In the JV matchup, Valley earned a straight-set victory (25-15, 25-20). Kennlea Koch led the way with 2 aces and 4 assists, while Amanda Rivera-Roche powered the offense with 4 kills. Alayna Parker added 2 kills, Bella Parker and Bella Newcomer chipped in 2 digs apiece, and Africa Baca and Minda Shriver each contributed a block.

The varsity squad followed with an impressive 3–1 win (25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-15). Senior Betty Shepherd paced the attack with 11 kills, while Gaby Gonzalez anchored the defense with 7 digs. Kinley Crabb dished out 13 assists to keep the offense rolling, and Bailey Anderson added a block. Autumn Parker and Lillian Dunbar kept Wawasee off balance from the service line with 4 aces each.

The Vikings were also spotlighted this week as Shepherd, Gonzalez, and junior Hadley Wise were named to the IHSVCA Players to Watch list, recognizing 75 players across Michiana.

Tippecanoe Valley looks to keep the momentum going when they travel to Plymouth on Wednesday night.

The post Tippecanoe Valley Volleyball Opens Season with a Pair of Wins against Wawasee appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

Photos courtesy of Darci Walters

Tippecanoe Valley Football Ready to Embark on 2024 Season

Smells of fresh cut grass, the sound of a whistle, and the crash of pads can only mean one thing at Tippecanoe Valley High School. Death Valley football is back. 

The Viking will chart their course for the 2024 season fresh off a (9-1) record in 2023. While graduation stripped the Vikings of a lot of the production from last season. They bring back a strong group who will try to win the first ever Northern Indiana State Conference title. 

After a schedule of unknowns and first time opponents in 2023 the Vikings will officially be in the INSC that includes Bremen, Jimtown, John Glenn, Knox, and Laville. Tippecanoe Valley will face 4 of their 5 conference opponents on the road. Additionally they’ll face Wawasee, rival Rochester, and Hammond Morton in a challenging non-conference schedule. 

However the INSC isn’t the only schedule change for the Vikings this season. They will compete in the newly reshaped sectional 26 in the postseason. The sectional holds Angola, Fairfield, (who the Vikings will scrimmage on August 16th) FW Concordia, Garrett, Lakeland, West Noble, and Woodlan. 

Despite the changes the message and expectation remains the same for Death Valley. Win games and find a way to eat turkey in the dome at the end of the year. Before the Vikings can think about what they might be eating on Thanksgiving they’ll have a challenging path that will prepare them for that possibility. Let’s run through some important story lines before Valley’s kicks off their season August 23rd against Wawasee. 

New Seniors on the Block

Although the senior class is smaller in numbers. They aren’t short for talent on both sides of the ball. Brock Derf who led the Vikings in tackles as a junior with 81 tackles and 11 of those for a loss has a chance to lead the conference (maybe the state) in tackles from the linebacker position. 

He’ll line up alongside junior Grady Moriarty who was 2nd on the team in tackles with 53.

“Me and Grady are always pushing each other and we know we’ve got each other's back each play we’re excited to be able to help this defense,” Derf said. 

[caption id="attachment_60763" align="alignnone" width="300"] Derf and Moriarty get ready to block against Wawasee last season[/caption]

Another impact senior will be Asher McGriff who is expected to anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. McGriff had two sacks and a pick 6 last season on defense. 

“I feel like last year’s class set a great example of how to lead and I’ve been able to take the best parts of that group and try to implement that into the group.” McGriff said about his new role as a leader. 

[caption id="attachment_60762" align="alignnone" width="300"] Asher McGriff rumbles into the endzone last season against Wawasee[/caption]

Trees in the Trenches 

Valley’s offensive line will be reshaped after graduation took 4 of the 5 starters but this year's line will come in with something you can’t teach. Size. The Vikings will boast one of the taller groups up front than they have in years past. 

Although it's unknown how exactly the front will line up they are expected to be big. Players like Carlos Gonzalez, Gage Overbey, Cale Dewees, Trevin Hester, Kolton Sisk, Nash Miller, Asher McGriff, Jaime Wallace, Konnar Fountain, and Will Kelly all listed at 6’0 or taller up front for the Vikings

Fresh Faced Skill Group

The skill position group at Valley graduated a pair of all-time Vikings in Nate Parker at running back where he rushed for 1,229 yards and 17 touchdowns, and Wade Jones who pulled in 422 yards 4 touchdowns through the air. Both of those Vikings are headed to Taylor to play at the next level.

Although they don’t return as much production on offense it will give plenty of opportunity for others to step up. Look for Brandon Stiles (282 rushing yards) and Wyatt Hart (271 rushing yards)  to hold down the backfield after filling in for Nate Parker after he went down for the final 2 regular season games. Brock Derf and Grady Moriarty will return to play fullback for Valley’s ground and pound offense. 

