Vikings blast Comets, ‘Cats

Vikings blast Comets, ‘Cats

By GEORGE KUNKE

Decent shooting, ample rebounding and a balanced offensive attack enabled Willapa Valley to prevail over visiting Ocosta 69-54 Friday night at Tenoski Gym.

Cody Buchanan led the balanced scoring with 15 points, following by Matt Konigsberger (12 pts), Stephen Camenzind (11), Drew Pearson (8), David Rockett (8) and Zack Friese (8).

Konigsberger snared 10 rebounds, handed out four assists and pilfered the ball four times and Camenzind collected 10 boards. Rockett raked in six rebounds.

“We had a super first half and took it to them,” Willapa Valley head coach John Peterson told the Herald. The key in this game was our rebounding, especially in the second quarter where we got them 16-5.

“Cody Buchanan was outstanding with 15 points and some really tough
defense,” Peterson reported. “Matt Konigsberger had 12 points 10 boards, four assists, four steals, and zero turnovers in just a fine all-around performance. Stephen Camenzind chipped in with 11 points and we got good reserve play from Zack Friese, Anthony Sagen and Drew Pearson. I am very pleased with how we played.”
The Vikings (7-1 in the Pacific League and 12-4 overall) shot 45 percent from the floor on 26 of 57 and won the rebounding battle 40-27.

Vikings 65, Naselle 39

Camenzind scored a game high 23 points and Willapa Valley soared out to an 18-8 first quarter lead during a 65-39 rout of Naselle last Tuesday (Jan. 8) at Menlo.

Camenzind was 8 of 15 from the floor and 7 of 7 at the foul line and he pulled down eight rebounds.

Konigsberger came through with 13 points and six rebounds and Rockett skied for 10 rebounds and netted nine points.

Valley controlled the boards (44-22), including 22 offensive ones. The Vikes sank 20 of 28 charity tosses.

“I thought we were just really solid and really played outstanding defense,” Coach John Peterson told the Herald. “Just a very good team win.
“Stephen Camenzind was great with 23 points and eight rebounds,” Peterson said. “Matt Konigsberger was also solid with 13 points, and David Rockett had nine points, 10 rebounds, and played excellent defense.

“We won the boards 44-22 and had 22 offensive rebounds,” Peterson added. “Another thing is we attacked the basket hard; therefore, we got to the foul line. We were 20 of 28 from the free throw line, which is very good.”

Willapa Valley visits North Beach Thursday and travels to Lacey Tuesday (Jan. 22) for another league tilt against Northwest Christian.