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Jordan Backstrom
Viking fans witnessed a record-breaking performance by the Cook Country boys’ basketball team in their blow-out win against the Northeast Range Nighthawks last Tuesday night.
Apolo Robbins, considered the world’s greatest pickpocket, would have been proud of the Vikings’ defense.
“We broke a school record for steals in a half with 26 and had 37 overall,” said head Coach Keaton Riley.
How good was Cook County’s defense? The Vikings led 63-11 at the half, many of those points coming off of steals resulting in fast break lay-ups. At one point, the Vikings stole the ball five straight times, scoring lay-ups on every new possession.
As good as the Vikings’ defense was, Denali Blackwell’s shooting was other-worldly.
The sophomore guard had his best game ever against the Nighthawks. Blackwell was unstoppable, shooting from somewhere just beyond the moon and often hitting nothing but net.
And Denali’s first half 37 points are a new record for the Vikings for one half of play.
Said Coach Riley, “Denali Blackwell scored 40 points in only 19 minutes of playing time. He was 7 for 12 from the 3-point line and was 15 of 22 overall. Truly a special night for him. He’s only a sophomore, so I am excited to see where his career goes in the next three seasons.”
When Blackwell wasn’t scoring, his teammates filled the basket with an assortment of shots. “What I am most encouraged about is our depth. Twelve guys saw significant time last night, and ten different players scored. Something we haven’t really ever seen at this program,” said Coach Riley. “These boys are aggressive, scrappy, and have no quit. As a coaching staff, we have really been pushing the idea of a “next play” attitude. Whether you make a good play or if you make a mistake, we want you to snap right into the next play with intensity and focus. This approach has been working for us.”
Some highlights of the game included seeing two seniors see a lot of playing time.
“We were able to start our two seniors that don’t usually get a ton of time on the court, Payton Morrison and John Pierre, so that was nice, and it really motivated them,” Coach Riley said.
The Vikings ended the game up 88-30. With the win, their record is now 2-4.
Players stats
Derek Smith had seven points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists, and six deflections in 15 minutes of play.
Sequoia Morrin scored nine points, one rebound, one assist and one deflection in 10 minutes.
Aanakwad Redix pulled down one rebound in seven minutes.
Denali Blackwell had 40 points, six rebounds, three assists, ten steals, one block and five deflections.
Jordan Backstrom played 14 minutes. He scored two points, pulled down six rebounds, made ten steals, had one block and seven deflections.
Binesii Aubid (Jr.) played 20 minutes. He had five points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block and one deflection.
Recko Helmerson-Skildum saw 11 minutes of court time. He had two points, six rebounds, one steal, one block, and two deflections.
Payton Morrison played 16 minutes. He had four rebounds, one assist, one steal and two deflections.
Amos Falter had 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, seven steals, one block, and five deflections in 16 minutes.
Rohan Rude had five points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three deflections in 15 minutes.
Ryan Smith had three points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and three deflections in 13 minutes.
John Pierre had five points, four rebounds, one block and three deflections.
The team ended with 38 deflections which helped lead to 37 steals.
The Vikings ended with a 54 percent shooting average.
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