Lady Vikings fresh off the ferry from the State Tournament. Photo courtesy of Gary Harper.
The triumphant Lady Vikings basketball team and their traveling supporters met an enthusiastic crowd of well-wishers at the Orcas Landing this morning, after placing 5th in the State Basketball tournament played in Spokane last week.
Junior Stephanie Shaw’s tears were those of saying farewell to her senior teammates, her mother Samarra Shaw explained. Shaw drove over the mountain passes to Spokane when she was frustrated by the internet reception of the games earlier in the week.
Senior Maddy Smith’s hoarse voice comes after a week of excitement — “But I’m not sick!” she proclaimed.
Parent Steve Diepenbrock, who traveled with the team (and his daughter, Junior teammate Emily, to Spokane, said that the experience provided memories for a lifetime.
Parent Stella Padbury talked about the slight kerfluffle at the last buzzer, when it was questioned whether her daughter Lanie’s foot was inside the 3-point marker, but Carol Rost, assistant coach, recalled seeing the ref’s hand go up, indicating the basket would be a 3-pointer, as soon as Lanie took her shot.
Some of the crowd that gathered to welcome the Vikings basketball team home. Photo courtesy of Gary Harper.
A parade through Eastsound is anticipated later this week.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lance Evans reported on Saturday, March 7:
Orcas Island High School Lady Vikings basketball team just defeated Pomeroy for 5th Place at the State 2B tournament in Spokane.
Though they led most of the way, it was a last-second 3-pointer from Lanie Padbury that earned the Vikings a 40 to 39 win.
The victorious Orcas Island Lady Vikings basketball team arrive back on-island tomorrow (Sunday) morning at about 10:30 a.m. at the Orcas Ferry Landing (they will have taken the 10 a.m. ferry from Anacortes). [Don’t forget Daylight Saving moves the clock one hour forward tonight!]
They exceeded all expectations and finished 5th in the State for their Division! Let’s turn out a big crowd of Orcas Islanders to greet them and show them our appreciation of their accomplishment!
Way to go Vikings!!!
From Orcas Issues, March 6
Vikings win again at State Basketball – play tomorrow for 5th or 8th place
The Lady Vikings have once again prevailed on the basketball court, defeating Seattle Lutheran 55-26, and tomorrow will play Pomeroy for their final standings in the State tournament. If they defeat Pomeroy, the Orcas team will place 5th; if they go down in defeat, they will place 8th.
Ironically, their traditional rivals from La Conner are also playing tomorrow, and face the scenario of finishing in 4th or 7th place.
