Viking girls lose last two games

Willapa Valley closed out the season with six consecutive losses after falling at Ilwaco and at home against North Beach. The Vikings ended the season at 8-12 and tied for ninth place in the 11-team Pacific League.

"Well it was a disappointing way to end the season with two tough losses and not qualifying for district," a disappointed head coach Matt Bannish told the Herald. "Ilwaco was an overpowering team and North Beach was the better team Thursday night.

"The name of the game is to put the ball in the basket and we had trouble doing that all season long," Bannish said. "Our lack of size and being forced to play a lot of younger kids made it a challenging year.

"I would like to thank Alicia Smaciarz, our lone senior, for being a great team leader and for developing her game in the off-season.

"It would be my hope that some of the younger players will spend some time in the gym improving their shooting and basketball skills," Bannish added.

"Basketball players are made when no one is watching."

Ilwaco 67, Willapa 30

The Lady Fishermen sank the Vikings 67-30 last Tuesday (Feb. 2) at Ilwaco.

Ilwaco (17-2) blew off to a 17-3 after the first quarter and moved out to a 37-9 edge at halftime.

Hannah Cook popped in 8 points for Valley, and she blocked a shot on defense. Traci Hoffman and Maddi Huber grabbed 6 rebounds each. Frosh Grace Hodel stole the ball 2 times.

The Vikes shot a dismal 15 percent on 7 of 48 from the field. Valley committed 24 turnovers.

North Beach 52, Willapa Valley 37

The Lady Hyaks stopped Willapa Valley 52-37 Thursday night at Tenoski Gym in Menlo.

Smaciarz led Willapa with 10 points and 4 steals. Cook scored 8 points, and Huber snared 7 rebounds and made 4 steals.
Valley shot 20 percent from the floor on 11 of 55. The Vikings made good on 12 of 22 foul shots.

North Beach led 13-8 after one quarter, 33-17 at halftime, and 44-30 heading into the final eight minutes.

The Lady Hyaks (12-8) played at Toutle Lake in a District game Monday night.