Singh Explodes In Second Half, Pioneers Grab League Win Over Vale

John L. Braese

VALE – For the first half of the McLoughlin versus Vale 3A Eastern Oregon League game, the Viking defense was able to hold Pioneer senior Rajdeep Singh in check as he could only find a pair of perimeter shots falling through the net.

The second half saw Singh explode for 16 of his game high 23 points, pushing the Pioneers to a 46-42 league victory, MacHi’s opening game in a crowded Eastern Oregon League field.

The Pioneers led throughout the first half, entering the locker room at the half with a 20-14 lead.

McLoughlin continued saw the lead dwindle in the third quarter as Vale outscored the Pioneers 13-7. In the first minute of the final quarter, the Vikings finally took their first lead of the game.

Singh and the Pioneers retook the lead just minutes later and outscored the Vikings 19-13 in the final eight minutes to hold on for the league victory.

Singh was the lone MacHi player in double figures. Giovanny Sandoval-Robles added nine points while Matthew Humbert ended his game with six points.

In the loss, Vale freshman Calvin Johnson put 16 points on the board with Kellen Hartley and Canon Hiatt each ending the night with seven points.