This week’s matchups to watch in the Tri-Valley Conference
By: Adam Schlosser
Posted on:
TVC Girls Games
Meigs (7-3, 2-3) 
Alexander (5-5, 4-1)
Monday, Jan. 3 @ 7:15 p.m.
The Lady Marauders ended 2021 tied with the most wins in the TVC-Ohio, but their three conference loses have set them at fifth place heading into this year. This could all change Monday with the Marauders squaring off against second place Alexander. While the Spartans enter this year with a rocky 1-4 record against non-conference opponents, they’ve done well against TVC-Ohio opponents, recording 4 of the 5 wins in conference play. The Lady Marauders will look to use this game as a chance to stay in contention for the TVC-Ohio title.
Athens (3-7, 3-2) 
Vinton County (6-2, 4-1)
Monday, Jan. 3 @ 7:30 p.m.
While Athens started off the season with a rough 0-7 record, their three straight conference wins put them on the edge of TVC-Ohio title contention. The Lady Bulldogs Monday night matchup against first place and title favorites Vinton County will be huge: not only will it serve as a litmus test for this Bulldogs team, but it’ll also be the perfect chance to enter the TVC-Ohio title race.
South Gallia (7-2, 4-1) 
Trimble (9-0, 5-0)
Monday, Jan. 3 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Lady Tomcats ended 2021 continuing their undefeated record with two tough wins against Nelsonville-York and Waterford. While they’ve seemed unstoppable so far this season, they have to face off against TVC-Hocking dark horse contender South Gallia. This game has major implications for both sides: for Trimble, a win would put them at an undefeated record and prime position to win the title. For the Lady Rebels, a victory against Trimble would even up the title race for the TVC-Hocking entering the second half of the season.
Federal Hocking (0-7, 0-4) 
Miller (0-10, 0-5)
Thursday, Jan. 6 @ 7:30 p.m.
While Federal Hocking has yet to record a win this season, they’ve proven they can stay in games, as their losses against Morgan and Caldwell both came within four points. Their best chance to win a game this season will come this Thursday against out-of-conference opponent Miller, who will be seeking their first win as well.
TVC Boys Games
Vinton County (7-3, 3-0) Meigs (7-4, 3-1)
Tuesday, Jan. 4 @ 7:30 p.m.
The top two teams in the TVC-Ohio kick off their new year on Tuesday with the first-place spot on the line. Vinton County enters this match as the clear favorites: the Vikings have won seven straight games heading into this match and are undefeated in conference play. However, the Vikings have only played the current bottom three ranked teams in the TVC-Ohio, making Meigs their toughest conference of the season so far. While the Marauders enter this game with an impressive record of 7-4, they have yet to beat a team with a record of above .500 this season. Both teams have a lot to prove this season, making this matchup one to watch.
Belpre (2-7, 1-2) 
Eastern (0-9, 0-3)
Tuesday, Jan. 4 @ 7:30 p.m.
It’s no secret that the Eagles have struggled in recent history — they haven’t been able to record a win since February 2020. However, their best chance of securing that elusive victory will come against conference rival Belpre this Tuesday. The Golden Eagles have struggled to find their identity this season as well, winning only two back-to-back games that were both decided by three or less points.
Athens (1-7, 0-3) 
River Valley (2-7, 1-3)
Friday, Jan. 7 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs have had a rough season so far, ending their 2021 with three straight losses against conference opponents. However, their best chance of securing a conference win comes on Friday at River Valley. While the Raiders have also had their share of struggles this season, their win against #3 ranked Wellston has shown they aren’t a team to prepare for lightly. Both teams will look to use this game as a chance to turn around their tough start to the season.
Wellston (5-4, 2-1) Meigs (7-4, 3-1)
Friday, Jan. 7 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Golden Rockets have been inconsistent this season: after starting off the year 5-2, their loss against River Valley saw them plummet to third place in the TVC-Ohio. However, their matchup against third place Meigs on Friday gives Wellston an opportunity to stay in title contention in the TVC-Ohio. The Marauders will be entering this game coming off a tough matchup against Vinton County: if they wein against the Vikings, this game will be the perfect opportunity for Meigs to solidify themselves as the top dogs in the TVC-Ohio.