Dakari Archer scores 28 to lead Vikings in tournament win

DOWNEY - The Downey High School boys' basketball team currently has an overall record of 8-8. The Vikings recently competed in and won the MaxPreps Holiday Classic Slice Division, which was held in and around the Palm Springs area, by winning three out of four games.The Max Preps tournament took place from December 26-29 and featured many teams from both inside and outside of California. The Vikings competed in pool play against three other schools before they advanced to the championship game. Downey defeated El Camino 50-40 on 12/26, lost to Los Osos 59-54 on 12/27, defeated Citrus Hill 53-37 on 12/28 and defeated Capistrano Valley in the Slice Division championship game 53-41 on 12/29. Viking standout and last year's S.G.V.L. co-M.V.P. Dakari Archer scored 28 points to lead Downey in the championship game. Downey hosted Schurr yesterday in their final preseason game (score unavailable at press time) and will open S.G.V.L. play against cross-town rival Warren on January 9th at Downey. The Downey High School girls' basketball team currently has an overall record of 11-4 and have won seven straight games. The Lady Vikings recently competed in and won the Southern California Holiday Prep Classic NCAA Division, in San Diego, December 26-29. The Lady Vikings defeated San Pasqual 51-42 on 12/26, defeated San Diego 47-41 on 12/27, defeated Olympian 39-29 on 12/28 and defeated Sonora in the championship game 47-44 on 12/29. Tiffany Gilmore was named MVP of the tournament by scoring 18 points in the championship game. The Lady Vikings finish their preseason schedule today when they host Bellflower. Downey will begin S.G.V.L. play when they host cross-town rival Warren on January 9th. Coach Harris and his team are looking forward to the start of league play.

********** Published: January 3, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 38