Girls take one victory on recent road trips

Against Two Harbors, MaKenzie Fairbanks (1) drives for the basket as Katie Peck (13) ducks into the paint to get set for a rebound or a pass from MaKenzie. Meanwhile, Rhonnie Poyirier is sandwiched and sets a pick on the player guarding Katie. The Vikings played the Agates on January 28. Staff photo Brian Larsen

When Bob Dylan released his album “Highway 61 Revisited,” he recorded one of his most famous songs, Like A Rolling Stone. That’s what the Vikings’ basketball team must feel a little bit like after traveling Highway 61 and beyond for their last six games. That’s a lot of miles and time on the road for even a high school team.

On January 20, the girls had a short road trip to Silver Bay, at 55-miles away—their closest rival. The Vikings got off to a quick start behind great defense and a balanced scoring attack to beat the Mariners 71-37.

Amery Oberg led the team in scoring with 14 points. Rhonnie Poyierier and Kamryn Johnson each had 12, Makenzie Fairbanks nine, Katie Peck and Dete eight, Molly Quello four and MaTaya Fairbanks had two.

“The ninth and tenth graders played most of the second half and impressed me with the hustle and intensity and were able to score 34 points in the second half on their own,” said Viking’s Head Coach, Kelly Hawsen.

Next, the Vikings traveled to the Iron Range and played two teams as rugged as the iron ore their ancestors mined.

On January 21, the Vikings squared off against the South Ridge Panthers in Culver, Minnesota, and lost 88-22.

Rhonnie Poyirier led the team in scoring with 14 points. Kamryn Jonson had four, Katie Peck three, Mataya Fairbanks two, and Dete had two.

On January 25, the Vikings traveled to Aurora to play the Mesabi East Giants. The Giants took the contest 69-35.

Once again, Rhonnie Poyirier led the team in scoring with 17 points.

“Rhonnie was able to dominate the paint when we were able to get her the ball inside,” said Viking’s Head Coach, Kelly Hawsen.

“Freshmen Molly Quello played key minutes in the varsity game and showed some great defense and hustle overall,” added Coach Hawsen.

Makenzie Fairbanks had nine-point in the game, Kamryn Johnson six, Kate Peck two and Molly Quello one point.

The girls get a couple of home games on February 1 and February 7 and 8. On February 7, they play Chisholm at 6:30 p.m., and on February 8, they play Silver Bay again at 6:30 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings!