After losing to Loyola in the War on The Shore, this past Saturday, Niles North would find themselves for the first time in a while, off of Michael O’Brein’s Super 25. So after a weekend with the highest of highs and lowest of lows, what’s next for the Vikings when it comes to the Viking’s season? There are only three games left to go in the regular season, and on paper they are all very winnable games.

The first comes tonight as the Vikings head on the road for the last time in the regular season, to Maine East for CSL North action. The Blue Demons have struggled all season, including against Niles North. They faced off with the Vikings earlier in the season in Skokie but were blown out 90-40. Seeing how Maine East has shown no real signs of a turnaround, the Vikings are a heavy favorite. That being said, North does tend to stuggle more on the road which does potentially open up the door for upset, but it’s not likely.

After Maine East is Elk Grove on Monday. Of the final three, this is the easiest game on paper for the Vikings. Elk Grove, like Maine East, is another team that has had their struggles. The biggest struggle for the Grenadiers has been their defense. If you look at scores of their games, you will find them giving up points in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even 110 in a game against Schamburg. Their defensive struggles are likely to be magnified when they face the high power Viking offense in Skokie.

Then to finish off the regular season, it’s senior night against Vernon Hills on Valentines Day. This game is probably the biggest challenge of the final three games. The Cougers have more wins then Maine East and Elk Grove combined, but they still only float around 0.500 and Niles North is their most challenging opponent yet. On top of that, it’s senior night for what is arguably the best single class in Viking history. Losing is not an option for these seniors mentally, and they are going to want to leave all out on the court for their last regular season game at the Loud House on Lawler.

Losing to Loyola, is not a season killer for the Vikings. They are still contenders in the postseason, and that is not to be forgotten. They also stil have a chance to finish the regular season in the Super 25 with good effort through the final three games. But the final three are going to be pivotal for North, as they will determine the momentum the Vikings will take into the playoffs.