The West Virginia Mountaineers fought back from a 58-44 deficit in the Rudy Mumley All-Star Boys’ Basketball Classic April 5, but fell a little short as Ohio prevailed 98-96 at Ohio University Eastern Campus Gymnasium.

Several players from Wetzel and Tyler counties participated in the All-Star festivities. including Jon Rine of Magnolia, Zach Perkey from Tyler Consolidated and Ricky Wright. In addition, Paden City Head Coach Fred King was assistant coach for the West Virginia team.

Perkey was outstanding for the Mountaineers, scoring 10 points and snatching several rebounds. Although Rine didn’t score, he caused havoc on the floor, forcing four Ohio turnovers, hijacking four basketballs and dishing out as many assists and and rebounds.

Wright didn’t score until the second half, making a move on a Ohio defender to score a bucket that brought down the house. Later, he fired off a signature threeball to knot the game at 96. He was set up to take the game winner, but Ohio stole the pass that sealed the deal for the Buckeyes.