Sports : Vikette Basketball Team visits Kiwanis

Ryan Davis, and the Vinton Vikettes basketball team, spoke with the Vinton Kiwanis group.

Davis shared the accomplishments of the team. This year Joe Johnson, who coached the boy's basketball team for the last several years took on the team after a series of events left them in need of a coach.

Davis said, "If you haven't been following our team for the last several years, this is the year that you might want to." He said that this team all lettered in their Freshman year, and each year the team has gotten better.

Last year he said the team missed going to state by one free throw in an overtime game to Center Point-Urbana. That day they shot 14 of 31 free throws. While he said it was a tough way to end last year, but it brought them back stronger this year. The team has been playing well in the other matches that they've had so far this year.

Davis had the team introduce themselves and share a little with the group. He said all of the members of the team have been recruited by colleges to play varying sports and that this team is rare because of all of the talents that they have on this one team.

The girls shared the other activities that they are involved with in addition to basketball. The list included just about every other sport for the girls, as well as many other school activities and being involved in the community. Davis said that in addition all of the girls make the Academic All-Conference bringing in grades of 3.5 or higher.

It was evident that the team has a special bond. Sharing laughs together and they said that they are all friends both on and off the court. Matt Boggess said that he believes this team has been responsible for encouraging younger girls to play the game. For the first time, last year the rec center had to create a girls-only basketball league and he feels that this team is responsible for that.

The team will be holding a Free Throw Fundraiser to raise funds for the Basketball Foundation. The money is used to cover the costs of the team.

Each player will shoot 100 free throws in sets of 10. Last year the girls all shot at least 80 with the highest of 91. Funds are raised by pledging per shot.

The event is held over the Christmas break and has only included the high school players, but the 7th and 8th graders may join this year. So if you'd like to be involved, locate your favorite basketball player and ask about signing up to pledge!