The Northland Revolver
Vikings entire identity, yet to be revealed
Just who are the 2025-26 Northland Vikings?
This team has had a different starting line-up in every game that it has played. While coach Tihon Johnson may not want to point to that as a reason to his team's 2-3 start, instability in the starting lineup has traditionally affected basketball teams and their abilities to win consistently.
In its previous win on Tuesday, Northland showed a hint of who it is and it proved troubling in a 79-65 win over East. The visiting Tigers were riding high on a 3-1 start, winning three-straight, including a 100-47 win over Franklin Heights on Dec. 13.
The defending Columbus City League champion Vikings had their hands full with East late in the third quarter. After leading 38-34 at the half, East hung tough and trailed by just one at 42-41 with 4:41 to play in the third period. Northland put its foot on the gas and went on 9-0 run, as it held a 51-41 lead with 3:01 left in the third. From there East shot back to go on its own 7-0 run, making the score 52-48. Northland found itself back in the throws of battle with a nuisance that it wished would've been handled by that moment.
With 1:06 to play in the third quarter, Coach Johnson unleashed the full power of his NBA sized frontcourt. The 6-9, 350-pound eleventh grader Pharoahe Zaire arrived off of the bench to join forces with 6-5, eleventh grader Owan Mburugu, who made his third start of the season and 6-7 twelfth grader Daneal Krylov, in his second start.
Suddenly basketball became trying for East as the large Zaire impressed fans with his physical with a touch of gracefulness post moves on his way to three quick baskets. The Vikings pushed the lead to double digits early in the fourth quarter.
Mburugu and Krylov used their size as well to attack the East defense with layups and crowd satisfying dunks on the way to a 79-65 victory. If the Vikings are consistently ever able to play Krylov, Mburugu and Zaire at the same time, it's going to be unbearable to a lot of teams.
As we asked, just who are the Northland Vikings, there is evidence that can lead to an answer? The Northland Vikings are a team with one of the most talented and versatile rosters in all of central Ohio. Senior point guard Diante Johnson is an exciting and charismatic player takes care of the basketball, while having the ability to make shots when needed. Sophomore upstarts Charlie Johnson and Vandell Slade bring diversity at the guard position.
Johnson is a real life "Charlie Hustle," a name given to baseball legend Pete Rose. Johnson doesn't have to adopt the moniker because Charlie is his name and hustle is what he does. His defense is disruptive. It has played as much of a role as any other player's contribution has done, keeping Northland in each game.
Slade is a prototypical scoring guard. He can fly in the air, knock down mid-range shots and cause problems on defense with his length and quick hands.
Another player who has played an important but quiet role in Northland's successful moments over the past two games is Ke'Ondre Tubbs. The poker faced guard who's physique is rock solid, has provided third quarter scoring at times when it has been desperately needed. Tubbs scored seven of his 16 points in the third quarter of Northland's win over East. In Northland's loss during the previous game against first place Centennial, Tubbs scored five of his eight points in the penultimate quarter.
Northland will take on Linden-McKinley tonight at 7 pm. We don't know who will start, we don't know which mix of players will be on the court exactly at what time. We do know that the Vikings have very unique and talented options and most coaches will view that situation as a positive.
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Viking bigs stop East
"Hallelujah, hallelujah," are the words that came out of coach Tihon Johnson's mouth as he breathed a sigh of relief. Northland had yet another game that was a bit too close for comfort in the first half. East entered the contest at 3-1, while Northland was 1-3. Despite the differences in records, Northland was the favorite.
