Nichols making big strides in the basketball world

By Betty Gandee

One local boy has taken his basketball skills to the next level. Jakoby Nichols of Belva is only 10 years old and is in the fourth grade, and has made big strides in the basketball world. Nichols is part of the WV Xplosion 4^th grade basketball team out of Charleston.  This team consists of kids from several counties around the state, and is coached by Wade Murray.

The WV Xplosion 4^th grade team stated their 2018 season in March, and finished in July at the USBA Nationals.  Throughout the season teams must compete and participate in tournaments in order to earn points to get the invitation to Nationals.  This little team from Charleston was formed in 2017. With only eight players, they made it to nationals but sadly fell short. In 2018 they made their second appearance and returned victorious. This team made a statement, placing 4^th in the American Division and 8^th overall in the Nation.

Proof that hard work and dedication is key to success, this small group of boys from WV are continuing to show they have what it takes to compete on the national level.  You can expect big things in the coming years form WV Xplosion.