Vikings’ Fortunes Reverse In 48 Hours

Monday evening’s 82 - 54 loss to the Central Cyclones the Vanier Vikings junior boys basketball club had a single practice on Tuesday to correct their ills.

And correct they did as they defeated the Peacock Toilers green team 83 - 55 on Wednesday evening.

For the Vikings it was a complete reversal in 48 hours.

The game saw the Vikings on more than a few occasions force turnovers and take possession of the ball deep inside Toilers’ territory.

Rebounding was of particular importance as both teams needed two or three shot combinations before they scored a basket.

“We played Central on Monday it was a big eye opener we had a lot to work on. So tonight we tried to focus on things we did in practice. It was a learning experience,” Mark Bevan head coach of the Vanier Vikings said.

Despite decent shooting from the field goal line Bevan said the team did not shoot up to its ability.

“I know we can do better on the three-point line. That’s definitely out bread and butter. The boys definitely need to work on it.”

In his 15th year of coaching he said this year’s edition of the Vikings junior boys is more experienced than last year.

“Last year we were a young team. They’re about 10 grade nines on the team so this year we are a lot older,” he said.

Despite being a smaller team the Vikings took the game to the Toilers.

“We’re definitely a smaller team. We’re quicker and lower to the ground. We just need to figure out how to utilize that.”

Bevan said despite their smaller size the Vikings have been able to go past the size and aggressiveness of larger teams.

“No, these guys actually find a way to get to the net. I’m really happy with that. We haven’t found a team we can’t beat. We’ll see what happens.”

He said the team has the same goals this year they had last year and that is the win tournaments get to the league finals and win that too.

About communication between the players, he said it’s something the Vikings are going to definitely have to work on.

“ It’s one of our weak spots. The boys don’t like talking that’s for sure.”

The Scoresheet