According to the Historical Marker Database, people have been coming to the Greenbrier Resort’s domed Springhouse to bathe in or drink its medical waters since 1778.

On January 30-31, however, the Battle Of The Springhouse was fought. As reported in The Mountain Messenger, “The most unique high school basketball tournament in the Mountain state is played inside Colonial Hall of the iconic Greenbrier Resort.”

Sophomore Mercedes Vandall, a member of the girls basketball team, described her feelings when she saw the ballroom packed with fans. “I was anxious,” she said, “but excited and ready to win.”

The tournament hosts both girls and boys teams and, according to the Mountain Messenger, prides itself on being more than just a tournament since GameChanger, the event’s presenting sponsor, is making efforts to lessen the impact of drug abuse among student athletes across the state.

Greenbrier East boys did not win the men’s tournament this year, but the Lady Spartans won the women’s tournament for the third time since the inaugural competition in 2022.

“I felt very, very, very proud, and very excited to win,” Vandall said.