Puyallup Defeats Olympia to Claim Top Spot
[robo-gallery id=”641388″][robo-gallery id=”641086″]With the #1 seed in the SPSL on the line, the Vikings and Bears battled it out till the final overtime buzzer. Puyallup hosted Olympia in a game that had major playoff implications. As the teams took the…
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Continue Reading[robo-gallery id=”641388″][robo-gallery id=”641086″]With the #1 seed in the SPSL on the line, the Vikings and Bears battled it out till the final overtime buzzer. Puyallup hosted Olympia in a game that had major playoff implications.
As the teams took the court, one could mistake them for NBA teams because of the size of these kids. Between both teams starters, there was three players standing 6’9 or taller.
The Puyallup gymnasium was packed with what seemed to be an even split of fans. The crowd made their presences felt with every bucket. And with the largest lead coming at halftime, 29-22 Vikings, the atmosphere was fervent.
Olympia’s Jackson Grant lead all scorers with 25 points, double digit rebounds and 6 blocks. Including some big 3’s to keep the bears in the game. Grant is a 6’9 sophomore who’s stock has risen dramatically this season with his stellar play. Grant has interest from Univ. Washington, Pepperdine and others. More will likely be coming soon.
The Bears also received a major contribution from junior point guards Kai Johnson and Ethan Gahm. Johnson poured in 20 points while Gahm chipped in 11.
Even though Grant and Johnson combined for 45 points, it still wasn’t enough to knock off the Vikings.
Puyallup was lead by sophomore point guard Cobi Campbell. Cobi, son of head coach Scott Campbell put up 19 points including all 10 of the teams points in overtime. Cobi was able to get where he wanted on the court using crafty dribble moves; he also hit a big 3 to go up five with less then two minutes left in OT.
Newly acquired junior Kendall Munson had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Senior guard Jaeden Ingram added 13, which included back to back 3’s in the 3rd that help slow the Bears run down heading into the 4th.
The Puyallup Vikings came in the Saturday night matchup with questions surrounding their legitimacy. After adding California transfer Kendall Munson mid-season, many thought they were a top 5 team. It seemed like the Vikings were starting to fit the profile until they were upset by rival Sumner in a “Rivalry in the Valley” game. This was their first lose since acquiring Munson in late December.
Final Takeaways:
–With the Vikings upcoming schedule getting tight, the Vikings will get their chance to show if they are the real deal. On the 17th they face off against Curtis who is a perennial powerhouse in the SPSL. Followed by Rogers who beat the Vikings earlier this season prior to Munson’s arrival. And the rematch of tonights matchup will be on January 25th at Olympia. That game could be for the SPSL crown.
– How good is Jackson Grant? Darn Good! Grant is a big who can score from inside and out. He has great awareness for his age and isn’t rushed when posting up. His ceiling is very high and with the possibility of him still growing, the sky is the limit, right?
– The time is now for the Puyallup Vikings to make a state tournament run. They have the biggest team in the state (7’0, 6’9, 6’9, 6’8). Which will help them against teams the likes of Federal Way and Gonzaga Prep. They have the athleticism, skill and coaching to take their shot. Is this the year for the Vikings?