Viking Girls Basketball looks to regroup after tough back-to-back losses this past Friday, both girls and boys varsity basketball took the trip down the road to Oakton Street, to take on the Niles West Wolves in the 2024-2025 season’s second edition of the crosstown classic.
Coming into the game, girls basketball was looking to emerge out of a low point in the season. The team started off very strong at 5-1, including a win over Niles West at home for the first crosstown classic of the season. But since that win over the Wolves, the team started to fall apart losing eight straight . But there was some good momentum heading into the second crosstown classic as the Vikings were coming off a great 60-46 win on the road against ITW David Speer Academy.
As for the Wolves, they came in with their struggles as a team as well starting their season with an eleven game losing streak. But after getting their first win of the season against Maine West on Dec. 19, they started to pull together and go a much more steady 5-4 run leading up to the crosstown classic rematch at their house.
The game was close in the first half. The Vikings were efficient on offense highlighted by great passing, sharing the wealth, getting open shots, and taking advantage of offensive opportunities.
But things would start to fall apart for the team as they would allow the Wolves to go on an 11-0 run in the third quarter, shifting the momentum of the game. Even after giving up the 11-0 run, the Vikings still managed to keep it close for the rest of the third. But the momentum swing proved to be too much as Niles West would pile it on come the fourth quarter, winning 57-38 to give the crosstown classic trophy home on Oakton Street.
After a weekend of rest, the girls would match up with Ridgewood in tournament play. This game proved to be tough for the Vikings as well, as they would suffer another tough loss, losing 55-46, and snapping Ridgewood’s five-game losing streak to move the Vikings to 6-11 on the season.
Looking ahead, North’s next matchup is a rematch on the road vs CSL Rival Maine West this Friday. Last time these teams matched up, the Vikings would lose close one 39-34, so a chance at redemption could be the boost this team needs as they push towards the homestretch of the regular season.
