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Vikes surprise Chisago Lakes in 61-50 victoryBy Danielle Strenke There were no titles on the line and no playoff seedings at stake, and yet, the Viking boys basketball team hit the floor running last Friday. The team showed the determination and drive of a team going for the state championship when they faced off against Chisago Lakes. North Branch went on a first-half tear that led to a win over Rum River Conference champions and section-ranked No. 1 Chisago Lakes, in front of an extremely enthusiastic Viking crowd. It was the first conference loss of the season for Chisago Lakes, and only their second loss overall, making it a huge win for North Branch. It was their third victory in a row; the others coming against conference foes Mora Feb. 21, and Pine City last Tuesday. In front of a near-capacity crowd at NBHS, the Vikes squad came out looking ready to play. Tough defense all around left the first two minutes of the game scoreless, before North Branch dropped in the first basket of the evening. They would not relinquish the lead for the remainder of the game. Even when the Wildcats were given the ocassional window of opportunity to score, most of their shots missed the mark due to a relentless Viking defense. The Vikes racked up 14 points to Chisagoís two to open the quarter, and ended it with an 18-4 lead. ìWe played an oustanding first quarter,î Baumann said. ìBut we knew Chisago Lakes was too good of a team and too well coached to roll over and play dead. ìWe were glad halftime came because we were able to regroup and make some adjustments that helped us out in the third quarter.î Chisago brought a renewed energy to the floor in the second half, scoring the first three points to narrow North Branchís lead to 29-24. The Vikes didnít faltered, however, and continued to control the ballgame. Senior Matt Fletcher put in the next six points in the game to extend the Viking lead to 35-24. The team led 44-28 going into the final quarter. Again, the Wildcats drew as close as six in the final quarter, but each time North Branch calmly put in baskets when it counted. With less than two minutes remaining, the Vikes answered with eight of eight at the free throw line, while allowing only a three-pointer to pick up the 61-50 victory. As the buzzer sounded, elated Vikings fans stormed the court to congratulate the team, particularly seniors Alex Streater and Kyle Ekstrom playing in their final home game of their careers. ìI was really proud of the kids,î Baumann said. ìChisago Lakes just would not go away, which is a testament to the character of the team. This was a big step for the growth and confidence of our team going into playoffs.î Fletcher led the offense with 16 points, and four assists. Junior Tyler Higley added 11, while sophomore Jake Anderson had nine. Sophomore Britt Baumann and junior Jared Gagne added eight apiece, while Ekstrom picked up four. Streater with three and junior Jeremy Jaques with two rounded out the scoring. Last Tuesday was also a big win for the Vikes, as they broke state records for the most three-point shots made (20) and attempted (49). The score was also the Vikingsí highest mark of the season, as they amassed 97 points to Pine Cityís 78. Again, North Branch built off a strong first half to control momentum in the game. The team jumped out to a 13-0 lead and extended it to 52-37 at the half. In the half, the Vikes hit 9 three-point shots, including six from Higley. In the third, the Vikings tallied seven more three-pointers, for a total of 16. Anderson, who had already tossed in two three-point shots, added three more in the quarter. Higley chipped in a pair, as did Fletcher. The shots from outside the arc contributed to a 77-50 lead to end the third quarter. ìThere were other times this year where we hit 14 three-pointers and people asked me why we didnít go for the record,î Baumann said. ìIn those games I didnít feel we had a rhythm but in this game I felt we did. ìWe were 16 of 33 in the first three quarters. I didnít tell the team we were going for the record but I think they could feel it and the crowd knew what we needed.î The Vikes broke the previous record of 18 three-pointers, held by Bigfork in 1994 and then tied by North Branch and St. Thomas in 2000. As the No. 7 seed, North Branch will take on Totino-Grace in quarterfinal action Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m., at Totino HS. Playoffs continue with semfinals March 12 and finals March 15, both at Blaine HS. ©ECM Post Review |