BLACKSVILLE, W.Va. — The perfect storm has been brewing for a long time in Blacksville, and it’s finally arrived with the Clay-Battelle boys’ basketball team.
The Cee-Bees have struggled to put up consistent winning seasons over the last five years — the last time they reached the state tournament was a semifinals appearance in 2014. Despite losing seasons and early postseason departures, a foundation was established, and now, a veteran group has its sights set on getting back to Charleston.
As the regular season winds down, C-B enters the final stretch at 15-4, and it’s a group of senior and junior veterans who are leading the charge. Over the previous two seasons, the Cee-Bees have only lost two seniors — Gunner Brummage and Noah Lemley in 2018 and none in 2019.
That means the entire team was back this season from a year ago — a 12-11 campaign — and the growing pains have
turned into chemistry and cohesiveness.
“Experience builds confidence, and having a group of upperclassmen with a lot of experience has helped us bring our play to the next level this season,” coach Josh Kisner said. “With that experience, they also understand how the program works and that gives them an opportunity to become a leader with their actions and the underclassmen follow suit, which has led to a successful season thus far.”
The Cee-Bees feature three seniors and two juniors in the starting lineup, and the first few off the bench includes a senior and two juniors.
Of the senior starters, Levi Carrico, Seth Casino and Coltin Barr have played with one another since second grade. A benefit of playing for a small-town Class A program is playing together for years through rec league and other school teams.
“I think we’re finding success because all of us have played together for so long and we trust each other on the court so much,” Carrico said. “We wouldn’t get anywhere without teamwork and we’re working as a team this year. We’ve been going to the same school for as long as I can remember. We’ve always played basketball together or against each other since we were just kids.”
Complementary styles have also helped the senior trio get the Cee-Bees to this point. Casino, along with junior Chase Ammons, solidify the backcourt, Carrico is on the wing, while Barr and junior Mojo Chisler are in the post.
It’s a balanced offensive attack with Barr, Carrico and Casino all scoring in double figures, but the main goal is to work the ball inside to Barr. It’s worked pretty well — Barr is averaging 21.8 points per game.
“Most of my points come from battling in the paint,” Barr said. “I work for offensive rebounds and moved at the post. My teammates work hard to get me the ball inside when I have a mismatch.”
C-B will end the regular season with two home games next week. It will host Cameron at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and will host Madonna at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
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