Mountain State Hidden Gems

Almost Heaven is the nickname of a place with great basketball history. We can go back to “Zeke from Cabin Creek” or more affectionately “The Logo” Jerry West or more recently O. J. “The Juice” Mayo. Don't forget the country boys from Rand, Jason Williams and Randy Moss, that have a Nike commercial with the “Dukes of Hazzard” theme song. With an obvious numeric demographic discrepancy, West Virginia contains a small number of Division I athletes each year. That being said, you can drive all throughout these majestic mountains to find small town talent. Thanks to the current stage of video sharing, we can sometimes get right in the gym with them. Yet still, some amazingly skilled athletes have managed to go overlooked. Our work is to spotlight talent capable of the next level play at possible DII, DIII, or smaller athletically competitive institutions. Most recently, the West Virginia State High School boys basketball tournament showcased players that aren't on some radars. An eclectic peek at some of what I saw and where to find them.      Junior guard averaged 20 points per game during his most recent season. He can score at all three levels. He can finish multiple ways at the basket and take contact while scoring in the paint. His smooth mid-range pull-up shows his work in the gym. he knocks down the three-ball with consistency. In an offense that has equal opportunity, the ball finds him and he makes good decisions for his teammates as well.    We dig in North Central West Virginia to uncover Eli Ramsey of North Marion. I look forward to a great senior campaign from this kid.    The do-it-all wingman made his mark on both ends of the floor. Streaky shooter played clutch minutes in a double overtime AAAA championship game. Welch scored tough and-1 baskets late and knocked down key free throws at the end of regulation. With the ability to guard all 5 spots, the wing was utilized as a defense of stopper. Welch finished the game guarding the opposing full scholarship signed senior pg, giving him fits and stifling any attempts at penetrating. Stats are misleading as Welch makes play after play that won't show up on a stat sheet.    In the Capitol city you can find 6' 3” wingman [player_tooltip player_id='2434992' first='Kaden' last='Welch'] of George Washington High. This Swiss Army knife of a player made his mark on both ends of the floor.    Luke is an undersized guard that shows his basketball savvy in numerous ways. Knocks down the deep ball with consistency. Solid ball handler in pg relief roll. He will always be in the action for loose balls, poking he can't get to his teammates. Moves well without the ball and screens players much larger with effectiveness. His scoring role will increase in the future as the team loses his sibling to division I basketball.    We head to the northern panhandle of the state to find [player_tooltip player_id='2421837' first='Luke' last='Sancomb'] of Wheeling Central Catholic. More will be asked of him scoring-wise in the future with the team losing his upperclassman sibling to division 1 hoops.    This junior wingman did whatever was necessary to help his team win. Kai's size and athletic ability allow him extreme versatility all around the court. Can snag rebounds with command and confidence. Shows well-rounded decision-making as he handled the ball at times for a team with no true pg. He hit big shots from the arc in crucial moments. Although his stats won't stand out, he can put numbers in every statistical category.    South central West Virginia is where you can find utility player [player_tooltip player_id='2721129' first='Kai' last='Martin'] of Chapmanville Regional. Although his numbers won't stand out, trust he can score, assist, rebound and get steals.    About 30 minutes from the nation's capital in the eastern panhandle are numerous mines for Mountain State hidden gems. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='2855087' first='Chase' last='Jones'] plays with a court savvy only learned in pick-up games over the years with older players. Averaging 12 points per game, the rangy guard played heavy minutes on a team of upperclassman. No problem scoring at every level.    About 35 minutes away from the nation's capital in the eastern panhandle, you can find a plethora of the state's hidden gems. Spring Mills perimeter player [player_tooltip player_id='2855087' first='Chase' last='Jones'] will be a huge contributor to the Cardinal's success in the future.

Almost Heaven is the nickname of a place with great basketball history. We can go back to “Zeke from Cabin Creek” or more affectionately “The Logo” Jerry West or more recently O. J. “The Juice” Mayo. Don't forget the country boys from Rand, Jason Williams and Randy Moss, that have a Nike commercial with the “Dukes of Hazzard” theme song. With an obvious numeric demographic discrepancy, West Virginia contains a small number of Division I athletes each year. That being said, you can drive all throughout these majestic mountains to find small town talent. Thanks to the current stage of video sharing, we can sometimes get right in the gym with them. Yet still, some amazingly skilled athletes have managed to go overlooked. Our work is to spotlight talent capable of the next level play at possible DII, DIII, or smaller athletically competitive institutions. Most recently, the West Virginia State High School boys basketball tournament showcased players that aren't on some radars. An eclectic peek at some of what I saw and where to find them.