KLAMATH FALLS, Ore – The Mazama Vikings claimed the Labor Day Weekend ‘Basin Best’ tournament with three straight sweeps of Bonanza, Lost River, and Henley. Mazama went on a splendid run during the tournament with a strong returning senior class of Ella Baley, Kaylea Rietdyk, and Annika Lindow. Those seniors are supported by a staunch group of juniors led by Alexia Lowe.
This team, which won the Skyline Conference in 2021 with a spotless 10-0 record, is returning seven players from its playoff roster. In fact, Mazama only dropped two sets through the league schedule last year. Each one was to Henley on different occasions. The Vikings’ 2021 campaign ended on a low note after being shut out by Philomath in the first round of the postseason. It was coach John Downey’s first winning season with Mazama in five seasons, and the first winning season for the Vikings in 11 years.
This year, the Vikings are 3-2 with the two losses coming against 5A’s Ridgeview and Crater. The Comets are the #10 team in the 5A class. Around the state, Mazama seems to be flying under the radar as they were nowhere to be found in the OSAA 4A Preseason Coaches Poll despite a 19-2 overall record in 2021.
The Vikings look to continue success this year with hopes to reach their second consecutive postseason.
Mazama continues the season Thursday night on the road against 3A’s Cascade Christian. The Vikings kick off Skyline Conference play on September 15th against Phoenix.
