Westland, Vikes to start 2026
Westland & Northland play at Academy
While many things are uncertain in the very new year of 2026, one thing that is certain at the moment is that Westland boys basketball is no longer a pushover.
From the 2018-19 season to the 2023-24 season, Westland had gone 17-116 overall and 0-60 in Capital Conference play. Last year the Cougars showed signs of life as Joel Jackson brought his energetic style of coaching to the program. Westland earned 7 wins against 16 losses and also went 4-8 in its conference.
This season, Westland is off to an impressive of 6-1 start, including 2-1 in the conference. Outside of a 75-55 hiccup in a loss to Westerville North on Dec. 19, Westland has dominated its opponents. In its wins, the Cougars have outscored its opponents to an average score of 66-48. Only two of Westland's seven previous opponents have scored more than 50 points.
Today, Westland takes on area foe Northland of the Columbus City League. Northland is the usual top-dog in its conference and in a normal year, Westland would be seen as tune-up for Northland as it would be preparing for another run for the City Championship.
The two teams face each other on a neutral floor at Columbus Academy, tonight in primetime at 8 p.m. as part of the Renaissance University Invitational. Three other varsity games were scheduled prior to the Northland vs Westland contest. Columbus Academy started the day against New Albany. Medina Highland took on Dunbar right after. Neither of those scores were reported as of the publishing of this story. At 6:30 pm Central Crossing takes on Western Hills.
Northland enters tonight's matchup against Westland at 3-4, following a Dec. 22, 74-56 defeat to Euclid. It was the Vikings' toughest defeat of the season as Northland hadn't lost a previous game by more than seven points.
The Vikings and Cougars both showcase interesting players that will face each other in a game that both teams covet at the start of the new calendar year.
The guard heavy Westland squad has been led by Breaker Heller who is averaging 17.3 points on an impressive 63 percent shooting. Along with pacing the team in scoring he is also leading Westland with 4.6 assists and is second at 5.4 rebounds per game. Heller is joined by Sir Gathings who got a late start to his season but over the past two games, the six-foot-two senior is averaging 11.5 points and four rebounds per game. Uthman Sherif is also giving Westland tough play inside. The senior forward leads the team in rebounding at 7.4 boards to go along with nine points per game.
Northland is led by the lightening quick point guard, Diante James, who is averaging 15.4 points per game. While the Vikings struggled to get the ball in the basket, in the loss to Euclid, James found a way to put in 19 points. It was his fourth game with at least 19 this season, which leads all Northland players. Sophomore shooting guard Vandell Slade is also off to a solid start. He is shooting 54 percent from the field while averaging 10.7 points per game.
Northland is also getting 14.5 points from forward Daneal Krylov and 12.7 points per game from forward Owan Mburugu.
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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.
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