Above: Jonny Jacobsen (40) gets a little push as he shoots and scores two points. Not a big scorer, Jacobsen is a great passer, strong rebounder and tough defender. Left: His eyes tell the story—stop me if you can! Lars Scannell drives for the basket on this play against Thunder Bay. Scannell scored a teamhigh 21 points against Thunder Bay.
A tough first half of play doomed the Vikings in their away game against the Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels played Friday, January 31.
“We didn’t play very well in the first half,” said Head Coach Pat Eliasen. “There wasn’t any team cohesion and we didn’t get back on defense very well. They wanted to run and we just didn’t step up.
“The second half was a different story. We played very well and basically played them even up. Our play in the second half may have been the best so far this year. Lars [Scannell] was out with the flu and Richie [Furlong)] did most of the ball handling. He played well and really took charge in the second half for us,” Eliasen said.
Jamie Wick led all Viking scorers with 14 points and he pulled down 7 rebounds. Brandon Curtis finished with 10 points and a team-leading 13 rebounds. Jonny Jacobsen scored 8 points and had 4 rebounds while Richie Furlong finished his night with 4 points and 3 rebounds.
With the 64-36 loss, the Vikings’ record fell to 3-9. Moose Lake/Willow River is now 13-6 on the year.
Great effort against Thunder Bay
The game against Thunder Bay played on Saturday, February 1 at home doesn’t count in the conference standings, but it was a good chance to play another game and get some more experience on the hardwood court for this young Viking team.
Thunder Bay wasn’t very big, but they were quick and fast and slashed to the basket, often times kicking it out to an open shooter. They won 60-55 over a Viking team that is improving every time it plays.
“We played a very good all around game. The score didn’t turn out in our favor but I thought all of the guys turned in a wonderful game,” said Coach Eliasen.
“We got into foul trouble and Jonny [Jacobsen] had to sit most of the first half which hurt us inside. Lars stepped in and played a great game after coming back from the flu. Brandon has been an absolute beast on the boards for us as well as scoring. He has had a double-double for four straight games now.
“I was very proud of our effort and the determination that the guys showed on Saturday. Our play keeps improving and we will surprise some teams coming into the playoff stretch,” Eliasen said.
Brandon Curtis posted a great double for his team: 19 points and 19 rebounds. Scannell scored a teamhigh 21 points and finished with 5 boards. Jamie Wick netted 11 points and 6 boards while Jonny Jacobsen finished with 4 points and 3 rebounds.
The Vikings played Silver Bay this Thursday (after press time) and face Carlton on Friday, February 7 at home. That evening is also parent’s night.
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