) drives to the basket defended by Spring Mills’ Akwasi Opoku-Achampong during a WVSSAC Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Spring Valley's Clay Robertson (left) goes up to the basket defended by Spring Mills' Akwasi Opoku-Achampong during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Spring Valley's Clay Robertson (2) tries to get by Spring Mills' Chayse Shipley (0) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Spring Valley's Harrison Riggs (15) looks to shoot as Spring Mills' Caleb Thomas comes down on him during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Spring Mills Max Anderson (15) embraces Spring Valley's Clay Robertson as he and his teammates including Colton Caldwell (5), Gabe Chambers, and Brock Biggs walk off the court after losing to Spring Mills 92-51 in their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Semifinal game Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Spring Valley coach Rick Chaffin looks out at the court during a timeout in a WVSSAC Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament semifinal game against Spring Mills, Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- Gazette-Mail file
Huntington St. Joseph Central's Cylis Allen (left) and Nymir Bryant (24) battle for a rebound with Greater Beckley Christian's Drew Fitzwater (center) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Huntington St. Joseph Central's Isaiah Sanders (23) shoots over Greater Beckley Christian's Isaiah Kincaid during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Huntington St. Joseph Central's Carter Woelfel (22) tries to block a shot by Greater Beckley Christian's Keegan Davidson (4) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Huntington St. Joseph Central's Noah Keaton (13) tries to drive between Greater Beckley Christian's Kellen Heffernan (center) and Javonte Spencer (3) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Huntington St. Joseph Central's Isaiah Sanders (23) tries to shoot over Greater Beckley Christian's Averyk Woodson during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Huntington St. Joseph Central's Noah Keaton (13) grabs the ball in the air behind Greater Beckley Christian's Averyk Woodson (1) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Huntington St. Joseph Central's Nymir Bryant lays the ball up against Greater Beckley Christian during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Huntington St. Joseph Central's Cylis Allen (30) shot is blocked by Greater Beckley Christian's Drew Fitzwater (34) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Tug Valley's Kaden Hale (35) shoots between Montcalm's Donovan Reed (left) and Landin Clower (12) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Tug Valley’s Kaden Hale (35) tries to drive around Montcalm’s Tyler Hagerman (23) during a WVSSAC Class A boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Montcalm coach Adam Havens (center) talks to his players before the start of the second half of a WVSSAC Class A boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game against Tug Valley on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Tug Valley's Braydun Ferris (1) lays the ball up in front of Montcalm's Tristen Cline (0) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Tug Valley's Braydun Ferris (1) and Montcalm's Donovan Reed (right) battle for a loose ball during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Tug Valley's Bryson Elia (0) goes up to the basket as Montcalm's Ethan Ferrell (23) tries to defend during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Tug Valley's Carson Newsome (20) tries to block a shot by Montcalm's Tristen Cline (0) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Tug Valley's Kaden Hale (left) drives to the basket while guarded by Montcalm's Donovan Reed (30) during their WVSSAC Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game Thursday March 20, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Nitro’s Landon Poniatowski (right) reaches around Ripley’s Parker Smith (14) to get the ball but was called for a foul during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- Gazette-Mail file photo
Nitro’s Eli Littlejohn (4) and Landon Poniatowski (1) raise their arms as they and their teammates begin to celebrate winning over Ripley in the WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Nitro's Timmy Lovejoy (3) guards Ripley's Parker Smith (right) as he brings the ball down during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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Ripley’s Matthew Stellato (left) battles Nitro’s Landon Poniatowski (right) for a loose ball during a WVSSAC Class AAA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Nitro Head Coach Austin Lowe hi-fives Eli Littlejohn (4) as he comes off the court during a time out in their game against Ripley in the WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
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George Washington's Noah Lewis (5) goes up to the basket as University's Chayce Adams (2) tries to defend during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Wednesday, March19, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
University's Kyle Weaver (left) tries to grab the ball away from George Washington's Dominic Sprouse during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
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George Washington’s Gale Lamb (11) tries to get around University’s Chayce Adams during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
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George Washington’s Noah Lewis (5) tries to block a shot by a University player during a Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
George Washington’s Chuck Kelley (right) goes up to the basket guarded by University’s Luke Byrer (11) and Kyle Weaver (10) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
George Washington players King Smith (32), D.J. Spencer (21), Noah Lewis (5), Gale Lamb (11), and Tyler Maddox (right) cheer for their teammates on the court playing against University during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
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University’s Glenn Brown (1) tries to get past George Washington’s Kai Martin (34) during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
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George Washington's Gale Lamb (11) shoots between two University defenders during a WVSSAC Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
George Washington's Noah Lewis (5) shoots over University's Luke Byrer (11,right) ) and another University defender as George Washington's Gale Lamb looks (11, left) on during their WVSSAC Class AAAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
George Washington coach Rick Greene (center) gives instructions to his players including Jeff Harris (2) and Chuck Kelley (12) during a WVSSAC Class AAAA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game against University, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- Gazette-Mail file
Buffalo’s Caleb Gales (10) passes the ball from under the basket while guarded by Williamstown’s Carson Hill during their WVSSAC Class AA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
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Buffalo's Anthony Pitchford (25) tries to block a shot by Williamstown's Cruz Isaly (24) during their WVSSAC Class AA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
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Buffalo’s Nathan Harris (15) looks to shoot as Williamstown’s Carson Hill (left) tries to block the shot during their WVSSAC Class AA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
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Williamstown's Jayden Bryant (12) and Nate Nicely (30) battle for a rebound with Buffalo's Nathan Harris (15), Jayden Murphy (41) and Braxton Mitchell (behind Nicely) during their WVSSAC Class AA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
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Buffalo's Braxton Mitchell (34) grabs a rebound in front of Williamstown's Parker Schramm (2) during their WVSSAC Class AA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Williamstown’s Jayden Bryant (12) blocks a shot by Buffalo’s Wesley Mallett during a WVSSAC Class AA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Buffalo’s Nathan Harris (15) looks to shoot between Williamstown’s Tyler Keiser (left) and Jayden Bryant (12) during a WVSSAC Class AA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Buffalo coach Adam Scott (left) looks on as Nathan Harris (15) brings the ball upcourt against Williamstown during a WVSSAC Class AA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- Gazette-Mail file
Buffalo's Asher Flanery (11) looks to shoot or pass around between Williamstown's Lynken Joy (left) during their WVSSAC Class AA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Buffalo's Caleb Gales (10) tries to get around Williamstown's Lynken Joy during a WVSSAC Class AA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
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Chapmanville Regional High School students (standing in the front row from left) Brackston Kirk, Lily Browning, Brooke Christian, Hayley Brewster and Autumn King cheer for their Tigers, coached by Brad Napier, as they play Fairmont Senior in the WVSSAC Class AAA boys quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Chapmanville lost 47-46.
