MOSES LAKE - Mark Poth has built a solid basketball program at Big Bend Community College as his teams have compiled a 501-213 record in the 25 years he's been head coach of the Runnin' Vikes.

BBCC finished second (24-5) in the East Region of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) last season and placed third in the championship tournament. So there is no reason to think the team won't finish among the best in the division again this year.

Although he has no returning starters from last season, Poth does have veteran players back for another year of competition.

"Kyle Nield, Ryan Page, Brandon Funston, and Daniel Green should help give our young team some experience," Poth said. "Brendan Westendorf, son of former Big Bend standout player Lance Westendorf, will be a key player in our success. Kamen McCullough, the 4A Player of the Year from Idaho and Kevin Walker from Rexburg, Idaho, will also be called on to give us some offensive punch." 

Rounding out this year's roster are Bryce Perez from Moses Lake High School, Trevor Johnson from Kent, and Cameron Sanchez.

The stiffest competition this season, Poth said, will come from Spokane who returns a lot of experience and is one of the top teams in the NWAACC.

BBCC is off to an excellent start as the team is 5-1 in non division play. 

The Runnin' Vikes start division competition on the road Jan. 5 when the team travels to Spokane to take on the Sasquatch.

BBCC will play the Gonzaga Club team when the Runnin' Vikes hosts the Big Bend Classic Friday. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m.