VALE – The Ontario boys’ basketball team made the trip to Vale on Friday, June 4 in a county rivalry in this short season. In the end, the home court Vikings increased to a season record of 4-1 with a 56-49 victory over the visiting Tigers.
Ontario led early after a long three by Tyce Helmick opened the game. A basket by Vale freshman Luke McGourty pulled Vale to within one and off a basket by Diesel Johnson, Vale led 4-3. In a quick first quarter, Vale led 10-8 as the buzzer sounded.
The Vikings never relinquished the lead for the remainder of the game, leading 24-21 at the half and pulling out to a 42-35 margin with three quarters in the book.
Johnson led the scoring for the Viks, putting in 15 points. Junior Tanner Steele added 14 points and freshman Colton Stepleton ended his night with seven points.
For Ontario, Helmick had 15 points, 12 of those coming off long three-pointers. Senior Bradley Nielson and senior Lorenze Reyna each had nine points.
