Gia (Courtesy/@ca_girlsbball Instagram)
Our girls basketball team opened the new year in victorious fashion, earning two wins and extending their winning streak to ten games.
On Tuesday, January 6, Academy welcomed Whitehall-Yearling, riding on an eight-game win streak and leaving with nine. The Vikes jumped out to an early lead and did not look back, sweeping the Rams 66–20 (after a commanding halftime 41–9 advantage, putting the game out of reach).
Gabrielle C. led the offensive charge, scoring 21 points while adding five rebounds and four steals. Kendall O. also made her presence felt, shooting an impressive 83% from the field on her way to 14 points and four steals. The dominant win pushed the Vikings’ record to 9–1.
The Vikes carried that momentum into a matchup against Franklin Heights on January 9. Entering the contest with nine straight wins, the Vikings proved their #2 ranking in the Central Buckeye Conference, dominating the Falcons 62–15.
The victory was highlighted by a balanced team effort, but Kendall once again stood out, pouring in 22 points and collecting four steals. She has also been disruptive on defense lately, recording two or more steals in each of her last three games. Gabrielle continued her strong play as well, racking up shots for 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals.
Player Katie N. says, “Our wins this week really showcase the progress we’ve made over the season, especially with playing all together as a team. On and off the court, we do not play individually, but rather as one collective group.”
This week so far, the team had two back-to-back games, increasing its record on Monday, January 12, with a 67-17 victory over Licking Valley. Gabrielle C. led the team in stats, stealing 17 points for the Vikings, followed by Lianna L., earning 15.
This momentum carried on to Tuesday, as the Vikes claimed another win against the Columbus School for Girls. Gabrielle and Kendall made significant impacts, scoring 22 and 20 points, respectively. This 60-31 result brought the girls to the #1 spot in the Division 5 Central Buckeye Conference. Katie says, “We are proud of our team and hope to keep it up in the weeks to come.”
To finish off the week, Academy has a game on Thursday, January 15, against Cristo Rey and on Saturday, January 17, taking on Bishop Watterson.
