The Wheeling Park boys basketball team took the court for the first time this season in the nightcap of the Sam Andy Classic at Wesbanco Arena. For Wheeling Park Head Coach Michael Jebbia, this game and event was more than just basketball. Coach Andy was such a special person and such a special coach. He was tasked with being the coach when the school opened. It was three schools consolidating and then he goes undefeated in the first regular season and that really laid the foundation for the Wheeling Park basketball program. He coached over 100 games here at Wesbanco Arena and we wanted to do a special night for him. There are multiple classics at the high school and college level, but we wanted to do a special one down here at Wesbanco Arena to honor him. It’s a lot different than just a regular high school gym,” said Coach Jebbia. The Sam Andy Classic consisted of three games. St Clairsville and Brooke boys opened up the night and the Wheeling Park and John Marshall girls followed, with the boys teams from John Marshall and Wheeling Park capping off the night. Coach Andy secured 611 victories in his high school coaching career. He impacted so many and it showed tonight at Wesbanco Arena as basketball fans from all over attended the event to honor this great man.
The Patriots took the opening tip and used the first 2:15 to take a 7-0 lead, led by junior Aiden Davis’ five points. The Monarchs were able to get some points on the board after the timeout but Wheeling Park continued its first quarter onslaught and ended the first quarter with a 20-4 lead. Davis dropped in twelve points in just the first quarter. Defense started to take over in the second quarter on both sides as neither team was able to get a point in the first two minutes. Wheeling Park took a 29-10 lead into the second half. The offense on both sides came alive in the third quarter with each team exchanging some three pointers. Park extended their lead to 35-16 with 3:56 to go in the third quarter and extended the lead further by the final buzzer of the third. The Patriots headed into the fourth quarter with a comfortable 55-23 lead. Hayden Gaiser was able to knock down an early three but Wheeling Park made some key stops and extended their lead to 61-26 at the fourth quarter media timeout. After the final buzzer sounded the scoreboard read 71-35 in favor of the Patriots to give Wheeling Park a win in their season opener.
Aiden Davis had a huge night collecting 33 points while shooting 53%. He was 5-7 from behind the arc and added three assists, nine rebounds and two steals. We relied heavily on both Aiden and Mykel Davis early in the game. Those two have played the most ball for us,” Jebbia commented. Mykel Davis also had a huge game on both sides of the ball. He collected 18 points, six rebounds, forced five turnovers and had three monster dunks to bring the Wheeling Park faithful to their feet. The Patriots defense forced 25 John Marshall turnovers.
The Monarchs were led by Gaiser who finished the night with 11 points. He also went 3-4 from three point range. Brody Williams collected six rebounds and two points respectfully. The Monarchs fall to 0-2 on the season and will take on Magnolia on Tuesday. Wheeling Park won’t have much time to read their press clippings as they are right back at it Saturday against Teays Valley Christian.
Photo by Kayla Crum
Story by Chris Thoburn
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