Heading into Monday, Mossyrock knew it needed to beat league foe Firm Foundation twice in consecutive nights to earn the 1B Columbia Valley League’s No. 3 seed heading into the district playoffs.
The Vikings are now halfway there after bulldozing the Eagles, 82-54, in front of an electric home crowd Monday night.
Mossyrock coach Adam Deck, a Viking alum, called it the best student section he’s seen in his 36 years.
“It was a fun one tonight,” Deck said. “The home crowd was awesome. I know I said a good home crowd is worth five points. The student section tonight was worth 25 points.”
The Vikings led by nine at the half, 40-31, then erupted in a 26-9 run coming out the locker room to put a stamp on a 28-point victory and remain in contention for the league’s third seed.
“We wanted to keep up the intensity because we have a habit of letting teams back in,” Deck said. “But we really came out focused. I’m so proud of the team tonight.”
It was an encouraging response after a disappointing loss to league rival Naselle on Friday.
But against Firm Foundation, Keegan Kolb continued his scoring tear on the season, notching a game-high 28 points, while his brother, Easton Kolb, added 21 points and six rebounds and Zack Munoz chipped in 13 points.
“Keegan played well on both ends; He won’t win league MVP but he has a case for it,” Deck said. “Easton balled out tonight. He had 21 but it felt like 30. And Zack hit some big 3s and is picking up his defense.”
Hunter Isom, who is having a breakout season, also pitched in six points and 10 boards in an all-around effort, Deck said.
Mossyrock and Firm Foundation will square off again on Tuesday to determine the league’s third and fourth seeds. The game is at Oakville High School at a time yet to be determined.
