POULSBO—The North Kitsap girls basketball team came out shooting Tuesday in a 65-38 win over Bremerton’s Lady Knights.

The second place Vikings have battled illness and injury in recent weeks, and the victory was a positive bump for the program.

“This was a good team win for us,” said head coach Bill Hobaugh.

Right from the tip-off, the Vikings went to work on the Lady Knights.

Siara Byers, who had 10 points on the evening, drew first blood with a layup. Bremerton soon countered, but the Vikings racked up 21 points before allowing the Knights a second bucket.

“We try and play aggressive defense,” said Hobaugh, clad in a pink tie.

The players and coaches all donned pink Tuesday night in honor of Kay Yow, the longtime North Carolina State women’s basketball coach who died Saturday after an extended bout with breast cancer.

“Pressure defense was the key, along with good passing,” Hobaugh added.

Having a 6-foot senior who can play both sides of the court may have helped as well. Darcey Hughes, the team’s star forward, led the Vikings with 19 points and 11 rebounds. She also padded her stats with five steals and four blocks.

Kira Markey, another senior forward, made an impact with 15 points on the night.

Officials called a tight game Tuesday, with multiple fouls on both sides.

Late in the second quarter, Byers was called for a foul against Bremerton’s Samantha Villalobos, sending Villalobos to the line to shoot two. Byers was immediately called for a technical, though, adding two more shots, because according to the referee, “She didn’t like my call.”

This brought out the boo birds, and agitated a confused coaching staff.

After the game, Hobaugh was understanding of the strict refereeing. “Any time we play 3A teams, it’s more competitive,” he said.

The Vikings face off tonight against the Redskins in Port Townsend. The Vikings beat PT 59-42 on Jan. 9.