Martinsburg, W.Va- It’s a good year to be a Bulldog basketball fan. The Martinsburg girl’s basketball team (15-2) is undefeated in conference play, having claimed an EPAC regular season title under second year head coach Ronnie Fitzpatrick.
“You get a group of kids together over the summer and you can see their potential and you know if you’re able to bring this all together it can click in the right moments.” Fitzpatrick said.
The Lady Bulldogs have not lost a game since January 13th, and have held 8 consecutive opponents under 40 points.
“I’ve talked about it all year with our defensive prowess.” Fitzpatrick said. “The girls really adapt into the things we like to do, we control the boards then start to execute on the offensive end. In our player development, they’re starting to believe and trust in each other which has helped us offensively.”
Despite an unblemished conference record, Martinsburg still expects stout competition in postseason play.
“Washington’s guard play is phenomenal, Musselman’s youth and length is as well. Hedgesville’s growth from last year to this year is tremendous. Coach Hessen has got Spring Mills playing great ball and Jefferson only lost to Spring Mills by a point.” Fitzpatrick said. “Contrasting style of teams that you really need to prepare for, we all play defense and that should translate down to Charleston.”
Martinsburg has relied on their depth with 7 players averaging over 4 points per game. The Lady bulldogs also possess a pair of 6 foot + forwards in Kaydance Bradley and Addyson Strovel who’s ability to protect the rim allow Bulldog guards to be more aggressive defensively.
“We need to pressure while still knowing we have great defense at the basket.” Fitzpatrick said. “They’ve learned to keep their hands up and not swat as much. That allows the guards to put pressure knowing that they have their back.”
Not to be outdone by their female counterparts, the Bulldog Boys basketball team (13-4) has also staked a solid claim in conference play winning 6 of 8 EPAC matchups.
Martinsburg is coming off a brutal stretch of 7 games in 10 days. Martinsburg went 6-1 over those games including a victory over #6 George Washington at the Par Mar shootout.
“That’s a lot of basketball, especially with the style we play.” Head coach Dave Rogers said. “Our kids are starting to play really well, our defense has carried us, those shots are starting to fall as well.”
The Bulldogs have gone through changes in their starting lineup, moving shooter Jackson Steen into the starting 5, and dropping freshman phenom Jasiah King to the bench, who is still playing starters minutes.
“You’re constantly looking for ways to better your team. I know people get hung up on who starts the game but it’s not who starts it’s who finishes the game.” Rogers said. “We substitute based on what we need.”
Martinsburg also boasts junior forward Anthony Owunna, who may be the most improved player in the EPAC from the start of the season.
“He has worked so hard, everything he gets is deserved.” Rogers said. “He just wants to be good.”
Martinsburg is projected to play Hedgesville in an elimination sectional semi final. The Bulldogs won both of their regular season matchups against the Eagles.