Basketball Recap: Midland Trail Falls Despite Big Games from Payton Bailes and Thad Brown

Midland Trail was the 84-64 winner over Greater Beckley Christian when they last played one another back in February of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Midland Trail Patriots took a 59-49 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Greater Beckley Christian Crusaders on Monday. The Patriots have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Despite the defeat, Midland Trail had strong showings from Thad Brown, who went 8 for 14 en route to 17 points, and Payton Bailes, who posted 14 points and three steals. Camryn Thomas was another key player, putting up four points.

Greater Beckley Christian was led to victory by Drew Fitzwater and Javonte Spencer. Fitzwater almost dropped a double-double on 18 points and nine boards, while Spencer went 6 of 8 on his way to 15 points and three steals. Fitzwater is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last nine games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Keegan Davidson, who went 6 for 15 en route to 16 points.

Midland Trail's loss dropped their record down to 6-5. As for Greater Beckley Christian, they pushed their record up to 8-5 with the victory, which was their third straight at home.

Midland Trail has already played their next contest, an 84-39 win against Greenbrier West on the 29th. As for Greater Beckley Christian, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 75-47 victory against Webster County on the 28th.