Alexander defense stifles Vinton County in 60-56 win

Alexander held off a late charge from Vinton County to secure a 60-56 victory in a tightly contested girls basketball game played Jan. 13. The Spartans' defense and senior guard Kaylee Hundell paced Alexander through an energetic first half, giving them a 33-28 lead at the break and steadying the team in the second half.

Momentum swung early as Alexander used pressure defense to keep the Vikings from establishing a rhythm. Hundell’s shooting helped keep the Spartans within striking distance in the first quarter, and the visitors tightened defensively in the second. Vinton County junior Trinity Williams ignited a spark with a three-pointer in the second quarter, but Alexander limited the Vikings to just 10 points in that period, creating separation that proved decisive late.

Vinton County rallied in the fourth, cutting the margin down to single digits and testing Alexander’s composure. The Spartans maintained defensive discipline down the stretch, forcing turnovers and contesting shots enough to preserve a four-point margin at the final buzzer. The win moved Alexander to 10-5 overall and 4-2 in TVC-Ohio play, while Vinton County falls to 10-4 and 5-2 in conference play. The result has implications for the TVC-Ohio standings, with Alexander bolstering its case for a second-place conference position as the regular season approaches its midpoint.

Beyond the scoreboard, the game mattered for Vinton County’s community life. High school basketball nights are local gathering points where families come together to support students and where young athletes build skills, resilience, and social ties. Close contests like this one also spotlight the depth of girls athletics in the region and the importance of continued investment in coaching, facilities, and travel support so teams from smaller communities can compete.

There are public health and equity dimensions to keep in mind. Organized school sports contribute to physical activity, mental health, and social connection for teenagers. Ensuring equal access to those benefits for girls and boys across Vinton County depends on steady school funding, volunteer coaching capacity, and community backing. As conference races tighten, those structural supports help teams stay competitive and keep participation rates high.

The takeaway? Small-town rivalries produce big lessons: defense wins tight games, senior leadership matters, and local support keeps these programs alive. Our two cents? Get to a game when you can — your presence fuels the programs that give Vinton County kids healthy, competitive opportunities.