At quarterback we can expect to see a competition between Jamison Phillips and Hunter Stage. Both played great last season when given opportunities behind Cody Eastgate who will play at Anderson this season. 

Out wide Wes Parker, Owen Omindi, Colten Crabbe, Hudson Shepphard and Hunter Paxton will get their fair share of targets from either Phillips or Stage. 

Offense might be the biggest mystery for Valley but also most exciting given the potential of their new look offensive line and skill group coming together. 

Game to Watch: Week 3 September 6th vs. Hammond Morton

Do not let Governor's record last season (5-5) deceive you. They are as talented as any team that Valley will face all year long. The 5A program boasts a wealth of college prospects. Led by 3-star WR Lebron Hill who is heading to Purdue next fall, 3-star Freddy Brown who will play at Western Michigan, and plethora of others who will play in the NAIA, D3, and D2 ranks next fall.

The Governor’s feel like they are knocking on the door of success after a 4 win improvement last season and this will be a premier match up for the Vikings before conference play. 

Overall Outlook

Time and time again in high school football comes down to two things. Health and growth. Valley will need both those along with the established culture from previous seasons success to try and win the first ever Indiana Northern State Conference title and hope to spend Thanksgiving weekend eating turkey in the dome. 

Follow along here all season long for game previews and recaps. As always 107.3 WRSW is the home for Valley Football. You can listen to games all year long with pregame starting at 6 PM with Baylen Hite, Micah Lukens, and Rita Price on the call!

The post Tippecanoe Valley Football Ready to Embark on 2024 Season appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

Tippecanoe Valley Boys Golf answered some of those questions on Saturday in Michigan City. The boys started their season at Michigan City Municipal Course where they welcomed 50 degree temperatures and sun throughout the day in the Marquette Invitational.

The Vikings shot a team score of 337 to net them a 6th place finish out of 16 teams behind Valparaiso, New Prairie, Illiana Christian, Lake Central and tournament winner Andrean who paced the group with a total of 322.

TVHS was led by Eli Love who posted a 76 for a 4th place individual finish and 4 shot behind the winner Hunter Zdyb from New Prairie. Wes Parker also finished in the top 10 with a 81. Ethan Young finished with a 90 as did Nash Bouse, and Thad Shambaugh rounded out the group with a 105.

Tippecanoe Valley continues their season on April 15th with a home match against future conference foe Knox.

The post TVHS Boy’s Golf: Vikings Start Season Strong appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

Friday 1/19    WEST LAFAYETTE AT VALLEY 5:35 pm  G/B DH 

Tuesday 1/23 WAWASEE AT VALLEY 7:05 pm Broadcast

Thursday 1/25 VALLEY AT MANCHESTER 7:05 pm Broadcast

VALLEY BOYS BASKETBALL

Friday 1/19 ELKHART AT VALLEY 7:35 pm Broadcast (Follows Girls Game)

Saturday 1/20 ANDERSON AT VALLEY 7:05 pm Broadcast

Saturday 1/27 JIMTOWN AT VALLEY 7:05 pm Broadcast

Tuesday 2/6 NORTH MIAMI AT VALLEY 7:05 pm Broadcast

Friday   2/9   KNOX AT VALLEY 7:05 PM Broadcast

Saturday 2/17 VALLEY AT KOKOMO  7:05 pm Broadcast

Tuesday 2/20 WARSAW AT VALLEY 7:05 pm Broadcast

Friday 2/23 SB WASHINGTON AT VALLEY   7:05 pm Broadcast

The post Updated 2024 Broadcast Schedule for TVHS Basketball appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

The Vikings avenged a loss that was not forgotten by the group from earlier in the year. On February 28th John Glenn ended the Vikings 2022-23 season in a 55-68 sectional defeat.

"We wanted to get this one for our seniors last season, this was the team that ended their careers and so we made it important when we saw this game on the schedule to remember that and play for them," said coach Luce after the game.

Valley raced out to an early 12-3 lead after the 1st quarter. The Falcons would respond in the 2nd quarter though and cut the Valley lead down to 21-17 at the end of the half. Stephen Akase led the Vikings in scoring with 9 points at the half.

From that point the 2nd half was nearly even. John Glenn's Joe Chrapliwy helped keep the Falcons in striking distance with 12 2nd half points. He would finish the game with 23 points.

Tippecanoe Valley had their own sharpshooter in the 2nd half with Ian Cooksey totaling four three-pointers in the game. Cooksey finished with a team high 22 points. That also marked his second 20 plus point performance of the season.

The Vikings wouldn't crack under pressure late in the game. The Falcons got the game within 2 points late in the 4th quarter but timely defense and free throw shooting kept them away. Valley's Davis Cowan was calm at the line knocking, down four of the final seven Valley free throws to secure the win.