By Winners Only27 days ago in Unbalanced
Alex Eala
Tennis has always been a sport where stories of discipline, sacrifice, and quiet resilience shape champions long before trophies do. In recent years, one name has steadily gained international attention for embodying those qualities with grace and ambition: Alex Eala. Still early in her professional journey, Eala represents more than individual success. She symbolizes a shift in global tennis, where talent now rises from regions once considered outside the sport’s traditional power centers. From junior Grand Slam glory to appearances on the professional tour, Eala’s path reflects patience, planning, and belief. Her performances, including moments connected to tournaments like the Auckland Open and the ASB Classic, show a player learning to translate promise into lasting impact. Early Foundations of a Rising Star Alex Eala’s story begins with a strong foundation built on family support and access to elite training. Unlike many players who rise through local circuits alone, Eala’s development was guided by a long-term vision. That vision led her to the Rafa Nadal Academy, an environment known for shaping technically sound and mentally strong athletes. At the academy, Eala refined her baseline game, improved her court movement, and learned how to compete with intention rather than emotion. These lessons were evident in her junior career, where she achieved milestones that placed her among the most promising young players of her generation. What stood out was not only her results but her composure. Eala played with a maturity that suggested she understood tennis as a marathon, not a sprint. Junior Success and Global Recognition Eala’s junior achievements opened doors to the international tennis spotlight. Winning major junior titles placed her name alongside players who would later become tour regulars. For many fans, this was the first time they encountered Alex Eala, and it quickly became clear she was not just another short-term prospect. Her left-handed style added variety to her game, creating angles that disrupted opponents. Combined with strong court awareness, this made her matches engaging to watch and difficult to predict. Junior success, however, is only a stepping stone, and Eala approached the professional transition with measured expectations. Rather than rushing into high-pressure events, she balanced growth with experience, a strategy that often separates sustainable careers from fleeting hype. Stepping Into the Professional Arena The move from juniors to the professional circuit can be unforgiving. Higher intensity, physical demands, and mental pressure test even the most gifted athletes. For Alex Eala, this transition has been deliberate rather than dramatic. She has taken part in ITF and WTA-level events, gaining experience against seasoned players. Each match has contributed to her understanding of pace, consistency, and endurance at the professional level. Losses have been treated as lessons, and victories as confirmation of progress. Events connected to the Auckland Open and the ASB Classic are particularly meaningful in this phase. These tournaments attract a competitive field while still offering young players exposure to high-quality opposition. For Eala, participation in such events represents an opportunity to measure herself against established professionals. Auckland Open and ASB Classic: Learning on a Bigger Stage The ASB Classic, held in Auckland, is more than just a warm-up event for the tennis season. It has a reputation for blending experienced tour players with emerging talent. Competing in or around the Auckland Open environment allows players like Eala to experience elite tournament structures, media attention, and crowd energy. For a young athlete, these elements matter. They teach how to manage nerves, expectations, and recovery over consecutive matches. Even brief appearances in such tournaments contribute significantly to development. Alex Eala’s connection with events like the ASB Classic highlights her gradual integration into the professional ecosystem. Each appearance adds confidence and clarity about what needs improvement, whether it is serve consistency, shot selection, or physical conditioning. Style of Play and Competitive Identity Eala’s game is built around controlled aggression. She prefers constructing points rather than rushing winners, relying on precision and movement. Her left-handed forehand remains one of her most effective weapons, creating angles that pull opponents off the court. Equally important is her defensive awareness. Eala often turns defense into offense, a trait that reflects her disciplined training background. While power tennis dominates many modern matches, her style emphasizes balance and adaptability. As she continues to evolve, adding strength and depth to her serve and net play will likely be key areas of focus. These improvements often come with time, experience, and physical maturity. Representation and Inspiration Beyond the Court Alex Eala’s rise carries significance beyond rankings and results. She represents hope for aspiring players from underrepresented regions, proving that access to global stages is possible with commitment and support. Her journey inspires younger athletes to believe that tennis is not limited by geography. Every appearance she makes, whether in major tournaments or developmental events, reinforces the idea that talent can emerge from anywhere. This broader impact gives Eala a unique position in the sport. She is not only building her own career but also helping expand tennis’s global narrative. The Road Ahead The future for Alex Eala remains open and full of possibility. Tennis careers are shaped over years, not seasons, and her measured approach suggests a focus on longevity rather than quick success. Continued participation in international tournaments, including those linked to the Auckland Open and ASB Classic, will provide valuable benchmarks for growth. As rankings fluctuate and competition intensifies, the true test will be consistency and resilience. Based on her journey so far, Eala appears well-equipped for both. Final Thoughts Alex Eala’s story is still being written, but its early chapters reveal a player grounded in discipline, learning, and quiet confidence. From junior triumphs to professional challenges, she has approached each step with intention. In a sport where pressure can derail even the brightest prospects, Eala’s calm progression stands out. Whether competing in global events like the ASB Classic or continuing her steady rise through the tour, Alex Eala represents a future built on patience, skill, and belief. For tennis fans watching the next generation take shape, her journey is one worth following closely.
By Saboor Brohi 3 days ago in Unbalanced
Wild Card Weekend Recap: What Happens Now?
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By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout 3 hours ago in Unbalanced
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