VIKING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (WEEK of January 26th)...
Swan Valley Athletics is honoring four middle school Viking Athletes of the Week from last week. Congratulations to Easton Vasey (8th Grade Boys Basketball), Alex Pike (8th Grade Boys Basketball), Evan Spielhaupter (7th Grade Boys Basketball), and Ethan Marshall (7th Grade Boys Basketball) for earning this prestigious award!
Here is what their coaches had to say about them fulfilling one or more of the Viking Athletic Core Values:
"Easton has shown so much growth leading at the point guard. He has put in the work ball handling and shooting- and it shows. He was the leading scorer against Freeland and continues to work hard daily!"
"Alex has been the vocal leader on this team for two years now. He pushes his teammates to be better every single day in a positive way! He also averages 20 PPG, 12 RPG, and 2 BPG to lead the Vikings! His future is O so Bright!"
"Evan's performance last week met the Viking Athletic Core Values of Influence and Success. He leads by example on and off the court. His work ethic and never give up attitude meets the standard of Success expected out of a Viking."
"Ethan has been rock solid on the 7th Grade Boys Basketball team. His willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed is very apparent. Whether asked to rebound, set screens, or guard a bigger player, Ethan is ready for the job without ever complaining. This unselfish attitude is what all coaches look for in a player. Ethan sets an example for all of his teammates to follow."
Viking Pride!
The 7th grade isn’t back in action until the rematch with Freeland at home next week Tuesday.
The A-Team used pressure to swarm Alma that helped them take a 30-5 lead into halftime. They kept their intensity up in the second half to earn a 42-12 win. The game was all about doing the little things. Jacoby Harper, Tuff Millerick, and Zeus Perez combined for 25 rebounds. The team recorded 10 steals. They look to improve their winning streak to 3 on Monday at home vs Garber.
It was an intense night of hoops for the SV 8th grade basketball teams. The B team game was back and forth with a big John Glenn team. The Vikings had a 1 point lead going into the fourth quarter. The 4th saw a back and forth contest before the Bobcats pulled away 59-51. Teegan Simmons led the way with 19 points while Cooper Light chipped in 11 and multiple steals before an injury derailed his night early. Brayden Truckle was awesome defensively all night. The Vikings are already looking forward to the rematch!
The A game was a highly touted game featuring two undefeated teams. The Bobcats jumped out of the gate quick before the Vikings cut it to a three point deficit late in the third quarter. Eventually the Bobcats pressure created open three opportunities which they started to hit. The Vikings fell 61-42. Lucas Kench and Lucas Powell were excellent all night on both sides of the floor, while Braylon Mendoza and Eli Anders chipped in with some gritty performances! The Viking A and B teams sit at 3-1 on the season heading into today's snow day makeup games against Alma.
The 7th grade B-Team improves their record to 3-0 with a thrilling win over Freeland 38-37. Jaxden Graebner scored to give the Vikings the lead with 12 seconds left. Ethan Marshall scored a game high 12 points while Camden Wilson chipped in with 11.
The 7th grade A-Team played their best game of the year but came up short vs a very good Freeland team 57-45. It was an all around team effort with every player scoring. Jacoby Harper led the team with 14 points while Evan Spielhaupter chipped in with 8.
Both 7th grade teams want to thank the students that have come out and given their support. Their enthusiasm from the stands brings energy and excitement to the games. We look forward to hearing them again!
***Due to a later departure time for John Glenn's 7th grade boys basketball teams, tomorrow's first 7th grade boys basketball game at Swan Valley will start at 5:00 p.m.
On Monday,
Both SV 8 Teams came out on top against Freeland. The B team was led by Easton Vasey and Carson Boehler who were channeling their inner Lamelo Ball.
The A team made things more difficult than they needed to, but eventually pulled away by Alex Pikes 20 and 15 night. Also Lucas Powell chipped in a huge 3 and Lucas Kench went full Whirlpool- with a nasty spin cycle move.
The 7th grade A team suffer another close loss to Ithaca 42-40. They clawed their way back in the 4th quarter but ultimately came up short. Evan Spielhaupter and Jacoby Harper led the way scoring 11 and 10 points respectively.
The A team won 62-18. Alex Pike recorded 22 points and 14 boards in the first half of play. Eli Anders and Xander Walle also chipped in with 11 and 8 points respectively. The Vikings will be tested next week as they play Freeland, John Glenn, and Alma.
Today's Swan Valley 7th and 8th grade boys basketball games against Alma have been CANCELLED.
8th grade boys B team came out slow but eventually doninated 53-29. Teegan Simmons led the way with 12 points while Cooper Light added 7 and great all around defense.
8th Grade boys A team came out on fire with an 18-2 first quarter score. The Vikings eventually won 45-31 led by Alex Pike with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Lucas Kench was awesome at the point with ball protection and chipping in 9 points while Tanner Habina did a little bit of everything on his way to 11 points and 3 steals. Next for the 8th grade Vikings is the Alma Panthers at home next Monday!
B team played a great game from start to finish and earned a solid win to open the season. Spencer Bauer led the team with 15 points. Ethan Marshall and Jaxden Graebner chipped in with 12 points and 11 points.
A team played a back and forth battle vs Frankenmuth. In the end they came up 1 point short. Evan Spielhaupter led the way with 23 points while Abe Perez added 10 points.
