Back to back, repeat, run it back whatever you want to call it the Cameron Dragons are state champions again in 2023. With a thrilling run in the tournament, the Dragons came away with their second straight state basketball title. And what a story it was.
It all started with a quarterfinal matchup against Ana Young and the Pendleton County Wildcats. The Dragons were battling some illness coming into the game, but they seem to have that issue the past couple of years as Coach Pettit told me.
The Dragons also had to deal with Ana Young who had 43 in the game. Cameron decided to let her get hers and hold everyone else in check. This strategy worked as the Dragons came away with a 79-59 victory. Not to be outdone though, Ashlynn VanTassell came through with 36 points and 21 rebounds in a dominating effort.
To back up her effort Maci Neely had a great game with 17 points, 6 boards, and 7 steals what a stat line. Then you have floor general Kenzie Clutter with 6 points, 4 boards, and 11 assists.
Onto the semifinals where the Dragons faced the Webster County Highlanders and 2400 plus point scorer Sydney Baird. I asked coach Pettit about facing two of the top scorers in the state, she said, “we tried to deny them the basketball as much as possible, but knew watching the film that they were going to get theirs’.” The goal was to limit the other players and rebound the basketball. This game was a battle for Cameron from the start.
They were down at the half, they were down in the third, and down late in the fourth. When Coach Pettit scheduled Union Local, Parkersburg South, Linsly, and Morgantown, this is what she was preparing her team to face. A close game against a tough opponent and it paid off as Cameron did not waver a pulled off a 54-51 victory over the Highlanders.
One of the keys to the game was the play of Kenzie Clutter (15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists) in the fourth quarter with Ashlynn VanTassell (24 points, 21 rebounds, 3 blocks) on the bench in foul trouble. Clutter has such focus when it comes to her play on the court, nothing seems to phase her. She is in control at all times, on the offensive end she sees the floor so well and knows when she is needed to score and knows when she has to facilitate. Clutter also dominates on the defensive side of the floor, where it just seems as though she knows what the other team is going to do before even they do.
You don’t when games like this without a total team effort. How about Ashlee Dobbs, 8 rebounds on the afternoon. Sister Emilee Dobbs, 8 points, 4 boards, and 3 assists. And sophomore Maci Neely 5 points and 5 boards. Also, the quality minutes put in by Gracie Carter with VanTassell on the bench.
Now its onto the finals and the third matchup of the year between the Dragons and the Tucker County Mountain Lions. A little different game for the Dragons as the Mountain Lions does not have that one dominant player, but a bunch of players that can just play basketball. The Dragons had to switch it up and not focus so much on one player, but the team as a whole.
Knowing Tucker County well Pettit knew the Dragons were in for a tight game. Having played them she knew that they were a never give up team. That always has a late run in them. Even in the tournament Tucker trailer each game at the half and ended up winning.
Being up 19 in the third quarter, Pettit knew that the Mountain Lions run was coming and did it ever. The Mountain Lions chipped away at the Dragon lead by making some key shots and forcing some uncharacteristic turnovers from Cameron. Tucker County pulled within two in the fourth quarter. With the game on the line and as the fourth quarter wore on Cameron relied on their defense, rebounding, and big game experience to pull out the 53-46 victory and second straight state championship.
Again, Cameron was led by Ashlynn VanTassell with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. It’s not a one woman show though in Cameron. Maci Neely comes up big again with 15 points and 3 steals. Kenzie Clutter does what she does and that’s being the leader on the floor (7 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists). Let’s not forget about Emilee Dobbs, she came away with 4 points, 3 assists, and 3 key steals. Ashlee Dobbs finishes with 5 boards and 3 assists. And again, Gracie Carter with some great minutes picking up 4 points and 6 rebounds. This was definitely a total team effort to secure and second straight championship.
The Dragons were met on their way back from Charleston at the Marshall County line by state police, the Marshall County Sherriff’s Department, and some local police to give them an escort into Moundsville. There they celebrated a meal at BW3 and then were escorted into Cameron for their awaiting fans. Pettit said the support from the community is unreal and that she is very appreciative of it. There’re more celebrations to come for the Dragons as they will be welcomed by TJ’s and Undo’s to celebrate their championship.
Pettit plans on taking a month away from basketball. Then will get back into with some summer camps and tournaments. Also, she is looking forward to hosting their second annual youth summer camp. Congratulations to the Dragons on their second straight championship, it was great following along all season.
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