Sports
Vikings Pick up Where They Left Off In 2018
By: Brad Walker
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The New Year brought in similar success seen at the end of the previous year in a fresh victory for the Vinton County Vikings boys’ basketball team as they defeated the visiting Jackson Ironmen 59 to 56.
This game went down to the wire with Vinton County making clutch free throws in the final minute to seal the deal.
Leading the charge for the Vikings was senior Naylan Yates with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
The fourth quarter was the only quarter the Vikings saw themselves in front of the Ironmen.
Vinton County Head Coach Matt Combs said for most of the game “they couldn’t get anything going,” but in the end, they “found a way to win.”
This was due in large part to senior Jake Speakman’s selfless play. The senior did not find the bottom of the net as much as he normally does, only tallying eight points.
However, his “unselfish” ability as Coach Combs said helped fuel the Vinton County offense.
With the Yates brothers being back on the floor, Speakman is able to play “more like he likes to play” Coach Combs said, as he dished out 10 assists on the night.
This victory improves the Vikings to 6 and 4; giving them wins in six out of the last seven games after losing their first three games.
Health is a key reason for Vinton County finding success as they have both Yates brothers back. According to Coach Combs they have been a “big boost” and also adding that the team is “taking more pride in defense” now than they did earlier in the season.
Vinton County is looking forward to a much stronger second half. However they will have to continue to play without starter, Eli Griffith, who is out with an ankle injury until mid to late January.
Combs said the team will look to “find their identity” in the second half and as it is “never easy on (the) road in TVC”, but “like(s) where we are headed.”
The Vinton County Vikings will have a tough TVC road test on January 9th where they will take on the Athens Bulldogs.
The Vinton County Girls Basketball team was set to play on January 4th against River Valley, but the game was postponed due to weather and will be rescheduled at a later date. Their next contest will be against the Jackson Ironmen on January 11th.