The Cook County boys’ basketball team lost a thriller to the Albrook Falcons on February 9, followed by another road loss to the McGregor Mercuries. In an exciting rally at the end of the game versus McGregor, freshman Kale Boomer made three threepoint shots.
The Cook County boys’ basketball team lost in two tough road games last week to bring their overall season record to 7-9. On Tuesday, February 9, the Vikings lost 70-71 in a heartbreaking overtime loss against the Albrook Falcons. Three days later the Vikings were outplayed by the McGregor Mercuries, 57-66, for their second road loss of the week.
Cook County has always had tough battles with Albrook away from home. This game would prove to be no different, as the Falcons entered the game with an 8-5 record boasting a very quick and athletic lineup. The Vikings would have to play great defense to compete against the more athletic Falcons.
The Vikings started the game firing on all cylinders versus Albrook’s man-to-man defense. Cook County shot out to an early 19-5 lead behind eight early points from senior Mike Austin. As the half progressed, the Vikings maintained the lead, but Cook County was having a tough time stopping the Falcon attack.
After the first four minutes of play, the Falcons outscored the Vikings 31-17 in the next 12 minutes of play as both teams went into halftime knotted up at 36-36. James Groth led Cook County at the half with 10 points. Albrook’s sharp-shooting senior guard, Kolton Karppinen, made four three-pointers and had 14 points to get Albrook back in contention.
In the second half, the Falcons started to gain the home-court momentum as they took a 50-42 lead. The Vikings continued to keep the game within reach, but with just over three minutes left in the game, Cook County found itself down 52-64. Groth then hit a three-point shot and Colin Everson added a free throw to cut the lead to just eight, 56-64.
Ryan Martinson then stole the ball, drove down the length of the court, and dunked the ball with two hands, bringing fans from both sides to their feet. Albrook was forced to take a timeout with just over 90 seconds left in the game, as the Vikings still trailed 58-65.
The Falcons turned the ball over against Cook County’s full-court press. Austin hit a quick shot and Everson made another shot following a hastily attempted shot attempt by Albrook. The Vikings now trailed by just three, 62-65. The Falcons then made
a tough shot to go up by five, 62-67. Austin countered with a turn-around jump shot and the Vikings now trailed by just three points.
Albrook turned the ball over again against the Viking press. Cook County then executed an offensive play perfectly which freed up Groth for a three-pointer. Groth’s shot found nothing but net and the game was tied at 67-67 with just over 20 seconds left in the game. Albrook’s final attempt was short and the game headed to overtime.
The Vikings struck first when Martinson made one of two free throw attempts. After two consecutive Viking turnovers, Brock Hommerding made a nice drive to the basket to give Cook County a 70-69 lead. Albrook answered with a basket to reclaim a 70-71 lead. The Vikings’ final shot attempt was just short as the Falcons squeaked away with the nonconference win.
In what might have been the Vikings’ best game of the season, Cook County was plagued once again at the charity stripe, making just 14 of 28 free throw attempts. In a great individual effort, Groth led the Vikings with 17 points. Austin added 16 points and Martinson capped off his night with 12. David Bergstrom and Hommerding added 11 and 10 points respectively as all five Viking starters scored in double figures.
Three days later, the Vikings looked out of sync defensively in McGregor. The Mercs outscored Cook County 38-26 in the first half as the Vikings were in foul trouble the entire evening.
In the final minutes of the second half, the Vikings made five three-point shots, three of which were made by freshman Kale Boomer. The outside shooting wasn’t enough, however, as the Vikings came up short, 57-66 in McGregor.
Groth led the Vikings in scoring with 14 points while Bergstrom and Hommerding each added 10 points.
The Vikings are now 7-9 on the season and had two more road games this week. On Tuesday after this edition went to press, Cook County traveled to Wrenshall. This Friday the Vikings travel to Esko. Look in next week’s edition for all the scores and highlights.
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