Charlie H./Vaanika J./Media
The boys basketball team had a huge week, winning three games en route to securing the MSL co-championship against Worthington Christian.
On Tuesday, February 7, the Vikings faced Fredericktown in a non-league contest. After a close first half, Academy pulled away with a 54-35 win over the Freddies. Marcus J. led with 12 points.
The biggest matchup was on Friday, February 9 at Worthington Christian. The Vikings were looking to avenge one of their two losses this season. The Vikes came out hot, starting with an 11-0 run. In spite of a powerful dunk from Charlie H., the Warriors would not quit, and by halftime, the Vikes were only up 22-20. Academy maintained a lead throughout the game until the Warriors hit a bucket to go ahead by one point, 45-44, with only 19 seconds left in the game. Theo F. was unfazed, taking the ball the length of the court and hitting a floater with 16 seconds remaining. As the Warriors raced to beat the clock and reclaim the lead, Charlie H. had the defensive play of the night, taking a charge from a Worthington Christian guard, which gave the ball back to the Vikings. Theo F. sealed the win, going 4 for 4 from the free throw line in the final seconds to secure the 50-45 win. Academy had three players in double figures, with Marcus J. scoring 14 and Theo F. and Charlie H. both with 13 each.
With the Worthington Christian victory in hand, the Vikes still needed to beat Wellington on Saturday, February 10, to secure the MSL co-championship. Once again, Academy had a fast start, taking a 17-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Jaguars were no match for the Vikings, who overpowered Wellington by 65-31. Jack S. hit four 3-pointers for 12 points while Charlie H. dominated the paint, also adding 12 points.
Currently at 18-2, the Vikes play their final two regular season games both at home on Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m. against Columbus International and on Thursday, February 16 against Horizon Science at 7:00 p.m. when the Little Dribblers will perform at halftime.
