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Vikings boys improve to 14-5 with 2 winsThe Vikings boys basketball squad extended its win streak to seven games with victories over Brooklyn Center and Rum River Conference opponent Milaca last week. The wins improve the teamís record to 14-5 in the RRC with five games remaining in the regular season. North Branch 84, BC 53 Head Coach Bill Baumann said it was the teamís defense that contributed to a strong first half. ìWe started out quickly and just kept going,î he said. ìWe actually set the tone at the defensive end by not giving them any good looks and then pushing the ball out after gaining control.î Junior Britt Baumann began the second half by knocking in 2 three-pointers as the Vikings were on the way to a comfortable 72-30 lead after three quarters. Junior Jake Anderson added 3 three-pointers in the quarter as the Vikes were 7 of 13 in three-point attempts for the half. Brooklyn Center rallied in the fourth quarter to outscore the Vikes 23-12, but still trailed by 31 points when the buzzer sounded. ìWe had a total team effort with everyone contributing,î Baumann said. ìDarren Breslin and Tony Beaver are giving us excellent minutes. Jeremy Anderson is starting to feel comfortable and really gives us a spark with his energy.î Baumann led the team offensively with 18 points and also racked up 5 assists. Junior Matt Fletcher and Jake Anderson had 17 points apiece. Fletcher added 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Senior Jared Gagne had 8 points, followed by senior Tyler Higley with 7. Five other players contributed to the scoring: Breslin, Beaver, seniors Jeremy Anderson and Jeremy Jaques and junior Bowie McClaskie. North Branch 57, Milaca 47 ìWe knew Milaca would come out fired up because they wanted to show the first time we played them was a fluke,î Baumann said. ìBut we weathered their first barrage and then added one of our own.î North Branch took over the lead 12-10 after one quarter and never relinquished. Coming into the third quarter with a 27-26 lead, the Vikings widened the gap with 21 points to Milacaís 11 in the third. The Vikes were slowed down offensively in the fourth, as they saw the Wolves tie the score four separate times. Key free throws gave the Vikings the edge and the 57-47 win. ìWe did a great job at the end of the game taking care of the ball and making free throws to control the game,î Baumann said. Fletcher led the squad with 21 points, followed by Higley with 14 and Baumann and Jake Anderson with 8 each. This week, the team was scheduled to take on Princeton Tuesday with a week off before traveling to Foley Feb. 18. ©ECM Post Review |