West Liberty fell in the quarterfinals of the Elite Eight in Division II basketball held in Evansville, Indiana this year bringing to an end an incredible season for the Hilltoppers with a record of 30-5. It was the eighth time that coach Ben Howlett’s Toppers have made it to the Elite Eight with previous appearances in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2023.

You probably remember the excitement generated locally by the 2023 season that had the Toppers battling for the national championship facing the Nova Southeastern Sharks, coached by former West Liberty head coach Jim Crutchfield. It also marked the eighth straight time the Hilltoppers have won the Mountain East Conference championship under the direction of head coach Ben Howlett who achieved his 200th career win faster than any other coach in school history. As a result, Howlett was named the Atlantic District Coach of the Year. A well-deserved honor!

Coach Howlett and his wife Jess are also the proud parents of their first child, Maddie, a busy toddler that usually makes an appearance at the Topper games. As everyone knows, a new baby can completely transform lives, perspectives and priorities! Just ask grandparents Paul and Margo Howlett. (Paul is a native of Sistersville while Margo grew up in New Martinsville.) Before their granddaughter was born, they would simply sit and follow the games closely, watching the intense competition. Now they find themselves pacing the floor around the court, doing a balancing act to keep Maddie entertained. Luckily Maddie is a beautiful little girl who loves being around people, and with so many supporters in attendance who know her, there’s never a shortage of friendly faces eager to interact. As part of her new pregame tradition proud Granddad Paul takes Maddie down to the bench to fist-bump her dad, Coach Ben Howlett, and the other coaches before the game begins. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Two Tyler Consolidated basketball players have earned a spot on the 2024-2025 Class AA All State Honorable Mention Team. Brady Strode and Brody Giovinazzo claimed this honor as they led the Silver Knights in scoring and assists during the recent campaign. Congratulations to both on great seasons.

The Silver Knights wrestling team recently held their annual banquet, bidding farewell to six standout seniors: Colsen Spragg, Branson Winfrey, Nate Deaton, Gabe Glover, Mariah King and Sofia Corso. The night was filled with celebration as several wrestlers were honored for their remarkable achievements this past season.

On the girls’ team, Eliana Winfrey stole the spotlight as she was recognized for her state championship, while Chloe Dutton earned praise for her impressive sixth-place finish at states. The entire girls’ wrestling team took a bow for their outstanding 14th-place finish overall. Individual honors went to Mariah King for most major decisions, Miya Johnson for most four-point near falls, Camryn Westbrook for most reversals and tech falls, and Arianna Heartline for most takedowns and escapes.

On the boys’ side, Colson Sprague and Branson Winfrey shared the spotlight with 39 wins each, with Branson finishing fourth and Colson finishing fifth in the state. Colson also etched his name into Silver Knights history as the all-time wins leader with an astonishing 102 career victories. Other honorees included Gideon Winfrey for most reversals and Kellan Dalrymple for most near falls. It was a night to remember for the Silver Knights, honoring dedication, hard work, and a legacy of excellence on the mat!

Hopefully, this is the last time Darren DeVries’ name appears in my Press Box in a discussion about West Virginia basketball. The way he used the Mountaineer program–and Athletic Director Wren Baker–left a sour taste in the mouths of fans, and if history tells us anything, West Virginians don’t forget quickly. Just ask Rich Rodriguez.

But yesterday brought a new chapter. Ross Hodge was introduced as the next head coach of the Mountaineers, and his first impression was exactly what the fan base needed. He didn’t talk about using WVU as a stepping stone. He didn’t hint at aspirations beyond Morgantown. Instead, he spoke about commitment, about building a home, and about appreciating the opportunity he’s been given. He talked about the facility and the excitement generated having the home field advantage of the Coliseum. He was humble. He was clear about his values–hard work, loyalty, and an understanding of the people who make West Virginia basketball special.

Of course, words only go so far. In the end, what matters is winning. Hodge can say all the right things, but the true test will come on the court. If he can bring success back to the Coliseum, he won’t need to look for a bigger brand–because West Virginia basketball will be one.