This wasn’t the way the Puyallup Vikings hoped the season would go.

The Vikings (2-5 overall) have struggled with fundamentals so far. Their only wins came against Franklin Pierce and Graham Kapowsin.

Puyallup head coach Scott Campbell said there is plenty of room for improvement.

“We need to do a better job of taking care of the basketball and a better job on the boards,” he said.

Still, most the Vikings’ losses haven’t been blowouts.

“We are really close and have played in a lot of tight games,” Campbell said. “We lost to Curtis in overtime and lost by just two points against Spanaway Lake. We have been right there at the end of games. We just need to make a couple of more plays in those two areas specifically (rebounding and fewer turnovers).”

The Vikings played in a holiday tournament in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, during the Christmas break. Campbell hoped the tourney will revitalize his team as it prepares for the stretch run of South Puget Sound League action.

“Our goal is to continue to improve and get better every day,” he said. “Obviously we want to try to qualify for postseason play. I feel like it is still very possible for us to get back in the hunt.

“The league is really deep this year with a lot of quality teams,” Campbell added. “It is a lot tougher than in years past.”

The Vikings are in seventh place in the SPSL South Division, and they hope Bailey Hunter’s health will improve in the next few weeks. The 6-foot-7 center has been battling knee and foot problems throughout the season.

“He hasn’t been able to practice consistently because of injuries,” Campbell said. “We’re hoping we can get him healthy.”