"I love the growth of this team, I've challenged them early and tonight they responded," added coach Luce.

Valley Scoring

Ian Cooksey - 22 | Stephen Akase - 14 | Kyler Johnson - 6 | Davis Cowan - 5 |  DeOndre Hamilton - 3 |  Blain Sheetz - 2

Next Game | At Peru December 15th | 7:05 PM (JV At 6 PM)

Listen along to the Vikings as they travel to battle tested (3-1) Peru on Friday night. The Legendary Rita Price will have the call on 107.3 WRSW.

The post TVHS Boys Basketball: Vikings Avenge Sectional Loss appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

How it Happened

Throughout the night North Miami challenged Valley's defensive capability. The Lady Warriors posted 20 points in the first half alone. That mark was just 10 points shy of what Valley was allowing to teams throughout an entire game.

The Vikings found ways to stay ahead and Kelsey Cox was a big reason for that. The senior forward had a career-high 16 points 12 of which came in the 1st half.

"Kelsey (Cox) was great for us all night, she was able to rebound and score consistently," said coach Chris Kindig after the win.

In the 2nd half though the Vikings turned to Ava Egolf who finished with a team best 18 points.

She was needed in the fourth quarter after North Miami opened the quarter on a 11-2 run to cut the Valley lead to just 47-45. Egolf stepped up and nailed a three-pointer to give the Vikings a much needed cushion with just 3:35 left to go in the game.

Tippecanoe Valley closed the final 3 minutes on a 11-2 run of their own to close out their former TRC foe.

North Miami's Kaiden Hanley scored 25 points, that marks the most an individual had scored against Tippecanoe Valley all season long. 47 points is also the most the Lady Vikings have given up in one game this season.

"We found a way to win, I wasn't as happy with our defense but this was a tough environment and we found a way to get it done," Kindig added after the game.

Valley Scoring

Ava Egolf - 18 points | Kelsey Cox - 16 points (Career High) | Ava Smith - 8 points | Chesnee Miller - 7 points | Carlee Snyder - 5 points | Dalynne Bussard - 4 points

Next Matchup

The Lady Vikings get a few days off before visiting an improved Winamac squad on December 14th. You can listen to that game on 107.3 WRSW with the legendary Rita Price.

The post TVHS Girls Basketball: Lady Vikings hang on against North Miami appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

How it Happened

Led by junior Ian Cooksey's 24 point career high performance the Vikings found win number one on the early season.

Stephen Akase chipped in 15 points, and Deondre Hamilton added a career high 6 points.

Throughout the early part of the game Valley made it a point to slow down Bremen's leading scorer freshman Chase Devine. The Vikings did that by shutting him out in the first half. Bremen's lifeline was junior Silas Laidig who had 12 points on four made 1st half threes. Laidig wouldn't score in the 2nd half.

In the 2nd half is when Valley really clamped down defensively. In particular the 4th quarter. Valley didn't allow a made field goal from the Lions. Bremen only scored 3 points via 3 made free throws across the final 8 minutes.

Valley used a three point barrage to close out the game nailing 4 triples in the final frame.

"I really like this team. We knew when this season started and we built this schedule that we would be challenged and after Tuesday night we needed to respond." Said Valley head coach Joe Luce who tallied his 357 career victory.

Tippecanoe Valley's youthful team took a big step forward with the win. The Vikings only turned the ball over 12 times a season low for the group. Their effort on the glass was on full display out rebounding Bremen 40-19.

Finally the Vikings were able to scratch the itch of a victory and now prepare for 7th ranked 1A Morgan Township (3-0) on Tuesday December 8th.

You can hear Tippecanoe Valley Boys Basketball on 107.3 WRSW again on December 9th when they meet potential sectional opponent John Glenn at Rita Price-Simpson Court.

The post TVHS Boys Basketball: Vikings Tame Lions appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

Nine games into the 2023-24 season and Tippecanoe Valley Girls Basketball (8-1) hopes that will remain true come postseason time. Their defensive grit was on display last night at Plymouth (4-4) in their 47-33 win over the Pilgrims Thursday Night.

The Vikings made a crucial switch on defense late in the game that turned the tide. After entering the 4th quarter leading by just four points 35-31, head coach Chris Kindig made the decision to switch to man defense.

That switch worked wonders in the game. The Vikings didn't allow a single Plymouth field goal in the final frame. The only points scored came late on a pair of free throws.

"Plymouth did a good job of not speeding their game up to play with us, I felt like a switch to man would change that and help us when the game got within four." Kindig said after the game.

Valley was led in scoring by Ava Egolf's 16 points. Egolf now has 4 games this season of 10 points or more scored. Carlee Snyder was great off the bench with 11 points.

