Eagles Edge Out Vikings in Playoff Thriller
In a gripping first-round state playoff encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Kinston Vikings faced a narrow defeat against the Northeastern Eagles from Elizabeth City, N.C., with a final score of 58-53. Hosted within the familiar confines of the Viking gymnasium, this intense battle was not just about scoring points but showcasing the sheer determination, skill, and heart that epitomize high school basketball.
With a solid season record of 18-7 and seeded #16, the Vikings had every reason to step onto their home court with heads held high, ready to extend their successful run. However, the Eagles, holding a 20-8 record, displayed a level of resilience and strategic play that kept them ahead, especially with a notable 36-23 lead at halftime.
Despite trailing, the Vikings refused to go down without a fight. Sparked by freshman guard Keyshawn Herring, the team embarked on a relentless 10-0 run, cutting the Eagles' lead to just one point late in the fourth quarter. This effort highlighted the team's depth, with Copper leading all scorers with 14 points, followed by Herring with 11, Khalid Sanders contributing 9, and DJ Myers adding 8.
Reflecting on the season's abrupt end, Coach Tyndall shared his thoughts, emphasizing the highs and lows of playoff basketball. "Clearly, we are disappointed with our season ending tonight. It’s playoff basketball and you have to bring your best in all areas of the game. That was the challenge. We knew they had some size that we were going to have to equalize. In the first half, it was more of an urgent issue. We were a step slow in rotations that you have to hit playing the way they were. The second half we fought. Our ability to hit some shots and execute some of our stuff to get some easier buckets allowed our defense to get more contagious, and it did. You just have to put it all together for 32 mins. I hate that we won’t be able to suit it up tomorrow. I am thankful for the chance our staff and I got to spend with this group this year and especially thankful to our seniors for what they have contributed to our program.”
This poignant reflection from Coach Tyndall underscores not just the disappointment of an early playoff exit but also a profound appreciation for the journey this team has undertaken. The Vikings' season, though ended prematurely, was a testament to their spirit, teamwork, and the indelible mark left by the senior players on the program.
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