In just our second year in TAPPS 4A, the Varsity girls and boys basketball programs had a remarkable improvement from year one. Last year, the girls program finished 6th in district with a 2-5 record and failed to qualify for the State Tournament. A year later, the girls finished with a 5-2 district record and finished 2nd at the District Tournament. In doing so, the girls became the first girls team in Village School history to qualify for the TAPPS 4A State Tournament. The boys team finished 3-5 in district last year, but made a great run in the District Tournament and finish 4th, qualifying them for the State Tournament. In year two, the boys finished 7-1 in district, and compounded that success by making a run to the District Tournament championship game.

On Saturday, February 13th, both of these programs battled perennial powerhouse, Westbury Christian. After both teams lost to them earlier in the year by 25+ points, Saturday’s contests were going to be no easy task. Belief was half the battle. It was clear from the onset of both games that our Vikings were here to compete. They believed they could take down the mighty Goliath, and were determined to give Westbury Christian our best shot. The girls game was close the entire way, as both teams were exchanging blows early, making plays, and leaving it all on the line. The girls were within 10 in the 4th quarter, but fell a little short. This game was a monumental improvement from their first meeting, and reason to give the entire program optimism and determination heading into the State Tournament. The boys jumped out to an early lead over Westbury Christian, who are the reigning TAPPS 4A State Champions, and were ahead into the 3rd quarter. Westbury rallied in the 4th to secure another district title, but our boys gave them a scare. This match will certainly motivate our young Viking team and fuel them as they try to make a deep run at the State Tournament.

Congratulations to both of these teams for the heart and determination they showed all season, which was rewarded by an opportunity to compete for a district championship in our 2nd season in TAPPS. The growth and improvement both teams have showed has been remarkable and will certainly expedite the growth process and have our Vikings believing they are for real.

Both teams will host a State Tournament game on Tuesday, February 23rd! Come out and support our teams!