The starters from whence it began

Nielsen, Pendleton return to Big Bend from the NWAACC runner-up team

MOSES LAKE - Three years ago, Chris Pendleton sat on the sideline and watched the Big Bend Runnin' Vikings lose in the championship game at the NWAACC tournament.

Then, he and fellow starter Brandon Nielsen went on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now being the present, Neilson and Pendleton being the trek to take off where they left, but under completely different situations.

Missing are players from that runner-up team and in their place, two returning sophomores who saw limited time on the court and the rest freshman. Thus, Pendleton and Nielsen, who started the three straight Eastern Region titles, have their work cutout to avenge that loss in the championship game three years ago.

"You have to make it to NWAACCs and then play four great games in a row," Pendleton said. "I think we have the greatest coaches and I definitely think it is possible to get back there."

Pendleton's desire to get back to the championship game stems from a broken foot sustained before the tournament began. Nielsen took his spot as the starting point guard and the Runnin' Vikings were left a key player short heading into the tournament.

Having two years to recuperate, Pendleton said he has had time to prepare for his final year to lead Big Bend to the game he missed the most.

"We won league and I was leading the team in minutes up to that point, then having to watch the team lose in the championship game from the sideline, I would do anything to get back there," Pendleton added.

Of course, carrying the weight for a young, or inexperienced basketball team will rest on the shoulders of Nielsen and Pendleton, who have been away for two years. But, that doesn't seem to phase either of them.

"I don't feel like a new face, I feel like a leader out there," Nielsen said. "I know I have more experience than them, but I know we have a lot of talent and I can help them out."

And after winning three straight Eastern region titles, going for a fourth will be a harder task, especially for a group of inexperienced basketball players. Pendleton said there is no more sneaking up on opponents and Nielsen said the defense needs work, but both said the talent level could make the difference.

"Everyone on the team is a great kid and they live a good life, we are pretty athletic and when you put that together, it goes a long way," Pendleton added.