Sports : Vikings stop Spartans in a thriller, 58-56

VINTON - A slow start led to a big finish Friday night for the Vinton-Shellsburg boys' basketball team, as Coach Joe Johnson's Vikings fought off the Solon Spartans for a 58-56 WaMaC Conference victory at the Garrison Fieldhouse.

The Vikes (2-1, 1-1 in conference play), trailed 11-5 after one period and were still down one at halftime, 17-16, but once they came back from the half, Asgaard smote Sparta. Riding a red-hot CJ Rickels, the Viking forged a 34-30 lead after three on their way to the win. A buzzer-beater for the Spartans is what brought the final spread to two points. Rickels, held to two points at the break, exploded for 22 second half points for 24 for the game. Sam Moen added nine,Tanner Rodman eight, Sam Griffith seven, Jose Wilson and Elijah Kalous four each and David Lapan-Islas, two. The Vikings' homestand continues Tuesday as they host the Dyersville Beckman Trailblazers at the Fieldhouse. The freshman tip-off at 4:30 p.m., followed by the JV at 6:00 p.m. and the varsity at 7:30 p.m.Friday's photos can be found here!