• Article Photo. Max G
    Max G
  • Article Photo. Max G Jake M
    Max G Jake M
  • Article Photo. Kelyn
    Kelyn
  • Article Photo. Jake M
    Jake M
  • Article Photo. Max K
    Max K
  • Article Photo. Celebrate win
    Celebrate win
  • Article Photo. Chris M
    Chris M
  • Article Photo. Chris M and Grant S
    Chris M and Grant S
  • Article Photo. Grant S
    Grant S
  • Article Photo. Grant S
    Grant S
  • Article Photo. Fans & Cheerleaders
    Fans & Cheerleaders
  • Article Photo. The Vikings improved their record to 7-1 with win over Williamsburg.
    The Vikings improved their record to 7-1 with win over Williamsburg.
  • Article Photo. Grant Sagan seeks to preserve the Viking lead at the free throw line.
    Grant Sagan seeks to preserve the Viking lead at the free throw line.
  • Article Photo. The Vikings are in first place in the Wamac West after two wins this week; they host Indee tonight.
    The Vikings are in first place in the Wamac West after two wins this week; they host Indee tonight.
  • Article Photo. The celebration begins as Griffith holds on to the ball after it was batted away by Rickels.
    The celebration begins as Griffith holds on to the ball after it was batted away by Rickels.
  • Article Photo. Kelyn Rickels was fouled attempting this lay-up during the win vs. Williamsburg.
    Kelyn Rickels was fouled attempting this lay-up during the win vs. Williamsburg.
  • Article Photo. Jake Milroy, the only senior on the VS team, attempts a shot.
    Jake Milroy, the only senior on the VS team, attempts a shot.
  • Article Photo. Griffith eyes the basket before attempting a 3-point shot.
    Griffith eyes the basket before attempting a 3-point shot.
  • Article Photo. Max Griffith goes up for a shot in the third quarter vs. the Raiders.
    Max Griffith goes up for a shot in the third quarter vs. the Raiders.

     The Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings returned to the basketball court on Tuesday, for the first of three home games to begin the first week of 2012. 

     The Vikings led most of the way, but had to rely on free throws and a last second block of a Raider pass to preserve the victory. They defeated Williamsburg 53-51. 

     Down by two with just a few seconds left, Williamsburg called time out. Rickels dived to block the inbounds pass, knocking it across the center line, where Griffith recovered it as the clock expired.

     Coach Joe Johnson credited his players, particulary Kelyn Rickels and Max Griffith, for defending the highly-skilled Williamsburg team. 

    Grant Sagan led the Vikes with 14 points, while Rickels and Chris Merchant each added 11. Griffith was also in double figures with 10. Sagan also pulled in 14 rebounds. Sagan and Griffith are currently the Wamac West rebound leaders; both average more than seven per game. Max Keanrs is leading the conference in assists with 34 after eight games.

     The Vikings improve to 7-1 on the season. They host Union on Thursday, and Independence on Friday.

     See complete team stats HERE.