Big Bend Vikings Claim Region Championship

Women's basketball team defeats Yakima Valley Yaks 65-61 in final home game of season

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Big Bend Community College Lady Vikings earned a 65-61 victory over the Yakima Valley Yaks in their final home game of the season to claim the region championship. The Vikings overcame an early 10-point deficit, rallying in the second half to take the lead and hold on for the win.

Why it matters

The Vikings' region championship victory caps off a strong regular season campaign and sets them up for a postseason push in the Northwest Athletic Conference tournament. The team's chemistry and resilience were key factors in their comeback win.

The details

The game started with Yakima Valley taking an early 10-point lead, but Big Bend fought back in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 8 points by halftime. In the second half, the Vikings ramped up their defensive intensity and team-wide scoring effort, outscoring Yakima 22-13 in the third quarter to take the lead. The two teams traded baskets in the fourth quarter, but Big Bend held on for the 65-61 victory.

  • The game was played on February 27, 2026.
  • Big Bend trailed by 10 points at the end of the first quarter.

The players

Kaliyah Evans

A sophomore on the Big Bend Vikings women's basketball team who scored a team-high 18 points in the championship game.

Emily Dana

A freshman on the Big Bend Vikings who scored 12 points, including 4-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

Oaklie Jackman

A Big Bend Vikings player who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, along with 4 blocked shots.

Preston Wilks

The head coach of the Big Bend Vikings women's basketball team, who praised his team's chemistry and resilience in the comeback victory.

Brooke Warren

A Big Bend Vikings freshman who was lost to injury in the final weeks of the regular season, prompting the team to step up collectively.

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What they’re saying

“It's a lot of relief. That game was really messy at first, but we came back and it was a full team win.”

— Kaliyah Evans, Sophomore, Big Bend Vikings (Yahoo Sports)

“We all started shooting and rebounding as a team. We just all decided to show up and we wanted that win for us.”

— Emily Dana, Freshman, Big Bend Vikings (Yahoo Sports)

“We've been trying to get the girls to believe that you never give up. You keep on working and good things are always going to go your way and that's how the game went. We never gave up, we kept working, we got a little bit better every quarter, and the game went our way.”

— Preston Wilks, Head Coach, Big Bend Vikings (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Big Bend Vikings will compete in the NWAC basketball championships, with the first games of the Sweet 16 beginning on March 6 in Pasco at the Columbia Basin College Student Recreation Center.

The takeaway

The Big Bend Vikings' region championship victory showcases the team's resilience, chemistry, and commitment to never giving up, even when facing a double-digit deficit. Their ability to rally together and make key adjustments in the second half proved crucial in securing the win and positioning the team for a strong postseason run.