February 2, 2013
Buffalo still trying to measure up
Boys basketball notebook
Page 2 of 2
Chip Ellis
Despite standing just 6-foot-1, Buffalo's Dylan Rich (shown defending Fayetteville's Zach Semple) gets the job done under the basket.
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"Those are about our only two big guys,'' said Mohigans coach Tom Yester. "We're pretty decent with them, but we'll limp along without them. It's not going to be quite the same. Both were playing well.''

The Mohigans (13-2) have been ranked as high as No. 2 in the state poll.

The 6-8 Adrian, who's averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds, might return if Morgantown is able to qualify for the state tournament March 13-16 at the Charleston Civic Center, and if his injury heals sufficiently.

"He's swimming already,'' Yester said recently, "but it would be very difficult [for him to return].

"First, we have to make it without him and now we don't have Austin. It'll be hard to rebound without those two. It makes a lot of difference. Austin's 6-4, but he played 6-6. Plus, we're not going to do anything that might jeopardize [Adrian] in the long term. And even if he can return, he's not going to be in condition.''

Misery loves company

South Charleston, the state's No. 1 AAA team, finds itself - temporarily - in the same position as Morgantown, minus two inside players.

Senior Hunter Moles, a starter, missed Wednesday's game at Cabell Midland with a broken bone in his face. He is being fitted for a protective mask to wear during upcoming games. Meanwhile, junior Kevin Williams, a key reserve, is sitting out an indefinite suspension.

In their absence against Midland, the Black Eagles gave more playing time to freshmen Brandon Knapper and Kentre Grier and junior Tre Clark.

"When Hunter comes back, he'll have to get his wind back,'' said SC coach Vic Herbert, "so we may only use him for three-, 31/2-minute stretches. But he'll get to play when he's ready.

"For our other guys, all I can say is you'd better get back here. We've got depth. We've got guys who can play. Get back or you'll be the 10th or 11th guy.''

Fast breaks

 

  • Capital update: The oh-so-close Cougars (7-10 overall) are now 5-5 in games decided by four points or less or in overtime. They've played five OT games this season.
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  • Cardinal sin: Wayne is 0-8 in games in the competitive Cardinal Conference, which has three ranked AA teams, but the Pioneers are 4-2 in nonconference games.
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    Reach Rick Ryan at 304-348-5175 or rickr...@wvgazette.com.

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