North came into this game with a record of 6-2 (2-1 conference) and hosted the Sullivan Tigers at home.

In his second game back, senior Duante Stephens wasted no time after winning the tip. Peter Tate found him at the rim for an alley oop to begin the game. Will Donado took a charge on the defensive end preventing a bucket by the Tigers. Stephens got a lay up and a corner three to go bringing the score to 9-6. The Vikings had no problem forcing turnovers early on, but by the three minute mark they also allowed 4 offensive boards. With 2:30 to go in the first quarter, Duante Stephens had 11 of Niles North’s first 15 points. Danilo Ranger got on the board by drawing a foul and sinking both free throws, which appeared to be almost unusual for North. Senior James Sarris got on the board quickly with 6, being found in the corner twice for a pair of easy three point shots. After the first quarter the score was 23-6 in favor of the Vikings.

Tate split a pair of free throws to start the 2nd quarter. Ranger followed with 8 points of his own including 2 more free throws. With 4:45 to go in the 2nd quarter, the Vikings were sitting comfortably with a 34-8 lead. Niles North continued to force turnovers, in part because Coach Glenn Olson’s philosophy revolves around defense. Sullivan struggled to get a shot to fall. At halftime the score was 47-15, Niles North still leading.

To start the 3rd, Sarris hit a pair of free throws, and after an incredible hustle play, he hit a 3 off the inbound pass by George Brandon. Brandon got to the charity stripe himself and drained both shots. Sullivan had an easier time scoring to start, but the Vikings kept it at a minimum. With 1:35 to go in the game, the Vikings had a 68-28 lead and were sitting comfortably. At this point, every one on the team was getting involved some how. The score remained the same at the end of three.

Not much changed going into the 4th quarter. Play was consistent on both sides. Danny Kim got a steal and an easy lay in, and immediately following that was another forced turnover by the Vikings. Halfway through the 4th, Niles North led 78-33. No matter the score, Coach Olson was hounding at his players to continue and play their kind of basketball. By no means were they playing conservatively, until the final minute where the ball was just passed around. The final score of the game was 84-35, which gave the Vikings their 7th win on the season.

This win was a nice start to winter “break” for the varsity boys, however they still have a lot of work to be done this upcoming week at the Wheeling Tournament. Now that the team seems to be clicking a little better on all cylinders, it will be interesting to see if they find themselves in another championship game next week. Go Vikings!