Sports : VS basketball: Vikettes get first win; boys remain undefeated

Bethany Stainbrook scored 24 points and Erin Randall snagged 11 rebounds as the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikettes earned their first victory of the season, 50-32 at Wapsie Valley, on Saturday.

The girls had to rebound from a tough 45-30 road loss the night before at Independence.

Independence used a full-court defense and often rotated in five new fresh players while building a double-digit first half lead.

"Our girls haven't seen that kind of pressure all year," said coach Deb Hanneman.

Yet, the Vikettes made some half-time adjustmens and played the Mustangs even in the second half.

Coach Hanneman said the team continued to battle and at one point had a chance to cut the lead to six.

Hanneman praised the play of freshman point guard Maci Griffith, who directs the Vikette offense. "She had a lot of people on her all night, yet she had only five turnovers," said Hanneman.

At Wapsie Valley, Hannemman said the victory was a combination of a great game by Stainbrook, Randall's rebounds and the play of the two freshmen, Griffith and Anna Sagan.

Sagan had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in just three quarters of play.

The margin of victory also allowed players an opportunity to have game experience, said the coach.

See VS/WV girtls stats HERE.

See VS/Independence girls stats HERE.

Boys win big, again

The VSHS boys, meanwhile, continued their winning streak, defeating Independence 68-37. Grant Sagan led the Vikings with 31 points.

See boys stats vs. Independence HERE.

This week the teams play CPU on Tuesday and Marion on Friday; the boys on the road and the girls at home both games.