Vikings Triumph Over Tigers

In a spirited return to form, the Kinston Vikings overcame the James Kenan Tigers with a decisive 61-48 victory, bolstering their season record to 16-5 and maintaining their conference lead at 9-1. This win comes on the heels of a challenging defeat to Southwest Onslow earlier in the week, demonstrating the Vikings' resilience and determination. James Kenan, meanwhile, moves to a 12-6 overall record and 6-3 in the conference standings.

Right from the start, Kinston set the pace, securing a 9-2 lead early in the first quarter. Despite the initial setback, James Kenan quickly turned the game into a closely contested battle, matching Kinston basket for basket through the late first and entire second quarter. The Vikings narrowly led at halftime, 27-26, setting the stage for a tense second half.

In a game-changing performance, Senior Guard Khalid Sanders and Junior Forward DJ Myers became pivotal for the Vikings in the latter half. Combining for 16 points, their efforts were crucial in widening the gap between the teams. Myers, leading the charge, scored 16 points throughout the game, while Sanders added 10 points to the Vikings' tally.

Coach Tyndall expressed pride in his team's ability to clinch another conference win, especially on the road. "James Kenan proved to be a formidable opponent, but our adjusted defensive strategy and late-game offensive execution were key to pulling ahead," he remarked. The focus, according to Tyndall, remains on taking the season "one game at a time," with an emphasis on consistency in energy and attention to detail.

The Vikings' strategy paid off as they expanded their lead in the late third quarter and throughout the fourth, outscoring the Tigers 34-22 in the second half. This victory not only marks a significant conference win but also continues Kinston's undefeated streak against James Kenan, moving to 7-0 all-time in this matchup.

Looking ahead, Kinston is set to face Wallace Rose Hill on February 9th in Teachey, NC, for another critical conference game. This upcoming match is a key part of the Vikings' end-of-season strategy before hosting North Lenoir Hawks in their final home conference game. With their sights set on maintaining their conference lead, the Vikings are gearing up for the challenges that lie ahead.