Girls basketball

On Jan. 20 the Lady Vikings hosted Cedar Park Christian for a 56-42 win. The Vikings employed a stifling full court press, forcing Cedar Park turnovers but were clearly in a shooting funk, ending the half up only 24-13. Viking points from the free throw line helped maintain the lead.

Orcas found the hoop in the third quarter, and combined with strong defense, stretched the lead to 45-24.

The Viking JVs came in for the fourth quarter to mob up the win. Orcas scoring was lead by Kilee Rogers with 18, Hannah Brunner-Gaydos 13, Halle Thompson, Lilly Miller and Bethany Hansen all with 6.

On Jan. 22 the Vikings traveled to Mt. Vernon Christian for a close loss to the Hurricanes, 56-50.

Tables turned on the Vikings as the Hurricanes pasted a full court press that keep the Orcas offense off balance. By halftime, the Vikings were down 26-16 as a result of poor passing and shooting and too many turnovers.

The Vikings kept about a 10-point deficit through the third quarter and mounted an impressive comeback late in the fourth quarter, narrowing the margin 49-44 with 3:10 remaining after Rogers and Brunner-Gaydos rallied their team with impressive plays.

Orcas scoring was lead by Brunner-Gaydos with 21, Rogers 13, Katy Minnis 5 and Emma Minnis 4.

On Jan. 24 the Vikings lost to the undefeated LaConner Braves, 78-45, by what Coach Sasan said “is the best team in the league and may contend for the state championship.”

The Braves lead 44-17 at half due to accurate 3- point shooting, effective full court press and swift passing. Foul trouble hurt the Vikings in the third quarter eliminating any comeback.

Boys basketball

Despite three excellent quarters, the Viking boys lost a close game to Cedar Park Christian 67-57 on Jan. 20.

“We played well in three of the four quarters, outscoring Cedar Park in the first, third and fourth, but a tragic second quarter of dismal shooting left us down by eight at the end,” said Coach Corey Wiscomb. “We held great composure to come back out the second half and play with confidence. We broke the lid on the hoop and nearly battled our way back.”

On Jan. 22 the boys lost to Mt. Vernon Christian 58-51 in a respectable comeback effort.

Down 17 points at half, the Vikings found some adjustments for improvement. With 1:00 left in the third quarter, Orcas had narrowed the lead to 43-31, and with 2:12 left in the fourth, the Vikings fought to take the lead 49-48.

“When we hit the shot to go into the lead in the fourth, it was absolutely electric on our side of the floor, and the rest of the Hurricane gymnasium was dead quiet, they were stunned,” said Wiscomb.

A couple untimely fouls and missed shots by the Vikings with seconds left  hindered a successful comeback, but Wiscomb saw the positives.

“Miles Harlow emerged as a strong scorer and put a lot of points on the board in addition to outstanding defense,” he said. “Jordan Randolph and Pasha Bullock showed what tough guards they are and how cheetah-fast they are up top. Michael Chesher continued to be a spark plug igniting a lot of exciting play, and freshman Vanya Bullock also consistently made some great plays.”

The Vikings lost to the LaConner Braves 63-36 Jan. 24. The Braves took a 22-6 lead after the first quarter and never slowed down.

The Viking teams travel to rival Friday Harbor this week.