The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Viewmont Vikings, riding high on the confidence of winning five out of their last six games, jumped out to an early lead against the Bonneville Lakers in this first-round matchup of Region 5 teams and held on for a 50-41 win.  Senior Mara Mickelson was the star, netting 13 points in the initial quarter, including three three-pointers, which gave the Vikings the early momentum.

Mickelson would finish the game with a season-high 26 points and lead the number nine-seed Vikings over the 24-seed Lakers. The all-time season leader in three-pointers made in Vikings history, Mickelson’s smooth shooting was key to the Vikings’ strong start.

Senior guard Callie Peterson kept the offense on track and played solid defense to keep the Vikings in the lead throughout the game. Senior Mary Carr, the Vikings’ all-time leader in blocks in a season, blocked three shots and altered many Lakers’ shot attempts during the game. Carr also had a game-high nine rebounds and scored eight points.

Callie Peterson

First half

Mickelson’s hot first-quarter start was matched by the Lakers’ Ema Eskelsen and Charity McDonald, who knocked down three-point shots to keep the Lakers close. McDonald entered the game second in Region 5, behind Mickelson in three-pointers made with 40.

Both teams turned up the defensive intensity in the second quarter, slowing the offensive scoring. The Vikings held the Lakers to two points over the final 5:23 of the second quarter and would head into halftime leading 22-14.

Second half

Both teams found their shooting touch in the third quarter, with Mickelson leading the Vikings with eight points and McDonald scoring six for the Lakers. The score was 22-20 in favor of the Vikings after McDonald and Baja Jimenez scored three-point baskets to start the third quarter for the Lakers. The Vikings would answer with an 8-0 run to extend their lead 30-20 with 3:20 in the third quarter. Peterson made two layups during the run to break the game open and move the Vikings to a comfortable lead.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Vikings led 36-29. The Lakers showcased their resilience, narrowing the score to 39-35 at 5:27 with Mylie Miera’s layups and Jimenez’s free throws. Peterson would knock down a pivotal three-point basket with 2:53 left in the game after a Laker turnover to make the score 44-38.

McDonald would keep firing away for the Lakers and made a three-point basket with 1:02 left in the game to cut the Vikings lead to 44-41. A Laker turnover led to a layup by Mickelson with .30 on the clock to seal the game for the Vikings. Close-out made free throws by Peterson and Mickelson made the final score 50-41 and a playoff win for the Vikings.

Baja Jimenez (l) Mary Carr (r)

Outstanding performers

In addition to Mickelson’s 26 points, the Viking’s defense, led by Peterson, Carr, Annie Layton, Sophie Gold, and Kelsey Lindsey, forced turnovers and tough shots by the Lakers.

McDonald was the Lakers’ hot shooter, making five three-pointers for a team-high 15 points. Jimenez and Miera scored seven points.

Next for the Vikings and Lakers

The Vikings advance to the second round and will play the number eight seed Brighton Bengals on February 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

The Lakers finish the season with a 5-19 record and look to next season to get another shot in the playoffs. With their entire squad returning next season, the future is bright for the Lakers.

photos courtesy of James Tate