By Christopher Halsey

Herald Sports Editor

PENDLETON The Viking boys basketball teams return to 2A level competition ended with a sixth place finish in the OSAA-U.S. Bank state championship tournament in Pendleton.

The Vikings won their first two games of the tournament, downing Harrisburg 42-37 and Westside Christian 49-41 to reach the semi-finals. Regis claimed a 60-53 win to qualify for the title game and Salem Academy ended Umatillas season with a 74-64 victory.

With a strong start and a strong finish, the Umatilla Viking boys overcame a poor shooting effort to win the opening round game over Harrisburg.

The Vikings converted 41 percent of their shots from the floor and 45 percent of their free throws, but held off a stubborn foe in Harrisburg.

(For complete story, see March 6 edition of The Hermiston Herald)