The boys from Spring Mills are sitting at 14–2 overall and 6–1 in the EPAC, and once again look like a team built for March. But the road just got a little tougher.
Since losing WVU football signee Xavier Anderson to a finger injury, the Cardinals have gone 2–1. Add in the absence of starting guard Jayson “Huncho” Jones for a second straight game, and suddenly a deep, battle-tested squad is being asked to dig even deeper.
And the timing? It couldn’t be more interesting.
Spring Mills will face the surging Martinsburg Bulldogs in back-to-back matchups —February 20 at home and February 23 on the road. Two rivalry games. Two statement opportunities. And potentially two playoff-level atmospheres.
A Little History Adds Fuel
There’s more on the line here than just standings.
Martinsburg is looking for redemption after losing to Spring Mills in the first round of last season’s state tournament — a run that ultimately ended with the Cardinals cutting down the nets and winning the WVSSAC State Championship.
That memory doesn’t fade easily.
Rivalries are built on moments like that, and you can bet Martinsburg hasn’t forgotten.
Size Has Been the Cardinals’ Calling Card
For the past three seasons, Spring Mills has often dominated the EPAC with size and length. Former 6’7” standout Caleb Thomas set the tone inside, and current 6’6” Cardinal Xavier Anderson has continued that physical presence.
That size advantage has created matchup problems for just about everyone in the conference.
Now, with Anderson sidelined, that usual edge isn’t as overwhelming and that’s where this matchup shifts.
What Huncho’s Absence Means
Jayson Jones doesn’t just fill a spot in the lineup he impacts the game in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.
He takes on the opposing team’s top guard.
He eases ball-handling pressure.
He allows Fairmont State commit Akwasi Opoku-Achampong to operate more freely.
Without him, that responsibility shifts. Tyler Jones and Chase Jones will be asked to shoulder more of the load, both offensively and defensively. For a team chasing a third straight trip to the state championship game, this is where depth and discipline get tested.
Bulldogs Surging at the Right Time
Martinsburg is 5–2 in their last seven games and playing with urgency. They feel like they let one slip against Washington earlier this week, and teams often respond well after a close loss.
They’re led by dynamic point guard Boston Todd and dominant center Mikah Green and Green is an absolute force in the post. Size. Strength. Athleticism. He changes the geometry of the floor on both ends.
Right now, matchup-wise, this may favor Martinsburg. Spring Mills is thinner in the backcourt, and Martinsburg’s size and physical presence inside with Green present a real challenge.
The X-Factor: Shot-Making
Here’s the flip side.
If Tyler Jones and Akwasi get hot, Martinsburg could be in for a long night. Spring Mills has the ability to stretch the floor and score in bunches. When they’re confident and moving the ball, they’re tough to guard for four quarters.
But if Mikah Green establishes early post position and Martinsburg controls the tempo, it could swing the other way just as fast.
That’s what makes this matchup special.
It Comes Down to Adjustments
Basketball at this level isn’t just about talent it’s about adjustments.
How does Spring Mills defend the post without over-helping?
Can Martinsburg handle pressure if Spring Mills extends their defense?
Who controls pace late in the fourth quarter?
Back-to-back games make this even more intriguing. What works on February 20 may not work on February 23. Coaching chess matches are coming.
One thing is certain the atmosphere is going to feel like postseason basketball.
And I’ll be right there on the sidelines capturing every moment. Rivalry games like this? They’re why we love high school hoops in the Eastern Panhandle.
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