Laredo, TX - Traveling seven hours to open the season against the best private school competition is not easy, but the Vikings (1-2) learned a lot about themselves over the weekend.
The first game of the two day, three game showcase featured the Vikings versus defending TAPPS 4A state champion Westbury Christian. In a back and forth contest, the Vikings would lead into the fourth quarter before a run by the visitors stretched the deficit to ten points. The Vikings would claw back into the game, trailing by two points with less than a minute left in regulation. A missed free throw block out cost the Vikings in the end, as Westbury finished the game at the foul line to secure a 71-65 victory.
Senior guard Michael Jones led the Vikings with 29 points, making six three pointers.
The second game featured the Vikings taking another 6A opponent in Concordia Lutheran. The Vikings were never in the game as the Crusaders jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter behind their signature 1-3-1 zone. The Vikings would cut the lead to eight points in the fourth quarter but would get no closer, falling 58-45.
Senior point guard Jaden Thomas led the team in scoring with 17 points.
Fort Bend Christian was the Vikings final opponent of the showcase. The Vikings would control the entire game until a late run by the visitors. Trailing by one point with under four second remaining, Thomas lobbed a perfectly placed inbound pass to senior forward Patrick Hoffman, who scored the winning basket with one second left on the clock. The Vikings would win the contest 50-49 as a desperation heave came up short from Fort Bend.
Hoffman had a breakout game, securing his first double-double of the season.
“It was an ok trip for us, we expect more. We expect to win every game. We are not a young team anymore, we have seniors who have been through the battles before and know what it takes. Thankfully we found a way to finish the trip with a win,” said head coach Dylan Dudley.
The Vikings will return home Monday night in a battle with Grace Prep. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
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