Bulldogs Survive Physical Playoff Battle Against University Hawks, Advance With 7-6 Victory

​The playoff atmosphere was electric as the Martinsburg Bulldogs hosted the University Hawks in a hard-fought lacrosse showdown that had intensity from start to finish. Both teams left everything out on the field in a game filled with momentum swings, physical play, and clutch moments.

The Bulldogs came out aggressive early, setting the tone with a fast 3-0 start that immediately energized the home crowd. From the opening whistle, Martinsburg played with confidence and physicality, refusing to let up.

Bulldogs standout Aiden Anders wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring the first goal of the game to get Martinsburg rolling. But his biggest moment came late in the fourth quarter when he scored again to give the Bulldogs a 7-5 lead with only a couple minutes remaining a goal that ultimately sealed the playoff victory.

To their credit, University never backed down. The Hawks battled their way back into the contest and continued to apply pressure until the final seconds, even scoring with just two seconds left on the clock. But the Bulldogs’ early dominance and timely execution proved to be enough to survive the late push and secure the win.

This was easily one of the most physical and chippy games I’ve photographed this season. Every possession mattered, every hit had meaning, and the playoff energy could be felt all around the field.

I’ve had the opportunity to cover two other Bulldogs lacrosse games this season after being booked by Aiden Anders for those contests, but this matchup may have been the best game of the three. The intensity, atmosphere, and competitiveness made this one unforgettable.

This was also my very first season capturing lacrosse photography, and after experiencing games like this, I already can’t wait for next season. Lacrosse has quickly become one of the most exciting sports I’ve photographed, and playoff lacrosse brings a whole different level of energy.

John Johnson
Owner & Sports Photographer
Man Of Blessings Photography

Lacrosse Action at Spring Mills – Photo Gallery Now Live

​This past weekend I had the opportunity to do something new behind the lens capture lacrosse for the first time at the Spring Mills Lacrosse Fest in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

As a sports photographer, I always enjoy stepping into new environments and learning the flow of different sports. Lacrosse was fast, physical, and full of energy, which made it a lot of fun to photograph. From quick stick checks to fast breaks and goal celebrations, there were plenty of great moments throughout the games.

I was able to capture action shots from several teams that participated in the scrimmage games during the event. It was great seeing athletes competing, working hard, and getting ready for the upcoming season.

Photo Gallery Now Available

The full gallery from the Spring Mills Lacrosse Fest is now live, and photos are available for viewing and purchase.

Players, parents, and fans can browse the gallery and download or order prints of their favorite moments from the day.

👉🏾 View the gallery here:

Lacrosse 🥍 Photos Gallery 

Whether you’re looking for a social media photo, a keepsake from the event, or a print to hang on the wall, there are plenty of action shots available.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, supported, or allowed me to capture the action on the field. I look forward to photographing more lacrosse games in the future.

If you’re looking for a photographer for sports, team events, or action shots, feel free to reach out.

Spring Mills Finishes the Job in Rematch Against Martinsburg

​After dropping the first matchup on Friday, February 20, Martinsburg came into the rematch looking to shift the narrative. Instead, Spring Mills Cardinals tightened their grip on the rivalry and pulled away for a convincing 73–48 win over the Martinsburg Bulldogs.

This one had energy from the opening tip and it never cooled off.

A Whistle That Set the Temperature

From the start, it was hard to tell whether the game would be called tight or loose.

A quick technical foul was issued to Xavier Anderson after he celebrated a play early on. From courtside, it felt like emotion more than excess  the kind of intensity you expect in a rivalry matchup. It briefly shifted momentum and raised questions about how tightly the game would be officiated.

At the same time, there were stretches where physical play was allowed on both ends  contact in the lane, hand-checking on drives, and bodies hitting the floor without whistles. That contrast forced both teams to adjust on the fly.

Looking at the full picture, though, the officiating crew did an outstanding job overall. With the high intensity and strong personalities on both sides, this game could have escalated quickly. Even with the early questionable technical, the referees maintained control and allowed the players to ultimately decide the outcome.

