(Andrew Barren’22/Media)

On Wednesday, January 27, the boys traveled to Centerburg. The Trojans, 4th in the state, were one of the Vikes’ toughest opponents thus far. 

Juniors Kevin Reeves and Tanner Compton sparked the offense, with 16 points and 12 points, respectively. Reeves’ quick instincts under the rim led to 10 rebounds, and Compton also secured 3 steals. The Vikes won narrowly 35-32. 

On Friday, January 29, the boys matched up against Buckeye Valley for Senior Night in agame was a nailbiter to the final moments. 

Taking a timeout with 39 seconds left, the Vikes were down by 2. The Fighting Barons started with possession, but the defense led by Compton, Parker Logan’22, and Brady Hess’21 kept them from burning too much time by forcing a free frow. 

With 27 seconds left, Buckeye Valley made 1 out of its 2 free throws. Following a pass from Hess, Compton stormed towards the net-and fouled leaping towards the rim. Under enormous pressure, Compton made both free throws, cutting Buckeye Valley’s lead to 1 point. 

After another timeout, Buckeye Valley was kept to 2 free throws, missing both. 

Compton says, “I was thinking we would probably need a 3 because the person shooting the free throws had been a good free throw shooter. I assumed he would make both, but when he missed both, it gave us a big chance to take the lead with only a few seconds left.”

Compton wasted no time and capitalized immediately, catching the Barons flat-footed against his burst of speed. Compton netted a 2-pointer, giving the Vikes a 1 point lead with just under 8 seconds left. Reeves and Hess double-teamed to fend off Buckeye Valley’s last offensive opportunity, leading to a 40-39 win as the clock ran out. 

Compton led with 18 points and 3 steals, Sonari Hart followed with 2 points and 2 steals. 

The squad will face Whitehall Yearling at home on Friday, February 8 and away at Central Crossing on Saturday, February 9.