Vale’s Gracee Jacobs discusses strategy with Viking coaches during a game against Umatilla Saturday. The Lady Vikings defeated Umatilla and Riverside during weekend play. (photo courtesy of Meshell Schaffeld)
BOARDMAN – The Lady Vikings improved to 4-1 in the Eastern Oregon League after defeating Riverside and Umatilla in weekend basketball action.
Vale defeated Boardman’s Riverside High 48-15 Friday and beat Umatilla 35-24 Saturday. The Vikings trail league-leading Burns (4-0) by one game and are ranked 11th in the state by the Oregon School Activities Association.
The Lady Viks played Nyssa Tuesday and face Burns Saturday at 5 p.m. in Vale.
In boys basketball, Kade Haueter scored 23 points for the Vikings, but pinpoint shooting by Riverside doomed the Vikings Friday night in an EOL prep basketball showdown.
The Pirates hit 11 3-pointers during the contest and took control of the game in the second half to post a 57-46 win.
“It would have taken one of our better games to win that night and we didn’t have a good second half,” said Colby Shira, Vale basketball coach.
The Vikings (1-3 EOL) were shackled by turnovers and defensive miscues in the second half against Riverside (3-1), said Shira.
The Vikings put in a solid performance against Umatilla Saturday night but came up short, 56-47.
“That was a really tough game,” said Shira.
The Vikings were down by eight at halftime but sliced the Umatilla lead to just three points at the start of the final quarter.
“And then they went on a run and we were just never able to get back,” said Shira.
Vale’s Colton Kesey paced the Vikings against Umatilla with 15 points.
“We played better and did not have as many turnovers. We shot the ball a little better,” said Shira.
Shira said Vale is still in contention in the EOL.
“I still think our league is up for grabs, but obviously we have to start winning games,” said Shira.
Vale played Nyssa Tuesday night and will take on Burns in Vale at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Greater Oregon League
The Lady Tigers of Ontario High School (1-2 GOL) rolled to an easy 48-19 win over Mac-Hi Saturday night in Milton-Freewater.
The Ontario boys varsity basketball team didn’t fare as well against the Pioneers. Mac-Hi claimed a 71-33 league win over the Tigers (0-3 GOL) Saturday.