Katie Peck releases the ball and scores one point for her team. The Vikings played an outstanding game against the McGregor Mercuries this past Tuesday. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
The Cook County Viking girls’ first game of the year was against the South Ridge Panthers. The contest was played at home in the Pam Taylor gymnasium, with the varsity taking the floor at 4:45 p.m.
Because of rules surrounding COVID-19, all of the players and officials had to wear masks during the game. Only parents and relatives were allowed to watch the game in person, and they, too, had to mask-up.
South Ridge stymied the Vikings’ offense with a tough man defense and overall protected the ball better, winning 57-24. The Vikings hustled hard all night, but too many of their passes were intercepted when they tried to throw the ball over the top of the Panther defense. That’s an easy fix, and the girl’s team will be very competitive this season when they get some more practice. This game came on the heels of two weeks of gym time. That’s not a lot, especially when the kids aren’t in school shooting baskets at noon or shooting baskets after school or at the Y.
Rhonnie Poyirier stares down the McGregor ball handler just before she snatches it from the Merc player’s grasp.
Senior Ariana Poyirier led the Viking with nine points, making two three-point baskets on the night. The Vikings’ only other senior, Paisley Smith, scored seven points on the evening, with Rhonnie Poyirier making five points and MaKenzie Fairbanks scoring three points.
Four Panthers scored in double figures. Sophomore Adella Olesiak lead the way with 13 points. For the night, the Panthers made five three-point shots in the game.
Vikings blow by McGregor
Different night, different outcome.
The Vikings looked like an entirely different team playing the McGregor Mercs this past Tuesday night than the team that played South Ridge a few nights before.
Early in the game the Vikings took a 10-7 lead but what was refreshing was that four players had scored in those opening minutes. Paisley Smith started the Vikings offense with a two point shot underneath after a nice feed from Ariana Poyirier. Rhonnie Poyirier scored the next basket on a put back and her older sister, Ariana stole the ball and dribbled full court for an easy lay-up. After being fouled, Mackenzie Fairbanks hit two free throws and the Vikings were on their way with a balanced attack on offense and a stout defense that McGregor had no answer for.
All five Vikings react as a McGregor player shoots the ball. The Vikings swarmed to the board when a shot went up and did an outstanding job rebounding against McGregor.
The Vikings led 37-22 at halftime and by games end the score was 73-42, with the bench cleared over the last seven minutes or so to give non-starters playing time.
Ariana Poyirier led all scorers with 23 points. Rhonnie Poyirer had 18, Paisley Smith finished with 14, Katie Peck netted 11, and Makenzie Fairbanks ended with seven points.
Kianna Hawkinson led McGregor with 18 points. No other Mercs finished in double figures.
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