Sports : Third quarter defense propels Vikes to second straight big win

Max Kearns has been one of the Viking leaders in scoring and assists this season.

Grant Sagan drives against a group of WD defenders.

Assist: Max Kearns fooled the WD defense - and the photographer- with a bounce pass to Nolan Sagan.

Coach Johnson speaks to the team during a first half time out.

A strong third-period performance by the Viking defense helped turn a two-point game into a rout, as the Vikings defeated West Delaware 69-51 Friday.

The home debut for the Vikings was their second big win of the season. Vinton-Shellsburg held the Hawks to just nine third period points. Coach Joe Johnson said the success of the Vikings’ full court press which contributed to 19 steals is one of the reasons for their two big wins. However, said the coach, the team still has much to work on, especially on defense.

The coach would also like to see his team have better starts. The Vikings have won their first two games by a total margin of 46 points, but in first period play the Vikings' opponents have scored as many points as they have.

Three Vikings were well into double digits in scoring: Max Griffith, 19; Kelyn Rickels, 17; Max Kearns, 16.

The Vikings travel to Clear Creek Amana on Tuesday.See conplete VS/WD stats HERE.