Sports : Slow start, Mustang 3s doom Vikings in 65-56 loss

The Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings played well enough over three quarters to defeat Independence in an away game on Tuesday.

But a dreadfully poor start by the Vikes and spectacular 3-point shooting by a Mustang junior made the difference. V-S fell behind 9-1 and ended the first quarter with a 5-15 deficit. They were able to cut the Mustang lead to 2 a couple of times in the second half, but lost the Wamac Conference contest, 65-56.

Tyler Rippel led the Vikings with 20 points. Tyler Stueck added 12 points and snagged 12 rebounds.

Junior Spencer Pink connected on five of his seven 3-point tries to keep the Mustangs ahead in the second half. Another junior, Nick Steger, led Independence with 20 points.

The free throw line also made a difference. The Mustangs were 13 of 18 while the Vikes made 14 of 22 tries.

Both teams have won 2 games this season. The Vikings had previously defeated Independence at home for their first win.

In girls action, the Vikettes hosted Independence Tuesday night. V-S trailed by two at halftime, but lost 45-50. Junior Maci Griffith accounted for half of the Vikettes's scoring with 24 points and an assist. Brea Burroughs added 13 and Jarrica Speidel led the Vikettes with 12 rebounds.

The Vikings begin a long home stretch, while the Vikettes are on the road until Feb. 3, when they will honor breast cancer survivors with a Pink Night game vs. S. Tama.

The Viking sophomores defeated the Mustangs before the varsity game began.

See the complete boys stats and schedule HERE.

See the girls stats and schedule HERE.

See more photos below:

Varsity vs. Mustangs

Sophomores vs. Mustangs