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Chapmanville Regional High School seniors Evan Kinser (left) and Levi Crouse cheer for their Tigers as they play Fairmont Senior in the WVSSAC Class AAA boys quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Chapmanville lost 47-46. It's the second time in three seasons Chapmanville has made it to the state tournament.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville Middle School sixth-grader Alissa Freeman cheers on the Chapmanville Regional High School Tigers as they play Fairmont Senior in the WVSSAC Class AAA boys quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Chapmanville lost 47-46. It’s the second time in three seasons Chapmanville has made it to the state tournament.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville's Keaton Terry (34) tries to put up a shot over the defense of Fairmont Senior's Brock Martin (15) during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convetion Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville's Joey Gollihue (left) tries to drive around Fairmont Senior's Darrell Claybrook (1) during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convetion Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville Regional coach Brad Napier talks to his players during a timeout in a WVSSAC Class AAA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game against Fairmont Senior, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
- Gazette-Mail file
Chapmanville's Joey Gollihue (10) shoots over Fairmont Senior's Brock Martin (15) during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convetion Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Fairmont Senior's Trea Cumberledge (5) and Chapmanville's Keaton Terry (34) battle for a rebound during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Fairmont Senior's Darrell Claybrooke (left) throws a pass over Chapmanville's Jay Brock (1) during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville Regional High School Coach Brad Napier looks on as Chapmanville's Benji Adkins (20) handles the ball while guarded by Fairmont Senior's Brock Martin (left) during the WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville’s Logan Hovanec (21) and Joey Gollihue (10) guard Fairmont Senior’s Landin Morris during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville's Dakota Dalton (2) tries to shoot or pass around Fairmont Senior's Landin Morris during their WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
Chapmanville Regional High School Coach Brad Napier, left, congratulates Fairmont Senior Coach Dave Retton following Chapmanville's loss to Fairmont Senior 47-46 in the WVSSAC Class AAA Boys Quarterfinal game at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail
“We play a lot of kids,” Greene said. “When somebody comes out, they’re not pouting. And when you’re on the bench, you are cheering for the guy coming out. It all starts with the character of the kids.
“As far as the turnaround, we just try to get better every day. We had been here [in the state tournament] seven straight times [before missing it in 2024]. It’s an expectation. So when we start on Day 1, that’s our goal. And we want to get to the tournament and see what we can do. Our work ethic and togetherness is just phenomenal.”
The change from last season to this season has been such that the Patriots have dominated opponents to the point where they have played few close contests.
Of GW’s 20 wins this season, not one has been decided by fewer than 10 points. A one-point loss to Spring Valley in the Mountain State Athletic Conference championship game has been the Patriots’ only game against an in-state opponent decided by single digits.
During the regular season, 15 of GW’s 18 wins were by 20 points or more, garnering them a 27.5-point average winning margin. Four wins were by at least 30 points.
“This was a great game for us because we haven’t had that many close games,” Greene said after the Patriots’ 48-38 region co-final win over St. Albans. “We haven’t been in that situation a whole lot.”
With the domination comes the problem of familiarity with crucial down-to-the-wire moments or last possessions.
- By Taylor Kennedy tkennedy@hdmediallc.com
- 2 min to read
“We set it up in practice. We do time and score a lot; we scrimmage as if everything is the fourth quarter. But it’s nothing like really in a game,” Greene said. “And some of it [dominating games] was in the schedule. Some of the teams that are normally very good are having down years.”
However, the Patriots work to be prepared for those situations, should they be needed to advance at the state tournament level. Adding a game late in the season against Morgantown helped, Greene said, even if GW lost 57-35 up north on March 6.
“That was our biggest fear coming into the tournament,” Greene said of being unprepared in a tight situation late. “And that’s why we went to Morgantown. Even though we got beat, it toughens you up. And you gotta try to execute under pressure. The schedule helped us coming down the stretch. And we just do the best we can and rely on the kids. It’s not a coaching thing. We just try to prep them best we can, and then it’s on the kids.”
George Washington has an opportunity to earn redemption for the 22-point loss to Morgantown as the Patriots meet the Mohigans in the semifinals scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Friday.
