POULSBO — The last two undefeated teams in the Olympic League, the Roughriders, (2-0, 6-4) and the Vikings (3-0,  8-2), met on Jan. 5 at North Kitsap High School.

As both teams competed in their most crucial game of the season so far, they played their up-tempo match with intensity.

Although the Vikings’ string of team injuries caused slight concern for North Kitsap basketball coach Scott Orness, he said,  “We’re playing pretty thin right now, but we’re having other guys step up, some guys play a lot of minutes and that’s difficult because we play so hard … but I think they are confidant and ready.

“Those guys [the Roughriders] are scrappy,” he said. “They are super athletic. We’re going to have to put some pressure on their guards tonight. It’s going to be a good match for sure.”

Both teams were neck and neck, vying for the win, and the Vikings kept only a few-points difference above the Roughriders in the first three periods, but in the fourth period opened up with vigor as shots from senior Cole Rabedeaux created more distance on the scoreboard.

The game ended with a Viking win of 72 – 54.

The Vikings,  (now 4-0, 9-2), face the Port Townsend Redhawks (2-0, 2-7) at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Port Townsend High School.

The Roughriders (2-1, 6-5) will next play Sequim at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Port Angeles High School.