The Smoky Valley Vikings went toe to toe with state ranked Nickerson at home Friday night for Sweetheart night and came oh so close. The Vikings led 23-18 after 1 quarter and trailed only 34-33 at the half on key outside shooting by Abby Rose and Adrian Hazelwood. It was still close after 3 quarters as the Vikings would simply not go away Nickerson led 48-45. Then in the 4th quarter the Vikings were up 53-52 before some turnovers and missed shots allowed Nickerson to edge ahead 62-58 with just under 3 minutes. The Panthers then showed their strength and just did not miss down the stretch winning 69-61. Their Arizona State signee Ava Jones had 26. For Smoky Valley, Abby Rose finished with 19 and Adrian Hazelwood poured in 25. Vikings are now 12-5 on the season.

In the boys game a scrappy Nickerson team came out strong and were only down 22-18 after 1 quarter. But the Vikings came out strong in the 2nd quarter outscoring the Panthers 18-7 to take a 40-25 lead at the half. The 3rd quarter also belonged to the Vikings as they outscored Nickerson 19-9 to lead 59-35 after 3 quarters. The Vikings got everyone suited up in the game and they won it by the score of 73-45. Three Vikings were in double figures, Trayton Miller 12, Vincent Pickering 16 and Haven Lysell 20. Vikings improve to 9-8 on the season and travel to Hoisington on Tuesday.

Don Bengtson