Week 8 Top Performers: Small School
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After a week of weather delays, cancellations and postponed events, we come roaring back with Top Performers report. Some of the usual cast of players but as always, we’re looking for those new and unknown players that need the state…
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Continue ReadingAfter a week of weather delays, cancellations and postponed events, we come roaring back with Top Performers report. Some of the usual cast of players but as always, we’re looking for those new and unknown players that need the state to know who they are and where they play. Going into the season’s second half we’re starting to see a pack of scorers standout and stand alone as well as guys getting it done all over the floor on both ends. This week’s report is so massive we’re changing the layout to accomodate.
Top Performers at the event we attended in week 8 led their respective teams to wins. Brady Strode Brady Strode 6'2" | SG Tyler Consolidated | 2025 State WV put on a 22 point 13 rebound performance to beat regional rival Valley Wetzel. Hayden Pyles Hayden Pyles 6'4" | CG Magnolia | 2024 State WV poured in 20 points to lead the Blue Eagles over Brooke while his sidekick Kingston Christen Kingston Christen 5'11" | CG Magnolia | 2026 State WV dropped 16 to add to the total and pull away from the AAA Brooke Bruins. Both Pyles and Christen are potential next level players with interest in Pyles being soon.
Jeremy Phillips Jeremy Phillips 6'1" | CG Frankfort | 2026 State WV put on his usual performances during week 8 dropping 20 in a win vs Notre Dame and 22 vs. Berkley Springs. Phillips has been sure and steady all season for Frankfort. Ashton Gute Ashton Gute 5'7" | PG Cross Lanes Christian | 2024 State WV continues to terrorize the WVCAT with two outstanding performances with 18 points and 19 points respectively. Gute has been one of WV’s most steady performers this season.
Ethan Rosenau Ethan Rosenau 6'2" | SG Tucker County | 2024 State WV from Tucker County High School dropped 24 against Southern and 18 vs Gilmer in week 8. You may recognize the name, Rosenau was the QB for the Mountain Lions football team that he led deep into the playoffs. Rosenau is also one of Tucker’s top players on the diamond.
Kam’ron Gore Kam’ron Gore 6'1" | PG Bluefield | 2024 State WV led the Bluefield squad with 22 points in a huge win vs Shady Spring. Teammate RJ Hairston RJ Hairston 6'3" | PF Bluefield | 2024 State WV added 19 points and 10 rebounds. Gore we believe is a next level guard and will get some eyes on him by season’s end. Hairston is a D2 level football recruit and what we’d consider one of WV’s top multi-sport athletes.
Maki Cary Maki Cary 5'10" | PG Teays Valley Christian | 2025 State WV has absolutely dominated the hardwood since week one and hasn’t let up. Leading a very talented Teays Valley squad against a super challenging schedule Cary has continued to pour in a average of 28/game and added 25 vs AAAA St Albans. Cary only a 2025 will have huge interest going into next year.
Cole Lambert Cole Lambert 6'0" | SG Wyoming East | 2024 State WV who’s received offers from D2 Concord University as well as D3 Waynesburg, continues his dominance in the coalfield gyms. Lambert put on some clinics in week 8 including a 26pts, 9asts, 83% FG, 6/7 from 3 performance vs. Summers County, another 20 pts, 4asts, 3rbds, and 15pts 3asts, 4rbds vs Mingo Central on back to back nights. Lambert is heating up down the stretch.
Brayden Helmick Brayden Helmick 6'6" | C Notre Dame | 2026 State WV , one of WV’s top small school post players and most consistent in the stat filling efforts, once again brought his A game vs South Harrison with19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 assists while averaging a double double for this season. Helmick will have a chance to turn some heads when he visits some gyms in AAU season.
Trevan Bonner Trevan Bonner 6'0" | CG Tucker County | 2025 State WV , arguably WV’s top small school guard in many eyes, showed once again why he might be worthy of that label while posting 22 points in a victory over AA Trinity. Bonner is a relentless scorer and deadly threat from deep. The 2025 will likely light up the civic center in March with many recruiting eyes watching.
Marshall Dorado Marshall Dorado 6'0" | CG Mount Hope Christian Academy | 2027 WV of Mount Hope Christian makes his debut on the TP report with 20 points vs Cross Lanes Christian. Dorado isn’t a household name in WV yet but soon will be. Look to hear lots about him this spring/summer AAU season as well. A very promising young player in the 2027 class.