Viks look forward to league play, fresh start
SHS boys wrap up 6-6 preseason, tough Sky-Em next
Jan. 11, 2022 — After making their way through their 12-game non-league schedule, the Siuslaw boys basketball team is excited for the fresh beginning that comes with the start of league play. After a trip to the Grants Pass area last weekend, the team will have six days to rest and prepare for the start of conference play.
Though non-league record does come into play when figuring OSAA’s rankings, SHS’s finish in the Sky-Em standings will be the most important factor in deciding whether they earn a berth in the 4A state playoffs at the end of the season. This allows the Viks to essentially start fresh when they open league play versus Marist on Jan. 14.
Siuslaw traveled south this weekend for the Sky-Em/Skyline Boys Basketball Crossover after a trip to Newport for a tournament the previous weekend. A road game against Sutherlin was squeezed in between. Here’s a review of how the team fared over those last five games.
Dec. 30 — Newport Holiday Classic
Siuslaw 58 - South Umpqua 37
In a rematch of last fall’s 3A football state championship game, Siuslaw and South Umpqua squared off in the first round of the Newport Holiday Classic. Seniors Avery Hart, Brody Terry and Braydon Thornton were the leading scorers for the Vikings. Hart scored 16 points, Terry had 13 and Thornton 10.
“It was a very physical game that we were able to pull away with in the second half,” said Viking Head Coach Dylan Perry. “We played team basketball and shared the ball on offense. Still need to improve our ball security and defensive rebounding. Most importantly, we won the game.”
Dec. 31
Newport 56 - Siuslaw 41
There’s a saying in sports that says that it’s nearly impossible to beat a team three times in one season. On Dec. 31, Siuslaw and Newport met for the third time in the young season to decide the championship of the Newport Holiday Classic. The adage turned out to be true as the Cubs beat the Vikings after falling to them twice earlier in the season, 60-43 in Newport and 63-61 in Florence. Terry and Hart both had 10 points for Siuslaw.
Jan. 4
Siuslaw 47 - Sutherlin 20
Terry scored 23 points, including five three pointers as the Vikings beat the Bulldogs for the second time this preseason.
“We started off slow because of poor execution,” said Perry. “Once we settled down, we eventually bought into what we were trying to do in the second and third quarter. After that we never looked back.”
Jan. 7 — Sky-Em/Skyline Boys Basketball Crossover
Hidden Valley 45 - Siuslaw 40
Siuslaw opened the weekend by falling to the host of the crossover, Hidden Valley. Terry again led the Viks in scoring, this time with 20.
Jan. 8 — Crossover Day 2
Mazama 67 - Siuslaw 58
The Vikings went home winless for the weekend by dropping the second game of the crossover to Mazama at North Valley High School. Of little consolation because of the loss, the leading scorer, Terry, had a remarkable 39 points, including an eye-popping 7 three-pointers.
The 39-point-game ties Bob Duncan (1967) and Ben Voogd (2003) for the seventh most points scored in a single game in Siuslaw boys basketball history.
“I was happy to score 39, but enjoying celebrating a win with my teammates would have meant a lot more to me,” said Terry. “Seven three pointers are definitely the most I’ve hit in one game in my high school career.”
Perry would have also preferred a win, but did appreciate his team’s effort.
“The outcomes of the games weren’t what we wanted but I thought the guys played their hearts out,” said Perry.
With non-conference play complete, the Vikings sit at an even 6-6. Though probably below what the team’s expectations were to start the season, it was still a respectable start. Many members didn’t join the team until just days before the first game because of a long football season. The team was also forced to shut down all basketball activities for a period because of a teamwide illness. Simply being able to practice consistently will be a big help to the team’s development.
“We’re hopeful to have a full week of practice leading up to the league opener against Marist,” said Perry.
The coach believes this team has a lot of potential. He just isn’t sure if his players completely realize it yet.
“Execution and discipline have been our biggest hurdles this season,” he said. “Typically, this isn’t the case with a senior-dominated team. They need to decide how their season's story ends. It is completely in their hands. It can either be a wonderful end to their high school basketball careers if they buy in and are disciplined. However, if they don’t, it will be a rough road ahead for them.”
Terry also believes his team has potential for a successful league season.
“If we play hard and play with energy, I think we can have a great Sky-Em season,” said Terry. “We’ve shown we’re capable of beating these teams; it just comes down to how much we want it.”
Siuslaw is next on the court when they open Sky-Em League play on Friday, Jan. 14, at Marist Catholic in Eugene. Tip-off is at 5:45 p.m. and will be followed by the girls’ game.
Most Points One Game – Siuslaw Boys Basketball
- Ben Voogd – 46 points, 2003
- Travis Knabe – 43 points, 1994
- Ted Lettkeman – 42 points, 1968
- Ben Voogd – 41 points, 2003
- (tie) Bob Duncan – 40 points, 1966
- (tie) Ben Voogd – 40 points, 2003
- (tie) Brody Terry – 39 points, 2022
- (tie) Ben Voogd – 39 points, 2003
- (tie) Bob Duncan – 39 points, 1967