Martinsburg Bulldogs' season preview

MARTINSBURG - Martinsburg Bulldogs' head coach Ronnie Fitzpatrick's group finished the 2025-26 year in Charleston, just not in the position they hoped to be in. A young Bulldog team fell to eventual Class AAAA state runner-up Parkersburg South 59-46 in the quarterfinals at The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. After the loss, the Bulldogs said goodbye to all-state second-team player Tianna Sanabria. Fortunately, the Bulldogs have returning talent to help them return to the final games of the season. Here are the girls who are interested in playing at the next level, who will help contribute to the orange and black's ultimate objective.    King understands the game of basketball. Very well. Her high basketball IQ has set her apart among returning sophomores. It has allowed her to be very valuable to the Bulldogs early in her high school career. She's a pure point guard who looks to set up for her teammates first. She is a defensive bulldog (no pun intended), who will challenge anyone on the court all day long. Her confidence comes from her ability to read a defense and quickly process any information. Coaches can share any bit of information they need to with her and she remembers it. Her nickname from the MHS staff is "Assistant" because she isn't afraid to share her often correct insight with coaches in offensive and defensive situations. Right now, she's a two-level scorer. If she hopes to play at the next level, that will need to become a three-level scoring ability. Coaches may need to contact her soon. She is an elite setter on the Bulldogs' volleyball team.       Rivas has all the physical gifts to play Division II and III basketball. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that she has offers from schools in those divisions. What is her greatest strength? Ironically, her strength. She squats 285 and benches 185. She has shown the tremendous ability to grow in her game these last few years. She puts in the work everywhere. She can play the 2 through 5 spots. Her scoring bag consists of all three levels, including a back-to-the-basket game. Because of her strength, I could see college teams wanting her as a 3, who occasionally goes inside to create a little havoc with her gifts.     Lomax has the solid makings of a traditional stretch 4. Oh yes. Her footwork needs to be faster, but she and the Martinsburg coaches are working on it. Even without the fast footwork, her skills have allowed her to impress in the post. Equipped with a drop step, spin move, a developing hook shot, and very soft hands which have allowed her to hit shots from the foul-line extended and corner, she will factor in as a large part of the Bulldogs' hopes this season. Lomax would be great in multiple offenses in college. West Virginia fans or coaches who haven't seen her play but would like an idea of who she reminds me of the most should look to former Huntington Highlander Amara Jackson, who now plays for the NCAA Division II Thomas More Saints.     Wymer is a fast and competitive guard who could thrive in transition and in an offense where she can create a little chaos with her speed. She has D-1 speed. She's quick enough that she can get away with going to her left even when teams try to stop her. Just in case, she can go to her right just as easily. Her soft hands allow her to consistently nail valuable teardrops and floaters. Her range right now is at two levels - at the basket and mid-range. Her preference is to distribute and play great on ball and off ball defense, but coaches can count on her to step up and score when the need exists.     Prout is an athlete. Yes. She runs the court like a deer. Her upside as a stretch four at the next level is extremely high if she is in the right system. Her current bag consists of a strong, strong post game where she is allowed to be an athlete and make plays. Her perimeter defense is strong for her size. I can't wait to see this kid grow even more over the course of her senior season.       Watch out, folks. This young lady looks poised to introduce herself to the high school basketball scene in a big way. Thanks to a physical, athletic approach, she is going to be in the mix for a Bulldogs' fifth starting spot jam-packed with competitors. She will have to use her entire bag in her attempt to claim the spot. Right now, that bag consists of the ability to guard 1s, 2s, and 3s, her ability to be a knockdown shooter, and her ability to handle the ball. I could see her becoming a 2 at the next level, possibly a 3.

MARTINSBURG - Martinsburg Bulldogs' head coach Ronnie Fitzpatrick's group finished the 2025-26 year in Charleston, just not in the position they hoped to be in. A young Bulldog team fell to eventual Class AAAA state runner-up Parkersburg South 59-46 in the quarterfinals at The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. After the loss, the Bulldogs said goodbye to all-state second-team player Tianna Sanabria. Fortunately, the Bulldogs have returning talent to help them return to the final games of the season. Here are the girls who are interested in playing at the next level, who will help contribute to the orange and black's ultimate objective.