Lady Vikes Set For Conference Play

The Lady Vikings wrapped up their preseason by competing in the Skagit Valley Tournament, turning in a strong three-game showing capped by a dominant finale.

BBCC opened the tournament on January 2nd against host Skagit Valley College and set the tone early. The Lady Vikes jumped out to a 38–26 lead at the half and never looked back. BBCC put together an elite defensive fourth quarter, holding Skagit Valley to just five points, and cruised to a convincing 79–49 victory. Oaklie Jackman led the way with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting performance, while Brooke Warren, Oakley Homer, and Kaliyah Evans each added double-digit scoring efforts.

The following day, BBCC faced Northwest Indian College in a much tighter contest. The Lady Vikes struggled offensively, shooting just 36 percent from the floor and 5-of-29 from three-point range, but found a way to grind out a 64–57 win. Claire Cox paced BBCC with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Jackman, Homer, and Warren also reached double figures. Jackman made her presence felt on the glass, pulling down a season-high 23 rebounds to help secure the victory.

Looking to close the tournament on a high note, the Lady Vikings delivered their most dominant performance against Everett Community College. BBCC's defense was relentless, allowing just eight points in the first quarter, zero in the second, nine in the third, and eight in the fourth in an 86–25 blowout win. Everett was held to just 18 percent shooting from the field, while BBCC shot 42 percent overall and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. The Lady Vikes knocked down 18 three-pointers, which proved to be the difference. Jackman once again led the charge with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Warren, Homer, Cox, and Emily Dana all added double-digit scoring performances.

With the preseason complete, Big Bend now turns its attention to conference play, opening against the Wenatchee Valley Knights on Wednesday, January 7th.