SPRING VALLEY -- Yes, it's June, but head out to the Spring Valley High School gym and it looks as though the boys basketball season is in full swing.
The Timberwolves are taking advantage of the WVSSAC three-week coaching period by holding practices and playing scrimmages. Hopefully, the summer work will pay off when the season does roll around.
Spring Valley has a team motto that says someone might have more talent, speed and athleticism, but nobody will outwork the Timberwolves.
"All this goes a long way toward getting ready for next season and for us these three weeks are very important," Spring Valley coach Steve Morrison said. "If we don't put in the work during this time then we won't be very competitive next season."
The WVSSAC summer workout window opened June 8 and closes Saturday.
Spring Valley's success is built around Jeremy Adkins, a Class AAA all-state selection. Adkins averaged about 18 points and led the Timberwolves to a 13-11 record in their third consecutive winning season. Spring Valley is known for its defense, but to make it farther than the sectional finals, the Timberwolves will need to supply Adkins with help on the offensive side.
"It's hard to say how important Jeremy is to our program because he does a little bit of everything," Morrison said. "He is just a great role model that exemplifies the type of player we are looking for on and off the court."
Adkins scored more than 20 in nine games last season and carried a 25-point average in the final five games. His high game was 32 against Riverside.
Next season Adkins, a senior, will be one of the top players in the state. Ethan Dishman will be the only other senior on the team.
Junior Jordan Wells is already closing in on the starting point guard spot, while junior Zak Robateau also fits nicely into a starting role at the two-guard. Both players benefited from valuable playing minutes last season.
Other juniors on the team include Andrew Radcliffe, George Brody, Nathan Hedrick, J.T. Nelson, Evan Ferguson, Andrew Staley and Matt Steele. Sophomores are Mattew Conway, Patrick Bailey and Jason Wilson.
During the first week of summer practices Spring Valley scrimmaged against Lincoln County and South Point. Then the Timberwolves played in the two-day University of Rio Grande Shootout. They played five games each day.
The Timberwolves also have two-hour practices on days they don't scrimmage.
In the second week of workouts Spring Valley went to the Fairview Shootout for scrimmages against Russell, East Carter, Rose Hill, Ashland and the host Eagles.
They were 4-1 in the Fairview tournament, losing only to the host team.
To complete the three-week period Spring Valley had a scrimmage Tuesday at Lincoln County, plays today at Poca and takes on South Charleston on Friday.
"We have an opportunity to have a better team than last season and that says a lot," Morrison said. "I am very pleased with our kids' work ethic and dedication they have shown during these three weeks."
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