NYSSA – Even with a short season and even off the football field, the Nyssa/Vale rivalry was evident as the Vikings travelled to the Bulldogs on Tuesday, May 25.
Both teams took to the court with a host of younger players, Nyssa having two seniors on the squad and Vale listing only a single player on senior status. In the end, Vale held on to a halftime lead and won, 56-50.
Vale took the opening tip and quickly scored as Colton Stepleton drove the baseline for the basket. A long range three-pointer by Adam Diaz put the Vikings up 5-0 early.
With a little less than one minute off the clock, the Bulldogs found the team’s first points as Zach Kausler found the net at the 7 minute, 8 second mark.
The Dawgs grabbed the lead for the first time off a short jumper from Leonardo Barba and went up 7-5.
With just over three minutes left in the first quarter, the teams were tied at 8 points each.
As the first quarter came to an end, Nyssa led 18-16.
Vale pushed through the second quarter and led at the half, 33-29, never looking back and not giving up the lead until the last buzzer.
Nyssa (1-1 overall, 0-1 league) looks to rebound as the Bulldogs host Burns on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Vale (2-0 overall, 1-0 league) will also see Burns next as the Vikings travel to the Hilanders on Friday. Game time is 5:30 p.m.
