This looks to be quite a season for Chapmanville on the hardwood. One team is a perennial contender while the other is hoping to take that next step forward.
The Lady Tigers were a young bunch last year. This year, they’re head coach Kristina Gore’s team is still young but with slightly more experience. Coming off a 9-13 season, Chapmanville will hope to reach the next level with its talented group.
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS – Chapmanville only lost one starter this season, so everyone returns. 6’0″ junior Jaiden Mahon is really active on both ends of the floor. Her ability to shoot from the outside helps to stretch opposing defenses. Sophomore Daizi Farley will also provide and outside scoring threat. She should have more confidence with a year under her belt. Sophomore point guard Haley Farley should also have more confidence after being thrust into the roll of starting point guard as a freshman. She’s a ball distributor who could find opportunities going to the rim. Junior Chloe Thompson adds length and shot blocking on the defensive end. She also will look to take some outside shots. Sophomore Brooke Christian will crash the boards and add support on the offensive end. Junior Alaira Evans transferred in from George Washington. She will add a strong game on the inside and outside for the Lady Tigers.
KEY LOSSES – The Lady Tigers come in with the fortunate position of only having lost one starter from last year’s team. Claire Dingess provided valuable senior leadership last year and will be missed this upcoming season.
FINAL THOUGHTS – Chapmanville is still very young, but the youth already has some good experience. Without a senior on the squad, the Lady Tigers are in position to compete in their section and possibly beyond for the next couple of seasons.
Coach Brad Napier has turned the Chapmanville Tigers into perennial state title contender. The Tigers won the title in 2018 and 2019. They would love nothing more than to add another trophy in 2023, and they have the pieces to make a run at the crown..
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS – WVU baseball commit Brody Dalton is the returning leader and captain for Chapmanville, Zion Blevins comes into the season as the top ranked big man in the Mountains. He has worked on his speed and agility. He was also dunking on everyone over the summer. Isiah Smith is one of the best perimeter defenders in the Mountains and can also knock down a three pointer when called on. Devin Workman is a returning starter who defends well and comes up big in the clutch. The Tigers made a splash in the offseason when “Swaggy” Sal Dean transferred from Belfry to join Coach Napier’s squad. Dean is a three level scorer and will help add leadership in the locker room alongside Dalton.
KEY LOSSES – Starter Colton Craddock departed after last season. Outside of that, the Tigers have a lot of talent left.
FINAL THOUGHTS – Chapmanville has turned into a powerhouse and looks to be ready to go after its third state title. Napier’s squad should be a nightmare for most teams to handle. Expect the Tigers to be a factor all season as well as favorites to cut the nets down in Charleston.
