BBG Sports: 38–0 and Making History: One Middle School, Two Undefeated Teams, One State Capitol Honor

By: Justin Phillips Sr. – BBG Sports

🏀Unshaken. Undefeated. Unforgettable.

On the floor of the West Virginia House of Delegates, beneath the gold dome of the West Virginia State Capitol, two championship teams from South Charleston Middle School stood side by side — undefeated, united, and officially recognized.

The moment marked the close of a rare season.

During the 2025- 2026 season, both the Lady Cubs and the Cubs boys basketball teams completed flawless 19–0 records, capturing the Kanawha County Middle School Championship. Both titles came against John Adams Middle School, sealing a combined 38–0 record for the program.

It is uncommon for one team to finish without a loss.

It is historic for two to do it together.

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Recognition Beyond the Gym

WEDNESDAY 3/4 – 9:30 AM

The varsity teams were honored at the House of Delegates at the State Capitol, bused from school and back, wearing jeans and their team hoodies — a proud, unified presence on the House floor.

THURSDAY 3/5 – 7:15 PM

The full teams will be honored at South Charleston City Hall, bringing the celebration home to their community.

For many middle school athletes, a county championship is the pinnacle. For these teams, excellence carried them from the hardwood to the halls of government.

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The Girls: A Statement Season 

The Lady Cubs secured their championship in an competitive 35–29 victory — a rematch of last year’s title game. This time, South Charleston controlled the tempo, executed defensively, and finished with a championship and perfect season. 

After the historic win, BBG sports caught up with Coach Canada who excitingly said: 

“We going on the wall. We going down in history!” 

The roster featured five consistent starters and a deep bench that sustained intensity all season. Alongside Coach Canada stands Assistant coach Karley Walker who once wore the SCMS uniform herself — and whose father David Walker, leads the boys team. The championship run was rooted in continuity and connection — which became undeniable the following week when Coach Canada’s son would find himself with the ball and the season on the line.

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The Boys: One Standard, One Goal, One Shot.  

One week later, the boys faced John Adams in a championship that demanded composure.

In a 48–47 overtime finish, Darian Canada delivered the game-winning shot at the buzzer, sealing the boys’ undefeated 19–0 season.

In the span of seven days, a prediction became reality.

Two teams.

Two perfect records.

History Made.

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The Bigger Picture: Kanawha County & Representation

Kanawha County Schools is the largest district in West Virginia, serving roughly 24,000 students. In a state where nearly 90 percent of residents identify as White — and communities of color make up just over 10 percent of the population — moments of visible excellence resonate beyond the scoreboard.

Kanawha County reflects more diversity than many parts of the Mountain State. In that context, the image of disciplined, high-achieving student-athletes competing — and winning — carries weight. Not because of spectacle, but because of example.

This undefeated season unfolded during Black History Month — a reminder that excellence is not abstract. It is practiced daily in classrooms, in gyms, and in communities often overlooked in the national narrative.

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Why Black By God Is Telling This Story

Black By God documents the people and moments shaping Black life in West Virginia — especially those that deserve to be remembered beyond the final buzzer.

This season reflected leadership, mentorship, discipline, and the power of young athletes rising to meet opportunity.

Recognition at the Capitol affirms what the community already knew: this was not an ordinary year.

Years from now, when students walk past the championship banners inside South Charleston Middle School, they will remember the 19–0 seasons.

And they will remember the week their teams stood at the Capitol — proof that excellence in a middle school gym can echo all the way to the House floor.

Unshaken. Undefeated. Unforgettable.

2026 SCMS Lady Cubs – Undefeated (19–0)

Head Coach: Hugh Canada 

Assistant Coach: Karley Walker 

Varsity Roster:

Kamylle Barrett

Zoey Gray

Naomi Hall

MaKenna Thompson

Jayli Phillips

Averi Davis

Alyssa Padgett

Na’Caiyah Spencer

Adelyn Andrews

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2026 SCMS Cubs – Undefeated (19–0)

Head Coach David Walker

Assistant Coach William Poore 

Assistant Coach Josh Given 

Varsity Roster:

Kameron Sims

Brenden Shirriel

Darian Canada

Levi Means

Kahari Medcalf

Ja’Mahri Davis

Gavin Walker

Jhayce Thompson

Alex Gilkeson

Landon Harris

Carter Hardwick

Landyn Washington

Angelo Dues manager