Vikings rally from loss to Pirates by beating Falcons

June 16, 2021 — The Vikings’ basketball team had a big week leading up to graduation, playing Marshfield away on Tuesday, June 8, with the Pirates winning 61-24, then returning home to defeat Elmira on Thursday, June 10, 66-41.

Tuesday was particularly difficult for the Viks as they were missing two of their starters to begin the game.

“I thought the guys we had available for the game played super hard and did exactly what was asked of them,” said Coach Dylan Perry. “Guys had the opportunity for additional minutes they normally don't get, and they proved why they deserve to play more on our varsity team.”  

The team fought hard, but unfortunately it wasn’t translating to the score board.

“We played good defense throughout the game, but we just struggled to score the basketball, which has been a problem for us at times this year,” said Perry. 

He continued, “We were down two starters to begin the game, and then we also lost Avery Hart early in the third quarter. We thought that it might be a significant knee injury, but luckily it turned out to be not quite as bad. Avery is done for the season, but he showed tremendous growth during his junior year, and I expect him to be an all-league player for us next season as a senior. There aren't many guys in the state, let alone in our league, that can guard him.”
Then, on Thursday, the Viks returned home to see a rematch with the Falcons.

“Our game plan was to apply our pressure defense across the entire court for the entire 32 minutes of the game, and that is what we did,” said Perry. “Our defense created offensive opportunities for our guys to score. It is always great when a game plan plays out how we envision it to.” 

Although the Falcons were the first on the score board, Siuslaw finished the quarter ahead 13-11. And while the first quarter was close throughout, the Viks were leading by 10 points halfway through the second quarter and finished the half ahead 34-21.

Senior Skyler Loomis, a guard for the Vikings said, “I thought we had a good first half and a great second half. I was impressed by the intensity we had going into the third quarter because in previous games, we’ve come out of halftime slower.” 

They continued to increase the lead in the second half, finishing the third quarter ahead 54-27.

Another significant addition to Siuslaw’s overall score was the frequency with which three-pointers kept falling in their favor. 

“My favorite moment from the game would be Tyrone (Krohn) making a three-pointer from the corner,” Loomis said.

In addition to Krohn, Brody Terry picked up 1, Izacc Mattson had 2, and Liam McClellan was on fire with 4 total three-pointers that evening. The Viks won by 25 points, 24 of which came from behind the three-point line.

“Everyone on our roster got significant minutes and contributed to the win,” said Perry.

Loomis added, “I was happy with how everybody played, and it was good to see everybody getting time on the court.” 

It truly was a full team contribution for the Vikings, with almost everyone on the roster putting up points on the score board.

“I was very happy for the guys on our team to come out and execute the way they did,” said Perry. “They understand when we do the things that we need to do, it doesn't matter what the other team does. We have steadily improved throughout the season, and that is what you want as a coach.”

The Vikings played at Junction City on Tuesday, June 15, with scores coming in after printing deadlines. Their final scheduled games for this season are at home on Thursday, June 17, against Cottage Grove at 7:15 p.m. and Friday, June 18, against Bandon at 3 p.m., which will also be their Senior Night.