Sports
The Week Ahead 1/7-1/13
By: Steve Uhlmann
Posted on:
The flipping of the calendar from 2012 to 2013 is a significant one for teams in the TVC-Ohio and TVC-Hocking, as the focus is now beginning to shift toward playoff seeding, as teams enter the bulk of their conference schedules.
Here is a preview of what the next seven days will have in store for all five Athens County teams
Alexander Spartans
After a rough December, the Alexander boys have gained some momentum at the start of 2013. They will look to win their third game in the last four Tuesday night when they travel to Stewart to take on Federal Hocking. The Spartans were pummeled when the two teams met last season, however getting revenge will be tough as Fed Hock is currently first place in the TVC-Hocking. On Friday, the quest for Alexander’s first TVC-Ohio win of the season will resume when they travel to Athens to take on the Bulldogs.
The Lady Spartans have a similar week ahead, as they will try to perform better against the Logan Chieftans after a blowout loss last season. Like the boys team, they will get their first crack at Athens Thursday night. The Lady Spartans have not defeated the Lady Bulldogs since 2011.
Athens Bulldogs
The Athens boys picked up a huge win over rival Nelsonville-York on Friday, and they will look to build upon their five-game win streak with a pair of home games this week. Athens will host Warren on Tuesday, as they look to avenge a 12-point loss they suffered at the hand of the Warriors last season, and then take on Alexander in a league game Friday.
The Lady Bulldogs will open the week with a huge non-conference game against former SEOAL rival Jackson. The Ironladies are undefeated, however the Lady Bulldogs will be ready, as evident by their 10-1 record. This game will be a good barometer for both teams, as this could be a matchup seen again in the regional tournament. On Thursday, Athens will return to league play with their first game of the season against Alexander.
Federal Hocking Lancers
Now that they are in the driver’s seat of the TVC-Hocking, Fed Hock will look to improve their seeding for the regional tournament with a non-conference game against Alexander Tuesday. On Friday, their focus will shift back to the TVC-Hocking with their first game of the season against South Gallia. The Lancers split their two games against the Rebels in 2011-2012.
Fed Hock’s Lady Lancers have a pair of TVC-Hocking games ahead including a tilt with first-place Eastern on Monday and then a road trip Thursday to Wahama. The Lady Lancers fell to Eastern 62-16 on Dec. 13 and defeated Wahama 48-37 on Dec. 17.
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes
The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes saw their five-game winning streak snapped Friday at the hands of the Athens Bulldogs. The Buckeyes have a week off until they return to the court Friday night when they travel to Meigs. The busy weekend will continue Saturday when they travel to Trimble for a non-conference game. The two teams already met on Dec. 15 with the Buckeyes picking up a convincing 62-42 win.
The Lady Buckeyes get Monday off but return to action Thursday when they travel to Vinton County for a pivotal TVC-Ohio matchup. The two teams are currently tied for second place in the TVC-Ohio, and whoever wins will be in the best position to have a chance to take down Athens.
Trimble Tomcats
A roller coaster season for the Tomcats continues with a busy week that features three games. The Tomcats will welcome Wahama to Glouster on Tuesday hoping to see their winning streak extend to three games. On Friday, the Tomcats travel to Waterford, where they will take on the Wildcats for the first time this season. Finally, they will host Nelsonville-York on Saturday, looking for an improved effort from their first meeting.
On the girls’ side, the Lady Tomcats will also be playing three games, beginning Monday when they host Waterford. The Lady Tomcats fell 67-24 in the first meeting between these two teams back on Dec. 13. On Wednesday, the Lady ‘Cats will have a tough test as they host Vinton County for a non-conference game. Finally, they wrap up their week Thursday against Miller, a team they defeated 55-34 on Dec. 17.
The Hardwood Heroes crews are back in Athens County and ready for the second half of the season. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the-minute updates and game recaps.