Keyser Wins Region 2 Championship

Mineral Daily News Tribune

After giving up at least 70 points in two losses to Keyser this season, the Frankfort Falcons entered Thursday’s Region II title game against the Golden Tornado looking to keep the game at their own pace.

And it almost worked.

Frankfort slowed the game to a near halt, but Keyser was able to do just enough to squeak out a 41-37 victory at East Hardy High School to win the region title and advance to the Class AA state tournament, which begins Wednesday, March 12, in Charleston.

Keyser’s seeding and opponent will be determined later today and will appear in Saturday’s edition of the News-Tribune.

It is the Golden Tornado’s third Region II championship in four years, and Frankfort has been the region runner-up all three times.

The Falcons looked to change that trend early on Thursday, holding Keyser to just three points in the first quarter to take a 6-3 lead into the second frame.

Keyser was then able to find some offense, scoring 12 points while holding Frankfort to another six points to take a 15-12 lead at the half.

The Golden Tornado put a little distance between themselves and their inter-county rivals in the third quarter, taking a 25-16 lead into the fourth period.

Frankfort was able to rally, however, closing to within 38-36 late in the game, but Jeremy Green salted things away by stealing an inbounds pass and converting a layup and also hitting a free throw with 8 seconds remaining.

Green finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds to lead Keyser (13-10), while freshman Wes Washington added 10 points, 7 boards and 5 assists.

Preston Hartman had 6 points, 12 rebounds and 5 steals.

Steven Whitacre led Frankfort with 13 points, while Dan Alkire added 12.

With the loss, Frankfort ends its season at 8-16.