Jefferson High School overwhelmed Washington High School, 88-49, in Shenandoah Junction on Friday night, improving its unspoiled record to 7-0. Courtesy photo

SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — After dispatching previously unbeaten Hedgesville, 59-43, on the road, Jefferson proceeded to overwhelm county rival Washington, 88-49, in Shenandoah Junction to improve its unspoiled record to 7-0.

Cameron Johnson topped the lengthy list of balanced scorers in both wins. Johnson had a 12-point game in the satisfying win at Hedgesville and then he stung the Patriots for another 17 points in the blowout victory over the Patriots.

Freshman Jamari Jenkins closely followed Johnson in the scoring column with an 11-point game at Hedgesville and then came right back with14 points against Washington.

Sophomore Jaiden Gladney supplied 10 points in the 16-point victory over the Eagles and then contributed another 13 points in the team success over the Patriots.

Will Shively and point guard Daion Taylor both had 10 points in beating Hedgesville. David Haines scored in double figures with 11 points against Washington.

The Cougars roughed up Hedgesville by outscoring the Eagles, 17-7, in the second quarter to take a 29-17 lead at halftime. After the Eagles moved to within 40-33 after three quarters, Jefferson closed out the road win with a 19-10 edge in the final period. For Hedgesville, the loss came after six consecutive wins to open the 2021-2022 season.

Jefferson was too quick, too deep and had an almost unsolved defense in running past Washington.

With Wyatt Shively, Bryson Fleming and Haines providing coach Richard Lewis with three more active and all-round players, the Cougars have parlayed close victories at the beginning of the already virus-disrupted schedule into a consistent stream of wins.

Jefferson’s pressure defense has caused opponents to hurry errant passes or give up turnovers when seeing the Cougars’ team-wide quickness and intensity.

After a scheduled game at Berkeley County rival Spring Mills earlier this week, the Cougars are slated to return home on Saturday, to face Greenbrier East at 1:30 p.m. The Spartans bring a winning record with them to Shenandoah Junction.

In various polls and media rankings of the state’s Class AAAA teams, Jefferson ranks as high as second with its winning streak intact. Only unbeaten Logan has received more favor than Jefferson in any of the media polls.

Opponents have not shot well against the Cougars. And few have been able to get as many field goal attempts. Jefferson has fewer turnovers while getting more steals, rebounds, loose balls and free throws than its luckless rivals.

Versatile players and their large number have given the Cougars an eye-opening start to the season.