BeatReportJacob
TV Athletics Beat Writer
TVHS Girls Basketball Preview: 2024-2025
The Teays Valley Lady Vikings are gearing up for the 2024-2025 season, and Coach is optimistic about the team's prospects. Despite losing four quality seniors to collegiate basketball, the team is eager to leave its mark on the traditionally strong program.
Replacing Last Year's Starters:
Coach Younkin acknowledged that replacing the departed seniors won't be easy but expressed confidence in the team's talented young players. "They like to play basketball with each other, and they're ready to leave their mark on the program," Coach said. Tessa Horsley will be the lone returner to the blue and gold starting lineup after the Vikings will need to replace 4 starters from last year.
Early Season Impressions:
The team has shown promise in early workouts and open gyms, with Younkin noting that they are "fast, athletic, and have great depth." The team plans to utilize this depth by playing 10-11 girls in each game.
Returning Players to Watch:
Tessa Horsley, the team's only returning starter, is poised to take on a bigger role this season. Sophomore point guard Cami Robins has also shown significant growth and development. Junior guards Addi Helwagen and Cooper McManaway will provide valuable perimeter shooting options, while senior Kylie Burgett will be the lone senior.
Crucial Non-Conference Games:
The Lady Vikings will face several tough non-conference opponents, including Dublin Coffman at the Trill in the Ville on December 8, Minford at The Battle for the 740 on December 15, and Grove City on January 7.
Brad Morris Memorial Tournament:
The Vikings will participate in the inaugural Brad Morris Memorial Tournament, a new classic tournament that honors the memory of the late Brad Morris. Brad was the Circleville Herald Sports Editor until 2020 and founded and ran the Sporting Pumpkin until his death in September of 2023 "We're excited to be a part of this Memorial Tournament," Coach Younkin said. "Brad did so much for our community and local sports, and this is a great way to show our respect, and this is also a great way to still have the county schools play each other since we (Teays Valley) are no longer in the MSL, and it will be a great weekend full of Pickaway County basketball and traditions.”
OCC-Buckeye Conference Outlook:
Teays Valley will be heading into the OCC-Buckeye Conference with a young team but are willing to try new experiences. While Pickerington Central and Reynoldsburg are expected to be top contenders, Younkin believes the Lady Vikings can hold their own in the middle of the pack of the Buckeye Division.
Lessons from Last Season:
Last season's experience has taught the team the importance of having more players ready and able to play at the varsity level sooner. With a younger group, the team plans to give more girls minutes, experience, and opportunities this season.
Newcomers to Watch:
Junior Soccer standout Allie Rice will provide a much-needed inside game along with Avery Mann and Kenzington Younkin, while Amelia Brumfield and cross-country athlete Addie Keplar will add speed and shooting presence on the perimeter.
Upcoming Events:
The team had a strong preseason scrimmage schedule, facing off against tough opponents like Africentric (two-time defending state champions), Gahanna Lincoln, and Dublin Jerome. With a focus on building for the next two to three years, the Lady Vikings are excited to gain experience and confidence and show off their bright future. The Lady Hoopsers will start their season at home on 11/26 for a pre-turkey day matchup with Hilliard Bradley.
Coverage:
Traffic Light Sports will be your go-to spot for everything Teays Valley High School girls basketball for the 2024-2025 season!
The Teays Valley Lady Vikings are gearing up for the 2024-2025 season, and Coach is optimistic about the team's prospects. Despite losing four quality seniors to collegiate basketball, the team is eager to leave its mark on the traditionally strong program.
Replacing Last Year's Starters:
Coach Younkin acknowledged that replacing the departed seniors won't be easy but expressed confidence in the team's talented young players. "They like to play basketball with each other, and they're ready to leave their mark on the program," Coach said. Tessa Horsley will be the lone returner to the blue and gold starting lineup after the Vikings will need to replace 4 starters from last year.
Early Season Impressions:
The team has shown promise in early workouts and open gyms, with Younkin noting that they are "fast, athletic, and have great depth." The team plans to utilize this depth by playing 10-11 girls in each game.
Returning Players to Watch:
Tessa Horsley, the team's only returning starter, is poised to take on a bigger role this season. Sophomore point guard Cami Robins has also shown significant growth and development. Junior guards Addi Helwagen and Cooper McManaway will provide valuable perimeter shooting options, while senior Kylie Burgett will be the lone senior.
Crucial Non-Conference Games:
The Lady Vikings will face several tough non-conference opponents, including Dublin Coffman at the Trill in the Ville on December 8, Minford at The Battle for the 740 on December 15, and Grove City on January 7.
Brad Morris Memorial Tournament:
The Vikings will participate in the inaugural Brad Morris Memorial Tournament, a new classic tournament that honors the memory of the late Brad Morris. Brad was the Circleville Herald Sports Editor until 2020 and founded and ran the Sporting Pumpkin until his death in September of 2023 "We're excited to be a part of this Memorial Tournament," Coach Younkin said. "Brad did so much for our community and local sports, and this is a great way to show our respect, and this is also a great way to still have the county schools play each other since we (Teays Valley) are no longer in the MSL, and it will be a great weekend full of Pickaway County basketball and traditions.”
OCC-Buckeye Conference Outlook:
Teays Valley will be heading into the OCC-Buckeye Conference with a young team but are willing to try new experiences. While Pickerington Central and Reynoldsburg are expected to be top contenders, Younkin believes the Lady Vikings can hold their own in the middle of the pack of the Buckeye Division.
Lessons from Last Season:
Last season's experience has taught the team the importance of having more players ready and able to play at the varsity level sooner. With a younger group, the team plans to give more girls minutes, experience, and opportunities this season.
Newcomers to Watch:
Junior Soccer standout Allie Rice will provide a much-needed inside game along with Avery Mann and Kenzington Younkin, while Amelia Brumfield and cross-country athlete Addie Keplar will add speed and shooting presence on the perimeter.
Upcoming Events:
The team had a strong preseason scrimmage schedule, facing off against tough opponents like Africentric (two-time defending state champions), Gahanna Lincoln, and Dublin Jerome. With a focus on building for the next two to three years, the Lady Vikings are excited to gain experience and confidence and show off their bright future. The Lady Hoopsers will start their season at home on 11/26 for a pre-turkey day matchup with Hilliard Bradley.
Coverage:
Traffic Light Sports will be your go-to spot for everything Teays Valley High School girls basketball for the 2024-2025 season!