Nighthawk boys hand Vikings first loss in three games

OAKESDALE - Following a Whitman County clash between the dominant Oakesdale Nighthawks and streak Garfield-Palouse Vikings, the Nighthawks emerged victorious, strengthening their lead over the other Whitman County teams.

Garfield-Palouse came into the match with the Nighthawks holding a 5-2 district record, while the Nighthawks had a 5-2 record as well.

Oakesdale now sit tied for third-best in the 1B district, tied with Sunnyside Christian, trailing the 8-1 Pomeroy Pirates, and undefeated DeSales Irish. The one loss in district play for the Pirates was at the hands of Oakesdale.

Oakesdale and Garfield-Palouse met on Saturday, Jan. 20, in Palouse. Logan Brown and Ryker Reed carried the Nighthawks, as they took the 46-42 victory over the Vikings.

These teams met earlier in the season, with the Nighthawks coming away victorious as well, winning 49-47.

Reed finished the game with a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. He went 6/15 from the field, including 2/6 from three.

Brown had a team-leading 16 points on 5/12 shooting with two made threes as well. He also grabbed three rebounds.

Both Emeric Anderson and Will Lanius had eight points for Oakesdale. Both made four field goals.

The loss from the Vikings was their first in three games. Garfield-Palouse was on a five-game winning streak before a loss, then started a three-game winning streak before running into the Nighthawks.

Oakesdale are now on a three-game winning streak of their own. The streak is following a two-game losing skid against DeSales by 11, and Wellpinit by 29.

For Garfield-Palouse, they desperately need to get back on track with wins. There are four district games left for the Vikings, starting with a match up with another Whitman County team in the Colton Wildcats. The game will be played on Friday, Jan. 26, in Palouse for Senior Night. The boys game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m.

Oakesdale will take on the Dayton Bulldogs Friday, Jan. 26, in Oakesdale at 7:30 p.m.