Continuing on with the exemplary performance of our coaches and athletes on the court, on the mat, or in the pool we also are very proud with their sportsmanship. An official submitted the following report after the closely contested girls’ basketball game against Fishers. “I was very impressed with the sportsmanship that these two teams exhibited on Saturday night at Valparaiso High School. Neither team nor coach complained about any calls that were made on the floor. There was also no talking between the teams, even though it was a very close, at times physical, and competitive game. Both coaches exhibited great sportsmanship as well and if they questioned a call, it was asked in a very polite and courteous manner. Both school systems should be very proud of their girls’ basketball programs and the sportsmanship that they exhibit. In my 6 years as an official, this was one of the most enjoyable games that I have had the privilege of officiating! Great Job Fishers Lady Tigers! Great Job Valparaiso Lady Vikings!” Kudos to our athletes and coaches for competing at the highest level of Indiana high school sports and demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship even in the toughest and most disappointing times of competition.
The JV wrestling team kicked off their season this past weekend by participating in the JV DAC tournament. The following wrestlers placed in their respective weight classes: Ethan McFadyen placed 4th at 126 pounds, Jack Thursby placed 2nd at 132 pounds, Aidan Pollitt placed 3rd at 132 pounds, Joe Davis placed 2nd at 220 pounds, and David Bittorf placed 4th in the heavyweight division.
The Varsity wrestling team travelled to Merrillville on Wednesday night. The result a 62-9 defeat, however, Jack Thursby gained his first career varsity win and Ronnie Deluna also won for the Vikings.
The JV boys’ basketball team set a record for most points scored in a game against Hobart on Saturday with the 87-46 victory over the Brickies. It was a collective effort with 10 players scoring over 5 points and the Vikings assisting on 67% of their made field goals and only having 3 turnovers. Rafeek El Naggar led the way with 15 points and 4 assists. Mason Schmidt had 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. They are now 2-0 on the young season.
The varsity boys’ played host to Hobart on Saturday. They won 83-52. Leading the way for the Varsity was Brandon Newman with 31 points and 12 rebounds, Colin Walls with 12 points and 9 assists, and Jack Barrasas and Marcus Gholston with 9 points each. They too are 2-0 on the young season.
The freshmen boys travelled to Lake Central prior to Thanksgiving. The “A” team lost to Lake Central 37-34. The leading Scorers were AJ Alburo and Grant Comstock with 10 points each. The “B” team won 37-15 with Jordan LaPlace leading the way with 9 points and Jimmy Noonan and Jack Shifflett with 6 each. On Tuesday, they travelled to Portage to take on the Indians. Valpo was victorious by a score of 48-18. Jo Jo Villagren was the leading scorer with 11 points followed by Clay MacLagan with 8. The “B” won 38-31 with Tommy Burbee scoring 13 points and Jack Shifflett with 10.
The girls’ Varsity basketball team had a dominating victory over South Bend Clay on Saturday winning 78-15. Ari Gerdt led a balanced scoring attack with 14 points followed by Taelynn Oelling and Avery Hicks with 9 points each, Shea Pendleton with 8 points, and five players with 6 each. The JV followed suit with a 74-12 victory. Gillian Leone led with 12 points followed by Hailey gates with 10 and five others with 8 points. On Tuesday, they hosted South Central. Ari Gerdt had 17 points and Aleah Ferngren added 14. The Varsity won 66-46. The Varsity is now 6-2. The JV defeated South Central 50-28. Grace Healy led the way with 17 points followed by Sarah Cavanaugh with 12. The JV is 4-2 on the young season.
The five senior players and managers were recognized prior to the South Central game. Thank you for your commitment to Lady Viking basketball!
The freshmen girls’ basketball team lost to Lake Central 26-13 just prior to Thanksgiving break. Lucia Otten led the Vikings with 6 points while Payton Gallowitch had 5 rebounds and a steal. They lost to Portage 29-11 on Tuesday. Sydney Vorrier led the lady Vikings with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. They are now 4-4.
The girls’ swimming and diving team travelled to Hobart on Saturday and came away with a 104-79 victory. Special recognition goes out to the 500 freestylers (Corinne Timmons, Delaney Canavan, and Gillian Rossmann) who all finished within a second of one another and have shown what it means to support one another with great sportsmanship! Additionally, Shannon McCall, Lizzie Simac, and Janine Holleworth, who even after being switched last minute in their races went lifetime and season best times respectively in their events! Jackie Bontrager had an amazing swim from coming off of the 100 breastroke and going straight into leading the 400 freestyle relay with a season best 100 freestyle time of 55:14! On Tuesday, the girls travelled to Lake Central losing 110-76. The 200 Medley Relay (Shannon McCall, Lizzie Simac, Bri Pniak, and Jackie Bontrager) went one of the fastest early-season times that this relay has gone in the past few years, swimming a 1:53.56. They are already ahead of where the record breaking relay from last year was at this time. Junior Sophie Severson raced with huge heart and dropped massive amounts of time in both her 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Lizzie Simac was recognized for always being able to find another gear to finish out her races and out-touch her opponents! She had her fastest early season times in her 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke, along with being a part of the breastroke leg in the 200 medley relay and also had the fastest split in the 200 freestyle relay. Complete results can be found on the front page of the girls’ swimming website. http://valposwimming.com/
The boys’ swim team defeated Lake Central on Tuesday 97-88. Valparaiso picked up wins in the 200 medley/free relays, also winning the 400 free relay. Ryan Hrosik won the 50 free and Cole St. Aubin won the 100 free and they both also swam on the 200 medley and free relays.