Sports
Lady Vikings Survive Against Meigs
By: David Butz
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Vinton County found themselves in one of their few competitive games of the season, hanging on to beat Meigs 47-38.
It would be hard to find a team in Southeastern Ohio with as much confidence going into Monday as the Vinton County Lady Vikings under head coach Rod Bentley. Coming into their Monday night matchup against Meigs, Vinton County put their impressive 13-0 record on the line. After back to back 80-point performances, their confidence would be tested playing in one of the toughest environments in the conference.
That environment certainly played into the Lady Vikings close game. Despite early struggles from the Lady Marauders, Meigs was able to go on a second-half run and keep the game within 10 throughout the fourth quarter. Despite their efforts, Vinton County maintained their lead and was able to survive.
Vinton County was led by Morgan Bentley’s 15 points and 14 rebounds. As the game grew tighter down the stretch, she consistently made her presence known in their wire to wire victory. After the game, coach Bentley also praised the efforts of Josie Ousley, who used her deadly combination of quickness and strength to put up a pivotal 13 points.
This tough Meigs performance down the stretch is made even more impressive as it came without the usual production from Kassidy Betzing. Betzing went 1-for-9 from the field, but still dropped 14 thanks to her impressive performance at the free throw line.
Despite scoring over 160 combined points in their last two games, before Monday Vinton County has now only won by a combined 13 points in their two matchups against Meigs this season.
The key to this game was the Lady Viking’s ability to shut down virtually all ball movement from the Lady Marauders. By shutting down those inside passing lanes, Meigs was forced into tough shots throughout the night. Two of the biggest scoring threats coming in; Betzing and Hawley, went a combined 4 of 20 from the field.
With another tough win over the Lady Marauders, Bentley’s squad will move to 14-0, keeping their undefeated season alive. Meigs on the other hand will drop 9-5, with coach Jarrod Kasun looking to adjust the offense going forward.
Both teams are back in action on Thursday with Vinton County taking on Alexander, and Meigs taking Nelsonville-York.