UNDER THE RADAR NAMES FOR POSTSEASON: A

Scott Strode March 2, 2025 @ 04:04 AM

Everyone knows most of the stars of the best teams, most people know most of the stars for the rest. But here's a list of names to look for during regionals and possibly state tournament of players who have largely flown under the radar but could be difference makers in big moments.   [player_tooltip player_id='2340982' first='Alexander' last='Lambert'] of Tucker County could present a challenge and be a player who steps up in a big moment when defenses are so geared towards [player_tooltip player_id='1412065' first='Trevan' last='Bonner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2382654' first='Garrett' last='Wilfong']. Lambert has a velvet shooting touch, is a great passer and has great shot selection.   [player_tooltip player_id='2390886' first='Isaiah' last='Sanders'] is the guy at St Joe's that nobody has warned you about but better get checked because when you're worried about [player_tooltip player_id='2531107' first='Noah' last='Keaton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2345856' first='Nymir' last='Bryant'], he's gonna sneak by ya and get bucket. Sanders was a contributor last year when a very young St Joe's team was in Charleston.   [player_tooltip player_id='2390881' first='Carson' last='Newsome'] is the guy at Tug Valley we think alot of folks are anticipating being the next deadly weapon. Tug doesn't necessarily have a dedicated scorer other than [player_tooltip player_id='1851879' first='Braydun' last='Ferris'], but even he spreads the wealth like nobody's business and that's what makes Tug Valley so hard for opponents to figure out.   [player_tooltip player_id='2382666' first='Mason' last='Scott'] of Cameron has never been a household name when it comes to hoops. The tough minded football receiver has taken that mindset to the hardwood and applied to his defense while using his athleticism and length to score on offense. Scott made a name for himself versus Ritchie County at the Snyder of Berlin Shootout at WV State taking them to the wire.   [player_tooltip player_id='2796289' first='Eli' last='Midcap'] is the guy at Magnolia who controls the paint. Luckily Magnolia has done a great job developing their scorers and Midcap doesn't need to do much of it. However, during these regionals he will have a clear size advantage over anyone they face and should pose a matchup problem.   [player_tooltip player_id='2337631' first='Gavin' last='Derby'] is an accomplished scorer and athlete at Valley, however most of WV isn't aware of him because of the recent struggles by the Lumberjacks in hoops. Regardless, Derby who will be a MEC conference track athlete will put up a big number in any of their regional games. You can bank on that.   [player_tooltip player_id='2332910' first='Braylon' last='Ward'] of Union District is a talented young player tucked away in an area that gets little basketball coverage. Ward gives his team a fighting chance in any game and does nearly everything but sell popcorn when the game starts.   [player_tooltip player_id='2425396' first='Jovante' last='Spencer'] has been described as the next great player in Beckley by some that I've spoken to. Much of the attention and press has been aimed toward [player_tooltip player_id='2241522' first='Drew' last='Fitzwater'] and for good reason, but Spencer has the makings of an incredible two way player and we could see him be a difference maker in the next couple weeks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2444043' first='Cale' last='Varney'] of Parkersburg Catholic has emerged as yet another weapon for the Crusaders and battling their way through the region I bracket they'll need his help most likely.

Everyone knows most of the stars of the best teams, most people know most of the stars for the rest. But here's a list of names to look for during regionals and possibly state tournament of players who have largely flown under the radar but could be difference makers in big moments.