In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Ritchie County’s junior standout Isaac Hodges continued his impressive run, leading the Rebels to a decisive 70-50 victory over Parkersburg Catholic on Tuesday night. Hodges contributed significantly with a double-double, scoring 36 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. This performance came just days after he achieved a career milestone of surpassing 1,000 points in his high school career. The game showcased not only Hodges' prowess but also highlighted the challenges faced by Parkersburg Catholic, who struggled to keep up despite a commendable effort from their players.

Isaac Hodges has been a force to reckon with this season. On Tuesday, he demonstrated why he is one of the most formidable players in the league. From the opening tip, it was clear that Hodges was going to be a key player. The Rebels quickly established a commanding lead, jumping out to a 9-0 advantage within the first two minutes. Hodges’ ability to score from both inside and outside the paint kept Parkersburg Catholic guessing. His teammates also played a crucial role, providing valuable support with timely baskets and solid defense. Rhett Johnson, Ritchie County’s point guard, was instrumental in adjusting to Parkersburg Catholic’s zone defense, calling plays and leading the charge.

Parkersburg Catholic, despite missing their leading scorer Leonardo DeAngelo, showed resilience. Coach Jim McLean praised his team’s effort, noting that they competed well for much of the game. Carter Nelson, Branson Lott, and Preston Randolph all scored in double figures, contributing 12, 11, and 11 points respectively. Nelson’s three-point shooting provided a spark, especially during a brief rally in the second quarter. However, the Crusaders struggled with shooting efficiency, particularly in the first half, where they managed only 32% from the field. Despite these challenges, Parkersburg Catholic made significant improvements in rebounding, a critical area that had plagued them in previous games.

The second half saw Ritchie County extend their lead even further. A pivotal 9-0 run midway through the third quarter widened the gap to 46-27. Coach Kenny Church credited Hodges for his leadership and work ethic, emphasizing how the star player’s dedication to basketball has elevated his game. Hodges, who recently focused solely on basketball by quitting football and track, exemplifies the commitment needed to excel at this level. His final points came from an agile spin move in the fourth quarter, after which he took a well-deserved rest alongside his starting lineup. The win improved Ritchie County’s record to 7-5 as they prepare for a tough matchup against unbeaten Doddridge County.

While Parkersburg Catholic faced another setback, dropping to 3-10, Coach McLean remains optimistic about the future. He believes the rigorous schedule will better prepare his team for the postseason. The Crusaders have shown flashes of brilliance, and with continued improvement, they aim to build momentum heading into the latter part of the season. For now, however, the spotlight remains on Isaac Hodges and Ritchie County, who continue to impress with each game.