Spring Mills Trio Thomas, Uth-Smith, and Shipley Cement Legacy with College Commitments
- Drew Pitzer
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Andrew M. Pitzer
HomeTeamSports TV
Analyst/Broadcaster
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — When the final buzzer sounded at the Charleston Coliseum, sealing a 41–38 victory over George Washington and giving Spring Mills its first-ever WVSSAC Class AAAA state championship, the moment felt like the culmination of a journey that had been years in the making. For seniors Caleb Thomas, Loakkhae Uth-Smith, and Chayse Shipley, it was more than just a title—it was a legacy.
Now, just months later, the trio has ensured that their basketball careers are far from over. Thomas has committed to Fairmont State University, Uth-Smith to West Virginia State University, and Shipley to Potomac State College. Each athlete will take his talents to the next level, continuing a story that began with humble roots and ended with their names etched in Eastern Panhandle basketball history.
From Unknown to Champions
The rise of Spring Mills basketball has been meteoric. A relatively young school, Spring Mills had flirted with regional success in previous years but had never broken through to state dominance. That changed during the 2024–25 season, with the on-court brilliance of Thomas, Uth-Smith, and Shipley, the Cardinals took flight.
All three players brought something unique to the team.
Thomas, the 6’6” forward/guard, was the heart and soul of the Cardinals. With averages of 14.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and nearly 6 assists per game, he was a do-it-all presence. His high basketball IQ and leadership earned him the title of Class AAAA All-State Captain and State Tournament MVP.
Uth-Smith, a 6’4” athletic guard, brought explosiveness and versatility. Whether slashing to the rim, defending the opponent’s top scorer, or knocking down a clutch three, he did it all with quiet confidence. His contributions in both the state semifinal and championship game were crucial, including a 19-point performance in the regional final against Jefferson.
Shipley, often described as “cold-blooded” by coaches and teammates, was the Cardinals’ sharpshooter and defensive bulldog. With a reputation for knocking down big-time threes and locking up opposing guards, he proved time and time again that his game was built for big moments. He hit a late-game free throw in the state title win that all but iced the game.
Brotherhood Born from the Grind
While the accolades are now flowing, their journey wasn’t always easy. Spring Mills isn’t a perennial powerhouse like some of the traditional heavyweights in the state. What the Cardinals had was a culture, a work ethic, and a belief in one another—something this trio embodied every single day.
“Caleb, Loakkhae, and Chayse weren’t just teammates. They were brothers,” said former Head Coach Samples. “They held each other accountable, pushed each other every day in practice, and most importantly, they put team success above individual stats.”
The chemistry between them was palpable. Whether it was Thomas finding Uth-Smith on a backdoor cut, Shipley drawing a charge, or the three of them swarming an opponent with suffocating defense, their synergy translated to wins. Lots of them.
Spring Mills finished the season 24–1, with signature victories over several top programs. The trio led the team through a tough EPAC conference schedule and then showed their mettle in the postseason, culminating in a thrilling run through the state tournament.
Leaving a Legacy
The commitments to Fairmont State (Thomas), West Virginia State (Uth-Smith), and Potomac State (Shipley) are not just individual milestones—they are also symbols of what Spring Mills basketball has become.
For Thomas, Fairmont State represents the perfect place to expand his game. The Fighting Falcons are a respected Division II program, known for developing versatile, high-IQ players like him. With his blend of size, skill, and leadership, he is expected to make an immediate impact.
Uth-Smith’s decision to attend West Virginia State puts him in a program that thrives on athleticism and tempo. A former multi-sport athlete who also played football, Uth-Smith’s strength and explosiveness fit well within the Yellow Jackets’ system. His high motor and defensive tenacity make him a valuable two-way player at the collegiate level.
Shipley, heading to Potomac State, will have the opportunity to shine in a program that values guard play and shooting. A strong showing at the junior college level could set him up for a jump to a four-year program, and his reputation as a high-character, high-effort player will serve him well in any setting.
A Ripple Effect
The success of Thomas, Uth-Smith, and Shipley isn’t just about them—it’s about what it represents for the next generation of Spring Mills athletes.
Their college commitments also highlight a broader trend of Eastern Panhandle athletes gaining recognition at the collegiate level. As more programs look toward West Virginia for talent, the pipeline from schools like Spring Mills is expected to grow.
Gratitude and Growth
In interviews following their commitments, all three players shared one common theme: gratitude.
“I just want to thank my coaches, my family, and my teammates,” Thomas said. “This isn’t just my journey—it’s ours.”
Uth-Smith echoed that sentiment: “Spring Mills gave me everything—structure, support, and belief. I’m proud to represent my community at the next level.”
For Shipley, the road ahead is one he welcomes with open arms: “Potomac State is giving me a chance to prove myself, and I’m going to make the most of it. I’ve always believed in hard work, and that’s not going to change.”
The Final Word
As they prepare for life beyond high school, Thomas, Uth-Smith, and Shipley leave behind more than just championship banners and stat sheets. They leave a blueprint for what it means to lead, to sacrifice, and to believe in something bigger than yourself.
They turned a program into a powerhouse. They turned dreams into offers. And now, they’re turning the page to a new chapter—one that will undoubtedly be worth watching.
For Spring Mills, the title of “state champions” will always be special. But the legacy of this trio? That might be even bigger.
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