Boys Basketball Season
Round-Up
By: Mercedes Keim
NORTHRIDGE- Even as 2018 is in the midst of beginning, there are things that have to come to an end, and one of those things would be the 2017-2018 boys basketball season. They have had their share of ups and downs, just like any other team.
Some of the highlights of this season consisted of “Having four different leading scorers, as well as having multiple kids make huge contributions,” says varsity coach Brian Blume.
As of the beginning of this week, the boys had a 13-8 record due to all their hard work and effort. The JV and Freshman teams have had an outstanding season as well and all teams will continue these characteristics throughout the remaining few games.
With all the seniors gone from last year, the team had to bring up a bit of new faces to the varsity level to be able to have a full team on the court. Even with all the changes, they were still able to have a great season. Blume says, “This season has been a good one, and we were very competitive in all of our games.”
Going forward, Blume says, “As a coach, I am always looking for better ways to give our kids opportunities to be successful.”
One of the boy's best-played games, according to Blume, was, “The game against Watkins. We played well all four quarters and beat a really good Watkins team.” He says that he’ll “Continue to adapt and change based on the strengths and weaknesses of our players” looking forward on future seasons.
This season could be looked at as very successful, according to many. In fact, Nick Hatten ('18) became the school's all-time leader in three-pointers during the buzzer of the game against Riverview. Along with all of that, “Jeremy Butt (18’) has had an outstanding all-around season as one of the county's top scorers and leader in steals,” according to Coach Blume.
Hatten said that breaking the record “had been one of my goals ever since I started playing basketball, and it was so surreal to know that all of my hard work had paid off.”
Blume has been with this group of seniors for many years ... since 7th grade, to be exact. It is the first class he has ever coached all the way through grades 7-12. Blume says he “wishes them nothing but the best in the future.” He also said that he “enjoyed watching them go out and compete each evening. I respect them not only as basketball players, but as outstanding young men.”
Although this season is ending, next year’s season will soon be in the beginning stages in just a few months.
Upcoming senior Jackson Wilson (19’) predicts for next year’s season that, “We are going to have a good team next year, we have lots of good varsity players and fresh talent coming up from the grades below.”
- Mercedes Keim is a senior Viking Vault staff member. [email protected]
Round-Up
By: Mercedes Keim
NORTHRIDGE- Even as 2018 is in the midst of beginning, there are things that have to come to an end, and one of those things would be the 2017-2018 boys basketball season. They have had their share of ups and downs, just like any other team.
Some of the highlights of this season consisted of “Having four different leading scorers, as well as having multiple kids make huge contributions,” says varsity coach Brian Blume.
As of the beginning of this week, the boys had a 13-8 record due to all their hard work and effort. The JV and Freshman teams have had an outstanding season as well and all teams will continue these characteristics throughout the remaining few games.
With all the seniors gone from last year, the team had to bring up a bit of new faces to the varsity level to be able to have a full team on the court. Even with all the changes, they were still able to have a great season. Blume says, “This season has been a good one, and we were very competitive in all of our games.”
Going forward, Blume says, “As a coach, I am always looking for better ways to give our kids opportunities to be successful.”
One of the boy's best-played games, according to Blume, was, “The game against Watkins. We played well all four quarters and beat a really good Watkins team.” He says that he’ll “Continue to adapt and change based on the strengths and weaknesses of our players” looking forward on future seasons.
This season could be looked at as very successful, according to many. In fact, Nick Hatten ('18) became the school's all-time leader in three-pointers during the buzzer of the game against Riverview. Along with all of that, “Jeremy Butt (18’) has had an outstanding all-around season as one of the county's top scorers and leader in steals,” according to Coach Blume.
Hatten said that breaking the record “had been one of my goals ever since I started playing basketball, and it was so surreal to know that all of my hard work had paid off.”
Blume has been with this group of seniors for many years ... since 7th grade, to be exact. It is the first class he has ever coached all the way through grades 7-12. Blume says he “wishes them nothing but the best in the future.” He also said that he “enjoyed watching them go out and compete each evening. I respect them not only as basketball players, but as outstanding young men.”
Although this season is ending, next year’s season will soon be in the beginning stages in just a few months.
Upcoming senior Jackson Wilson (19’) predicts for next year’s season that, “We are going to have a good team next year, we have lots of good varsity players and fresh talent coming up from the grades below.”
