Teays Valley got off to the fast start that coach Brian Barnett wanted on Tuesday, but the defensive pressure from host Newark was eventually too much for the Vikings to overcome in a 61-41 Division I Central District sectional semifinal loss.
The Vikings struck for the first six points of the contest, but the Wildcats quickly countered with a 14-2 run to end the first quarter. Newark took that 14-8 advantage and expanded it to 29-14 at the break and 52-30 entering the fourth quarter. Teays Valley tried to make one last run during the second half, cutting its deficit from 20 to 12 points, but the Newark advantage was too much to overcome.
“We got off to a great start, but their pressure really caused us a lot of problems as the game continued,” Barnett said. “We did a nice job of getting to the basket early in the first, but Newark pressured us into turnovers and converted some of them into baskets.”
Cameron Dyas-Rogers led the Viking with 16 points, six rebounds and blocked a pair of shots. Ryan Allton followed with 10 points and Sam Miller chipped in six.
“Cameron played really well tonight for us,” Barnett praised. “He was able to score inside and cause some trouble for them at the defensive end.”
The Vikings finish the season at 10-13 and graduate six players at the end of the school year – Dyas-Rogers, Kevin Scott, Reese Sauerbrun, Liam Sachs, Peyton Weiler and Jackson Smith.
“I really appreciate our seniors,” Barnett said. “They gave so much time, effort and energy to our program, and I wish them the very best.”