If you're a high school sports fan, there's not been much to cheer about since mid-March. After Tuesday's announcement by Governor Jim Justice that there would be no spring sports and the boys and girls postseason basketball tournaments would be canceled, finding a reason to smile was even harder.

 

Just before this, however, there was something. Last week, a glimmer of hope on one front that may provide some Indians basketball fans, as well as others, a little bit of a smile. At least, it's a possibility to make you smile.

 

Plans appear to be going ahead for the annual North-South basketball game played in Kanawha County for 2020. It is joining the North-South football game, which also is still planning - for the time being - to go ahead.

 

Bridgeport High School Dave Marshall said he received an email last week from one of the organizers of the event, David Viands, extending an invitation to compete to Indian senior Nick Stalnaker. If the West Virginia Athletic Directors North-South Basketball Classic is held, it will take place June 12.

 

The event will once again be held at the South Charleston Community Center. Marshall said Stalnaker was excited with the invitation and indicated to Marshall he was filling out the application to compete.

 

“I think there’s no question Nick is deserving of the invitation, and I think he’s one of the top players in the state,” said Marshall.

 

Stalnaker helped lead Bridgeport to a 17-7 mark before the season was put on hold. The Indians were set to visit Lewis County in a co-regional final to potentially earn a trip to Charleston for the Class AA tournament and that very day all events were postponed.

 

Whether that game is played remains to be seen. However, Stalnaker had done enough to impress coaches he competed against and sports writers he played in front of during the 2019-20 season.

 

Stalnaker earned Class AA second-team all-state honors. He led the team with an average of 18.2 points per game and a team-high 27 3-point field goals. Stalnaker also hit on 81 percent of his free throws by canning 121-of-150 attempts.

 

“I think had we been able to beat Lewis County and gotten to Charleston and he was able to play in front of all the state writers that he would have been a first-team selection,” said Marshall. “He’s deserving of this selection and deserving of any of the honors he’s received because he’s a great player, a great young man and he’s got a great work ethic that’s taken his game to the next level.”

 

As for the next level of athletics, Marshall said Stalnaker told him he was leaving the door open about possibly competing. And it’s not just for basketball.

 

“I’m sure a lot of people know he’s really good at baseball and for those that aren’t aware, trust me, he’s good,” said Marshall, who said he knew Shepherd has been interested in Stalnaker for basketball. “He’s good enough to contribute in either sport in college.”

 

Marshall said he also has no worries about Stalnaker in the classroom in college. He said he comes from a family that values education and that’s paid off handsomely for his senior standout.

 

“This is what happens when you do things the right way and you work for it,” said Marshall. “I’m excited for him, our school, our program and our community that Nick has this opportunity. Hopefully, he’ll get to play in this.”

 

Marshall said the invitation list did not include names of others in the state being asked to play in the contest.

 

Editor's Note: Photos of Nick Stalnaker from the 2019-20 regular season by Ben Queen Photography.