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Vikes remain flawless in Rum River ConferenceThe North Branch boys basketball team has not lost a game since Jan. 3 and improved its perfect Rum River Conference record with two wins last week to retain first place. North Branch 55 Mora 36 The Vikings notched 14 points in the first quarter against the Mustangs Feb. 3, but even more impressive was the teamís defense holding Mora scoreless through 8 minutes. ìTo hold a team scoreless in a quarter is a great accomplishment,î Head Coach Bill Baumann said. North Branch outscored Mora 12-11 in the third to lead 48-21. Baumann was able to rest his starters as well as give the younger players valuable playing experience in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs outscored the Vikes 15-7 in the stanza for a 55-36 Vikings win. Senior Matt Fletcher led the team with 21 points, followed by senior Matt Nelson with 10 and junior Tony Beaver with 8. As a team, the squad hit 23 field goals and had 18 assists for a strong team effort. ìWe have become real business like,î Baumann said. ìWe know what we need to do and we go out and execute.î North Branch 54 Chisago 45 In a classic neighbor-rivalry, the Vikings battled with the Wildcats Feb. 6 and came away with the 54-45 win. ìWhen these two teams get together it's like Duke vs. North Carolina, you can throw out the records and just get it on,î Baumann said. ìOne of these two teams has won the Rum River Conference over the past eight years.î North Branch took the early 19-13 lead after one and extended it to 33-22 at the half. The much-improved Chisago Lakes team held North Branch to 9 in the third quarter but was only able to put in 8 on its side of the scoreboard. The Wildcats outscored North Branch 15-12 in the final quarter, but the Vikes came out on the winning end of a 54-45 game. Fletcher led the team with 21 points and senior Britt Baumann added 11. Seniors Jake Anderson and Bowie McClaskie added 8 apiece. Baumann said the offense was a little sluggish, but it was the defense that kept the team together. ìEveryone notices our offense and how well we usually shoot the ball but the stable of our game is our defense,î he said. ìWe have been concentrating on our defense lately and it has paid off.î Unfortunately in the game, Nelson strained a tendon in his elbow. Baumann said the number of injuries on the squad has tested the team, but the kids are responding well. He is pleased with the consistency of Fletcher, Baumann and Anderson and recognizes the important aspects that players like Beaver, McClaskie and junior Greg Moriarty bring to the team. ìThey are doing so many of the little things most people don't notice except the coaches,î he said. The Vikes took on St. Francis Tuesday and face Pine City Fri., Feb. 13 before returning home to face Milaca Tues., Feb. 17. ©ECM Post Review |