Victory Christian Basketball Plays Big

Tucked away in a residential area on Garfield Avenue in Carmichael, is unassuming.

But don't let the school's small size fool you, Vikings basketball coaches and players say. These kids can play.

The boys team is 11-4 on the season and the girls are 11-5.

"We're rated No. 1 in Division VI but we play in a Division V league," said boys coach Bob Grexton.

Victory Christian, which has about 120 students in high school, won section titles in and in November.

In basketball, the Vikings are near the top of the Central Valley California League going into .

"The girls are playing well," said Tim Smithers, who is also VCS' athletic director and coaches girls volleyball. "They have some good experience on the court and...play a man-to-man defense that creates problems for other teams."

Wins this season have come against larger schools Vallejo in Division II and Mesa Verde of Citrus Heights.

"Winning at Vallejo was a big turning point," Smithers said. "When the girls put their mind to it, they can do anything."

The girls are led by junior guard-forward Molly Huffman, who also played on the Vikings' volleyball team.

"We've started off on a strong note so far," Huffman said. "We know our strengths and weaknesses."

Senior forward Laura Neville moved to the area from Houston and says she enjoys VCS' small feel.

"Each player on this team is determined," Neville said. "Everyone was really welcoming."

Meanwhile, the Vikings boys are led by a trio of senior co-captains- guard-forward Clayton Coppernoll, forward Blake Owen and point guard Robby Maxey.

"It's leadership and they're all good athletes," Grexton said. "They've got a head for the game and they're experienced players."

The Vikings' lone losses in league play have come to Sacramento Waldorf of Fair Oaks.

"They have a great (boys) coach in Dean Stark and they're local rivals," Grexton said. "They always play us tough."

The teams meet again Feb. 17.

"We're looking strong and making adjustments to get rebounds and not let them make second chances," Owen said.

The Waves boys are led by senior Christopher Schwartz-Edmisten, who is averaging 31 points a game. He scored 43 in Sacramento Waldorf's 61-53 win at Victory Christian on Jan. 20.

"It's the biggest game of the year," Coppernoll said. "We need to work on double teams and stopping him from what he does."

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