The Willapa Valley Vikings's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Wednesday after their fifth straight loss. They took a 45-36 hit to the loss column at the hands of Naselle. Willapa Valley was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Naselle apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January of 2023.
Willapa Valley lost despite a true team effort on the offense, the best among them being Hadlee Russell, who dropped a double-double on ten points and 12 rebounds. Those 12 rebounds set a new season-high mark for her. Another player making a difference was Tylar Keeton, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Willapa Valley bumped their record down to 7-6 with that defeat, which was their third straight on the road. That rough patch could be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they only averaged 21.7 points per game. As for Naselle, their win bumped their record up to 4-2.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Willapa Valley will take on Washington School for the Deaf at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Washington School for the Deaf's defense has only allowed 26 points per game this season, so Willapa Valley's offense will have their work cut out for Willapa Valley. As for Naselle, they will head out on the road to face off against Pe Ell at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Pe Ell's defense has only allowed 29 points per game this season, so Naselle's offense will have their work cut out for Naselle.
