Tonight’s highly anticipated matchup between No. 2 Spring Mills and No. 4 Washington High lived up to the billing and then some. With Spring Mills entering the game short-handed due to the absence of their floor general and emotional leader Xavier Anderson, Washington saw an opportunity and wasted no time taking advantage.
The last time these two programs met, Anderson set the tone before the opening tip, rattling Washington with his intensity, trash talk, and physical presence. This time, his absence completely changed the atmosphere. Instead of playing tight or tentative, Washington looked free confident, aggressive, and in complete control. It felt like watching a kid enjoy recess with no bully on the playground.
Washington Sets the Tone Early
From the opening tip, Washington dictated the pace. They attacked offensively and locked in defensively, sending a clear message that this would not be a repeat of the earlier lopsided loss.
Josiah King was the engine on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he got whatever he wanted, consistently breaking down the defense and finishing strong. Defensively, he accepted the toughest assignment of the night checking one of the state’s most dangerous shooters and scorers, Akwasi Opoku-Achampong.
King’s defensive effort was nothing short of elite.
Defensive Masterclass on Akwasi Opoku-Achampong
Washington’s smothering defense completely erased Akwasi for most of the night. He was held to just 2 points on 1-for-5 shooting, and notably did not attempt a single shot in the first half. Three of his five attempts came late in the second half and were desperation looks created under heavy pressure.
This wasn’t just good defense it was a team-wide commitment to shutting down Spring Mills’ primary offensive threat.
The Impact of Anderson’s Absence
The absence of Xavier Anderson was felt on both ends of the floor. Without his leadership, physicality, and emotional edge, Spring Mills struggled to find rhythm, organization, and toughness when Washington made its runs.
It was reminiscent of the 2016 NBA Finals when Golden State lost Draymond Green for a pivotal game against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The structure, leadership, and edge just weren’t the same and Washington took full advantage.
History Made
When the final buzzer sounded, Washington walked away with a 12-point victory, cementing a win that will be remembered for years:
- ✅ First West Virginia team to beat Spring Mills since February 1, 2025
- ✅ Spring Mills’ first EPAC loss since the 2022–2023 season
- ✅ Washington’s first win over Spring Mills since the 2020–2021 COVID season
This wasn’t just a win it was a statement.
Washington didn’t just capitalize on an absence; they showcased discipline, preparation, and elite two-way basketball. And in doing so, they reminded the state that when opportunity knocks, championship-level teams answer.
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