UPDATE: The Vikings became Regional Champions after their 48-35 win against Schaumburg Saxons on March 6. They will play Loyola at Robert Morris University on March 10 at 6 p.m. For more info on fan buses and t-shirts follow @NilesNActivity

The Niles North basketball team won the Regional Semi-Final game against Niles West on March 3 with a score of 56-39.

This catapults them to today’s Regional Championship game against Schaumburg at 7 pm at Schaumburg High School.

Players and coaches had a lot to say about their experiences.

“The games were very fun to play in,” senior player Moses Akinboboye said. “I have enjoyed myself a lot throughout the whole season but we aren’t done yet doing the regular season. We finished with a 25-5 record and are now going into playing for a regional championship that I’m very excited to play in.”

“The game was amazing, my team played so great and the bench was fantastic,” 2020 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area selection senior Aquan Smart said. “I see this team making a big run in the playoffs and going down state. The highlight was seeing my teammates succeed and play hard the whole night. We are excited about the game we worked hard in practice preparing for this game. Our goal is to be regional champs and we have the chance to be that this Friday.” 

The team worked hard together.

“The last few games have been frustrating and rewarding at the same time. We lost the conference championship to Glenbrook South but won the north division of the conference,” said assistant Varsity coach John Bias. “Lennox Manroe, Liam Graham, Yosef Oliff, Moses Akinboboye and Jalen Butler have been key contributors to the team’s 25 and 5 regular-season records.  Our upcoming games are very crucial because it provides a signature of who we are as a team. It’s not about wins or losses, it’s about how hard and smart we compete.” 

Fans enjoyed the evening’s battle against West.

“It was exciting!” freshman Kerry Briones said.  “We had a good lead in the first half then they started catching up a little bit 2nd quarter but then 3rd and 4th we just went off. Aquan dunked like three times.”

“I think they’re going to do a great job and get to the next level,” Varsity cheer coach Landon said.

To hop aboard the fan bus to the big game, please turn in a permission slip to Student Activities or the Athletics office. Entrance fee is $5.