Top-ranked, defending state champion Buckhannon-Upshur will host the second annual Bonnie the Buccaneer Beatdown Saturday, featuring 26 teams and many of the state’s top female wrestlers despite the host’s seven-wrestler roster.
The latest Hank Ellis All-Stars are Lady Buc sophomore Madelyn Tucker and Buccaneer senior Jerin Westfall. Tucker powered B-U to a perfect 2-0 week, while Westfall tallied his 1,000th career point.
Buckhannon-Upshur’s girls won six events (four individual, two relays) and the boys one on Senior Night, then the girls placed fifth and boys sixth at a nine-team/ seven-team make-up before the Big 10 championships.
Buckhannon-Upshur moved up to eighth in the WVSACA poll at 8-3 after a 1-1 week, earning 36 points and preparing to face Class AAAA No. 6 University and Class AAA No. 6 East Fairmont.
Allie Key’s 16 points and 11 rebounds and strong bench play helped Buckhannon-Upshur beat Sissonville 57-44 for their second win of the season, with Madelyn Tucker and Aubrey Key adding 11 each.
Plan your week with the Upshur County Sports Calendar for Jan. 19–25, featuring basketball matchups for Buckhannon-Upshur, Bridgeport, and West Virginia Wesleyan. Wrestling and swimming also hit the schedule, with several home events and start times listed.
Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette have been named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in wrestling and basketball.
Senior Jerin Westfall hit the 1,000-point mark and powered No. 9 Buckhannon-Upshur past Wheeling Park, 67-57, with a 34-point, 15-rebound double-double. The Bucs never trailed, fended off a late Patriots rally, and closed strong to seal the key non-conference win.
Madelyn Tucker and Emma Pingley powered Buckhannon-Upshur to its first win of the season, a 58-43 Big 10 victory over Robert C. Byrd, each posting a double-double. Tucker had 20 points and 13 rebounds, Pingley added 16 and 13 as the Lady Bucs pulled away late.
“We came out flat and tired, and I think some frustration occurred during the game,” stated Buckhannon-Upshur head coach Alicia Lentz. “Sometimes we have these amazing spurts, but we have to put together 32 minutes.”
