January 20th, 2024

In the first of four contests at Sterling College on Friday, the Smoky Valley Vikings came back in overtime to take care of the Lyons Lions, 53-50 in consolation bracket play.
      The Lions made a statement early, taking a 9-8 lead after the first quarter and 22-17 at halftime.  But the Vikings would have the final say.
      Led by Kian Blanchat with 18 points, the Vikings found their rhythm and put up 26 points in the third period for a 43-32 advantage. But the Lions would tie things up at 45-all at the end of regulation to force overtime.
      Lyons, 1-8, was led by Ethan Luck with a game-high 19 points and Xavier Solis with 11.  But it was not enough. Lyons will face Kingman in the seventh-place contest at 1:30 pm in the South Gym at Sterling High School.  Smoky Valley, 3-5, will go into the fifth-place game against Hutchinson Trinity, also at 1:30 pm, in the Ora Shields Activity Center at Sterling High School. (Dwight Nichols)