Spartans win the battle for second place in TVC- Ohio against Vikings
By: Reece Merkel
Posted on:
ALBANY, Ohio (WOUB) — The Alexander Spartans (10-5, 4-2) took on the Vinton County Vikings (10-4, 5-2) in a defensive masterclass. The Vikings won this game on the road 60-56, tying the series 1-1.
The first quarter started competitively, with the Vikings taking a quick lead. That lead did not hold up as the Spartans’ senior Kaylee Hundell hit five straight shots to tie the game at 18 to end the first quarter.
The first timeout of the game did not get called until three minutes into the second quarter. After the timeout, Vinton County’s junior Trinity Williams hit a quick three, but Alexander junior Lily Ryder made it even with a three of her own.
The Spartans were able to hold Vinton County for the rest of the quarter, allowing just 10 points in the second quarter, leaving Alexander on top 33-28 at half.
For the start of the third quarter, it was a lot like the first. A lot of back and forth, with Alexander’s senior Macie Hubbard giving away the ball twice to Vinton County.
The Spartans tried to ice Vikings’ senior Emma Leaming at the line with two minutes to go but was unsuccessful as she drained both from the charity line.
Ryder was able to close out the quarter with a drive to the basket, putting Alexander up 44-43.
The fourth quarter had the Vikings’ junior Kylee Smith’s name all over it. She put in work on both ends, finishing the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Alexander could not keep up with the Vikings’ offense, but all was not lost as Hubbard hit a three-pointer at the buzzer. Giving her eight points and five rebounds in the game.
This win gives Vinton County that edge over Alexander for second place in the TVC-Ohio. The loss drops the Spartans down to fourth behind River Valley.
For Alexander, they will travel to Wellston Jan.15 to round out their week. Vinton County will have a two-game home stretch facing Logan Elm Jan. 15 and Jackson Jan. 17.