The Viking boys basketball team is transitioning out of a hard-hitting football season, the players developing court finesse as they ease into the more hands-off game of hoops. And they’re bringing everything they’ve got.

“They really put it all out on the floor,” said head coach Gregg Sasan. “They’re going all out, no matter what.”

Robbie Padbury has had a couple of 21-point games, said Sasan.

“He plays so hard, both offensively and defensively. Jacob Hansen… tries his hardest. He brings it every game. Josh Lawson, he plays his heart out, too. And freshmen Jack Gates and Jack Russillo, and Aubrey Schermerhorn; they are all making improvements each game.” He said Jake Zier, Josh Lawson and Rylan Date are key contributors on defense.

While great gusto – and a tendency toward full-body contact – have sidelined key players in each of the first games of the season, Sasan said the team is steadily improving and learning to avoid fouling out. But it’s a tricky changeup to swing when bowling over the defensive line was the perfect strategy for a fabulous football season that ended at the Tacoma Dome.

“Basketball is such a different sport; it’s not as rough as football,” said head coach Gregg Sasan. “Ninety-nine percent of these guys play football.”

Thus far, league game scores are as follows: Cedar Park Christian, 41-68; Darrington, 50-63; Friday Harbor, 30-48; Concrete, 73-76 in double overtime.

“That was a very exciting game,” said Sasan of the Concrete game.

“Concrete shot 41 free throws; we shot 12. Four guys fouled out that game,” and almost every Viking player scored during the game. One key Concrete player contributed 40 points to the match.

On Saturday, Jan. 8, number two-ranked Shoreline Christian slipped past Orcas with a score of 34-61. The Vikings met their game goal of getting to the free-throw line and had fewer fouls, but the Crusaders sunk seven three-pointers to clinch the win.

“Every team we face is tough; everyone plays hard,” said Sasan. “We are going to be good sportsmen; we don’t give up till that 4th quarter buzzer rings. It doesn’t matter what the score is, what the team is; you walk out of there with your head held high because you tried your best. All I ask of them is that they give their best on the floor. I really believe these kids do that.”

The team’s next home game will be played against top-ranked La Conner on Tuesday, Jan. 11. Islanders are encouraged to come show their support.