Senior guard David Bergstrom has helped lead his team to a 3-0 start. Bergstrom was second team all conference last year and should make the first team if he continues his fine all-around play. Here he goes up for two points against Nashwauk-Keewatin.
Despite a long road trip to McGregor the Vikings found their legs early and hounded their opponents into 13 first half points while scoring 22 of their own. Playing the epitome of team defense, all five Vikings also crashed the boards and gave their opponents few second attempts to score off of offensive rebounds.
Nothing much changed in the second half as the boys continued to pressure their opponents into numerous turnovers and didn’t allow many second shots. They outscored the Mercs 26-18 to finish the game up 48-31 in what could be described as a very efficient win.
With no player taller than 6’2”, Head Coach Mitch Dorr stresses team defense and all of his players buying into rebounding. It’s a sale that has worked as his Vikings repeatedly out rebound taller teams and hound opposing players into turnovers with static cling-like defense.
“I was really happy with our improvement on defense,” said Dorr. “We did a nice job of playing team defense. We need to get better finishing a game down the stretch and taking care of the ball when it matters most. We have plenty of time to work on that,” he noted as the Christmas vacation quickly approaches.
Only a sophomore, Jonny Jacobsen has been getting valuable minutes off of the bench for the varsity. The 6’3” center is a good rebounder and defender and is improving his offense with each game.
Dorr lauded the play of several young men. “I thought Kale (Boomer) really had a nice game. He is becoming a great all-around force as he had 12 defensive rebounds, three assists, and eight points. He really is getting a lot better at getting guys the ball when they need it. His defense was great all night long.
“David (Bergstrom) also continues to play great, scoring 18 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and getting 9 steals. Almost a triple double!
“Jonny (Jacobsen) continues to impress me off the bench. He is getting better every day,” said Dorr.
Dylan Quaife played a strong game throughout, adding 10 points. Colin Everson with 8 points and Jacobsen and Mike Sjogren, who each scored two points, followed him.
Next up for the Vikings is Esko this Thursday, Dec. 13 at Esko. After that they travel to Mountain Iron-Buhl on Dec. 19 and finally play at home on January 6 against Cromwell.
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