Hardwood Heroes Sports
Five Vikings Score in Double Figures as Buckeyes Fall to Vinton County
By: Will Price
Posted on:
MCARTHUR, Ohio-With Gavin Arbaugh dealing with an ankle injury, the Vinton County Vikings knew they were going to need some other players to step up.
It came from a hoist of Vikings as they push down for a conference title.
Vinton County had five players in double figures and used a 17-0 run to pull away and from the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes 84-59.
The game started close, as the Buckeyes fought for their first win in TVC Ohio play. Both teams took time to get going offensively, but a solid start from seniors Mikey Seel and Drew Carter had the Buckeyes close, down just two late in the first half.
That’s when the Vikings started to step up. Aaron Stevens came out shooting with confidence whenever Buckeye defenders gave him space. He ended the night going 4-for-6 from three point range, constantly making N-Y’s zone defense pay for any lapse on his way to 16 points.
He wasn’t the only Viking stuffing the stat sheet. Lance Montgomery capitalized off of Buckeye turnovers for layups and ended the night with 12 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
The turnovers caused by the swarming Viking defense was the biggest contributor to their ability to push the pace and find open shots. The Buckeyes struggled to cross half court and get into their offense, and the Vikings made their opportunities count all night.
Arbaugh still finished with 13 points and seven assists for the game. Rounding out the Vikings in double figures were Zayne Karr with 12 and Brayson Damron with 10 points.
This game followed the script N-Y are all too familiar with this season. They had troubles with turnovers tonight, with 15 on the night.
Seel led the team with three three-pointers on his way to 18 points. Braydin McKee was the only other Buckeye in double figures, with 12 to go along with a couple of blocks.
Both teams have a quick turnaround, with another game on Saturday. Vinton County takes on River Valley in a makeup game, while N-Y takes on Belpre back in Ben Wagner gymnasium.