- Mercedes Keim is a senior Viking Vault staff member. [email protected]
Track Season Looks Promising
By: Olivia Carpenter
For the Northridge High School Track team, this season is going to be a lot different. With many new recruits, the team will grow in size and talent. Though the season starts in March, coaches began conditioning over the winter. Students stay after school to practice, and you’ll often find them running through the hallways or doing jumping exercises down different wings.
“This season shows promise,” says Coach Richard Featheringill, who has coached the team for the past three years. “We have many new people, and even if we lose some because of other commitments, we will still have a lot to work with. With all the new athletes, there may be more competition, meaning our team will become better because people will push each other.”
Yet, even with all of the new recruits, the team still has many experienced runners returning this year. Sydney Miller(‘18) and Katrina Tennis-Malick(‘19) are among those returning athletes.
“I think this season is going to be a lot different because of all the new people,” Miller (‘18) said, reflecting on conditioning turnout. “The thing is, most of the new girls are taking track very seriously, and I like that. It means we will be able to put together good relay teams for when Olivia Carpenter and I graduate. Since there will be some holes, they will be filled with good runners.”
Tennis-Malick also expressed her opinion on what she feels the track team will gain: “I think meets will be a lot more fun, and the new recruits will learn how much of a family we all are. When you become part of the track team, it’s like you’re joining a big family. We all support each other and stick together.”
The team lost a few key competitors last year, including Sydney Menix(‘17) and Chris Douglas(‘17). Menix made it to Regionals in the high jump, and Douglas placed high at Districts in his field events.
The track team hopes to follow in the footsteps of the graduated seniors and send more people to the Regional level. Featheringill said, “I think our members are coming back stronger than ever. A lot of athletes are in other sports, so they are already conditioned, and some athletes are competing already. Olivia Carpenter (‘18) has been training and competing in indoor track. Megan King (‘19) is also a good competitor who I hope to have running at State again this year. I have some girls and boys coming from swim, and quite a few from basketball.”
“With so many new recruits and good returning athletes I think we will be stronger than ever this season,” agrees Erica Siegel (‘19). “With the new people, we are figuring out what events they will do. We are trying to see if they seem more like sprinters, long-distance runners, or if they would do better in field events.”
The track team has meets scheduled all throughout the months of April and May. District competition takes place in early May, then Regionals in late May, and States in early June. When asked overall about the season, Feathergill responded: “I’m looking forward to this season. It shows a lot of promise.”
- Olivia Carpenter ('18) is a staff writer and the Photo Editor of The Viking Vault
By: Olivia Carpenter
For the Northridge High School Track team, this season is going to be a lot different. With many new recruits, the team will grow in size and talent. Though the season starts in March, coaches began conditioning over the winter. Students stay after school to practice, and you’ll often find them running through the hallways or doing jumping exercises down different wings.
“This season shows promise,” says Coach Richard Featheringill, who has coached the team for the past three years. “We have many new people, and even if we lose some because of other commitments, we will still have a lot to work with. With all the new athletes, there may be more competition, meaning our team will become better because people will push each other.”
Yet, even with all of the new recruits, the team still has many experienced runners returning this year. Sydney Miller(‘18) and Katrina Tennis-Malick(‘19) are among those returning athletes.
“I think this season is going to be a lot different because of all the new people,” Miller (‘18) said, reflecting on conditioning turnout. “The thing is, most of the new girls are taking track very seriously, and I like that. It means we will be able to put together good relay teams for when Olivia Carpenter and I graduate. Since there will be some holes, they will be filled with good runners.”
Tennis-Malick also expressed her opinion on what she feels the track team will gain: “I think meets will be a lot more fun, and the new recruits will learn how much of a family we all are. When you become part of the track team, it’s like you’re joining a big family. We all support each other and stick together.”
The team lost a few key competitors last year, including Sydney Menix(‘17) and Chris Douglas(‘17). Menix made it to Regionals in the high jump, and Douglas placed high at Districts in his field events.
The track team hopes to follow in the footsteps of the graduated seniors and send more people to the Regional level. Featheringill said, “I think our members are coming back stronger than ever. A lot of athletes are in other sports, so they are already conditioned, and some athletes are competing already. Olivia Carpenter (‘18) has been training and competing in indoor track. Megan King (‘19) is also a good competitor who I hope to have running at State again this year. I have some girls and boys coming from swim, and quite a few from basketball.”
