BUCKHANNON — The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers opened their 2024-25 season with two victories, defeating Philip Barbour 44-34 before winning at Preston 62-55.

In the season opener against Philip Barbour on December 12, the Buccaneers controlled the game from the start. B-U took a 9-4 advantage in the first quarter and led 18-13 at halftime after an even second stanza.

The third quarter saw increased scoring from both teams, with B-U outpacing the Colts 17-16 to take a 35-28 lead into the final period. The Buccaneers closed out the victory by adding nine more points while holding Philip Barbour to six in the fourth quarter for the final 44-34 margin.

Jerin Westfall led all scorers with 20 points against the Colts, including several key baskets in the third quarter when Philip Barbour was attempting to rally. Brody McDaniels reached double figures with 11 points, while Xavier Robinette and Brody Jeran each contributed 5 points to the balanced attack. Jevin Westfall added 3 points to complete the B-U scoring.

For Philip Barbour, Malachi Poling paced the Colts with 8 points and Talan Stout added 7.

Five days later, the Buccaneers traveled to Preston County on December 17, where they earned a hard-fought 62-55 victory. Preston took control early with an 11-9 first quarter advantage but the Bucs fought back with a 16-14 rally in the second period and went into halftime tied at 25 apeice.

The Knights pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring B-U 17-6, but the Bucs rallied again with a 21-10 advantage in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime at 52-52. B-U controlled the extra segment, holding Preston to just 3 points en route to a 62-55 win.

Brody McDaniels led the way for B-U with 17 points against Preston, going 5-for-8 from behind the arc. Jerin Westfall followed with 13 points, including making 4 of 7 free throws. Jervin Westfall contributed 12 points, while Xavier Robinette added 10 points.

For Preston, Aiden Schmiell led all scorers with 20 points.