Vikings prepare for top-ranked Spokane on Saturday

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia - The Big Bend Community College men's basketball team is heading into its toughest test of the season in about the best way possible.

The Vikings handled three opponents last weekend at the Bearcats Holiday Classic at Columbia Bible College. Big Bend, which was ranked seventh in the Dec. 20 Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges poll, improved to 11-2 and opens East Division play on Saturday at home against top-ranked Spokane at 8 p.m.

Big Bend's James York was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after scoring more than 20 points per game during the three-game event.

Daley Landon led the way with 34 points on Friday as Big Bend knocked off Fraser Valley of British Columbia, 93-81. York tossed in 24 points, while Brett Vriesman had 15 points and eight rebounds. Kolby Secrist also grabbed eight boards.

In Saturday's semifinal, Big Bend ran up against the host Columbia Bible College Bearcats. The Vikings stormed to a 22-point halftime lead and were never seriously challenged, winning 104-85.

Vriesman led the Runnin' Vikes with 27 points and 18 rebounds. Secrist also checked in with a double-double of 24 points and 15 boards. York added 21 points and Landon scored 17.

The Runnin' Vikes met the Everett Trojans in Sunday's championship game. Everett was coming off a win over the tourney's defending champion, Douglas College of New Westminster, B.C., but Big Bend again got tremendous offensive support throughout the lineup to win 117-103.

Landon had a team-high 30 points and Secrist went for 24 points and seven boards. York scored 17 and dished out 12 assists, while Vriesman scored 13 points. Will Winn also chipped in with six assists.