Junior guard Rory Bakke flew past the South Ridge Panther player guarding him to score 2 of his 8 points in the game played in Grand Marais. Bakke came on strong as the season wound down and he will be counted on to help lead the Vikings’ basketball team next season.
Senior co-captain Jamie Wick made four 3-point baskets to score 12 points against the South Ridge Panthers last Friday night as the Vikings played their last home game before playoffs start on Tuesday, February 24.
Although it was the most 3-point shots a Viking player has made in a game this year, it wasn’t enough as the Panthers defeated the Vikings 56-43 on Parent’s Night. Both Wick and senior forward Andy Farley were honored for their commitment to the Vikings. basketball program before the game.
“Jamie Wick and Andy Farley were consistent leaders for us this season,” said Head Coach Pat Eliasen. “They set an example for the younger players that you need to persevere in the face of adversity. It was a tough year for us but when you have leaders like these two, it makes it go a little easier.”
Once again the Vikings fell behind early, trailing 15-2 before they got their offense working and began throttling back the Panthers’ offense with tighter defensive play. The Vikings only trailed by 5 points at halftime and looked ready to win the game, but South Ridge had just enough offense to keep the Vikings at bay.
Several times late in the game the Vikings got within 8 points of their rivals, but too many missed shots in the last couple of minutes ended their hopes and they had to foul with a minute to go, with the Panthers sealing the win at the free throw line.
“It was probably the best game we played all season,” said Coach Eliasen. “A few shots either way and the game may have been different. We play them [South Ridge] in the first round of the playoffs and will concentrate on better defense, especially in the post. Their post player scored 24 against us and if we can shut him down we’ll have a great chance for a win.”
Besides Wick’s 12 points other Vikings who scored include Marcus Logan 11, Rory Bakke 8, Lucas Phillips 5, Andy Farley 4, and Sam O’Phelan had 2 points
Season ends at subsections
The Vikings played South Ridge again on Tuesday, February 24 on South Ridge’s home court in the first round of Subsections in the Section 7A tournament and the game didn’t go well for the Vikings.
South Ridge was up 14-0 before Cook County scored. The Vikings brought it to 19-8 and seemed like they had gained some confidence before South Ridge went on another run and put up too big of a lead for the Vikings to overcome.
“We shot 13 of 46 from the field. We only hit 28 percent of our shots,” said Assistant Coach Rick Crawford.
The Vikings were beaten badly on the board, pulling down 6 offensive rebounds and 14 defensive rebounds, season lows. “We just didn’t board,” said Crawford. “Andy Farley led our team with 4 rebounds. Rory Bakke had 3 rebounds and 12 points. Rory played with some passion, but overall the team seemed flat.”
The Vikings also had 21 turnovers and were only 7-15 from the free throw line.
Besides Bakke’s 12 points Jamie Wick had 7, Sam O’Phelan 5, Marcus Logan 4, Jerod Spry 4 and Lucas Phillips 2 points.
Cook County’s season ended Tuesday night as the Vikings fell 67-34 to South Ridge.
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