The 2026 WVSSAC Boys Basketball State Tournament tips off inside the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center with a loaded Day 1 slate across Class A and Class AA.

In the opening game, No. 3 seed Huntington St. Joseph Central faces No. 6 Tucker County. The Irish are led by high-scoring standout Grady Painter, while the Mountain Lions counter with Caden Arnold after three straight runner-up finishes.

In Class AA, No. 4 Doddridge County takes on No. 5 Wayne. The Bulldogs bring a balanced scoring attack, while Wayne is fueled by Colton Heck, who averages 18.4 points per game entering the program’s first-ever state tournament appearance.

Defending Class A champion Tug Valley returns to Charleston seeking a third straight title behind veteran head coach Garrett “Rabbit” Thompson. The Panthers face Ritchie County, led by all-time scoring leader Isaac Hodges, who averages 25 points and 13.7 rebounds per game.

Top-seeded Greater Beckley Christian meets Webster County in an all-Region 3 matchup. The Crusaders enter on a 13-game winning streak, while Webster County is guided by head coach Brett Morris and looks to make another postseason run.

In the evening session, undefeated Wheeling Central Catholic—defending Class AA champions—take on Frankfort. The Falcons are led by standout scorer Jeremy Phelps, the program’s all-time leading scorer.

The nightcap features East Hardy against Parkersburg Catholic. The Cougars rely on dominant junior Gideon Good, while the Crusaders are led by Luke Anderson in their return to the state tournament.

Stay locked in with MetroNews for full coverage of the WVSSAC Boys Basketball State Tournament.