First Quarter – Thompson Leads the Charge

Martinsburg came out aggressive, leading 14–12 after one. Nykeem Thompson (No. 5) carried the Bulldogs in the opening quarter, attacking confidently and setting the tone offensively.

Foul trouble quickly became part of the storyline. Mikah Green and Boston each picked up two early fouls, limiting flexibility and affecting rotations.

Second Quarter – Cardinals Flip the Game

The momentum turned sharply in the second quarter.

At halftime:

• Martinsburg: 16
• Spring Mills: 35

Martinsburg managed just two free throws in the entire second quarter. Meanwhile, Spring Mills locked in defensively and began dictating tempo.

Anderson’s return from injury proved significant. Beyond the early technical, he made his presence felt in critical ways  drawing two charges that sent two Martinsburg players to the bench and altering multiple drives in the paint. His positioning and physical presence shifted the game’s rhythm.

Third Quarter – Separation

By the end of the third quarter, the lead had grown to 54–30.

Mikah Green was limited to 11 points, largely due to foul trouble and consistent defensive pressure. Spring Mills’ size and discipline continued to create problems.

Late substitutions  including bringing Mikah back in with under 1:30 remaining and Boston with about a minute left  stood out with the outcome largely decided.

Final – 73–48

Spring Mills closed out the rematch 73–48, outscoring Martinsburg 61–34 after the first quarter.

Rivalry games test composure as much as talent. This one had intensity, emotion, physical play, and momentum swings. In the end, Spring Mills controlled the game defensively and executed when it mattered most.

I was on the sideline capturing every sequence the emotion, the physical battles, and the moments that defined the night.

Cardinals Soar Past Bulldogs 84–59, Rematch Set for Monday Night

On 2/20/26, the Spring Mills Cardinals sent a loud message with an 84 - 59 win over the Martinsburg Bulldogs. Now the scene shifts to Martinsburg High School on 2/23/26, where the Bulldogs will look to respond on their home floor.

Spring Mills came into the matchup undermanned, missing two starters in Jayson “Huncho” Jones and Xavier Anderson. Anderson was suited up but never needed to check in—yet his presence was undeniable. You could hear him. You could feel him. The energy from the sideline matched the intensity on the floor.

And from the opening tip, the Cardinals were on attack mode.

They came out swinging knocking down shot after shot after shot. Akwasi, Tyler, Chase Jones, and a surprising spark in K’nes Stovall stepped up in a major way. Big plays. Big threes. Big momentum shifts.

As mentioned in my previous breakdown, if Akwasi and Tyler get going early, it’s going to be a long night for Martinsburg. That prediction proved accurate. Tyler capped off a dominant first quarter with a buzzer-beating three that electrified the gym and pushed the lead to 32–10 at the end of one. From there, Spring Mills never looked back.

To their credit, Martinsburg’s standout center Mikah Green finished with 19 points. But it was a quiet 19. By the time he found rhythm, the deficit was already overwhelming. Spring Mills executed a near-perfect game plan push the pace, stretch the floor, and apply relentless defensive pressure. They limited easy touches for Green and forced Martinsburg into uncomfortable possessions. Without consistent offensive help around their big man, the Bulldogs struggled to keep pace.

The Cardinals didn’t just win they dictated every aspect of the game.

Now all eyes turn to Monday’s rematch. Martinsburg will undoubtedly want to avenge that loss, especially on their home court. The key question becomes adjustment. How do they slow down the perimeter scoring of Spring Mills? How do they establish Green early and make him a true focal point before the game gets away from them?

It also becomes even more intriguing with the likely addition of missing piece Xavier Anderson. If he returns to full action, that adds length, versatility, and another scoring threat to an already explosive Spring Mills lineup. That changes matchups. That changes rotations. That changes everything.

Expect a different level of urgency from the Bulldogs. Pride will be on the line. But if Spring Mills brings the same shooting confidence, defensive tenacity, and now adds back Xavier Anderson to the mix, this rematch could feel very different from the opening tip.

I’ll be there on the sidelines capturing the intensity, the adjustments, and the emotion of this rivalry matchup through the lens.

Monday night should be intense.

Cardinals Tested at the Right Time: Spring Mills vs. Martinsburg Round I & II

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.