Above: Head Coach Mitch Dorr gives his team instructions during a time-out. Although the Vikings aren’t very big, they rebound well and play tough defense as demanded by their head coach. Left: No one was stopping senior guard Jarod Spry (No. 24) on this play as he slashed to the basket for two points.
With two close losses in a row, the Vikings figured to win a squeaker over Cromwell and they did, getting by the 5-2 Cardinals 40-38 on Monday, December 21 in a match played at Cromwell.
The Vikings’ record is now 2-3, but other than their first game, every contest has been close.
“I don’t think they expected us to be as good defensively as we were,” said Head Coach Mitch Dorr.
Senior guard Rory Bakke had an outstanding game for the Vikings, said Dorr. “Many people don’t know this, but Rory has been hurt for most of his high school career. This is the first season he has been healthy and it shows. He’s been a great rebounder for us and an all around tough defender.”
Not always a big scorer, Bakke led the team with 14 points. Senior guard Jerod Spry finished with 9 points, Marcus Logan had 7, Sam O’Phelan 5, Lucas Phillips 3, and Dyami Blackwell added 2 points.
The teams were tied at halftime, 19-19, and both continued to play hard until the end. Coach Dorr said Marcus Logan came off the bench in the second half and “played tremendous for us.”
Dorr said, “He did everything I asked him to do. Marcus was great on defense, a real benefit to the team.”
One big difference from this year’s club versus teams of the most recent past is that players are knocking down 3-point shots. Against Cromwell Bakke, Phillips, Logan and Spry (2) all made 3-point baskets.
Defenses can’t pack in and play zone and dare the Vikings to shoot over the top like they once did. Not unless they want to pay for that decision.
While it’s still early, Dorr has seen big improvements in some players.
“Sam O’Phelan has been big for us this year. He is really learning to get position on rebounds and playing hard. Jerod Spry has been the most improved player, absolutely, and Dyami Blackwell has been a big surprise,” Dorr said.
The Vikings will next take the court against Barnum at Barnum on January 8. The Bombers staged the biggest early season upset of the region when they defeated the Esko Eskimos which feature super sophomore Eric Trapp, at 7’2” one of the tallest high school players in the country, and their speedy, sweet-shooting guard Jaxon Turner. The Vikings will play Esko at Esko on February 5.
The Vikings take home court on Friday, January 15 against the Silver Bay Mariners at 4:45. They play Ely the next day at home at 2 p.m.
Come out and cheer on your Vikings!
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