The boys basketball team improved its record to 8-2, beating rival B-CC, 56-51, Jan. 6.

The Vikes overcame their offensive troubles by playing solid defense and creating enough turnovers while forcing poor shots to grab the win.

Even with the shooting troubles the boys finished the first quarter with a 14-6 lead but that lead quickly disappeared when the Barons when on a 10-0 run and outscored the Vikings 18-11 in the second quarter.

However, the boys were able to take a 25-24 lead into the half and extend the lead to 39-32 after a strong defensive third quarter.

B-CC then tried to put up a late push, fouling the Vikes who were only shooting 56% from the line all game, but were unable to hit enough shots of their own to completely overcome the deficit.

The boys were able to generate enough defense to grind out the win as well.

“It all starts on defense,” forward Adam Lowet said. “Getting a few stops and forcing turnovers can swing the momentum in our favor and got us some easy buckets.”

Center Josh Fried put up his first double-double of the season scoring 12 points and adding another 12 rebounds. Fried also had five key blocks that helped lead the boys’ defensive charge.

The Barons were the team’s first real test after outscoring their previous seven opponents by an average of 21.5 points per game.

The boys take on the Richard Montgomery Rockets on Wednesday Jan. 8 at home before traveling to Blair for a big divisional matchup, Friday Jan. 10.