Mariota Madness
Mariota Fever is taking the nation by storm… after claiming several national awards… including the Heisman Trophy… Marcus Mariota caps his visit to New York City tonight with an appearance on the David Letterman Show where he’ll read the top-ten list. The Hawaii native heads back to Eugene tomorrow where he and the rest of the second ranked Ducks will hit the practice field in preparation for a Rose Bowl matchup January First against Florida State. The winner of that game will advance to the National Championship Game two weeks later in Arlington, Texas.
Prep Hoops
Boys basketball…
The Siuslaw Vikings fell short Friday night in Junction City, losing to Astoria 47-33. Preston Mitchell led Siuslaw with 18 points. The Viks bounced back Saturday afternoon in Cottage Grove, downing Ontario 57-50. Joe Dotson had a season high 27 against the Tigers.
For the girls:
Destinie Tatum scored 16 points Friday night as the Lady Vikings fell short against Astoria 42-38. Tatum led scoring again Saturday afternoon in Junction City where Siuslaw lost to Elmira 53-42.
Grapplers Put In Good Performance in Springfield
Siuslaw’s six wrestlers finished 13th out of 21 teams at the Springfield Wrestling Invitational. 103 pounder Ricky Huff pinned his way through the tournament to win the championship in his weight class. Two other Vikings placed… Jose de la Mora was fifth at 120 pounds; Tyler Coolidge finished in a tie for 6th place at 152. Siuslaw will be in Grants Pass this weekend.
Viking coach Neil Wartnik said his team put in a “good effort” in their first outing of the season. Siuslaw only had a half-dozen wrestlers, but in a points-to-wrestler ration, fared in the top five.
College Hoops
Jamal Reid had a career high 13 points and Gary Payton II matched that effort Saturday afternoon in Corvallis as Oregon State beat Mississippi State 59- 49. Grambling State comes calling on the Beavers this evening at Ralph Miller Court. Tipoff is at seven; airtime on KCFM is at 6:30.
It was a shootout Saturday night in Chicago for the Oregon Ducks. Dillon Brooks scored 24 points and the Ducks rallied to beat Illinois 77-70. Oregon will be back at home Wednesday in Eugene where they’ll host Cal State Northridge at eight PM.