— by Ed Sutton —
A loyal contingent of fans followed the Orcas Island High School basketball teams to Friday Harbor on Wednesday for the first round of playoff games in the 2016 State Championship Tournament. The Tournament is “double elimination” meaning that a team can lose one game and remain in the playoffs. Regrettably the first game for the Lady Vikings did not end well, as the Orcas squad lost 28-59.
The first game of the afternoon pitted the Lady Vikings (9-5) against the Wolverines (13-1) and included Orcas seniors Emma Minnis, Lilly Miller and Halle Thompson. The first quarter was well played by both teams though Friday Harbor eased ahead to lead 15-10 at the break. The starting lineup included Katy Minnis and Bethany Hansen who, with the seniors, played most of the first half which ended with the Wolverines in command at 31-11.
In the second half, Friday Harbor continued to press its advantage, helped by two Orcas players getting in foul trouble and requiring substitutions. The Orcas team played hard, though the
Wolverines used a height advantage to control the inside game, allowing for many follow-up shots. The score at the end of three quarters was 20-49. After a commendable effort by the more experienced players, with about five minutes remaining in the game, both coaches substituted younger players. The final score was 28-59 with the scoring spread among the starters; Katy Minnis (4), Bethany Hansen (6), Lilly Miller (3), Halle Thompson (8), and Jessie Nichols (8).
Both teams move on to the second phase of this round, playing in Sedro Wooley on Friday. Orcas will play Concrete and Friday Harbor will face off against LaConner. Those winners will compete next week and the final winner will advance to the second round of the State Playoffs.
Though the game in Friday Harbor did not end well for the Vikings, tomorrow is another day and an opportunity to reverse their fortunes.
Note: Orcas Issues is an official sponsor of the Orcas Athletics Boosters Club.
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