Vikes launch hoops against border foes

The boys cagers from Garfield/Palouse ripped through a pair of Idaho foes to crack open the area basketball season. The Viking girls dropped both tilts against their spud-loving opponents.

Freshman point guard Matt Holbrook splits Troy defenders on his way to the cup in GP’s season-opening win Monday night.

Tyler Thurman’s last second free throws gave the boys squad a 47-45 season-opening win over Troy at Garfield Monday night.

Thurman hit all four of his foul shots in the closing minute of the game to provide the final margin as the Vikes held off a late siege attempt by the Trojans.

The sophomore guard finished the game with 15 points. Jesse Lopez led GP scorers with 17, and freshman point guard Matt Holbrook put up eight points and five steals in his debut.

Cody Self led the visiting Trojans with 12 points.

Tuesday night, the Vikings rode the hot hands of Holbrook and Lopez as they rolled out early over Potlatch and booked a 49-30 win.

GP jumped out to a 12-4 first quarter before ending the opening half with a 40-14 lead.

Holbrook had a game-high 12 points. Lopez finished with 11.

GP’s girls, meanwhile, dropped both their games, falling 33-43 to Potlatch Tuesday. Taylor Redman posted a game-high 14 points as the only Vike to hit double digits in the score book.

GP forward Taylor Redman looks for an opening around Troy defender Carissa Kruger at Garfield.

Monday, the GP girls dropped their season start to Troy 29-43.

The Trojans employed a full court press through most of the game that tormented the Viking backcourt. Troy’s Madisen Yockey picked up seven steals off the press and posted a game-high 24 points.

Redman’s 12 points topped the Vikes, with Alexis Rodriguez putting eight on the board.

The Vikings and Trojans are slated to square off again Saturday on the Trojans’ home court.