Teays Valley coach Brian Barnett was pleased with the way his defense stepped up on Tuesday in an important Mid-State League Buckeye Division game, limiting visiting Fairfield Union to just 18 second half points to pull away for a 52-39 win.
“The effort tonight was great and the way the guys executed the game plan was really good for such a young team,” Barnett said. “I thought we got good play from Senior Ivan Smith. He did a nice job coming off the bench and defending Ted Harrah (seven points) and Caleb Schmelzer (eight points) and also at the offensive end with his rebounding and passing. He played like a senior tonight.”
Barnett also credited sophomore Luke Burgett hitting a three-pointer in the closing seconds of the first half and also for his defensive effort.
“Luke did a nice job in the first half for us, coming in off the bench and hitting a big three and played some great defense on the other end of the floor,” Barnett said.
The Vikings entered the second half with a 24-21 lead but started to add to their advantage with an 11-7 third quarter.
Kole Nungester hit a three to end the period and finished the second half with seven points and 11 for the game.
“Our freshmen are getting better every game and are starting to find their rhythm,” Barnett said. “I cannot say enough about the composure and the toughness that Kole Nungester brings to our team. He is always around the basketball and makes great decisions.”
The Vikings increased their lead to 51-36 with 2:30 remaining, thanks in part to freshman Brody Fields scoring 14 of his game-high 19 points in the second half.
“Brody is beginning to settle into his role and did a great job tonight of taking over the second half offensively,” Barnett said. “He is going to continue to get better every week.”
Senior Ryan Allton matched Nungester with 11 points of his own.
“Ryan is the one of the toughest kids I have coached,” Barnett said. “His ability to get to the basket and his defensive pressure make him a valuable part of our team.”
Brennen Rowles had 12 points to pace the Falcons (3-1, 2-1).
The Vikings (3-1, 3-0) continue league play on Saturday afternoon at Hamilton Township.
“Overall, I am pleased with the effort tonight, we have some things we need to clean up and get better at, however this group loves to play and loves to learn,” Barnett said.
Teays Valley 52,
Fairfield Union 39
FAIRFIELD UNION — Brennen Rowles 3-4-12, Issac 1-0-2, Ted Harrah 3-1-7, Caleb Redding 3-1-8, Caleb Schmelzer 3-1-8, Ronnie Rowley. Three-point goals — Brennen Rowles (2), Caleb Redding and Caleb Schmelzer. Total — 14-7-39.
TEAYS VALLEY — Kole Nungester 4-1-11, Brody Fields 8-0-19, Luke Burgett 1-0-3, Ryan Allton 5-1-11, Ivan Smith 1-0-2, Brayden Primmer 2-1-5, Sam Miller. Three-point goals — Brody Fields (3), Kole Nungester (2) and Luke Burgett. Total — 21-4-52.
Quarter scores 1 2 3 4 F
Fairfield Union 6 15 7 11 39
Teays Valley 10 14 11 17 52
