The Viking boys lost in the first round of the 2B Bi-District playoffs on Feb. 14 against Auburn Adventist 84-63, but the 7-7 season overall was really a win.
“We were a long shot to even make the playoffs at the beginning of the season, but as we walked out of the gym last Saturday night, it felt like we were the winners,” said first-year coach Corey Wiscomb. “I think we’ve proven that we are the up and comers for next season, especially since the entire team is returning next year.”
The Vikings continued to evolve as a balanced team against Auburn, a goal Wiscomb had been working on all season. Miles Harlow led with 15 points, Jordan Randolph 14, Brother Murphy 12, Vanya Bullock 10, Pasha Bullock 9, Gwydion Marreth 2 and Grayson White with 1.
The Lady Vikings had a busy week of 2B Bi-District playoff games culminating in a 9-5 season with an elimination loss to Friday Harbor on Feb. 21.
The playoff run started on Feb. 10 with a win against Auburn Adventist 48-37 at Orcas High School. Despite an even game at half, Orcas kicked it into gear and stretched the lead to 41-29 by the third with strong outside shooting by Kilee Rogers and Hannah Brunner-Gaydos.
The Vikings lost to the Wolverines on Feb. 18, 49-29. The Vikings kept it close at half, down 20-17, but the Wolverines brought their outside shooters and picked apart the Viking defense throughout the game. The Vikings struggled in second half as Brunner-Gaydos was out with an injury. She would return late in the game but the offense never found any rhythm.
The Vikings traveled to Sedro Woolley on Feb. 20 for a 52-32 win against the Darrington Loggers. Evenly matched, the Vikings held a slim 28-21 lead at the end of the third quarter. Accurate foul shots helped stretch the lead as Rogers, Brunner-Gaydos, Halle Thompson, Lilly Miller and Katy Minnis killed it from the free throw line.
On Feb. 21, the Lady Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs in a 47-33 loss to Friday Harbor.
“It’s always good to make it to the playoffs,” said Coach Gregg Sasan. “This is a great group of girls.The seniors were really good role models and we have a lot of young players returning next year.”
