Academy was bursting with energy from the tip. The Vikes crashed the offensive glass, as seniors Chris Boyle, Hayden Compton, and Evan Scott each scored on putback layups. On the other end, junior Carter Warstler swatted a pair of shots to fuel CA’s swarming defense. The Pioneers, however, swung back and cut their deficit to just 13-9 after the first quarter.

The Vikings caught fire in the second period. Academy ripped off a 12-2 run, including 5 straight points from Compton and had WRA on the ropes. Compton finished with 13 on the night. The Pioneers continued to battle but went to the break in an 11-point hole.

In the the third quarter, the Vikes finally put Western Reserve Academy away for good. Senior Dorrian Moultrie was everywhere, forcing turnovers and drawing fouls with slashes to the rim. Moultrie paced CA with 15 points and 4 steals, and his team took a 45-27 cushion into the final period.

The game secured, the Vikings breezed to the finish line, with their backups closing out the first victory of the 2018 campaign.

Academy will clash with Cristo Rey in its home opener on Wednesday, December 5, before taking a trip to Central Crossing on Saturday, December 8.