TVC-Hocking Standings: Southern boys stay perfect in the conference, Federal Hocking, Waterford and Eastern battle it out for the top spot.
By: Hardwood Heroes
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TVC-Hocking Boys’ Standings
1. Southern Tornadoes | 10-2 (Conf. 6-0)
Written by: Andrew Woods
The Southern Tornadoes continued to roll through their schedule this week. In what turned out to be their only game of the week, Southern won a hard-fought battle with Waterford 52-47. Southern’s other scheduled game against Southeastern was cancelled.
The Tornadoes’ win against Waterford was crucial, as with the win, Southern clinched at least a share of their second straight TVC-Hocking title. The Tornadoes can clinch the title outright with one more TVC-Hocking win or one more loss by both Belpre and Waterford.
Southern’s first chance to clinch the title outright will come this week, as the Tornadoes face Belpre on Friday. Before that title-clinching game, Southern will play nonconference opponent South Gallia on Tuesday.
2. Belpre Golden Eagles | 8-6 (Conf. 4-2)
Written by: Andrew Woods
The Belpre Golden Eagles split their games this week. Belpre dropped their first game of the week to Marietta 67-40. The Golden Eagles then came back to win their final game of the week, beating Frontier 65-57.
Belpre still has a chance to claim a share of the TVC-Hocking title, but the Golden Eagles will need a lot of help to do so. To claim a share of the conference crown, Belpre must win all of their remaining conference games, while Southern must lose all of their remaining conference games.
That scenario means Belpre’s game against Southern on Friday will be make or break for the Golden Eagles’ TVC-Hocking title hopes. However, before their crucial battle with Southern, Belpre will visit nonconference Monroe Central on Tuesday.
3. Waterford Wildcats | 7-8 (Conf. 4-3)
Written by: Jamey Spears
The Waterford boys responded with a strong week, beginning with a 62-27 win over River Valley. Earlier this season, the Raiders defeated Waterford 52-43, but the Wildcats controlled the game from the opening tip this time. Waterford built an early lead and never looked back, holding River Valley to 27 points.
Waterford followed that performance with a road matchup against Southern, which entered the game undefeated in conference play. The Wildcats came out strong offensively, shooting 7 of 10 from three point range in the first half. Finn Pennock led Waterford with 22 points, while Southern’s Reed Brinager scored 20.
The Wildcats cooled off in the second half, shooting 2 of 6 from beyond the arc, and Southern rallied late. Waterford fell 52-47 after Brinager hit two free throws in the final moments to seal the win for the Tornadoes.
Waterford will return home for two games this week. The Wildcats will host Warren on Tuesday before welcoming Trimble on Friday.
T4. Eastern Eagles | 6-11 (Conf. 2-4)
Written by: Thomas Billington
The Eagles played two games this week. First traveling south to West Virginia to face off against Point Pleasant, a squad that has three wins and nine losses this season. However, Eastern came up short, losing a close game by just one point, 66-65.
Then the Eagles faced off against their TVC-Hocking counterparts, the Trimble Tomcats. A game that pitched two TVC-Hocking stars against one another, as Trimbles Brady Jajcyck and Eastern’s Colton Lloyd faced off. Eastern returned the favor, dealt to them by Point Pleasant winning the game off a last second free throw from Sam Balch. Winning the game 62-61.
Eastern has only one game scheduled for the next week, traveling on the road to face the Federal Hocking Lancers. Eastern will look to use the momentum from their most recent win to finish out the season strong.
T4. Federal Hocking Lancers | 4-11 (Conf. 2-4)
Written by: Charlie Lusk
Federal Hocking’s tough stretch through the middle of the season has continued, suffering defeats in both matchups this week.
A trip to the Plains on Tuesday saw both the Lancers and the Athens Bulldogs needing a win to get back on track. But a complete performance from the home team saw Federal Hocking lose 58-37. A business trip to Circleville proved to be an improved performance, but it was not enough to overcome the New Hope Christian Academy Statesmen. The Statesmen won 63-54.
With those results, the Lancers have not picked up a victory since December. After a promising start to the season, Federal Hocking needs another win to get the season on track before tournament time. Pending weather delays, they have two opportunities to do so. Federal Hocking on Tuesday to Beverly to play the Fort Frye Cadets, then on Friday the Lancers play the Eastern Eagles in Stewart.
6. Trimble Tomcats | 5-13 (Conf. 1-6)
Written by: Andrew Rowan
The Trimble boys’ struggles continue, allowing both of their games for the week.
The Tomcats hosted the Alexander Spartans Tuesday for a cross-conference matchup. Trimble would start out hot by winning the tipoff for a big three-point shot from Junior Brady Jajczyk. Despite the strong start, the Spartans took control for the rest of the night to win 69-58.
Trimble then hit the road Friday to take on the Eastern Eagles, and similar story earlier in the week, the boys would keep it close but would fall by one point, losing 62-61.
They boys will have time to regroup and plan ahead, as they won’t have a game until Friday, where they will travel to play the Waterford Wildcats, with tipoff starting at 6:00 p.m.
