Big Bend Vikings Battle to 1-2 Finish at Turkey Tournament

The Big Bend Community College Vikings tipped off Thanksgiving weekend at the Skagit Valley Turkey Tournament, showcasing moments of brilliance and grit across three challenging games.

BBCC started strong, dismantling Whatcom Community College with stifling defense and efficient offense. The Vikings held Whatcom to just 24% shooting in the first half while connecting on a scorching 63% of their own attempts. Gideon Harris led the charge with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting in the opening period, propelling the Vikings to a commanding early lead.

However, the second half told a different story as Whatcom found its rhythm, shooting nearly 50% from the floor and narrowing the deficit. Still, BBCC's ability to match their opponent shot-for-shot proved decisive, earning a 64-54 victory. Harris and Gil Gonzalez paced the Vikings with 18 points each, while Harris added 10 rebounds and six assists, narrowly missing a triple-double in the win.

In their second matchup, the Vikings faced Peninsula Community College in a tightly contested battle. Defense ruled the first half, with PCC clinging to a slim 21-20 advantage at the break. The second half saw an offensive explosion from both teams, but PCC edged BBCC to secure a 59-51 victory. Harris and Gonzalez again led the scoring for the Vikings, contributing 11 points apiece.

The tournament concluded with BBCC taking on host Skagit Valley Community College in a game where the Vikings struggled to find their footing. A sluggish start saw BBCC scoring only 16 points in the first half, a deficit they couldn't overcome. Despite their efforts, the Vikings fell 72-44, with no players reaching double digits in scoring.

With valuable experience gained from the tournament, the Vikings turn their focus to the Bigfoot Classic in Spokane, Washington, set for December 6-8. They'll aim to build on their early-season lessons and continue to develop their chemistry as the season progresses. As always, keep up with the Vikings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as through the NWACSports Network's livestream video platform, where available.