The Cook County Viking girls’ team played back-to-back games last week, experiencing the highs and lows of winning and losing.
Up first, the Vikings traveled to Silver Bay to face their closet rivals, the Mariners. Playing without junior guard Sophia Eliasen, who was out with an injury, the Vikings fell by two points in what head coach Kelly Hawsen described as, “an incredibly hard loss.”
The Vikings were defeated 33-31 in a low scoring game played Friday, Jan. 12. Eliasen’s 15 points per game scoring average was undoubtedly missed in this contest.
Ariana Poyirier led the team in scoring with 8 points. Alyssa Spry put in 7 points, Morgan Starkey 6, Abbie Crawford 5, and Paisley Smith had 4 points in the game. Vikings beat the Timberwolves
What a difference a day makes. The Vikings faced the Ely Timberwolves in a day game played at home on Saturday, and they put a disappointing loss suffered less than 24 hours before behind them.
“We came back against a tough Ely team and played the best basketball of the season the next day,” said coach Hawsen.
The Vikings led 25-16 at the half and won 53-44.
Once again Ariana Poyirier led the team in scoring, putting in 20 points, hitting two long shots for three points each. Abbie Crawford also hit two three-point shots on her way to scoring 11 points. Alyssa Spy made 11 points, Paisley Smith had 5 points, Morgan Starkey 4 points, and Maya McHugh scored 2 points.
“The girls played team basketball, passing the ball well and really coming together as a team. They put intensity and heart into the game, and it paid off,” said coach Hawsen, adding, “I’m proud of the girls.”
This Friday (Jan. 19) the Vikings play the Carlton Bulldogs at home. The game will have added meaning because it will be the last time senior starting guard Maya McHugh will step on the court and play for the Vikings because she is graduating early.
“It will be Maya’s last game. It will be her senior night,” said coach Hawsen.
The game will start at 4:45 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings, and give a special cheer for Maya.
The Vikings also play at home on Tuesday, January 23 against Mesabi East. The two teams will take the floor at 6:30 p.m.
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