Vikings Fall 39-38 in ECC Final, Set Sights on State Playoffs
Vikings Fall 39-38 in ECC Final, Set Sights on State Playoffs
The Kinston High Vikings faced off against the Southwest Onslow Stallions Saturday night in the ECC Conference Tournament Final at Kinston High. The game was a dramatic battle, but ultimately the Vikings fell short in overtime, losing 39-38. Despite the loss, the contest revealed much about both teams, with the Vikings showing resilience and determination.
“It’s a late playoff game feel. I mean, it’s a third-, fourth- and fifth-round type game, and you just gotta have urgency and go get them. We came out a little flat; I thought we just weren’t attacking,” Vikings head coach Perry Tyndal said, reflecting on his team’s early performance.
The Vikings, who earned a first-round bye in the tournament, had not played since last Thursday, when they defeated North Lenoir to close out the regular season. Snow cancellations also kept the team from practicing since Tuesday, contributing to their rusty start. Despite that, the Vikings scored first when #1 Keyshawn Herring hit a 3-pointer to open the scoring, though they trailed 15-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Coach Tyndal added, “It’s not the outcome we want. I mean, clearly, even the score tells you there was not enough attack from us—that’s just not what we want to do.”
In the second quarter, Kinston fought back to cut the deficit to two points but still trailed 23-18 at halftime. After the break, the Stallions went on a run, building an 11-point lead, but the Vikings weren’t done. A strong push in the second half brought Kinston back into the game, and after a back-and-forth fourth quarter, they managed to tie the game at 37. The Vikings had a chance to win in regulation when they held for the final shot, but their attempt missed, and Southwest Onslow had a chance to win as time expired but couldn’t convert.
Overtime brought more drama. With less than five seconds left in the extra period, Herring was fouled and had a chance to tie the game at the free-throw line. He made the first free throw but missed the second. After the Stallions knocked the rebound out of bounds, the Vikings had 1.2 seconds to attempt a last-second shot. Herring caught the ball in the corner, but his shot missed, sealing the Stallions’ victory.
Herring and #11 Isaiah Parsons led the way for Kinston, each scoring 12 points. #3 Jemarion Washington contributed 9 points. For Southwest Onslow, Malekhi Hutchinson stood out with 12 points.
Despite the loss, Coach Tyndal remains optimistic. “We’ll learn from it, and now we’ve got to turn the page quickly. The playoffs are here, and the goal is simple: win and advance.”
The Vikings will now await their seeding for the 2A NCHSAA state playoffs, which begin Tuesday. They are likely to secure at least one home game, where they will look to bounce back and make a deep postseason run.
