VINTON -- CJ Rickels exploded for 23 points, and was joined in double figures by fellow members of the Class of 2021 Derron Hughes and David Lapan-Islas as the Vinton-Shellsburg boys' basketball team (8-9 on the season) bested Williamsburg 63-56 in a Senior Night WaMaC West showdown at the Garrison Fieldhouse Tuesday night.
Coming off last week's painful 56-38 loss to Center Point-Urbana, Coach Joe Johnson's Vikes came out strong, leading 15-9 after one period and 36-20 at the half. Trailing 60-43 with two minutes left, the Raiders (9-9) outscored the Vikings 13-3 down the stretch, but V-S hung on for the win.
Rickels drilled five three-pointers on his was to 23. Hughes added a pair of treys on his way to 16 points, while Lapan-Islas added ten. Ethan Rollinger chipped in with seven, Elijah Kalous four, Ryan Moore two and Landyn Rowe one.
The Vikes continue their five-game homestand Friday night when they host Maquoketa at the Fieldhouse, tip-off set for 7:30. Next Monday, Clear Creek-Amana comes to call, followed by a visit from Marion next Tuesday. The Vikes wrap-up the regular season the 18th on the road at Benton Community.
Pictures from CPU and Williamsburg
