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An air born Denali Blackwell gets set to throw a bounce pass around a defender. Staff photos Brian Larsen
In a game where the Vikings were competitive to the end, and several players shined, Viking forward Jacob Dorr’s play stood out against the Floodwood Polar Bears.
The senior led the team with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, and his defense was outstanding. Still, the Vikings couldn’t quite get over the hump and narrowly fell 52-48 to the Polar Bears in an exciting game played at home on Tuesday, February 1.
The Cook County boys high school basketball team got off to a nice start against Floodwood. Early defensive stops and timely baskets by Jacob and Paul Dorr and Derek Smith put the Vikings up by as many as twelve points, but the scrappy Polar Bears clawed their way back, and at halftime took a two-point lead into the break on a long three points shot that ripped through the net with no time on the clock.
The Vikings trailed 25-27.
Both teams scrambled hard over the last half, but the Vikings couldn’t hit the big shots when they needed the ball to go in. Vikings’ Head Coach Andy Feddema was reticent in his assessment of the game. “This was a tough one for us last night. Our players played hard all game. Turnovers and the inability to hit the big shot at the end hurt us ultimately.”
Derek Smith (1) drove past his defender for a lay-up.
As well as Jacob played, junior guard Derek Smith might have had his best game in a Viking uniform. “Jacob played his butt off, scoring 12 points, getting six rebounds, three assists, and five steals,” said Coach Feddema.
At 5’9”, Derek often plays in the paint, battling much taller players. However, he uses his quickness to maneuver for baskets and he positions well for rebounds. And if there is “good hands” award, Derek would win it. He’s always ready to strip the ball away from an offensive player at any point in time.
Senior guard Isaac Sandstrom also had a great night for the Vikings. Isaac finished with eight points and three steals.
While several freshmen saw action, freshman guard Denali Blackwell hit a three, and sophomore forward Recko Helmerson-Skildum grabbed two rebounds.
Isaac Sandstrom (20) looks for a man to pass the ball to in the game against Floodwood.
The Vikings have a home game against Northland on Saturday, February 12. The game starts at 1:45 p.m. On February 18 the Vikings host the Esko Eskimos. Varsity action starts at 6:30 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings!
Using his quickness, Paul Dorr (11) blew by the man guarding him for an easy lay-up. Paul finished with eight points and nine rebounds in the game against the Floodwood Polar Bears.
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