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Win against Foley puts team back on winning trackBy Danielle Strenke The Viking boys basketball team got back on the winning track this week after two straight losses by defeating Foley 63-51 in a Rum River conference matchup. The team traded baskets to start the game, until Alex Streater and Tyler Higley dropped in three point baskets to give the Vikes a 15-11 lead. After a Falcon basket, Jake Anderson answered with another three pointer which sent North Branch to an 18-13 first quarter lead. The Vikes continued to hit nearly every shot in the second quarter, including more three-pointersñone from Jeremy Jaques and two more from Higley. Foley narrowed the gap with several free throws and a three-pointer of their own, to end the half with a 30-23 North Branch lead. The Vikings extended their lead in the third quarter as they continued to be on fire from the field, hitting six more three-pointers, and stretching their lead to 55-36 at the end of the stanza. North Branch held a dominating 20 point lead with just over three minutes to play, at 62-42. A Foley run in those final minutes narrowed the gap, but the Vikes still came away with a convincing 63-51 win. ìWe had a few days since our last game so we were able to get some things worked out in practice,î head coach Bill Baumann said. ìWe were able to get back to the basics and correct some little things. The hard work showed in our effort.î Baumann said the tight defense was a big key in the win. ìWe allowed only 44 shots from Foley, despite their distinct height advantage. We really kept them off the offensive boards.î Totals on offense were impressive as well. The Vikes tallied 14 three-pointers, led by Higley with five totaling his 15 points for the game. Jared Gagne, Jake Anderson, Alex Streater and Jeremy Jaques all added nine points apiece for the Vikings. Britt Baumann tallied six, Kyle Ekstrom added four, and Darren Breslin and Kevin Gervais rounded out the scoring with one point each. Matt Fletcher dished out six assist while Baumann handed out four assists and picked off five steals. Ekstrom led the Vikes with six rebounds. The win leaves the Vikings with a 9-11 record overall, and 6-3 in the conference, enough for third place and only one game behind Sauk Rapids in second. The Vikings have a pair of Rum River games this week as they played Milaca Tuesday and host Princeton Thursday. Next Tuesday, they hit the road to take on St. Francis. North Branch defeated Milaca and Princeton earlier in the season, by no less than an 18-point margin in each contest. The team has not faced St. Francis this year, but the game will most likely be challenging against the North Suburban Conference Saints. The teamís remaining games will also be crucial to the final standings, as five of their last six games come against conference opponents. ©ECM Post Review |