Basketball Game Preview: Willapa Valley Vikings vs. Taholah Chitwhins

The Willapa Valley Vikings will face off against the Taholah Chitwhins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Taholah is hoping to do what North Beach couldn't last Friday: put an end to Willapa Valley's winning streak, which now stands at seven games. Willapa Valley simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat North Beach 72-38. Given the Vikings' advantage in MaxPreps' Washington basketball rankings (they are ranked 101st, while the Hyaks are ranked 301st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Willapa Valley relied on the efforts of Nathan Fluke, who went 6 of 11 en route to 17 points and eight assists, and Blane King, who went 7 of 10 on his way to 17 points and five rebounds. What's more, Fluke also racked up two blocks, the most he's had since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was JB Russell, who went 5 of 6 on his way to 10 points and five rebounds.

Willapa Valley smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in 13 consecutive games dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Taholah, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Sunday. They breezed by North Beach to the tune of 77-47 on Saturday.

Taholah's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 5-4. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 70.8 points per game. As for Willapa Valley, their win bumped their record up to 7-2.

Willapa Valley took their victory against Taholah in their previous matchup back in February of 2024 by a conclusive 64-44. Will Willapa Valley repeat their success, or does Taholah have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.