Viking girls basketball team finishes historic season

Rainier Beach high school is known for the amazing boys’ basketball program we have and is always praised because of it. Our girls’ team on the other hand never had the luxury of being praised and looked at as a solid team for years. This year things were a little different. As usual, the season started off with everyone looking forward to the boys, the girls changed that immediately.

The girl’s team had only 2 returning players, it was a whole new roster and a totally new team. Early on, we noticed the confidence and eager to change the image of the girls program the team wanted. They started the season off by blowing out Ingraham 75-27. This was surprising to most fans, like is that really our girls’ team? Things continued to be great and the girls were continuing to make statements.

The girls got invited to the Tarkanian classic in Vegas and went there with a 5 game winning streak. They went in with the momentum and won 3 of their 4 games and were placed 3rd in the tournament. After having an amazing tournament and performing really well at a national level, it was time to go back home.

After not playing for 16 days, the Vikings faced off with the Roosevelt roughriders. The Vikings were used to a fast pace game and taking a lead to start the game. Things were the opposite in this game, the Vikings had 33 turnovers and did not have the best shooting night. The game was really close, 37-32. The girls took their first loss in the state. Something the girls learned from this game was to take care of the ball and not turning it over. They went on to win 3 more games until the loss against west Seattle.

The season continued the same and the girls continued to dominate and prove to everyone wrong. They gained a huge fan base and many students liked watching them over the boys.

It was finally playoff time, the first game was against franklin and the girls won 61-37. Things were going well until the girls faced a major loss against Bishop Blanchet. Due to that loss, the girls were put in the losing bracket to qualify for states. They were on the same boat as the boys, which hasn’t been the case for so long! Also, the girl’s team haven’t been in districts since 2005! The girls won 2 of the 3 games. Sadly their season came to end against Lincoln. One game before states but well fought out game.

One thing we know is that this year teams fought every game and showed the world the true definition of Viking basketball. They never gave up! They also represented Rainier Beach high school really well this season. As coach Ladd said they will be back next year and will win that title.