Class of 2025 Fall Storylines

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Is Spring Valley ready to hit the big time?</strong> Bo Daniels' group captured a game in the state tournament last year, before they bowed out to eventual state champion Morgantown in the finals. What can Daniels and company do to follow up their run to the semifinal? How about making another run to the semifinals or beyond. Yes, the Timberwolves have the pieces to get back to Charleston. Now, they just need to put them all together. Two pieces already fit into their slots are two of the top 10 players in the class of 2025 in [player_tooltip player_id='384100' first='Dria' last='Parker'] [player_tooltip player_id='384101' first='Allie' last='Daniels']. These girls are as solid leaders as you would want to have on the floor. They are clear minded, goal-oriented and ready to get down to business. Along with [player_tooltip player_id='570278' first='Brooklyn' last='Ellis'], Haley Crum, and transfer [player_tooltip player_id='728706' first='Sophi' last='Hutchinson'], the Timberwolves have one of the rare starting fully loaded starting fives in the Mountain State. All five are threats to score and they all understand what it takes on the defensive end to get things done. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Are two private schools about to cause some chaos?</strong> With Huntington St. Joe welcoming back [player_tooltip player_id='382709' first='Lacee' last='Smith'] and Wheeling Central welcoming in transfer [player_tooltip player_id='342217' first='Kaitlyn' last='Blake'], two sleeping giants are on the verge of waking up. They won't be shaking any sleepiness out of their eyes, either. When they wake, it is going to be a gigantic roar. And, they should be awake this year. Heck, Central already stirred as they advanced to the state tournament one year, ago. So, where do they both go from here? The state tournament. Both groups have a solid starting five that are capable of generating points and they will overwhelm several teams they play on the journey to Charleston. Many teams, actually. Points will come in bunches, but the best part of these groups are their leaders. Smith and Blake make great leaders alongside others such as the Knights' [player_tooltip player_id='877304' first='Brooklyn' last='Edge'] and Irish's [player_tooltip player_id='570279' first='Ava' last='Gallion'] and Nico Kauffman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Is Washington ready to take another step?</strong> Spring Mills' transfer losses left a giant hole at the top of the East Panhandle's power structure. Can Washington fill the gap? It certain seems so. Led by Class of 2025 standouts [player_tooltip player_id='384119' first='Mary' last='Rivera'] and [player_tooltip player_id='387358' first='Lexi' last='Adams'], the Patriots are primed to take another giant step after they secured the school's first trip to the state tournament one year ago. With all but one player returning from that group, the sky is the limit for the Patriots. And under Rivera and Adams leadership, the team is in good hands. They will push their teammates, but pick the team up in those close contests. That combined with the team's strong approach to team ball means the Patriots are a strong contender out East. Don't be surprised if this group is in Charleston come May. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Albans IS a state championship contender </strong>- Don't sleep on the Red Dragons in Class AAAA. Fans and coaches should keep at least one eye on Rick Steele's team, or two as often as they can spare them. They have spent the last two years going through the fire of the MSAC, and now it is their turn to do some damage. Members of the Class of 2025 are going to have a big say in how far they climb, too. Annaneisha Johnson, [player_tooltip player_id='389208' first='Jaycee' last='Elzy'], [player_tooltip player_id='389206' first='Samyah' last='Riggan'], and [player_tooltip player_id='427094' first='Jaelyn' last='Vance'] have gathered up plenty of in-game experience and are likely ready to unleash what they know in a competitive MSAC. Overall, the entire group has the athleticism, right parts, and right role players that make me pencil them into my state tournament bracket before the beginning of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->