Basketball Game Preview: Willapa Valley Vikings vs. Ocosta Wildcats

Willapa Valley and Ocosta are an even 5-5 against one another since December of 2016, but not for long. The Willapa Valley Vikings will venture away from home to challenge the Ocosta Wildcats at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Willapa Valley will be strutting in after a win while Ocosta will be coming in after a loss.

Having struggled with three defeats in a row, Willapa Valley turned things around against Lake Quinault on Friday. They blew past the Elks 54-18. That 36 point margin sets a new team best for the Vikings this season.

Lauren Matlock went supernova for Willapa Valley, going 8 of 13 on her way to 19 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Paislee Hurley, who posted nine points.

Meanwhile, Ocosta was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their sixth straight loss. They had to suffer through a 55-10 loss at the hands of Morton/White Pass. The match marked the Wildcats' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Elly Mirante was Ocosta's leading scorer, having posted four points. Mirante also led the team in rebounds with five. Gabby Ness took the lead distributing the ball, coming up with three assists.

Ocosta's defeat dropped their record down to 1-7. As for Willapa Valley, their victory bumped their record up to 5-6.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Willapa Valley has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 38.4 boards per game. However, it's not like Ocosta struggles in that department as they've been averaging 27.6 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Willapa Valley came up short against Ocosta when the teams last played back in January of 2024, falling 52-47. Can Willapa Valley avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.