TVC-Hocking Girls’ Standings
T1. Federal Hocking Lancers | 9-5 (Conf. 6-2)
Written by: Charlie Lusk
After Federal Hocking suffered their second loss to Eastern to put their conference hopes in jeopardy, the Lancers had a very successful week winning all three of their games.
On Monday, the Lancers traveled to Pickerington Central High School to play the Bishop Watterson Eagles. In a low-scoring tournament like game,Federal Hocking won 44-33 against their division 2 opponents. Then on Thursday, they faced the Southern Tornadoes in Racine; winning 72-50 thanks in no part to their 48% 3-point shooting. The Lancers rounded out their week with the most impressive win yet, beating the Alexander Spartans at home 74-28.
With the conference race wrapping up and tournament time quickly approaching, this week was massive for Federal Hocking. Their neutral site game against Bishop Hartley slated for Sunday, January 25th has been postponed to Valentine’s Day. Pending cancellations or delays from winter weather, the Lancers start their week on Thursday in a crucial conference matchup on the road vs the Waterford Wildcats. Then on Saturday, Federal Hocking playthe Warrensville Heights Tigers at Harvest Preparatory High School.
T1. Waterford Wildcats | 10-8 (Conf. 6-2)
Written by: Jamey Spears
The Wildcats went on the road on time and played one home game during the stretch. They faced Frontier, a team that beat Waterford 29-25 earlier this season. This time, the result was much different as the Wildcats earned a 61-36 victory.
Brynnlee Pottmeyer scored the first four points of the game and finished with 12 points. Elsie Malec led Waterford with 22 points and three rebounds as the Wildcats pulled away early and never let Frontier back into the game.
Two days later, Waterford returned home to face Trimble. The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, defeating the Tomcats 47-38. The win put Waterford in control of its own destiny in the race for the TVC-Hocking title. If the Wildcats win out, they will clinch at least a share of the conference championship.
Waterford now prepares for two important games next week. On Monday, the Wildcats will host rival Fort Frye in a key matchup. On Thursday, they will travel to Federal Hocking to take on the Lancers, who are 9-5 on the season. Federal Hocking is tied for first place in the conference and can also clinch at least a share of the TVC-Hocking title if it wins out.
T1. Eastern Eagles | 12-5 (Conf. 6-2)
Written by: Evan Johnson
The Eagles rounded out their eight-game road trip with a 57-29 win over South Gallia. Eastern controlled the entire game while being led by freshmanKyrstin Fackler and Emeri Lloyd who combined for 28 points. Sophomore Brae Simpson also posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Eagles also exceled on defense, starting the second half in a full court press that held the Rebels to only three points in the third quarter.
With a major snowstorm hitting southeast Ohio, Eastern has already postponed their game against Wahama on Jan. 25. Their next scheduled game will be on Jan. 27 against Meigs back at The Nest. With Eastern being in a three-way tie for first in the TVC-Hocking, their game on Jan. 27 at home against Trimble will be crucial for a chance at the conference title.
4. Trimble Tomcats | 11-6 (Conf. 4-4)
Written by: Andrew Rowan
The Trimble girls had a down week for their standards, losing both of their matchups, but it would not be a total loss.
The Tomcats would start their week by hitting the road to face the Alexander Spartans, keeping it close, but would fall tow the Spartans 61-57. Despite the loss, it was a historic night for the girls as Junior Rilynn Fouts reached 1,000 career points.
After a change in schedule, the girls hit the road to take on the Waterford Wildcats. After both teams kept it open, the Wildcats would squeak out with the win, 47-38.
The girls will look to improve upon this week, as they will hit the road again to play the Millersport Lakers Monday at 6:30 p.m.
5. Belpre Golden Eagles | 5-13 (Conf. 2-6)
Written by: Andrew Woods
The Belpre Golden Eagles got back on track this week, ending an eight-game losing streak and winning consecutive games for the first time since December. Belpre started the week right by shutting down Warren and taking a 39-36 win. The Golden Eagles carried that momentum into their game against Frontier and won that contest 49-27. The Tornadoes would have played St. Mary’s (W. Va.) last Saturday, but that game was postponed due to inclement weather.
Belpre will attempt to extend their new winning streak next week. The Golden Eagles will play Southern on Thursday and Fort Frye on Saturday.
6. Southern Tornadoes | 7-10 (Conf. 1-7)
Written by: Andrew Woods
The Southern Tornadoes split their games this week. Southern beat Ohio Valley Christian 56-34 to begin the week. That win was the Tornadoes’ fourth win in their last five games, a major turnaround from an earlier stretch where Southern won only one of nine games. However, Southern could not use that momentum to upset Federal Hocking. Fed Hock got the best of the Tornadoes, winning 72-50. Southern could have gone for another win against River Valley to end the week, but that game was cancelled.
Southern will have a busy end to next week, as the Tornadoes will play two games in three days. The Tornadoes will face Belpre on Thursday and Symmes Valley on Saturday.