The Nechako Valley Secondary senior basketball team suffered a minor set back in the pursuit of zone champions at their first game, Thursday night against the College Heights Cougars. The Vikings did not take advantage of being seeded number one as they lost their opening game to College Heights on Thursday 67 - 58.
Despite the loss, the NVSS senior boys battled hard to the end. Top scorers, Nolan Hanson CH and Torrin Lytle kept the score fairly even throughout the game. The exceptional excitement of the crowd continued to keep spirits high for the home team.
Torrin Lytle scored 20 points and Riley Wallace added 14. This meant the Vikes had to go the back door route and play extra games which is never an advantage.
They won the next two over D P Todd and College Heights. Against D P Todd the score was 82 - 62 with Scot Wallace leading the way netting 18 points, Riley Wallace scored 17 and Darby Lytle chipped in 12 points and many key rebounds. In the next game versus College Heights the Vikings powered through with a 77 to 63 victory. Riley lead the charge with 20 points,
Scot added 13 and Kaston McKee scored 11. The Vikings ran out of gas in their fourth game in three days in the final game versus Duchess Park and were beaten 73 - 56 to finish with the silver medal. Scot Wallace scored 17 and Torrin Lytle added 13 to pace the Vikes.
Final placings were Duchess Park - 1st, Nechako Valley - 2nd, D P Todd - 3rd, College Heights - 4th.
NVSS All Star selections were: honourable mention - Darby Lytle 2nd team - Scot Wallace, Torrin Lytle 1st team - Riley Wallace.
Congratulations to the boys. They represented the school well. Thank you to our tournament sponsors: White River Contracting; Scott Foods; Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce; Vanderhoof CO-OP; Pitka Logging; Lloyd Voth Inc.; Wallace Studios; School District 91; Interior Earthworks Construction; Omineca Source For Sports; Doug Brophy.
Also a big thank you to the students and staff of NVSS, Vaughn Mueller, the referees and table officials, Western Athletic, the Viking Basketball parents, the student athletes.
Best of luck to our graduating players: Riley Wallace; Spencer Siemens; Darby Lytle; Torrin Lytle; Mauricio Parilli.