Week Six Top Performers: Small School
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Week six means we are or nearly are halfway through this season. Its obvious the number of outstanding performances are increasing the last few weeks and the “young” guys aren’t so young anymore. The role players of last year have…
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Continue ReadingWeek six means we are or nearly are halfway through this season. Its obvious the number of outstanding performances are increasing the last few weeks and the “young” guys aren’t so young anymore. The role players of last year have become the floor leaders and stat leaders of this year. And the superstars have done nothing short of be spectacular.
Maki Cary Maki Cary 5’10” | PG Teays Valley Christian | 2025 State WV has been nothing short of sensational this season. Playing at a small private school yet playing a most challenging schedules including many WV AAA and other private basketball powers. Cary has had a great week leading up to report time including a 50 point performance and his first official offer from Kentucky Christian University.
MJ Patton MJ Patton 5’11” | PG Mercer Christian Academy | 2025 State WV posted another impressive week for Mercer Christian. Starting the week with a 27 point, 7 rebound, 3 assist, 3 steal outing vs Victory Baptist, followed by 21 points, 2 rebounds vs Mount View, 21 points, 4 rebs, 4 steals and 3 assist vs. Jefferson Christian, finally a 26 point, 10 rebound, 7 assist and 3 steal showing vs. Mount Hope Christian. Averaging nearly 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3.5 assists, Patton paced his team over this four game stretch last week. Patton is a crafty guard who has a great skill set and floor presence along with basketball IQ. Seems to be able to score in any situation from anywhere on the floor.
Highlights
Elijah Pendleton Elijah Pendleton 6’3″ | SG Teays Valley Christian School | 2025 State WV continues to show why he is one of the state’s up and coming premier players. Pendleton posted 17pts , 5 rbs vs Expressions Prep as well as a 20 point, 5 rebound, 3 assist performance vs Buffalo last week and Pendleton continues to be a match up problem for nearly everyone.
Highlights
Ashton Gute Ashton Gute 5’7″ | PG Cross Lanes Christian | 2024 State WV has posted yet another week with dazzling back to back performances that include 27 points, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds vs Wood Co. Christian and 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists vs Elk Valley. Most impressively is stats from a big win vs Teays Valley Christian that include 20 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 rebounds. Gute is on a run of high powered performances since this past spring/summer AAU season and isn’t done yet.
Max Wilcox Max Wilcox 6’3″ | SG Charleston Catholic | 2025 State WV makes his return to the report posting a 21 point, 2 rebound and 3 assist stat line vs Buffalo last week. Wilcox and his teammates continue to show why they are defending WV AA champs. Wilcox rates as a D3 player with an opportunity to make a jump to some D2’s. Fundamental, hustler, good size guard who scores as needed and defends. A true two-way player will a huge factor in upcoming games with teammate Jay Turner getting so much attention defensively.
Highlights
Brayden Helmick Brayden Helmick 6’6″ | C Notre Dame | 2026 State WV continues his tear through WV single A competition posting 16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks vs Tygarts Valley as well as 16 points, 8 rebounds vs Braxton this past week. Helmick has been the picture of efficiency and consistency through this first half of the season posting a double double nearly every night out.
Averyk Woodson Averyk Woodson 6’1″ | CG Greater Beckley Christian | 2025 State WV goes off last week with a 25 point, 11 rebound game in a tough loss vs a talented Indy team. Woodson has a well above average skill and great floor presence. His Greater Beckley squad will certainly challenge for a spot in the state tournament in March.
Jase Smith Jase Smith 6’3″ | SF Bluefield | 2026 State WV makes a return to the report with a 17 pts 4 rebs 2 ast 3 steals posting vs Graham Virginia. Smith is starting to show he belongs in some recruiting talk despite only being a sophomore. Great length and skill, Smith is a long athletic guard college programs covet.
Braydun Ferris Braydun Ferris 5’11” | PG Tug Valley | 2026 State WV posted a 19 points 4 assists 3 rebounds statline vs Logan last week to get the Panthers to 7-0. Ferris has been nothing short of steady and special once again this season. No sophomore slump for Ferris.
Eli Patton
Eli Patton
Eli Patton comes in this week with four impressive performances. First 15 points vs Victory Baptist, second a 26 pts on 8-10 shooting from 3 vs Mount View, Next a 12 point and 9 rebound showing vs Jefferson Christian and finally a solid 10 points vs Mount Hope Christian. An impressive showing for a freshman regardless of class or division.