|
|
Linkous: Heads above
the rest
By George Starks
Photos: Tri-Village senior Kayla Linkous scored her 2000th point
Thursday and combined with over 1000 rebounds, became only the third
girl in Ohio to ever accomplish that goal. When the moment happened,
play was stopped and she turned the game ball over to her mother,
Christy, and received hugs from her mother and father, Randy Linkous.
CNO photos by Danny Stockton
NEW MADISON- In nearly 24 years of sports, rarely does one ever get to
see an athlete that could be considered the cream of the crop.
Not only have I had the privilege of seeing one, but now two and a
third one coming.
The first was Versailles graduate Justine Raterman, now a senior at the
University of Dayton and captain of the Lady Flyers basketball team.
The second is Kayla Linkous, a senior at Tri-Village. When Linkous was
a freshman, she was over shadowed by Raterman and the 2008 Versailles
girls’ basketball team that eventually won the state that year.
Regardless, Ron Greeson and I both knew what Linkous brought to the
table and that she was someone special. Of course, neither one of us
could have imagined that she would step into a record book that had the
names of just two other girls in it. One of those being Tamika Williams
of Dayton CJ.
I have to admit, it’s been a pleasure watching this young lady come up
through the ranks. As a sophomore and junior, Linkous has led her team
at Tri-Village to the Elite 8 before being knocked out of the state
tournament.
With players like Teah Richards, Krystal Falknor, Shaye Thomas and Echo
Brown, as well as a host of others, this bunch may very well be the
female version of the 1990-91 boys team that went to the state finals
before losing to St. Henry.
In the words of Patriot coach Brad Grey, this is not a one trick pony.
Granted, when the Patriots take the floor, Linkous, the lone senior,
leads the team out and will put them on her back if necessary. Winning
the state would be the ultimate in a great career for Linkous, who is
going to Cedarville University in the fall.
Make no mistake about it, Linkous is the best of the best in the state
of Ohio and is a sure fire, first ballot Hall of Famer not only at
Tri-Village but in the state.
What is sad is the fact that she probably won’t even be considered for
the Miss Basketball award at seasons end and that is a shame. Small
school players are rarely, if ever, on that list.
Again...What A Shame!
She should at least be considered.
I have nothing but respect for kids like her. Like Raterman, she is a
team player and everything is about the team. Nothing is about her.
It’s sad that not all people approach things with that attitude, so to
Kayla Linkous I give you a tip of the cap. You deserve it.
I hope to see you playing on the big floor in Columbus. You are truly
heads above the rest.
BTW...if you are wondering who the next big name is in Darke County,
look back to Versailles and put the name of Kyle Aherns in your mind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
