Hardwood Heroes Sports
Vinton County Weathers the Storm Against Golden Rockets; Emerges Victorious
By: Hardika Singh
Posted on:
MCARTHUR, Ohio- The Vinton County Vikings took home the victory against the Wellston Golden Rockets 68-56 in a physical battle Friday night. The Vikings answered their call to battle promptly as Viking Gavin Arbaugh made four baskets and one three-pointer in the first quarter alone.
With less than 2:30 left in the first quarter, Viking Lance Montgomery got a rebound, almost turned it over, but then caught it and assisted Braylon Damron across the court for a layup, adding to the Vikings lead 40-33 by halftime.
The Vikings started off strong but got into foul trouble in the first half of the game, giving the Golden Rockets the opportunity to catch up, however, it was to no avail.
“In the first half, out of [Golden Rockets’] 30 points, I’d say a bit chunk of them were on the free throw lines,” said Vinton County Vikings Head Coach Matt Combs.
By the second half, the physicality between the players picked up as the Golden Rockets looked to score and the Vikings tried to hold onto their seven-point lead.
“We’re starting to mature a little bit and not let that kind of thing bother us,” said Combs. “I think early in the season we probably did, but we’re growing up a little bit, so hopefully we’ll continue to.”
Arbaugh kept advancing in the second half and scored four baskets, making some free throws along the way. Stifling the Wellston Golden Rocket’s momentum were multiple fouls.
Golden Rocket Kevan Bronn fouled out of the game with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, which weakened the Golden Rocket’s chances to turn the game around at the last minute.
The Vinton County Vikings look to build on their victory against the River Valley Raiders on Jan. 24, Friday, in Bidwell.