VALE – A terrible first half could not be overcome with a good fourth quarter as the Vale boys’ basketball team dropped the opening game of the season, 48-31, Thursday night in Vale to the Idaho 3A Parma Panthers.
Showing the jitters associated with the opening game of the year, Vale could only put up three points in the first quarter and added eight points in the second to find the team trailing by 20 points at the half, 31-11 to the Panthers. The Vikings added only four points in the third quarter before finding their feet and exploding in the final quarter for 16 points.
“We really played inconsistent both on offense and defense tonight,” said Vale head coach Colby Shira. “I did like how we played in the fourth quarter. I felt like the younger players on the team really stepped up and showed us some things.”
In the loss, the Viks were led by Payton Kelso with seven points. Trent Aldred and Brayden Gregory each added five points.
This early in the season, there are many unanswered questions according to Shira.
“We still have not decided on a starting five,” Shira said. “We have eight or nine kids all capable of starting. This will take some time to sort out over the next few games.”
The games versus Idaho teams continue for Vale as the Vikings (0-1 overall) host 3A Payette on Saturday, December 7. Game time is 3 p.m.
