West Holmes Knights post mixed winter results, girls excel

West Holmes Local Schools experienced a week of highs and lows in mid-January as winter teams produced mixed results that carried implications beyond the scoreboard. The boys basketball team eked out a 54-51 nonconference victory over Newcomerstown on Jan. 13, while the girls team turned in a decisive 46-30 win over Lexington on Jan. 12. Those outcomes bookended a tougher Ohio Cardinal Conference outing for the boys, who fell 77-62 at Ashland on Jan. 9.

The boys win over Newcomerstown leaned on balanced contributions, with Cooper Maltarich scoring 14 points, Nate Sprang adding 12 and Preston Troyer chipping in seven. Sprang had been the offensive spark in the Ashland game, leading the Knights with 23 points despite the loss. On the girls side, a balanced attack produced a clear margin over Lexington: Zalina Proper finished with 15 points and four steals, Cara McMillen posted 13 points and four rebounds, and Lilli Brown added 10 points.

Those individual efforts matter in a county where high school sports are a focal point of social life and youth opportunity. Wins and losses affect more than records; they shape after-school schedules, volunteer involvement, and the sense of community pride that helps keep families engaged in school life. Midseason schedule changes surrounding the Knights have required adjustments from coaches, student-athletes and families, underscoring how athletics intersect with daily life for working parents and students balancing academics and extracurriculars.

Beyond competition, the season highlights public health and equity issues that routinely surface in Holmes County. Participation in school sports contributes to physical activity, mental health, and social connectedness for teenagers—benefits that are especially important in rural areas with fewer recreational options. Sustaining those benefits depends on consistent access to facilities, transportation and coaching resources, and on school policies that prioritize equitable opportunities for girls and boys alike.

Bowling and other winter programs in the district also continued through this period with mixed outcomes, keeping a broad set of students involved in school activities. Maintaining a full slate of extracurriculars supports youth development and can reduce risk factors tied to isolation and inactivity. At the same time, schedule shifts and travel demands can create barriers for families without flexible work arrangements or reliable transportation.

For Holmes County residents, the coming weeks will reveal whether the Knights can build on the girls team's momentum and how the boys respond in conference play. Families and supporters should watch the West Holmes athletic schedule for updates as games and practices shift. Strong community backing, attention to equitable access, and investment in youth programs will determine how these winter sports shape health and opportunity across the county in the months ahead.