Submitted by VHS Boys Varsity Basketball Coach
After a quick two-day turnaround back in Valdez, the Varsity Buccaneers set out on the road again for Delta and the Dean Cummings tournament.
Thursday morning Valdez matched up against the Seward Seahawks. The game started out with both teams playing very well defensively. It took until nearly the midway point through the first quarter before either team scored. Valdez made four 3pt shots to Sewards two and took a 14-8 lead. Seward outscored Valdez in the second quarter, but the Bucs still managed to hold onto a 21-16 lead going into the half.
In the second half, Seward came out with their best scoring quarter of the game and Valdez struggled to match their offensive production. Seward took the lead into the fourth and Valdez was not quite able to overcome the deficit in what ended up as a 38-45 loss.
On day two, the Bucs matched up against their fellow Aurora Conference opponent the Hutchison Hawks.
Valdez came out ready to play and jumped out to an early 17-6 lead and never looked back.
Valdez’s patient attack on offense and smothering defense had the Hawks struggling to find a rhythm throughout the game. The Bucs continued to expand their lead each quarter and ultimately won the contest 53-28.
On the final day of tournament play, Valdez faced off against a former Aurora Conference opponent, the Glennallen Panthers.
Carrying momentum from the previous day’s win, the Bucs jumped out to an early lead and again never looked back.
Continuing the trend of intense pressure defense and offensive efficiency, Valdez continued building the lead throughout the game eventually reaching the 40-point mercy threshold that triggers a running clock.
Everyone was able to see the floor and get some good game time experience. Valdez ended the tournament in 4th place.
The Bucs next games take place this upcoming weekend in Bethel at the Donlin Gold tournament.