Sports
Puckett Aims to Lead Vinton County
By: Matthew Stephens
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Vinton County second year head coach Rod Bentley enters the 2015-2016 with a new mindset. Bentley wants to implement more physicality in the roster. In the offseason Bentley stressed work in the weight room. He believes it will be the driving force behind the Lady Vikings.
Key Players:
Michaela Puckett — Senior Forward – Expect Puckett to be the driving force behind the Lady Vikings offense this season. Her potential could bring down most of the rebounds for Vinton County. Puckett controls the paint and is not deterred from shooting from behind the arc. Puckett finished the season last year on the TVC-Ohio All-Conference team. She has the ability to record numerous double-doubles throughout the year. Her defensive ability can be a force in the team’s man-to-man defense.
Jalen Hale — Senior Forward – Like Puckett, Hale finished the season last year on the TVC-Ohio All-Conference team. She is very quick on her feet on both sides of the ball. Since last season Hale has developed a keen eye for defending. Going into the season she is expected to pressure offenses more than ever. On the offensive side of the basketball, she can bring a strong sense of the same physicality Bentley is striving for. Hale will be used to drive the lane and force fouls. Alongside Puckett, Hale will be a leader amongst a team that desires for excellence.
Key Games:
Both home and away games against Athens (Jan. 7 and Feb. 4)
Both home and away games against Alexander (Dec. 3 and Jan. 11)
Vinton County is a team that placed an emphasis on working on their imperfections in the offseason, giving them the ability to be a dark horse in the TVC. This team could surprise many this season, bringing more ball pressure than before. With the leadership of two seniors and a second year head coach, this team has the ability to carry out an incredible transformation from last season.