CHARLESTON – There are many players being looked upon to play key roles for their teams this week at the 2026 WVSSAC boys state basketball tournament in Charleston.
One of those players is Morgantown High School junior Max Frey, who leads the Mohigans in scoring at 16.6 points per contest this season.
Frey, who has played a role on the team since his freshman season for MHS, will be playing in Charleston for the third time and says his confidence has been where he’s grown the most this year.
“I’m a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and He gives me confidence no matter what I face in life,” Frey said. “I’m also blessed with the coaching staff and teammates I have, just knowing they always have my back is huge for me, especially down the stretch this season.”
Entering tournament play, where a loss sends you home, Frey says coming into the week with a do-or-die mentality is key.
“My teammates and I have been through all the tough practices, conditioning workouts, and lifting just for this week and to have the chance at winning a title for our school.”
Frey not only plays a role for MHS as a scorer but also impacts the game in multiple ways for his team on both sides of the ball.
“I would say I need to step up the most as a leader,” he said. “The game is definitely different in Charleston, and I need to be there for my team when the game gets tough. I also need to be able to put the ball in the hoop more, but as I said, I have the confidence I need to do that knowing I have my coaching staff and teammates trusting in me.”
Despite a familiar opponent, Frey knows his team will need to play one of its best games this season to be successful.
“Riverside did a great job of attacking ur press,” he said. “For us to be best prepared for them this week, our team needs to come together as one and trust each other every single possession and be confident in our abilities.”
MHS head coach Dave Tallman said he is confident in Frey’s leadership ability.
“Max has had a great year, and he played well in the state tournament last season for us,” Tallman said. “Our seniors, Max, and Collin (Ridgeway), have been a part of a championship team before (2024), and I’m confident in their leadership. We’re going to take it one possession and one game at a time.”
Morgantown will begin the 2026 state tournament against No. 7 Riverside in the Class AAAA quarterfinals at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.
The Mohigans earned the 2-seed in the bracket after defeating Jefferson 63-54 and finishing the regular season with only two losses (George Washington and Hurricane).
MHS will square off with 7-seed Riverside, making only its second appearance at the state tournament since the school’s opening in 1999.
The Mohigans defeated the Warriors 75-55 in the Summersville Winter Classic on December 29, 2025.
Riverside brings four players averaging in double-figure scoring, led by senior Josh Brock at 14.5 points per game. Freshman Rocco Terry averages 12.1 points per game and leads the team in rebounding (7.9). Senior Isaiah Coles (11.7) and junior Bryer Mullins (10.4) also contribute double-figure efforts.
“They have a great point guard and shooters that surround him, which presents its issues,” Tallman said. “It’s vitally important that we execute our coverages, win the 50-50 battles, and hold them to one-shot possessions.”
