by Declan O’Malley

Sounder contributor

The Orcas Island High School basketball season is winding down, and both Vikings teams — the girls’ and boys’ — played their second-to-last game of the regular season on Friday, Feb. 7, at Mount Vernon Christian.

After a three-game winning streak, the Lady Vikings suffered their first loss since January, falling 49-39 to MVC. With the loss, OIHS moves to 4-5 overall in the league and 4-5 on the season.

“We knew this game would be tough, but we pulled through and kept it close, only losing by 10. I’m really proud of how my team played hard to the end and proud of our improvements from the last game,” said Viking Lucia Rios.

In a crucial inter-island matchup, the Lady Vikings will travel to Friday Harbor to take on the Wolverines on Monday, Feb. 10. OIHS topped Friday Harbor earlier in the season, 55-33, and will look for the season sweep.

After hoping to win back-to-back games following a victory over Lopez at the end of January, the Vikings boys’ team dropped an 89-59 decision to MVC on Friday in Mount Vernon. The loss puts OIHS at 5-11 overall and 2-7 in the league.

OIHS Coach Ed Lago noted that snowy weather impacted the team’s schedule.

“Our game on Tuesday against Friday Harbor was canceled due to snow. In fact, the whole week, except for Wednesday, we didn’t even practice,” said Lago. “We will recover and play Friday Harbor in our rescheduled game on Monday, Feb. 10. This will be our last regular-season game.”

The Vikings will now travel to Friday Harbor for an inter-island rivalry against the Wolverines on Monday, Feb. 10.

Postseason status

According to OIHS Athletic Director Paul Steimel there is the makeup game with Friday Harbor scheduled for Monday, which will impact both the girls’ (3rd-4th) and boys’ (4th or 5th) standings and seedings.

Lago is feeling good about the boys’ chances in the postseason.

“I feel good about our chances this postseason. We have the athletes and key players that are hitting their stride at the right time. I believe we will make a good run and surprise some teams,” Lago said.

Note: Cienna Richardson provided the player quote for this piece.