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The North Branch boys basketball team battled its way into the win column last week with a 60-56 victory at home over conference rival Chisago Lakes on Dec. 9.
The Vikings overcame a 15-10 first quarter deficit to take a 31-28 lead at halftime, thanks to shooting a sizzling 75 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line.
Coach Bill Baumann praised the seniors on the squad for their leadership.
ìAl Moore had a great personal run at the end of the half and Greg Moriarity hit some big shots and critical free throws at the end of the game. Tony Beaver is a warrior. He keys our defense. He leads by example through his hard work,î Baumann said.
ìThe best thing is that we got the monkey off our back by winning a close one. At this point we will take it any way we can,î Baumann said.
On Dec. 11 the Vikings lost 58-45 at home to the 4-0 Mounds View Mustangs of the Suburban East Conference. The Mustangs out-rebounded the Vikes 34-20 and dominated the offensive boards, scoring 19 second chance points to North Branchís 10.
Warren and Perrin were the leading scorers for North Branch with 15 and 11 points respectively. Beaver pulled down 7 rebounds.
Baumann thought the opportunity to play Mounds View, one of the most respected programs in the state, will help his team develop.
ìIt was a great experience for us. It lets our kids know what we have to do to compete at that level. You can talk all you want in practice about what it is like to play at that caliber but until they experience it they have nothing to compare it to,î Baumann said.
Up next: The 1-6 Vikings face conference foe Milaca at home on Dec. 14. On Dec. 17 the Vikings are at home against Forest Lake (2-3) at 7:30 p.m. On Dec. 21 they travel to Fridley (3-1) for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
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