Dee-Mack girl’s basketball has historically been notorious against their conference foe, the Tri-Valley Vikings. Dee-Mack boy’s basketball, not so much, but they are looking to turn around that four year drought on December 19th. Last season on December 20th, our very own two teams competed in a double header at Tri-Valley high school. Varsity boys competed first, with a heartbreaking game resulting in a loss. Varsity girls were able to end the night on a good note, defeating Tri-Valley after the boys played. This year both teams will compete again, this time at home and with the girls playing first.
While only two of the boy’s team’s players graduated after last season, the team looks much different– in a positive way. Leaders Tkye Albritton, Coen Gilbert, and Jerry Hahn all agree the experience of this season’s team is unmatched. “Another year has gone by where 4 of our 5 guys are underclassmen in our starting lineup, so now as a team we have a lot more experience to know how to handle pressure better and how to gameplan against star players,” Hahn states. Three year starter Coen Gilbert highlights each member of the team is dedicated, which will only enhance their chances against teams like Tri-Valley. Naturally, a double header at home will bring an advantage to the Chiefs. Since the girls play before, the boys anticipate a win for them would amplify the energy in Virgil M. Jacob’s Gymnasium. They know they have lots of works to do to prepare for Tri-Valley. They don’t want to count out TV’s squad, as Tri-Valley is a well rounded team with a star in 6’9 Ayden Jenson. Centers Jerry Hahn and Carson Knott are no strangers to the star center. Holding Jenson to just eight points last year, Hahn says they will continue to be physical to try and limit his points especially in the paint.
Dee-Mack girl’s basketball and Tri-Valley girls basketball are no strangers. The two teams have met five in the last three seasons. In favor of the Lady Chiefs who are 5-0 against the Vikings, but they know this season’s game will be their biggest challenge. Junior Riley Durbin states that going 6-0 motivates the team against Tri-Valley. The girls know that winning this game could be a huge swing of momentum, but losing could hurt them just as much. However, Durbin also states each girl on the team has strength in a variety of areas. “We built chemistry the last 6 games… we have a ton of speed and mentally tough people. We have more mobility.” The Dee-Mack girl’s team is dedicated everyday to prep for big games such as this one. They’re ready for high competition such as Tri-Valley in order to grow as a team.
Come in your best blackout gear to support the girls at 5:30 p.m and the boys at 7 p.m on December, 19th!!
