The boys basketball team defeated the Wootton Patriots, 52-32, to improve their record to 7-8 on the season and 4-5 in the division on Jan. 31.
The Vikings came out firing, scoring often and early on the Patriots, who are second in the division. As the first quarter came to a close, the Vikings built a comfortable 12-5 lead.
The team continued to move the ball around and knock down shots. Small forward Daniel Voigt hit four 3-pointers, all of which came in the first half. The Vikings played good defense and held the Patriots offense to 9 points and entered halftime up, 22-14.
The Vikings continued to play strong defense in a quarter where only 13 points were scored between the two teams. However, 9 of those 13 points were scored by the Vikings. The team built a 13-point lead entering the final quarter of play.
The Vikings put on an offensive show when they scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, nearly doubling their total score.
Guard Jake Harrison and Voigt led the team in scoring with 14 points each. Center Ian Ross added 11 points and completed the double-double with 10 rebounds. Guard Bryan Joel had 6 points and 8 assists.
The tough Vikings defense held the Patriots to a season-low 32 points. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 64-44 earlier in the season on Dec. 22.
“We did a much better job of mixing up defenses to keep Wootton off balance,” Coach Chris Lun said. “They never really got into a rhythm offensively, which worked to our advantage.”
The victory marks the third straight division game the boys have won, following a seven game losing streak.
“It was great to get a big divisional win versus a very solid team,” Voigt said. “It definitely gives us more confidence and momentum going into late in the season and pretty soon playoffs.”
The Vikings take on the Northwest Jaguars next at home on Feb. 1. The Vikings lost to the Jaguars earlier in the year 56-51.
“Our guys are continuing to work hard. We are getting better. Ian Ross and Jake Harrison are really stepping up for us,” Lun said.
