By JOEL SCHOENBERG

For The Beachcomber

The Vashon Island boys’ basketball team picked up two more wins last week, bringing its season to 8-1 overall.

The Pirates took on Darrington at an away game on Saturday, Dec. 19. With two evenly matched teams, the game was close, and the Pirates won by just two points: 47-45.

The Pirates were at home Monday, Dec. 21, and took on Bremerton’s Crosspoint High School. The game brought another big win for the boys with a 73-43 victory.

The Pirates’ starters set the tone quickly, getting two steals and scores to start the game. Crosspoint did not seem to have the same size and speed to keep up with Vashon, as the Pirates pulled out to a 48-19 lead in the first half.

The dominance continued at the start of the second half with a 12-0 run by Vashon scoring on fast-break points and put-back rebounds. Coach Andy Sears primarily used bench players in the second half, and the future certainly looks bright for the Pirates with dazzling ball skills and crisp passing from the bench to close out the game and secure the victory.

The Pirates headed to Bend, Oregon, over the Christmas holiday to participate in the Les Schwab Holiday Hoopfest basketball tournament.

The tournament includes many notable teams from Oregon, California, Washington, Alaska and even Australia. Vashon’s first game of the tournament was after press time, Dec. 28, against the Sherwood High School Bowmen from Sherwood, Oregon.

The boys will return to Washington for their first league game on Friday, Jan. 8, against Seattle Christian. The 5:30 p.m. game will be an away game.

— Joel Schoenberg is the father of a Pirate basketball player.