“With so many new recruits and good returning athletes I think we will be stronger than ever this season,” agrees Erica Siegel (‘19). “With the new people, we are figuring out what events they will do. We are trying to see if they seem more like sprinters, long-distance runners, or if they would do better in field events.”
The track team has meets scheduled all throughout the months of April and May. District competition takes place in early May, then Regionals in late May, and States in early June. When asked overall about the season, Feathergill responded: “I’m looking forward to this season. It shows a lot of promise.”
- Olivia Carpenter ('18) is a staff writer and the Photo Editor of The Viking Vault
2018 Softball season just about here
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE- Coached by Leigh Siedlak, the Northridge softball program's season creeps up on players for the upcoming 2018 new year in the spring. Many players are ready and have already begun to condition.
The last 2017 softball season featured a 12-10 winning record.
This year, softball tryouts are starting the third week of February, on the 19th. Softball practices will also begin tryout week for whoever makes the team. For right now, there is weight lifting right here in the Northridge weight room on Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:45-4, monitored by trainer Hannah Reed, who put together a workout for the girls.
A lot of softball players are very excited for the upcoming season, including varsity’s shortstop Megan Payne (‘20) and varsity third baseman, Madie Legg (‘19). Legg states, “My favorite part about softball is playing with my team and making connections that will last a lifetime. I also like the thrill of the game and the sport in general. I am very excited about the upcoming season because I think that our team made great connections last year, and we all work well together as a team, so I think that we will perform well.”
Payne agrees with Legg, stating, “I like how well the team worked together last year, and I liked how the coaches would continue to push us to get better and achieve more every practice … We have a good team this year, so I am excited to see how far we’ll go in tournaments!”
Legg plays for a travel team known as the “Ohio Scarlets.” I asked Legg how travel ball compared to our Northridge Softball program and Legg responded, “The level of competition in travel is much harder because the people that play travel ball play all year round and have more experience, and in school ball we do not travel very far but in travel ball, we go all over the country.”
Payne, who plays for the “Ohio Lasers” travel softball team, had a similar response saying, “Travel ball has a greater intensity than school ball because travel ball is at a higher level than the LCL, but we do execute a lot of the same drills and stuff. Basically, travel ball practices are for improving the fundamental skills we bring back to school ball.”
Payne has been a starter on the Northridge Softball Varsity team since freshman year and has put in a lot of extra work to get there. Payne declared, “It was exciting to know that all of my extra hours I put into it paid off and that somebody recognizes it.”
- Ali Zigo ('20) is the Junior Print Editor of The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE- Coached by Leigh Siedlak, the Northridge softball program's season creeps up on players for the upcoming 2018 new year in the spring. Many players are ready and have already begun to condition.
The last 2017 softball season featured a 12-10 winning record.
This year, softball tryouts are starting the third week of February, on the 19th. Softball practices will also begin tryout week for whoever makes the team. For right now, there is weight lifting right here in the Northridge weight room on Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:45-4, monitored by trainer Hannah Reed, who put together a workout for the girls.
A lot of softball players are very excited for the upcoming season, including varsity’s shortstop Megan Payne (‘20) and varsity third baseman, Madie Legg (‘19). Legg states, “My favorite part about softball is playing with my team and making connections that will last a lifetime. I also like the thrill of the game and the sport in general. I am very excited about the upcoming season because I think that our team made great connections last year, and we all work well together as a team, so I think that we will perform well.”
Payne agrees with Legg, stating, “I like how well the team worked together last year, and I liked how the coaches would continue to push us to get better and achieve more every practice … We have a good team this year, so I am excited to see how far we’ll go in tournaments!”
Legg plays for a travel team known as the “Ohio Scarlets.” I asked Legg how travel ball compared to our Northridge Softball program and Legg responded, “The level of competition in travel is much harder because the people that play travel ball play all year round and have more experience, and in school ball we do not travel very far but in travel ball, we go all over the country.”
Payne, who plays for the “Ohio Lasers” travel softball team, had a similar response saying, “Travel ball has a greater intensity than school ball because travel ball is at a higher level than the LCL, but we do execute a lot of the same drills and stuff. Basically, travel ball practices are for improving the fundamental skills we bring back to school ball.”
Payne has been a starter on the Northridge Softball Varsity team since freshman year and has put in a lot of extra work to get there. Payne declared, “It was exciting to know that all of my extra hours I put into it paid off and that somebody recognizes it.”
