BeatReportJacob
TV Athletics Beat Writer
Teays Valley Girls Basketball: A Season of Growth and Development 2/27
The 2024-2025 Teays Valley Vikings girls' basketball team faced a challenging season in the competitive OCC-Buckeye division. Despite being a youthful squad, the Vikings showed flashes of brilliance and growth throughout the year.
According to Coach Younkin, the team's biggest accomplishment was coming together to compete in a tough schedule and not letting it intimidate them. The Vikings played against several top-notch teams, including Minford, Bloom Carroll, Fairfield Union, Circleville, Grove City, and Logan, all of which are still competing in the state tournament or made deep runs in the postseason.
One of the team's biggest challenges was their age and inexperience. However, as the season progressed, the Vikings gained valuable experience and developed their skills. Coach Younkin noted that the team struggled against senior-led teams, but they competed hard and fought until the final buzzer.
Tessa Horsley and Cami Robins emerged as leaders on the court, with Horsley leading the team in scoring and rebounding most nights. Robins, meanwhile, kept the offense running smoothly against tough opponents. The Vikings' strengths included their speed, talent, and effort, but they struggled with mental toughness, consistency, and developing their basketball IQ.
To address these weaknesses, Coach Younkin emphasized the importance of determined scoring, aggressive helpside defense, and developing the team's understanding of different defenses and offenses. One of the most memorable games of the season was against Minford, an all-senior team. The Vikings had a chance to win deep into the second half, and Coach Younkin was proud of the team's performance.
Another highlight was beating Canal Winchester and securing Coach Younkin's 100th career varsity win. The team's chemistry and camaraderie developed significantly over the course of the season, thanks to the players' coachability and hard work in practice.
Senior captain Kylie Burgett provided outstanding leadership and will be missed next season. However, Coach Younkin is confident that three junior players observed Burgett's leadership and will step up to fill the void.
Coach Younkin expected the Vikings to finish mid-pack in conference play. Despite some tough losses, the team competed hard every night and gained valuable experience. The entire team showed significant growth and improvement over the course of the season, with players like Avery Mann, Kenzington Younkin, Allie Rice, Cooper McManaway, Areyana Karshner, Amelia Brumfield, and Addie Keplar making major strides.
The Vikings secured several notable wins throughout the season, including a 46-39 win over Logan on December 3, a 57-23 rout of Groveport on December 17, and a 43-40 win over Canal Winchester on February 4.
Looking ahead to next season, Coach Younkin's goals include developing a more determined scoring mentality, improving the team's helpside defense, and increasing their basketball IQ. With a strong summer of training and a focus on building on this year's experiences, the Vikings are poised for a successful 2025-2026 season.
As I reflect on the 2024-2025 season, one thing is clear: The Lady Vikings are a tough and resilient team. I had the privilege of covering 21 of their games, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have connected with the team and coaches. I'm already looking forward to the 2025-2026 season! I will release my Traffic Light Sports awards and special recognition today!
The 2024-2025 Teays Valley Vikings girls' basketball team faced a challenging season in the competitive OCC-Buckeye division. Despite being a youthful squad, the Vikings showed flashes of brilliance and growth throughout the year.
According to Coach Younkin, the team's biggest accomplishment was coming together to compete in a tough schedule and not letting it intimidate them. The Vikings played against several top-notch teams, including Minford, Bloom Carroll, Fairfield Union, Circleville, Grove City, and Logan, all of which are still competing in the state tournament or made deep runs in the postseason.
One of the team's biggest challenges was their age and inexperience. However, as the season progressed, the Vikings gained valuable experience and developed their skills. Coach Younkin noted that the team struggled against senior-led teams, but they competed hard and fought until the final buzzer.
Tessa Horsley and Cami Robins emerged as leaders on the court, with Horsley leading the team in scoring and rebounding most nights. Robins, meanwhile, kept the offense running smoothly against tough opponents. The Vikings' strengths included their speed, talent, and effort, but they struggled with mental toughness, consistency, and developing their basketball IQ.
To address these weaknesses, Coach Younkin emphasized the importance of determined scoring, aggressive helpside defense, and developing the team's understanding of different defenses and offenses. One of the most memorable games of the season was against Minford, an all-senior team. The Vikings had a chance to win deep into the second half, and Coach Younkin was proud of the team's performance.
Another highlight was beating Canal Winchester and securing Coach Younkin's 100th career varsity win. The team's chemistry and camaraderie developed significantly over the course of the season, thanks to the players' coachability and hard work in practice.
Senior captain Kylie Burgett provided outstanding leadership and will be missed next season. However, Coach Younkin is confident that three junior players observed Burgett's leadership and will step up to fill the void.
Coach Younkin expected the Vikings to finish mid-pack in conference play. Despite some tough losses, the team competed hard every night and gained valuable experience. The entire team showed significant growth and improvement over the course of the season, with players like Avery Mann, Kenzington Younkin, Allie Rice, Cooper McManaway, Areyana Karshner, Amelia Brumfield, and Addie Keplar making major strides.
The Vikings secured several notable wins throughout the season, including a 46-39 win over Logan on December 3, a 57-23 rout of Groveport on December 17, and a 43-40 win over Canal Winchester on February 4.
Looking ahead to next season, Coach Younkin's goals include developing a more determined scoring mentality, improving the team's helpside defense, and increasing their basketball IQ. With a strong summer of training and a focus on building on this year's experiences, the Vikings are poised for a successful 2025-2026 season.
As I reflect on the 2024-2025 season, one thing is clear: The Lady Vikings are a tough and resilient team. I had the privilege of covering 21 of their games, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have connected with the team and coaches. I'm already looking forward to the 2025-2026 season! I will release my Traffic Light Sports awards and special recognition today!