Caden I. takes a defender to Dunktown, USA (Courtesy/Sunil S.).
Coming into this season, the Vikings main worry was if the team could continue progressing and elevate to the next level without growing complacent. This past week the Vikings were hot. Led by Jason S. and MJ J. the team has looked nothing but the better team on the court.
On Sunday, December 2, the Maroon and Gray hiked over to Reynoldsburg to battle against the Dunbar Wolverines from Dayton. It was trio Jason, MJ, and Theo F. who took control of this game combining for 39 of the Vikings final 72. For comparison, the Wolverines entire roster scored 39 after four quarters. Sophomore Caden I. got in the action with two blocks to go with his six points.
Academy silenced all the critics claiming that it was a one-off fluke on Saturday, December 7, against CBL opponent Whitehall. The Vikings have done hurdles around the Rams in recent years. And this was no exception. Even without senior guard Theo F., the Rams stood no chance. After an early 33-14 lead at the half, the Vikes never let up and never looked back. Once again it was a trio of Jason, MJ and Caden outsourcing the opponent, this time 42 to Whitehall’s 37. Even with Jason sitting out the fourth quarter, the Rams had no answer for the Vikes.
Considering the sizeable number of seniors on this team, watching Caden and Jason produce and play make, with the help of the senior big men, is not just a great sign for this season and its depth but to the future as well. The Vikings have taken a few blows with injuries to Theo and Cole S., but they looked unfazed against a CBL opponent. Theo should return to the lineup soon while Cole will be sidelined for an extended period of time. It will be interesting to see if a change is made or continued once Theo returns to the lineup and how this team will react to any more adversity.
The Vikings end their roadtrip, returning once again to the Mack Tuesday, December 10, as they host CBL rival, Bexley. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. The Vikings will not stop there as they look to haunt Grandview Heights on Friday the 13th at 7:30 p.m.
