The boys basketball season is long, with plenty of chances to improve. That’s good news for the Viewmont Vikings, who dropped their first two games of the season. 

Coming off a 9-15 season, new head coach Travis Frey has some challenges ahead of him, but he also has some talent and experience at his disposal. The Vikings had some ups and downs in the first two games but also displayed promise. 

Game one was a 53-44 defeat at the hands of Farmington on Nov. 17. The defensive struggle saw Viewmont score just 13 points in the first half. However, the second half was much more productive with the team tallying 31 points to 32 for Farmington. The game was odd in that Viewmont hit more field goals than the Phoenix and made eight three-pointers to their two. However, there was a glaring disparity at the foul line with Farmington converting on 25 of 38 shots. Viewmont only missed two free throws; however, the Vikings only shot eight the entire game. 

Cache Tuia was the Vikings’ star and the only Viewmont player to score in double figures. The junior guard-forward had 14 points, most of which came courtesy of his four three-pointers. Drez Jensen had seven points and a three-pointer. 

On Nov. 21, Viewmont had a rough outing at Layton, another Class 6A foe from Region 1. The Lancers had their way in this one, winning 8-54. Layton hit just under half their shots and limited the Vikings to 19 of 62 from the floor. Viewmont started off great, racing to a 21-17 advantage after one quarter. But the second quarter was disastrous, as Layton went on a 22-6 run to go up 39-27 at halftime. The third quarter was back-and-forth, but Layton then took a 58-44 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter into a 26-point rout. 

Max Draper led all Viewmont players with 18 points and seven rebounds. Luke Gardner added nine points, all on three-pointers. Tuia contributed six points, five rebounds and three assists, while Daren Tovey had six points and four steals. Max Larsen had a good all-around game, registering four points, six rebounds and four assists. 

Viewmont hosts Summit Academy on Friday for a chance to pick up win No. 1 on the season.