Some things never change! Early in December Magnolia coach Dave Tallman told me he thinks he’s going to have a pretty good basketball team, but it might take a little while to get it all together due to a few players getting a late start.

The Blue Eagles dropped their first game of the season to John Marshall, then won their next four, before losing seven of the next nine. Since then they have won 10 straight and find themselves back in the familiar surroundings of the Charleston Coliseum where they will take on Tucker County on Thursday afternoon at 1 pm in an opening round quarterfinal game of the West Virginia state basketball tournament.

I watched them play the two regional games and they do look good. Coach always has them ready in time for tournament action. This is not the same team Tucker County beat back in January at the Rotary tournament in New Martinsville. The Blue Eagles are flying high and have a legitimate shot at moving through the field and reaching the finals. They are getting excellent play from their big men with Midcap, Greathouse, Shimp all hitting the boards and playing good defense.

The boys State Tournament has a long history dating back to 1914 when Elkins defeated Wheeling 28-13. Since that time tournament teams from Wetzel and Tyler Counties have made an appearance in state tournament play 51 total times and have won eight championships with Magnolia claiming four, 1961, 2000, 2003, and 2015. Paden City three in 1960, 1973, and 1987. Hundred with one in 1930.

Magnolia coach Dave Tallman was a member of the 1973 Paden City championship team coached by Hall of Fame coach Bob Burton. Under coach Burton, Paden City made the state tournament nine times, playing in the championship game five times, and winning two. Tallman has led the Blue Eagles to state 10 times including this year, and has won all three times they’ve made the championships, 2000, 2003, and 2015. The Blue Eagles are on a roll, let’s hope they can get another one.

The Blue Eagles first state championships under coach Tallman were in Class AA and came in 2000 with a 52-48 victory over Independence high school and 2003 with a 61-48 victory over Oak Hill. The 2015 Blue Eagles won over Wheeling Central 51-46 in Class A.

Speaking about high school basketball tournament action, have you followed the Monroe County, Ohio Seminoles (22-3) this year? They worked their way through the Ohio tournament to reach the D-1V Final Four where they met up with Kirkland high school (19-8) last Friday at Otterbein University with a state championship on the line. The Monroe County School took down five schools in easy fashion outscoring their opponents 330-209 along the way. On Friday they disposed of Kirkland in a hard fought battle 58-54 to land in the Championship game against Marion Local, the other semi-final winner on Saturday, March 22, at 2 pm, in Dayton, inside the University of Dayton Arena. You can bet Monroe County residents will fill the house.

Valley boys finished up their season with a 13-10 record following their loss to Magnolia last Wednesday. Coach Jeff Derby did a nice job with the Lumberjacks this season as he utilized his undersized team with quickness and pressure defense. Coach Derby’s son Gavin, a three sport All-State athlete hit for a game high 28 points in the loss to Magnolia including 17 in the fourth quarter despite being hounded all night by the Blue Eagle defense. They fell one win short of the state tournament. The Lumberjack’s last trip to Charleston came in 2001 following a trip in 1999. Both times they fell in the semi-finals.

Tyler Consolidated lost to number one ranked Williamstown in the Class AA Regional final at Williamstown, this was their third loss of the season to the Yellow Jackets. The Silver Knights ended with an 11-13 record which included six of their last nine games.

Driving around and checking things out I noticed there are a lot of golfers hitting the links. The weather last week was perfect to get back on the course. If the weather gets a little rough or wet don’t forget you can get some swings in downtown New Martinsville at the Meetinghouse indoor golf simulator located across from Riesbeck’s in the old Family Dollar Store.

Baseball, Softball, and Track are in full swing as schools are taking advantage of the warm weather to prepare for the start of regular season play today with Paden City softball and baseball both on the road at Ritchie Co. and Notre Dame, while Tyler Consolidated softball is opening up at So. Harrison. The rest of the week has games tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday. Check out today’s spring sports schedule in the Wetzel Chronicle and Tyler Star News. Sometimes the schedules change after publication, but these are what the WVSSAC website shows.

It looks like some of the schools are having a tough time fielding teams. Even the little leagues are finding it tougher and tougher to get kids signed up. I am not sure exactly what the problem is, but I do know some folks have indicated the cost of participation is just too much. I’ve also been told that the conduct of certain parents keeps kids from signing up. While those might and might not be the reasons, keep in mind the following poem.

“He Is Just a Little Boy”

He stands at the plate with his heart pounding fast.

The bases are loaded, the die has been cast.

Mom and Dad cannot help him, he stands all alone.

A hit at this moment would send his team home.

The ball meets the plate, he swings and he misses.

There’s a groan from the crowd, with some boos and some hisses.

A thoughtless voice cries, “Strike out the bum.”

Tears fill his eyes, the game’s no longer fun.

So open up your heart and give him a break,

for moments like this, a man you can make.

Please keep this in mind when you hear someone forget,

He is just a little boy, and not a man yet.

This poem by Chaplain Bob Fox is a heartfelt and relatable piece that captures the emotions and pressures of youth sports. It’s a great reminder for parents, coaches, and spectators to be supportive and understanding, especially during difficult moments. The poem’s message promotes empathy, kindness, and patience, something we need more of in today’s world. It encourages us to remember that these young athletes are still learning and growing.