Sports : Rough weekend for V-S basketball

VSMS Jr. Journalists Hannah Haisman and Taylor Wheeler took these first 4 photos of the VS game.

Erika Hammar looks to make a pass as Page Kreutner gets in position vs. DeWitt Central.

Paige Kreutner looks to make a pass early.

The Vikettes score an early basket.

Ashley Strong looks for room to make a shot.

Natalie Ketchen handles the ball in the second half.

Makenzie Westendorf looks for a teammate to pass to.

Erika Hammar drives toward the hoop in the first half vs. DeWitt.

Erika Hammar hit the Vikettes' only 3-point shot of their game vs. DeWitt Central.

Erika Hammar prepares to take a shot.

Paige Kreunter drives toward the basket.

Vikettes scramble for a rebound.

The Vinton-Shellsburg boys and girls basketball team faced tough opponents Friday, and the girls on Saturday.

The girls hosted DeWitt Central Friday evening, while the boys traveled there. Vikettes lost 44-19, while the Vikings lost, 64-53.The Vikettes are now 7-7 in WaMaC West Conference play, behind Williamsburg and Benton Community. DeWitt is 9-1 in conference play (WaMac East).

The two straight losses dropped the Vikings to 7-5 in WaMaC games, putting them in third place, behind 8-4 Clear Creek Amana and Marion; the Vikings beat both of those earlier this month.

Against DeWitt Central, the Vikings committed 15 turnovers and only had one player, Logan Williams, in double figures for points. Williams led the Vikings with 19; Gunner Tranel, Brody Beatty and Grant Sagan each added nine.

"It was a tough game," said boys coach Joe Johnson.

Girls at 'Rivalry'

Then on Saturday, the Vikettes traveled to Cedar Rapids for the "Rivalry," a series of games featuring area teams. They lost to Benton Community, 62-52.

The Vikettes committed 20 turnovers against the Lady Bobcats. Makenzie Westendorf and Allison Emrich led the team with 12 points each, while Erika Hammar added 10.

Both teams hope to return to their winning ways this week as they play Waterloo Columbus. The girls will host the Sailors while the boys travel to Waterloo Tuesday evening.