'Maids Defeat Bucs
In Regional Action,
End Season 10-10

Lewis County High School Minutemaids Basketball player Lisa Hayhurst is pictured during recent action. The ‘Maids recently finished up their regular and tournament seasons with a final overall record of 10-10. (Photo by Missy Riley)

After defeating the Lincoln Cougars in their last regular season game, the Lewis County High School Minutemaids Basketball team entered WV State Regional Class AAA Tournament play this past week. The ‘Maids first opponents would be the long-time rival Lady Buccaneers from Buckhannon-Upshur. Lewis County would emerge victorious by a final score of 41-36.
“Winning any game is always a great feeling” stated Head Coach Gary Stout. “But, to do it against your natural rival in the first round of the Regionals is especially satisfying. The girls proved their toughness and resiliency throughout the game and really showed what they’re made of in the second half.”
In the second half, the ‘Maids outscored the Lady Bucs 29-19 en route to the victory.
Senior Minutemaid cager Tessa Golden led the team in scoring with 14 points, including one three-pointer made. Breanna Brown recorded eight points for Lewis County, while ‘Maids teammate Lisa Hayhurst was close behind with seven points scored. Brittany Montgomery and Kristi Goe rounded out the ‘Maids scoring with 6 points apiece.
The following night, on Tuesday, February 23, the Minutemaids would travel to Bridgeport to face the Lady Indians in continued Regionals action. Despite never giving up and always fighting on, the Lewis County cagers would eventually lose by a score of 34-71 and finish with an even 10-10 record for the entire season.
“What can you say?” asked Coach Stout afterwards. “Bridgeport’s ranked #8 in the state, an extremely talented squad that got hot, and this was just a season filled with many adversities for us as a team. Injuries, weather delays and other issues kept us from ever finding our true rhythm or potential all season.
“I’m just proud of all the girls that finished the season with us for never giving up and always working hard. This was a challenge for all of us. But, to finish 10-10 during such a season is a special achievement in itself.”
Against the Lady Indians, Lewis County’s Tessa Golden led the ‘Maids with 12 points and 2 assists. Lisa Hayhurst finished with 9 points for the Minutemaids, while teammate Kristi Goe finished with 7 points. Also scoring for Lewis County in the loss were Brittany Montgomery (4 points) and Stephee Gandee (2). Breanna Brown led the ‘Maids in total rebounds with six.
“Given all that we had to deal with, I thought we did very well as a team” summed-up Coach Stout on the season. “It took a lot of hard work and determination as individuals, coaches, and a team to finish where we did. It also took a lot from the parents, family members, fans, supporters, and administration.
“It may not go down in the record books, but I think it was still a season to be very proud of overall. I’m proud of all the girls for their hard effort and the many that supported and helped us throughout the season. It was a successful season in many ways.”

Minutemen Finish
Regular Season

Lewis County High School Minutemen Basketball player Corey Matheny is pictured in recent action. The Minutemen finished their regular season and entered Regional action this week. Results will be in next week’s edition. (Photo submitted)

On Monday, February 22, the Lewis County High School Minutemen Basketball team hosted the visiting Lincoln Cougars. Despite a close and hard fought battle, the Minutemen cagers would go on to suffer a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Cougars. Following an overtime period, the Minutemen would lose by a final score of 64-65.
“I felt we played really hard and really hung tough as a young team,” stated Head Coach Charles Simms. “But, we had key breakdowns at crucial periods of the game and could never quite get over the hump and put Lincoln away. We had our chances to win it in regulation and overtime, but we just missed too many free throws and lay-ups as a team to pull this one out.”
Minutemen cager Shawn Carlton led the team in scoring against Lincoln with 19 points. Mike Means registered 15 points for Lewis County, while teammate Colton Hall was close behind with 14 points scored. Brett Matheny (7 points), Corey Matheny (4), Trent Butcher (2), Nate Kemper (2), and Tyler Alderson (1) rounded out the scoring for the Minutemen.
The very next night on Tuesday, Feb.23rd, the Lewis County cagers once again found themselves the host team as they took on the Eagles of Robert C. Byrd. Despite leading after the first quarter, the Minutemen would eventually lose by a final score of 45-67.
“It’s hard to win any game when the opposing team attempts 21 more foul shots than you do,” remarked Coach Simms. “But, we’re a young, aggressive team and managed to stay close with them until the end. We’ll learn how to control our aggressive enthusiasm with more experience. When you’re a young team, it just takes time.”
Shawn Carlton once again led the Minutemen in scoring with 16 points. Also scoring for the Lewis County cagers were: Colton Hall (12 points), Mike Means (8), Anthony Montgomery (3), Brett Matheny (3), Nate Kemper (2), and Corey Matheny (1).
On Wednesday, Feb. 24th, the Minutemen basketball team hosted their third game in as many nights when they faced the Philip Barbour Colts. Despite another close contest, the Lewis County squad would go on to lose by the final score of 49-54 and finish their regular season with a record of 3-14.
“Once again, we had our opportunities. But, missed free throws and close baskets cost us the chance to win. I was proud that this young team never gave up, but we need to learn to finish and get over that hump.”
In the loss against the Colts, Lewis County’s Mike Means led the Minutemen with 16 points. Shawn Carlton had 12 points, while teammates Corey Matheny (9), Tyler Alderson (5), and Colton Hall (5) points also contributed for the Minutemen cagers.
This past Monday, the Minutemen basketball team was scheduled to face Buckhannon-Upshur in Regional Tournament action at the LCHS gymnasium. Game results were not available by this paper’s deadline. The winner of the game is scheduled to travel to face Bridgeport tonight, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Results from all Minutemen Regional action will be in next week’s edition.