By Steve Morris
The North Branch boys basketball team was at the losing end of two hard fought games last week.

On Dec. 12, the boys lost to St. Louis Park 49-44.

Nick Perrin led the team in scoring with 13 points.

Head coach Bill Baumann said his team can't seem to find its character.

"We are struggling offensively and defensively and right now we don't have any trust in each other. This is what can test your character and it can either make us stronger the rest of the year or tear us apart. We'll see how much character we have," Baumann said.

The Vikings fought back from a 10-point hole to start the second half but couldn't close it completely. Guard Ryan Norman finished the game with four steals.

With their first loss of the season behind them, the Vikings traveled to Fridley on Dec. 14 with the intention of jumping back on the winning track.

Fridley had other things in mind and handed the Vikings their second loss of the season by a score of 43-53.

Junior Jake Chambers led the team in scoring with 21 points.

"Offensively I don't think we could throw a rock and hit the ocean because we are trying to do too much individually," Baumann said.