Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, SportsAll In The Family At Midland Trail

After a 22-4 season and trip to the state tournament, Midland Trail appeared ready for another solid year.

So far, so good. The Patriots are 6-0 and just won the John Flournoy Memorial Tournament in Hico.

The team is led by head coach Greg Crist, who is in his seventh season as head coach at the school. Crist's coaching days go all the way back to 1984 with stints at Gauley Bridge, Mount Hope and Midland Trail.

This is a special season for Crist. His son, Sidney, is a senior on the team. Both Crists say this year's team has a chemistry unlike any other. They also said most of the players on the team grew up together and are friends.

Coach Crist will see if that cohesiveness will lead the Patriots back to the state tournament. Midland Trail hits the court for its next game on Tuesday, January 3 against Meadow Bridge.