Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Williams/TCJ: The night they will all remember, – 1,000 points, at home, in Teegen’s junior year, witnessed by mom and dad, Crystal and Darren McDonald.)

 

In a town full of athletes and athletic boosters and a house with two brothers playing multiple sports, there is bound to be competitive drive and hometown pride.

That is the way in Vermontville, where the McDonald family celebrates sons Jakeb and Teegen as they make their way into record books and winning teams.

This February saw Maple Valley High School junior Teegen McDonald score 1,000 on home court, with the crowd waving cards reading  “1,000” for all to see.

For high schoolers in general, 1,000 is a dream and it mostly happens to seniors, not juniors. Statistics say there are just a handful  of  this milestone in each state per season.

It has happened at Maple Valley two times before Teegen’s turn.

“I knew going into the (home) game (Feb. 12, 2026, against the Calhoun Christian Cougars). “It was a great feeling,” Teegen said of his rare accomplishment. “It also took the pressure off.” Cheers in the locker room called him “the GOAT.”

Teegen scored 28 points that night in the Lions’ win, a bit above his 22 or so point average. 

His coach this season has been Ryan Nevins. Teegen has also been coached by his uncle, Kevin Rost. That night, he held his 1,000-point banner with his parents, Darren and Crystal.

Jakeb is a freshman at The University of Olivet, where he pitches on the baseball team.

Teegen is a pitcher, too, for the Lions. His lanky profile and ubiquitous orange shoes are a site to see.

He has those shoes for every sport. This has become his ritual as he “keeps healthy, stays active and stays in the gym.”

Baseball Coach Bryan Carpenter writes of Teegen, “Teegen has a knowledge of sports and a belief that he is the best player on the court or on the field.  He doesn’t let the moment get too big and isn’t afraid to take the shot or throw the pitch.  He’s a gamer that steps it up when the game calls for it.”

His mother, Crystal, credits travel baseball and basketball in keeping her sons active and learning how meet and talk to others. “It’s made my kids who they are,” she said, noting that it is a sports family on both sides.

Dad Darren is also “happy” that they got past the 1,000 mark and can move on playing ball. He is one of many athletic boosters who help “supplement the sports teams’ needs” and keep athletics accessible and fun for families and the community, including a “Bullpen” pass fundraiser, providing premium parking at the baseball field.

Another supporter of Maple Valley school sports is Kevin Rost, who coached his nephew Teegen early in his career. Teegen’s family said Kevin “had a pretty big impact in getting both sons through their careers.”

Rost said he coached Teegen “no differently than any other kid,” and said ,“His success is on him.” Rost added, “He put in the extra time,” and was in the gym practicing before school.