ASHVILLE, Ohio -- Newark and Teays Valley met in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday night in Ashville. The Wildcats held off a Viking run in the second quarter and used a strong offensive second half to push them to a 49-35 victory.

After a slow start to the first quarter, junior Brie Gingras entered the game off the bench on a mission for the Wildcats. Gingras connected from three to give Newark a lead before sophomores Kennedy Younkin and Alyssa Horsley went on a 6-0 run for the Vikings. 

Teays Valley held a one point lead momentarily then Newark scored eleven straight points to answer off the hot hands of Gingras and junior Ally Carr. Newark held a 15-9 advantage after one period.

Senior Maddie Vejsicky came to life in the second quarter, scoring five straight points to kick things off for Newark. A basket by sophomore Kennedy Younkin provided the first two points in a 11-2 run for the Vikings. A three by senior Jenna Horsley followed by two buckets by Younkin pulled Teays Valley within two heading into halftime by a score of 22-20. The Vikings outscored the Wildcats 11-7 in the second period.

Newark slowly built up their lead in the third quarter utilizing a 10-2 run over the first four minutes of the frame. Their lead swelled to ten points before Younkin connected inside. A three by Ally Carr gave the Wildcats an 11 point lead before senior Aly Williard answered with a three of her own.

Carr connected again but sophomore Alyssa Horsley hit a mid range shot to pull within nine just before the end of the quarter. Newark approached the final stanza with a 38-29 lead.    

A three by Jenna Horsley to start the quarter cut Newark’s lead to just six points. Seniors Vejsicky and Gwen Stare added back to back buckets to expand the lead back to ten. Another three by Jenna Horsley diminished the Wildcat lead to seven midway through the quarter.

Newark answered with a 7-0 run to end the game. This was thanks to a free throw by sophomore Sophie Bidwell, four points by Gingras and two by Vejsicky. Newark managed the clock and ball effectively burning several minutes off the clock to end the game. 

Newark was led by Gingras with 17, Vejsicky with 14 and Carr with 12. Younkin paced the Vikings with 12 and Jenna Horsley added nine.

Let’s take a look at Tuesday's top performers.

Maddie Vejsicky (6’0 G / Newark / 2022) - Absolutely no surprises here: Vejsicky can flat out shoot. With the losses of Shumate, Lundsford and Stottsberry, Vejsicky has had to take on additional scoring responsibilities. She is finishing creatively at the rim and knocking down mid range jumpers to mix things up a bit. She will be great at Virginia Tech next season.

Brie Gingras (5’8 G / Newark / 2023) - Gingras came off the bench for the Wildcats and made a massive impact. She scored 11 points to give Newark a six point lead headed into the second quarter. She has a beautiful outside shot but can also attack the basket and finish through contact and in a variety of ways. She is a solid defender and a competitor. After not seeing much varsity time as a sophomore, she has really stepped up. 

Ally Carr (5’4 G / Newark / 2023) - Carr was a quiet threat for the Wildcats on Tuesday. Another junior on the Newark roster that is stepping into a bigger role this season. She is a solid guard who can make it rain from three. She did a great job distributing the ball and finding open teammates. We are excited to see how she develops as she sees more and more varsity time.

Kennedy Younkin (6’2 C / Teays Valley / 2024) - Younkin might be the most improved player in the area this season. As a freshman, she turned heads but struggled with contact. She has returned for her sophomore season stronger, faster and more composed. She plays well with her back to the basket and attacking from fifteen feet and in. She is a monster on the boards and a nightmare for offenses. Younkin already has a couple offers and is going to be an elite player in the 2024 class.

Jenna Horsley (5’7 G / Teays Valley / 2022) - Horsley played a good game for the Vikings on Tuesday. She defended the talented Newark guards well. She caught fire in the fourth quarter from three and pulled Teays Valley within seven. Her shot is smooth and consistent and she is a great leader for the Vikings.