Fans packed the stands at the last home game for the season as Orcas took down Concrete with scrappy and determined play.

April Hofmann nabbed the tipoff, and after a quick turnover, made a steal, a quick drive and assist for a two-pointer. Concrete quickly answered back, sinking two free throws to even the score 2-2. Makenna Thomas sunk another two points and the Lions amped up their defenses with a tight full-court press, turning a missed Viking shot into a layup, 4-4. Hofmann lobbed a pass the entire length of the court to a wide open Bella Nigretto, who dropped in an easy layup; Concrete mimicked the move soon after to tie the game 6-6. A score by Nigretto was returned by a Lion shot that slipped through as the first quarter buzzer sounded.

In the second the teams continued neck and neck. Shelbi Rogers put in three points before taking a hard hit, injuring her ankle. The Lions had edged ahead 17-11 when Brooke Bruland dropped in a free throw, followed by a quick steal and a two-pointer; Concrete grabbed a rebound to hit back 19-14. Viking spirits were sagging when Bronn seized the day; fiercely dogging the Lions downcourt, she blocked a shot, swiped the rebound and made a run to the basket, where she was fouled and calmly sunk both free throws. Hofmann dropped in another two points and Bruland followed up with more, ending the half ahead 20-19.

In the third quarter Nigretto put in six points, Ashley Janssen two. The Lions struggled to turn the tide, but Bronn, Bruland and Hofmann contributed more points in the fourth, including a rebound and drive to score by Nigretto. The team finished off the game with a great pass relay, Nigretto shooting the ball down court and receiving it back for a layin. The Vikings ended victorious, 40-33.

Hofmann had six points, 10 rebounds and four steals; Nigretto 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals; Bruland had seven points, four rebounds and three steals; Thomas four points and five rebounds; Bronn four points and three rebounds; Shelbi Rogers three points.

Fans were treated at halftime to a sneak preview of the future Viking team: a scrimmage by the girls’ SWISH league. For being knee-high to a grasshopper they made an astonishing number of their layups and jump shots, rebounding, boxing out and taking fast breaks.

Vikings Season Record

Dec. 7: beat Cedar Park 31-21

Dec. 11: Darrington won 67-29

Dec. 17: Friday Harbor won 64-23

Dec. 18: beat Lopez 43-24

Dec. 21: beat Evergreen Lutheran 41-34

Jan. 4: Concrete won 63-48

Jan. 8: beat Shoreline 48-39

Jan. 11: La Conner won 51-37

Jan. 15: Mount Vernon Christian won 39-32

Jan. 18: beat Cedar Park 59-20

Jan. 24: Friday Harbor won, 55-22

(Lopez and Evergreen Lutheran games are non-league.)