BBCC Lady Vikes Finish 2-1 at Raider Classic

The Big Bend Lady Vikings hit the road once again this past weekend, competing in the Raider Classic against some of the NWAC's toughest teams. Despite setbacks, including the loss of a key player, the Lady Vikes demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and potential as they navigated three challenging matchups.

Team Effort Secures Win Over Edmonds

The Lady Vikes started strong in their opener against Edmonds, racing to a 10-0 lead. However, an early injury to starting small forward Oaklie Jackman disrupted their rhythm. Jackman, who had to leave the game and sit out the rest of the weekend, left a noticeable void on the court.

After allowing Edmonds to close the gap by halftime, BBCC regrouped in the fourth quarter. Their best shooting performance of the weekend propelled them to a commanding 26-point win. Six Lady Vikes scored in double digits, with Jackman contributing a double-double before her injury (11 points, 10 rebounds). Kaliyah Evans also posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds in the victory.

Pierce Pushes, But Lady Vikes Prevail

In their second game, BBCC faced a determined Pierce team, which introduced a 6'3" forward into the starting lineup. Her dominance on the boards created matchup issues for the Lady Vikes, keeping the game close.

Once again, BBCC found its spark in the fourth quarter, pulling away for the win. Freshman Oakley Homer shined off the bench, leading all scorers with 19 points. Amaya Rogers and Katie Hansen also contributed double-digit scoring efforts in a true team victory.

Battling the Champs: Lessons Learned Against Lane

The Lady Vikes capped the weekend against Lane, the two-time reigning NWAC champions. BBCC kept pace in the first quarter but struggled offensively in the second, missing several open looks. Despite cutting into Lane's lead multiple times in the second half, the Lady Vikes couldn't reduce the deficit to single digits.

Rebounding proved to be the difference, as Lane dominated the glass and controlled the game. Post-game discussions centered on the need for BBCC to redefine its identity as a rebounding team to compete at the highest level.

Freshman Oakley Homer continued her strong weekend with 13 points, while Katie Hansen added 11 in the loss.

The Raider Classic was a valuable experience for the Lady Vikes, who are learning to compete with a target on their backs as a ranked team. With Jackman's injury forcing others to step up, the team displayed depth and determination.

As they focus on improving their rebounding and maintaining offensive consistency, the Lady Vikes will look to build on their successes and address their challenges in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more as BBCC prepares for the next phase of the season!