Selah boys basketball team off to strong start, led by Pepper

The Selah High boys basketball team is beginning a new era this season after graduating some key pieces from last year’s state runner-up team.

But don’t think for a minute that the Vikings are going anywhere. Reigning CWAC Player of the Year Noah Pepper is back for his junior season, along with sophomore Cooper Quigley and junior Shad Smith, who both played key roles on last year’s squad.

The 2018-19 Vikings won the CWAC district tournament and three state contests before falling to Lynden in the Class 2A title game at the SunDome.

Junior Matt Quincy and senior Abyll Requena are also back, while seniors Jon Watkins, Malachi Kinlow and Brandon Vallejo will provide additional leadership for coach Tim Garza.

The Vikings are now 3-2 (3-1 league) following a win over Ephrata on Dec. 14. They lost a close one to Toppenish the night before, as well as a non-league matchup with Zillah on Dec. 10.

Pepper has returned to his MVP ways, scoring at least 20 points in each game to pace the Viks. His freshman brother, Levi, helps round out the Vikings roster, along with sophomores Jack Kuhn and Ryker Wilburn, and juniors Teegan Garza and John Zambito.

Selah hosts East Valley and Grandview this weekend and will face Ellensburg in the SunDome on Dec. 27.