Basketball Recap: Payton Bailes Key Part of a Team Effort in Patriots Win

After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Greater Beckley Christian, Midland Trail was happy to have turned things around on Wednesday. They came out on top against the PikeView Panthers by a score of 71-62. That's the second time they've managed to beat them this season, as they also won 68-65 back in December of 2024.

Midland Trail's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Payton Bailes, who almost dropped a double-double on 22 points and nine rebounds. That's the most boards Bailes has posted since back in February of 2024. Thad Brown was another key player, going 6 of 11 en route to 13 points along with five assists and five rebounds.

Midland Trail was working as a unit and finished the game with 18 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.

Midland Trail has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 9-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 65.0 points per game. As for PikeView, they dropped their record down to 6-8 with the loss, which was their fourth straight at home.

Midland Trail will welcome Clay County at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for PikeView, they will take on Nicholas County at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.