- Ali Zigo ('20) is the Junior Print Editor of The Viking Vault. [email protected]
2018 Baseball Team Preview
By: Jackson Wilson
NORTHRIDGE- The baseball team looks to have a season full of success after only losing three seniors from last year's team.
The Vikings are coming off of one of their most successful seasons in years past, but team members say they believe they can perform even better this season. Carter Comisford ('19), the returning two-year varsity starter said, “I expect us to pick up where we left off last season and be just as good, if not better, than we were.”
One of the reasons the Vikings believe they will have such a great season this year is because of experience. Most of the players on varsity have already been on varsity for multiple years, so they are used to playing at such a high level. Speaking of a possible tournament run, Comisford said, “I expect us to make a run and perform well in the tournament because we have a good core of guys who have been there and experienced it two or three times. Most of the team is returning, and I think that experience will definitely help.”
The team is getting ready for the season in different ways. Some of the players are currently in basketball season and can not attend the optional winter team practices. Gavin Pavao ('18), a two-year letterman on varsity, is getting ready for the season by going to the winter practices, as well as lifting on his own time. Comisford, though, is in basketball season so he has to do his practicing on his own time. To get ready for the season, he is hitting off of a tee and a machine, and has just started to throw after taking a rest from baseball during basketball season.
One of the major players the team will be missing this year is catcher, Drew Cella ('17). He was a three-year varsity letterman that graduated last year. He was a huge help in the Vikings success last year, and they will have to find a way to replace him. Pavao said, “We will definitely miss his senior leadership. He is going to be hard to replace, but I believe that we have young guys who can step up and fill in his position. Also, this year new juniors and seniors are going to have to step up to replace his leadership role he had on the team.”
The Vikings players have made endless memories throughout their high school baseball careers. Pavao’s best high school baseball memory is, “beating Granville last year 13-4. That is who Coach Burkholder used to coach for so we new that win meant a lot to him.”
Comisford’s favorite high school baseball memories are “beating Utica my freshman year when they had a very good team, beating Granville last year, and playing two-ball with my teammates before games.”
The Vikings look forward to having a very successful season, and experiencing even more high school baseball memories that will last a lifetime. The Vikings open up their season their season on Mar. 29 at home against Columbus Academy.
- Jackson Wilson ('19) is the Sports Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Jackson Wilson
NORTHRIDGE- The baseball team looks to have a season full of success after only losing three seniors from last year's team.
The Vikings are coming off of one of their most successful seasons in years past, but team members say they believe they can perform even better this season. Carter Comisford ('19), the returning two-year varsity starter said, “I expect us to pick up where we left off last season and be just as good, if not better, than we were.”
One of the reasons the Vikings believe they will have such a great season this year is because of experience. Most of the players on varsity have already been on varsity for multiple years, so they are used to playing at such a high level. Speaking of a possible tournament run, Comisford said, “I expect us to make a run and perform well in the tournament because we have a good core of guys who have been there and experienced it two or three times. Most of the team is returning, and I think that experience will definitely help.”
The team is getting ready for the season in different ways. Some of the players are currently in basketball season and can not attend the optional winter team practices. Gavin Pavao ('18), a two-year letterman on varsity, is getting ready for the season by going to the winter practices, as well as lifting on his own time. Comisford, though, is in basketball season so he has to do his practicing on his own time. To get ready for the season, he is hitting off of a tee and a machine, and has just started to throw after taking a rest from baseball during basketball season.
One of the major players the team will be missing this year is catcher, Drew Cella ('17). He was a three-year varsity letterman that graduated last year. He was a huge help in the Vikings success last year, and they will have to find a way to replace him. Pavao said, “We will definitely miss his senior leadership. He is going to be hard to replace, but I believe that we have young guys who can step up and fill in his position. Also, this year new juniors and seniors are going to have to step up to replace his leadership role he had on the team.”
The Vikings players have made endless memories throughout their high school baseball careers. Pavao’s best high school baseball memory is, “beating Granville last year 13-4. That is who Coach Burkholder used to coach for so we new that win meant a lot to him.”
Comisford’s favorite high school baseball memories are “beating Utica my freshman year when they had a very good team, beating Granville last year, and playing two-ball with my teammates before games.”
The Vikings look forward to having a very successful season, and experiencing even more high school baseball memories that will last a lifetime. The Vikings open up their season their season on Mar. 29 at home against Columbus Academy.
