Fouls too much for Vikings to overcome

The Community Vikings held Middle Tennessee Christian to just 11 field goals in their season-opening District 9-A game Friday night in Unionville, but were unable to overcome 42 Cougar free throw attempts and fell 49-41.

The Vikings (3-1, 0-1 9-A) were whistled early and often for transgressions, however real or imagined, and played without several key starters in what was still a close game into the fourth quarter despite several freshmen on the floor for a majority of the game.

Justin Stallings, Dustin White and David Natale jump-started the Purple and Gold with 3-pointers each to stake the home team to a 13-7 advantage after one period.

The half was tied at 21-all, due in large part to a dismal 2-of-9 showing from the charity stripe by the Vikings in the second frame.

"This was a frustrating game for several reasons," Community coach Jace Bryant said. "We didn't play well on either end of the court and when we did get out to a little lead we couldn't finish it out.

"The game was definitely called a little differently than we are accustomed to, but the bottom line is that they weren't the ones missing shots or blowing assignments.

"This is a step back for us, no doubt about it."

Wylder Norris hit for nine points in the third quarter and White added four to counter the Cougars' best stretch field-goal wise and stay deadlocked at 36 apiece at the horn.

The Cougars had only one two-point basket, but connected on 9-of-16 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the deal as three Viking starters fouled out.

"We have a lot of work to do to be ready for our games next week," Bryant said. "We will work hard and we will improve some areas of our game that need some fine tuning.

"You never want to lose a game, much less a district game but this could end up being a valuable lesson for us."

Norris paced the Viking attack with 13 points.

Community takes on Class AAA opponent Lincoln County on Tuesday night at 7:30 in Unionville.