All SHS and MHS basketball teams return to full slate of games this week

Feb. 1, 2022 — Though not the outcomes they were hoping for, both Siuslaw basketball teams were happy to simply get on the court this past weekend as most games the previous week had been postponed or cancelled because of COVID-19.

Both teams played Cottage Grove — the girls on Friday, Jan. 28, and the boys the next day, Saturday, Jan. 29.

The Viking girls continue to look for their first win of the season. They achieved about as close as one can get to a moral victory, though, on Friday night when they scored 20 points in a game for the first time this season but still loss to the Lions 58-21.

Leading scorer and rebounder for the Vikings was senior Denali Sleeper, who had 7 points and 5 boards.

“Denali had one of her better games of the season,” said Viking Coach Aaron McNeill.

Freshman Rhianna Lane also had 5 rebounds for Siuslaw. Freshman Macy McNeill and sophomore Jane Lacouture each had 4 points for SHS.

Even though they didn’t get that first win, there was plenty to be excited about for the Vikings.

“I was really pleased at times with how we executed our press break, something we have struggled with this season,” said McNeill. “When we did execute our press break, we were poised and utilized good passing and teamwork, scoring against Cottage Grove's press several times. I was pleased with the fact we competed to the end. We still have lots of work to do, but the girls are eager to get better and put in the work to improve.”

The Viking girls were on the court Tuesday versus Elmira at home after press deadlines and will play next Wednesday at Marshfield at 6:45 p.m.

The Viking boys continued to struggle in Sky-Em League play, dropping their third straight conference game, this one to Cottage Grove 54-37. Individual statistics were not yet available.

The SHS boys team faced Elmira on Tuesday after press deadlines and will travel to Junction City Wednesday to play the Tigers, who are the #1 team in the 4A division. Tip-off is 7:15 p.m.

Mapleton’s girls team was off since Jan. 18 before they traveled to Siletz Valley on Jan. 31 and then hosted Mohawk the next night. The Sailor girls next travel to Crow on Thursday, Feb. 3 for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off against the Cougars.

The MHS boys team played three games last week, losing all three. Their best game of the three was on Jan. 27 against rival Triangle Lake when they fell 54-39 at home. Sophomore Keevyn Walker had 18 points and senior Joe Shepard added 15.

The Sailor boys faced Siletz Valley on Monday and Mohawk on Tuesday, both after press deadlines. Their next game is Thursday Feb. 3 at Crow at 7 p.m.