Notes from the Win

• With the win Tippecanoe Valley finished the month of November with a record of (8-1).
• Starting with the game against Plymouth Valley will go on a stretch of 4 total away games before returning home on December 16th.
• The Vikings defensive average is at 30 points per game. That mark is the 22nd lowest in the state among all teams.

Next Game

The Lady Vikings return to action on December 6th at Triton. You can listen to both the JV and Varsity games on 107.3 WRSW and 1073wrsw.com. Pregame will start around 6pm with the Legendary Rita Price and Baylen Hite.

The post TVHS Girls Basketball: Defense Stings Plymouth appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

By Baylen Hite | 107.3 WRSW

Over the weekend Baylen Hite had a chance to sit down with Tippecanoe Valley's Superintendent Blaine Conely. Mr. Conley talked about the current renovations at the high school and the highlights of the fall sports season.

This interview was originally aired at halftime of Tippecanoe Valley's footballs 1st round sectional game on Friday October 20th.

[playlist artists="false" images="false" ids="52459,52458"]

The post TVHS Fall Athletic and Academic Recap with Blaine Conley appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.

Week 10 Keys: Vikings vs. Trojans a Battle of Epic Proportions

By Baylen Hite | 107.3 WRSW

Game Information

1st Round of Sectional 28 | 1st ever meeting in program histories

(9-0) #3 Tippecanoe Valley vs. (9-0) #1 Bishop Chatard | @ Bishop Chatard

Listen on 107.3 WRSW at 6:30 pm for pregame coverage from Indianapolis.

Throughout the season Death Valley Football has completed a series of goals. Beat their rival Rochester, takedown state power West Lafayette, and navigate an independent schedule littered with first time opponents on their way to an undefeated season.

What's left out there? Well the answer is easy but maybe more complicated than it seems. For the Vikings postseason success hasn't been easy to come by. Death Valley hasn't won a sectional since 1992. The last time they got farther than a sectional was 1979 which happened to be the last time they won it all.

Aiming for a state championship might be a little bit advantageous for a program that hasn't gotten there since the late 70s. Anybody who has been around this team though knows how they feel about their chances.

Bottom line is this team has what it takes to spend the holiday weekend in Lucas Oil Stadium. Friday night represents a monumental challenge against the most decorated high school football program in Indiana.

Bishop Chatard has won a state best 16 state championships. Just how good have they been in the postseason? Chatard is 28-1 in sectional openers since 1994. Their only loss came to Roncali in 2000. Not a single player stepping foot on the gridiron on Friday night was born the last time that happened.

Let's break down what the Vikings need to do to win on Friday night and make a little history along the way.

Forget the Rankings

Everyone across the state seems to forget Valley is the 3rd ranked team in the state according to the AP Poll. Most of the pundits haven't even given the Vikings a fair chance. While Chatard deserves every bit of respect across the state, Valley deserves some as well.

No one outside of those halls in Akron believed they would be able to handle themselves outside of the Three Rivers Conference. Well, look where they are now. Their record is unblemished and they're a top 3 team in the state.

Despite that number 3 attached to their name it seems like not many are predicting this game with such implications. Valley must use the same mentality getting ready for this game. Just like those across the state, toss out the rankings and remove them from the equation.

Pressure, Pressure, and Pressure

While both teams will be under pressure for obvious reasons. This type of pressure must be applied at the line of scrimmage.

Throughout the season, Valley has been able to pester opposing quarterbacks. Racking up 26 sacks and 60 tackles for a loss.

It will be up to the Vikings to get through an offensive line that averages 251 pounds and 6'3. That's the largest o-line by average that the Vikings have faced all year. The second closest in size was Culver Academy. In that matchup Tippecanoe Valley tallied 8 sacks. Even half as many as that would be more than Chatard has given up all season long.

If the Vikings can chase down Chatard quarterback Aiden Arteaga they should be in prime position to move on to the second round of sectional play.

RTB (Run The Ball)

Death Valley's identity all season long has been predicated on running the ball. Through 9 games they are averaging 319.4 yards per game on the ground. What's even more impressive has been their balanced approach.

While Nate Parker racked up 1,155 yards in 7 games he has been out since week 7. Wyatt Hart, Brandon Stiles and Dalton Alber have kept the train rolling.

Hart carried the load a week ago carrying the ball 18 times for 183 yards and 4 touchdowns. All of those were career highs for the junior.

Dalton Alber returned to his pre-2023 form running the ball. In two games Alber has been the goal line workhorse. The former fullback has tallied 15 carries 74 yards and 5 scores in two weeks.

Whoever runs the ball on Friday night the Vikings need to achieve their season average to control the game and the possession. If they do it could be the difference between a win and a loss.

The post Week 10 Keys: Vikings vs. Trojans a Battle of Epic Proportions appeared first on 107.3 WRSW Classic Hits.