Niles North entered their first home game of the season with a 5-1 (1-0 conference) and host Deerfield Warriors 4-3 (0-1 conference)

Deerfield came to play right off the bat, starting the game with an 11-0 run, forcing Coach Olson to take a time out early on. Before the season, Deerfield was predicted to win the conference, and the Vikings were projected to claim the #2 spot. Though it is early on, these Conference match ups are always important.

The Vikings found themselves in a 14-7 hole after the first quarter. Danilo Ranger picked up a quick 2 fouls. Free throw shooting was a problem early on for the Vikings. In the second quarter they were in the double bonus, and Deerfield continued to foul, but Niles North free throw shooting was not their best.

JJ Myles hit a 3 with about 1:30 in the 2nd quarter to cut the deficit down. After the first half, Deerfield had a comfortable lead, going into the half time 29-18. Peter Tate led North in scoring at half wit 8, Eric Porter the senior guard of Deerfield with 9. Back and forth there were some great hustle plays. Both teams fighting for loose balls, hustling down the court, and overall showing determination.

The third quarter started in similar fashion, Deerfield made a strong run after a quick 2 by the Vikings, again causing Coach Glenn Olson to take a time out early on. After a series of basket exchanges, Niles North remained on the short end of the scoreboard 40-27

The 4th quarter started off with about 2 minutes of no scoring. Crishawn Cook hit a dagger 3 to bring the Vikings within 8. Right after, he stole the ball for an easy lay in to cut the deficit to 6. JJ Myles then had a bucket and one. With just under 4 minutes to go, Peter Tate hit a clutch 3 to bring the deficit down. With 2:21 in the game, Deerfield was forced to take a timeout as Niles North cut the lead to 2, down 44-46. Kuznetsky of Deerfield missed a critical free throw with 26 seconds left, and on the other end, Danilo Ranger split a pair of free throws.

With 0.7 seconds left, down 45-47, the ball was in bounded to JJ Myles at half court, who heaved up a prayer shot, but bounced off the backboard. The final score was 47-45, and the Vikings fall to 5-2 (1-1 conference). Leading scorers for the game included JJ Myles and Peter Tate, with 12 and 13 respectively. Look for them to have a great bounce back game next Friday at home against GBN!