The Cook County boys’ basketball season opened up Friday night at home against the Nashwauk-Keewatin Spartans. After just seven days of practice, the Vikings and Spartans battled it out on the hardwood with Nashwauk coming away with the victory, 57-46. The Vikings lack of rebounding and poor free throw shooting prevented them from making a second half comeback.
Early in the first half, senior center Mike Austin made three straight shots as the game was knotted up at 9-9. The Vikings’ Brock Hommerding then made two baskets and James Groth made a three-pointer as Cook County extended their lead to 16-9.
TheSpartans went on a 19-5 run behind three three-pointers to take a 28-21 lead. Austin then committed his second foul and was forced to sit the final three minutes of the half. The Vikings struggled to rebound without their big man in the game, as Nashwauk extended their run by outscoring Cook County 8-4 in the final minutes, including a three-point dagger at the buzzer which put the Vikings into a 25-36 halftime hole.
At the half, Hommerding and Austin led the Vikings, in scoring with six points each. The Vikings’ horrid three-for-nine shooting from the free throw line was not helping. In addition, Cook County’s defense, which is usually their staple, was struggling.
In the second half, the Vikings continued to attack on offense and found themselves in the bonus with nine minutes left to play in the game. Despite the foul advantage, the Vikings couldn’t capitalize, as seven more missed free throws seemed to plague any chance of a comeback.
Despite Groth’s three second-half three-pointers and a spirited team effort, a lack of rebounding and missed opportunities never allowed the Vikings to get closer than eight points. The Spartans went on to win 57-46.
Groth and Austin led the Vikings with 15 points each. Hommerding added six points and Ryan Martinson and David Bergstrom each added five points to the total. The Vikings ended the game making just nine of 22 free throw attempts. In addition, Cook County was out-rebounded by nearly a two-to-one ratio.
The Vikings now have nine straight days to practice before their next game on Friday, December 18 in Cromwell. Cook County next plays at home on Tuesday, December 22.
Come cheer our Vikes!
Friday, December 18
Away · 6:30 p.m.
vs. Cromwell
Monday, December 21
Away · 6:30 p.m.
vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl
Tuesday, December 22
Home · 6:30 p.m.
vs. Silver Bay
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