Published: January 08, 2009 12:18 am      

Keyser pulls away from Northern, 58-33

KEYSER, W.Va. — The game was close early, but a strong defensive effort in the second quarter broke the game open as fourth-ranked Keyser defeated Northern 58-33 Wednesday evening at Keyser High School.

After leading 10-6 after one quarter, Keyser held Northern scoreless for more than five minutes in the second to open up a 20-11 lead by halftime. In the second half, Keyser was just too quick and athletic for Northern as it continued to widen the lead to 40-26 entering the fourth quarter before taking the 25-point win.

Jeremy Green’s double-double led Keyser with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Preston Hartman had 13 rebounds to go with his seven points. Matt Wilmer was solid all around with seven points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Maverick Nelson was also in double figures for the Tornado with 13 points.

Thomas Holtschnieder led Northern with eight points.

Keyser also won the JV game 62-43. R.C. Pratt led Keyser with 16 points, and Cody Humberson had 18 for Northern.

Keyser (4-2) will be on the road Friday against Berkeley Springs. Northern (4-5) hosts Frankfort on Saturday.

Jefferson 83

Hampshire 49

ROMNEY, W.Va. — A 27-point second quarter was too much for Hampshire to overcome in its loss to No. 4 and undefeated Jefferson Wednesday evening at Hampshire High School.

The Trojans, which held a two-point, 19-17 lead at the end of the first period, couldn’t keep up with the state’s fourth-ranked Class AAA Cougars in the second as Jefferson (5-0) ran to a 44-24 halftime lead and cruised in the second half.

Garrett Grantham led all Jefferson scorers with 17 points. Dewey McDonald added 15 and Nick Zbikowski had 12.

Hampshire (2-4) was paced by Robby Miller’s and Will Hughes’ 14 points each. Hughes and Miller combined for 15 rebounds with Hughes pulling down eight.

Jefferson also won the junior varsity game, 67-46. Alan Milbourne scored 15 points for the Cougars while Hampshire’s Bryan Wesson finished with 10.

Hampshire hosts Mountain Ridge Friday.