Kinston Falls to Northern Nash
Rocky Mount- In a thrilling showdown on the hardwood, the Kinston Vikings embarked on a journey to face the Northern Nash Knights. This clash promised to be a test of skill and determination, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The game unfolded with the Knights, coming off an impressive 28-3 season, pitted against the Vikings, who had recorded a commendable 21-6 record last season but fell short in the second round of the playoffs. The stage was set for a high-stakes encounter.
As the opening quarter kicked off, the Vikings showed early promise, taking a 19-16 lead. Kahil Sanders and Keyshawn Herring showcased their offensive prowess, combining for 10 of the Vikings' first-quarter points. However, the second quarter proved to be a stumbling block for Kinston, as they were outscored 18-11 by the Knights. DJ Myers emerged as the leading scorer for the Vikings in the second quarter with three crucial points, but the Knights managed to seize a 34-30 advantage at halftime.
Just when Kinston hoped to regain their offensive rhythm, they encountered further challenges in the third quarter. The Vikings could only muster seven points in this period, with Kahil Sanders leading the scoring charge with four points. Kahil would go on to tally 13 points on the night. As the third quarter concluded, the Knights held a 47-37 lead.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Vikings staged a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter, notching 24 points. Keyshawn Herring took the reins in the final period, contributing nine crucial points and finishing with a team-high 15 points in his high school debut. What's even more remarkable is that Kinston saw contributions from nine different players in the scoring column, highlighting their depth and versatility.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Knights emerged victorious with a final score of 69-61, but the Vikings' resilience and determination were evident throughout the contest.
Looking ahead, the Vikings will have a well-deserved week of preparation before their next matchup on November 28th against Greene Central (0-0). It's an opportunity for Kinston to regroup, refine their strategies, and come back stronger in their quest for success on the court. Stay tuned for more exciting high school basketball action from the Kinston Vikings as they continue their season.
