On Thursday it was an RPAC East battle as Bertrand hosted Southern Valley for a girls and boys double-header. The teams split the games as Southern Valley won the girls game and the boys matchup went to Bertrand.
In the girls matchup, it was close for a good chunk of the first half, but eventually, Southern Valley used their pressure defense, got some shots to fall, and took the game 57-24.
Despite the score being a 33-point victory for Southern Valley, it was a great effort for Bertrand, and they did a nice job hanging around. In the first quarter, it was a struggle for both teams to get the offense going. It was 8-8 heading into the second.
It remained close for most of the second quarter, but Southern Valley took over in the last three minutes. Vanesa Aguayo hit two three-pointers, and other teammates chipped in some buckets to give Southern Valley a 31-16 lead. The second quarter netted 23 points for Southern Valley.
Again, Bertrand was able to get the ball past the center line but could not convert in the half-court.
In the second half, Southern Valley kept their foot on the gas, outscoring Bertrand 23-8.
We caught up with Tori Bose of the Eagles after the game to discuss the victory.
For Bertrand, they were led by Brooklyn Evans, who scored eight points, Addie Andersen had five, and Katelyn Evans and Shelby Schoene each had four. Livia Phillps had three.
Southern Valley had three players in double-figures as Adi Hunt scored 16, Brynn Baily had 13, and Vanesa Aguayo pitched in 11. Tori Bose added nine.
Bertrand is now 5-6 and will play at South Loup on Saturday. Southern Valley is 9-2 and will play at Arapahoe on Saturday.
In the boys game, it was a game of runs. Bertrand created a big lead in the first, then Southern Valley got close in the fourth, but the Vikings pulled away to win 60-33.
In the opening period, Bertrand had everything working. The offense and the defense was firing on all cylinders. The Vikings went to the second quarter leading 20-2.
In the second quarter, Bertrand maintained that lead, and at halftime, it was 31-11.
Be sure to check out the game highlights brought to you by Praire Girl Candle Company.
In the third quarter things got interesting. The Eagles found a spark on offense while also holding Bertrand to just nine points. Going to the fourth period, it was 40-29, with Bertrand leading.
To start the fourth, Southern Valley scored again, and it was 40-31 with seven minutes to go in the game. Bertrand, though, slammed the door on the comeback effort and went on a 20-2 run to secure the victory.
We chatted with Marcus Hernandez after the game and discussed the win for the Vikings and how the younger guys have been stepping up.
Tylor Grove led Southern Valley with 19 points and Isaac Hamilton had six.
Bertrand had a nice offensive output from several players; Thunder Nelson scored 26 points, Marcus Hernandez had 15, and Kayden Hatfield scored seven.
Southern Valley is now 2-9 and will play at Arapahoe on Friday. Bertrand is 8-4 and will go to South Loup on Saturday.
Our Players of the Game brought to you by Farmers National Company - Lori Harding Real Estate Sales went to Vanesa Aguayo of Southern Valley and for the boys, it was Co-Players of the game with Thunder Nelson and Marcus Hernandez of Bertrand.
