• Article Photo. Kelyn Rickels scores.
    Kelyn Rickels scores.
  • Article Photo. Max Kearns
    Max Kearns
  • Article Photo. Max Kearns drives to the basket.
    Max Kearns drives to the basket.
  • Article Photo. Chris Merchant dives for a loose ball.
    Chris Merchant dives for a loose ball.
  • Article Photo. Grant Sagan takes a second half shot.
    Grant Sagan takes a second half shot.
  • Article Photo. Senior Max Griffith attempts a shot in the Vikings scrimmage vs. Xavier.
    Senior Max Griffith attempts a shot in the Vikings scrimmage vs. Xavier.
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  • Article Photo. Chris Merchant takes a shot against an Xavier defender.
    Chris Merchant takes a shot against an Xavier defender.
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  • Article Photo. Chris Merchant attempts a jump shot.
    Chris Merchant attempts a jump shot.
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  • Article Photo. Nolan Sagan drives for a second-half layup.
    Nolan Sagan drives for a second-half layup.
  • Article Photo. Chase Overton tries to score against an Xavier defender.
    Chase Overton tries to score against an Xavier defender.
  • Article Photo. Tip-Off: Viking season began with scrimmage.
    Tip-Off: Viking season began with scrimmage.
  • Article Photo. Two Xavier defenders try to block a shot by Nolan Sagan.
    Two Xavier defenders try to block a shot by Nolan Sagan.
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  • Article Photo. Coach Johnson discusses strategy with his team.
    Coach Johnson discusses strategy with his team.
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Ending their last season just one game away from going to last year’s State Tournament, the Vinton-Shellburg boys basketball team won its first contest of 2012-13 on Saturday.

The Vikings hosted Cedar Rapids Xavier in the Iowa Pride Challenge scrimmage series. The Vikings won, 69-54.

The Iowa Pride Challenge raises funds for the Iowa Hall of Pride, the hall of fame for Iowa high school athletics, as well as local charities. Admission for Saturday’s game was $3 and a canned food item for the local food pantry. Next weekend, the VS girls will play an Iowa Pride game in Dunkerton; that event will help a Christmas program there.

"The Hall of Pride Challenge is a service project game." said Coach Joe Johnson. "We joined together with Xavier Boys Basketball to raise food to donate to the food pantry.  We raised 200+ canned goods and other food items for the pantry.  It was a great night for a great cause."

The official girls’ basketball season begins tomorrow with a game at Anamosa; the boys’ official season begins Nov. 27, at Dyersville Beckman.

Wrestling begins Nov. 29 with a home contest against Union and Decorah.

Boys’ swimming begins Dec. 1, at Newton.

See a complete VSHS winter sports schedule HERE.