In a thrilling doubleheader at the St. Marys High School Invitational, the Blue Devils girls squad showcased their dominance with an 82-41 victory over Belpre, while the Golden Eagles boys team secured a hard-fought 56-53 win against Ritchie County. Both games highlighted exceptional individual performances and strategic teamwork that left spectators in awe.

A Night of Unmatched Excellence on the Court

The Girls Championship: A Blueprint for Success

The St. Marys girls team demonstrated why they are one of the top contenders this season. Addie Davis and Callie Powell were the stars of the show, combining for an impressive 50 points. Davis’s all-around game, scoring 27 points with five assists and steals, was instrumental in setting the tone early. The Blue Devils shot an efficient 51.9% from the field, while holding Belpre to just 27.8%.Coach Fred King emphasized the importance of starting strong, and his team delivered. They surged ahead with the first seven points and never looked back, leading 22-10 after the first quarter. By halftime, the score had ballooned to 37-21, and by the end of the third quarter, it was a commanding 60-33 lead. Brynnley Bulluck added 10 points and three steals, while Anna Bennett dominated the boards with 12 rebounds and provided stout defense. Gracie Bills led Belpre with 13 points, but turnovers plagued the Golden Eagles, who committed 18 compared to St. Marys’ nine. This championship performance solidified the Blue Devils' position as a formidable force.

The Boys Championship: A Comeback for the Ages

In the boys division, Belpre emerged victorious in a nail-biting 56-53 finish against Ritchie County. AJ Copen, a freshman, was the standout player, hitting seven 3-pointers and scoring a game-high 26 points. His clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the win for the Golden Eagles.The game saw several momentum shifts. Ritchie County initially took control, leading by as many as 11 points in the first half. Isaac Hodges, a junior, reached a career milestone by scoring his 1,000th point during the opening quarter. He finished with an all-around performance, contributing 15 points, 13 rebounds, five steals, four assists, and four blocks.However, Belpre mounted a comeback, cutting the deficit to two points by halftime. In the third quarter, Malik Currie and AJ Copen tied the game at 38-all. Carson Moore's three-pointer gave Belpre the lead, which they managed to hold despite Ritchie tying it up again in the fourth. Seth Cronin’s three-pointer briefly put Ritchie ahead, but the Copen brothers combined for the final six points, securing the win.

The Impact of Teamwork and Defense

Both championship games underscored the significance of teamwork and defensive prowess. For the Blue Devils, Coach King’s emphasis on defending their home court resonated with the players. Their ability to execute roles effectively and limit Belpre’s scoring opportunities was key to their dominant performance.On the boys side, Belpre head coach Ryan Leasure praised his team’s resilience and ball-sharing. Chris Copen, Haiden Tabler, and Malakai Ensor played crucial defensive roles against Hodges, one of West Virginia’s top players. Ensor, in particular, stepped up off the JV squad to provide significant minutes and defensive pressure.These victories not only highlight individual talent but also the collective effort that defines championship-caliber teams. As both squads look ahead to their next matchups, the lessons learned from these games will undoubtedly shape their future success.