Boys
KEY LOSSES: Sal Dean, Brody Dalton, Isaiah Smith, Devon Workman, Landen Tomblin, Tucker Adkins
KEY RETURNERS: Zion Blevins, Sam Miller
Last season, the Chapmanville Tigers had an incredible season, ending in the school’s third Class AA state title. While many of the seniors are gone, head coach Brad Napier is hoping that last year’s experience combined with returning talent will help propel the Tigers back to Charleston and put them in a position to defend their crown.
First team all-state forward Zion Blevins is set to lead the Tigers. The 6’7″ Blevins is a walking double-double who can play on the perimeter in the post. Napier is looking for Blevins to be a more vocal leader and step up to replace the leadership lost from last season.
Sam Miller returns to the backcourt for the Tigers. Miller saw a lot of time last season and hit three huge 3-pointers in Chapmanville’s semifinal win over Bluefield. He’s a good defender and spot up shooter. Cam Blevins is a very quick guard who is a good shooter and is expected to see a lot of time.
Joey Gollihue is a transfer from Tug Valley who is a big time scorer. He’s long, athletic and also does a great job on the defensive end of the floor. He is currently learning Chapmanville’s system. Jett Baisden saw some playing time last year and offers the Tigers another good shooter.
In the frontcourt, the Tigers are big and versatile to go along with Blevins. Benji Adkins saw a lot of time as a freshman late last season and led Chapmanville in scoring in a couple of games. He can also play guard and is one of the best passers on the team. Trenton Adkins is a junior who has improved a lot and provides a physical presence around the basket. Drew Berry transfers back to Chapmanville after spending last season at Logan. He is strong but can also step outside and shoot the 3-point ball.
Sophomores Wesley Watts, Evan Whitt, Brayden Strange and Austin Adkins could also see some time this season.
The Tigers are one of the premier programs in the state. They’re at the point where they reload more than rebuild. Napier always has his group playing a tough schedule that prepares them for postseason play. Expect Chapmanville to make another run and be in the thick of it at season’s end.
GIRLS
KEY LOSSES: None
KEY RETURNERS: Alaira Evans
Last season, the Chapmanville Lady Tigers had a great season, capturing the sectional championship before bowing out in the regional round to eventual state champion Wyoming East. However, Chapmanville didn’t lose anyone due to graduation and looks to take the next step by making it to Charleston and competing for a state title.
The Lady Tigers run a positionless system but Haley Fleming serves as the closest thing the team has to a point guard and allows the offense to run through her. Daizi Farley is also back after a strong season last year.
Senior Alaira Evans returns to add some offensive fire power. Junior Brook Christian, sophomore Jaycee Blair, Jaiden Mahon and Chloe Thompson also come back to help lead a loaded roster. Defensively, Mahon will anchor the post.
Chapmanville will once again play a very difficult schedule to prepare themselves for the postseason where they will face many of the top teams in Class AA. The Lady Tigers play some of the best teams in West Virginia and other states this season. Chapmanville even plays a team from Australia this season.
Last season had a disappointing ending, but no team in Class AA is as experienced with quality players as Chapmanville. The Lady Tigers didn’t make it to Charleston but should be one of the favorites to make a run at the state title.
