Standouts from Winfield vs. Ripley sectional opener
RIPLEY – Ripley and Winfield battled and battled and battled some more inside the Vikings’ gymnasium Wednesday night in both teams’ Class AAA Region IV Section 1 opener. John Kennedy’s Vikings and Derrion Williams’ General threw everything including the kitchen…
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Continue ReadingRIPLEY – Ripley and Winfield battled and battled and battled some more inside the Vikings’ gymnasium Wednesday night in both teams’ Class AAA Region IV Section 1 opener. John Kennedy’s Vikings and Derrion Williams’ General threw everything including the kitchen sink at each other.
In the end, the Vikings ended the Generals season with a 55-54 win. With the victory, the blue and white advance to the sectional final against Nitro. The Vikings are guaranteed two more games now. They will host a regional final.
Sophie Nichols Sophie Nichols 5'11" | SG Ripley | 2024 State WV poured in a game-high 34 points, including the game-clinching free throw with second left. That bucket came after her seventh steal forced the Generals to foul. Nichols went to the line and calmly sank the shot. Winfield’s Antonela Johnson got a shot off as time expired, but it hit the front of the rim.
By picking up its second victory of the season over the Generals, Ripley sent them to the same quick exit they experienced last year against the same team.
Game MVP: Sophie Nichols Sophie Nichols 5'11" | SG Ripley | 2024 State WV , Ripley, SG, So., 5-9 – She carried her team to victory. 100%. With the Vikings’ second-leading scorer McKennan Hall unable to find her groove, the team nervous and tight, and without rest on the bench, Nichols scored 34 points including the game-winning free-throw off her seventh steal with 14.4 ticks left on the clock. Overall, her performance showed her heart, her composure, her will to win, and her perseverance. In short, it was a career night for the sophomore.
Meghan Taylor, Winfield, PG, Jr., 5-6 – Though hounded all night by Ripley standout defender McKennan Hall, the General displayed patience and picked her spots to show off her moxie and high basketball IQ. Her speed hurt the Vikings when she got free and sped to the hoop. She also displayed a quick trigger on the shots when she received an ounce of daylight.
Kyanah Baldwin, Ripley, C, Sr., 5-8 – Tasked with battling the never-ending length of Winfield, Baldwin stood her ground well. She put together a strong game both on the boards and with her shot. She disrupted multiple inside General drives with her long limbs. She pulled down seven rebounds and scored a huge 17 points, well over her season average of 9.8 points per game.
Antonela Johnson, Winfield, CG, So., 5-7 – Johnson showed off her ability to step up in the spotlight when needed most. She boosted the Generals on a night where their usual big time scorers struggled in finding the bottom of the basket. She elevated quickly off screens and shot the ball just as fast.
McKennan Hall, Ripley, PG, Jr., 5-5 – On a night shots weren’t falling, we learned something else about the junior. Namely, she can guard anyone. Hall hampered and hassled Winfield all-state guard Meghan Taylor all evening. She showed her defensive chops with a feisty display. Her speed and ability to move her feet shut down many driving lanes for Taylor.