- Jackson Wilson ('19) is the Sports Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
Girls basketball season wraps up
By: Dayna Martin
NORTHRIDGE- The Lady Vikings played their final, regular season, home game for the 2017-2018 basketball season on February 15th against Newark Catholic. This basketball season has been a tough season for the Vikings. The girls faced a tough game schedule at the beginning of the season and faced a couple injuries as the season progressed.
Megan Payne (‘20) says, “The beginning of our season we did have a tough schedule, but I think our schedule helped prepare us for future games.”
When reflecting on the positives of the season, Scott was pleased with the improved shooting in the games, which has allowed the Lady Vikings to score more in games than in the past seasons. Coach Scott specifically mentions the shooting at the Columbus School for Girls game: “We were able to hit nine three-pointers during the game, which is the most three’s we have made in a game.” Scott was pleased with the shooting of the girls and he hopes to continue improving.
For the overall season, Scott believes the girls program at all levels has taken a major step forward. Scott believes that the win over Johnstown on their new, home floor was a giant leap for Viking girls basketball, and the win was able to spark a fire within the program.
Varsity basketball player Caylee Lindsay (‘18) says, “Beating Johnstown in their new gym is one of the best memories, and it was such a fun game to be a part of.”
Scott says, “The Johnstown win has to be my favorite memory of the season. Not only was it a great win, but the atmosphere and the crowd was great. It was definitely a great experience overall.”
Coach Scott has already started to look ahead for the 2018-2019 season. For next season, Scott hopes to make all players physically stronger.
Varsity player Caroline Liggett (‘19) agrees, “It is important that we become stronger for next season. We must be able to handle all contact on the floor.”
Varsity player Olivia Humes (‘19) says, “Sometimes we lack communication on the court, so I hope this is something that we can improve upon before next season.”
Along with communication, Scott wants the players to be able to make their own decisions on the court, and not rely on being told what to do or what play to run.
As the Lady Vikings end their season and approach tournament time, Scott says, “From this season, we have put ourselves in a better position for the tournament, and we should not be placed at the bottom of the tournament bracket.”
The Lady Vikings will play Liberty Union in the first round of tournament play on Tuesday, February 20th at home.
-Dayna Martin (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Copy Editor. [email protected]
By: Dayna Martin
NORTHRIDGE- The Lady Vikings played their final, regular season, home game for the 2017-2018 basketball season on February 15th against Newark Catholic. This basketball season has been a tough season for the Vikings. The girls faced a tough game schedule at the beginning of the season and faced a couple injuries as the season progressed.
Megan Payne (‘20) says, “The beginning of our season we did have a tough schedule, but I think our schedule helped prepare us for future games.”
When reflecting on the positives of the season, Scott was pleased with the improved shooting in the games, which has allowed the Lady Vikings to score more in games than in the past seasons. Coach Scott specifically mentions the shooting at the Columbus School for Girls game: “We were able to hit nine three-pointers during the game, which is the most three’s we have made in a game.” Scott was pleased with the shooting of the girls and he hopes to continue improving.
For the overall season, Scott believes the girls program at all levels has taken a major step forward. Scott believes that the win over Johnstown on their new, home floor was a giant leap for Viking girls basketball, and the win was able to spark a fire within the program.
Varsity basketball player Caylee Lindsay (‘18) says, “Beating Johnstown in their new gym is one of the best memories, and it was such a fun game to be a part of.”
Scott says, “The Johnstown win has to be my favorite memory of the season. Not only was it a great win, but the atmosphere and the crowd was great. It was definitely a great experience overall.”
Coach Scott has already started to look ahead for the 2018-2019 season. For next season, Scott hopes to make all players physically stronger.
Varsity player Caroline Liggett (‘19) agrees, “It is important that we become stronger for next season. We must be able to handle all contact on the floor.”
Varsity player Olivia Humes (‘19) says, “Sometimes we lack communication on the court, so I hope this is something that we can improve upon before next season.”
Along with communication, Scott wants the players to be able to make their own decisions on the court, and not rely on being told what to do or what play to run.
As the Lady Vikings end their season and approach tournament time, Scott says, “From this season, we have put ourselves in a better position for the tournament, and we should not be placed at the bottom of the tournament bracket.”
The Lady Vikings will play Liberty Union in the first round of tournament play on Tuesday, February 20th at home.
-Dayna Martin (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Copy Editor. [email protected]