All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Basketball ‘Cats selected 11th in MEC preseason poll

BRIDGEPORT – After advancing to the NCAA Division II National Title game a season ago, West Liberty has been voted preseason favorite to win the 2023-24 Mountain East Conference Men’s Basketball Championship, following a vote of the league’s 11 head coaches.

The preseason poll was announced on Wednesday afternoon prior to the league’s annual media day at Bridgeport Conference Center.

West Liberty received eight first-place votes and 98 points during preseason balloting. Under head coach Ben Howlett, the Hilltoppers went 33-4 a season ago, winning the MEC Regular Season and Tournament Championships. West Liberty also won the NCAA Atlantic Regional at IUP and advanced to the national title game in Evansville, Indiana, eventually falling to Nova Southeastern in the championship game.

In 2023-24, the Hilltoppers return senior guard Christian Montague, junior forward Ben Sarson and junior guard Zach Rasile. West Liberty also added impact transfers John Korte (Wheeling) and Darren Fergus (Malloy). Fergus was the East Coast Conference Player of the Year last winter.

Charleston received the final three first-place votes and were picked preseason runner-up with 90 points during balloting. The Golden Eagles also return an experienced roster this winter with Eddie Colbert, Tyler Eberhart and CJ Meredith back in the lineup. UC also welcomes a trio of transfer guards this season in Freddie Word, DeAirius Barker and Dwaine Jones.

Fairmont State was voted third in the preseason poll with 85 points. The Falcons will be led by senior guard Zyon Dobbs and senior forward Seth Younkin this season. West Virginia State was fourth in the preseason voting with 66 points, and will be led by redshirt-senior forward Anthony Pittman in 2023-24.

Following a historic campaign in 2022-23, Davis & Elkins was picked fifth (65 points) this season. The Senators will be led by first team All-MEC guard Sam Rolle IV.

Concord was voted sixth (52), followed by Notre Dame (50), Glenville State (41), Wheeling (27), Frostburg State (21) and West Virginia Wesleyan (10).

Mountain East Conference
Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll

Rk
Team
Points
1.West Liberty (8)98
2.Charleston (3)90
3.Fairmont State85
4.West Virginia State66
5.Davis & Elkins65
6.Concord52
7.Notre Dame50
8.Glenville State41
9.Wheeling27
10.Frostburg State21
11.West Virginia Wesleyan10
( ) denotes first-place votes

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man charged with stealing package from ex-wife’s building, stalking

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly stealing a package and contacting a woman against her will. Thomas Summers, 36, faces charges including entering without breaking, stalking, petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.

Those pretty red leaves? They’re lying to you: The surprising truth about poinsettias

aoinsettias’ bright red “petals” aren’t flowers at all — they’re modified leaves called bracts, with the true flowers in the tiny yellow center. Learn about the plant’s Aztec roots, how it became a holiday staple, and simple tips to keep it thriving.

Buckhannon man charged with felony domestic battery after altercation over car keys

A Buckhannon man was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, third offense, after allegedly striking a woman when he was “extremely intoxicated” and they refused to give him his car keys.

West Virginia State Parks announces First Day Hikes for New Year’s Day

Twenty-one state parks and forests — including Audra and Canaan — will host free guided hikes on January 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 outdoors.

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.