— by Ed Sutton —

Saturday, the Orcas Island Men’s basketball team traveled to Sedro Wooley, following the Lady Vikings who had played the previous day in the first round of the 2016 State playoffs.

The men’s team faced Concrete in a “loser-out” contest. Coach Cory Wiscomb had his team fired-up and the final score was a powerful 102-58 victory for the Vikings. The Vikings started the same five players who had played Friday Harbor earlier in the week. Jordan Randolph scored 17 points as did Vanya Bullock (17). The other starters Aiden Kruse (14), Miles Harlow (14), and Brother Murphy (11), all scored in double figures, as did Bullock’s brother, Pasha Bullock (16).

According to assistant coach Andrew Stephens, the Viking players were hot shooters and the score mounted as the game progressed. Later in the game, with a victory well in hand, Coach Wiscomb substituted the younger players on a rotating basis. The Vikings continued to dominate the game and the overall performance of the team was an important preparation for the next game which will be against the LaConner Braves.

LaConner lost in the second game to Friday Harbor, 71-52, on Saturday evening, and will play the Orcas squad on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 16. The winner of that game will advance to the second round of the State playoffs. The Lady Vikings will play Friday Harbor the same afternoon in a rematch of the game earlier this week. As with the men’s team, the winner will advance into the next round.

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**