Offense comes alive for Vikings

Justin Stallings makes a move to the basket against Bobcat defender Evan Mitchell. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The offense that Community basketball fans have been waiting for showed up in a big way on Monday night as the Vikings jumped out to a quick start and kept the pedal to the metal to defeat visiting Santa Fe 62-47 and make a cold and dreary night a little more palatable.

The Purple and Gold quick-started their offense with an 11-2 run to open the game behind point guard David Natale's seven points and two assists and the defense worked extra hard to take a 16-2 lead into the second period.

"That is the kind of start that we have been talking about all season," Community coach Jace Bryant said. "I was real pleased that we came out focused and played the way that we are capable.

"The game is so much more fun that way."

Kyle Dyer had two baskets in the second quarter and the defense held steady to ensure the Vikings (5-3) a 26-13 advantage at intermission.

The Bobcats (3-4) made things a little interesting with three 3-pointers in a 19-point third quarter to pull to within 39-32 as they took the court for the final frame.

"We got out to a big lead and then kind of relaxed after the half and let them back into the game," Bryant said. "To our kids' credit, they went back out and took back the momentum and finished what they started."

The Vikings finished as strong as they started by hitting 14-of-17 free throws and Zach Haynes added a 3-point bomb to nail down a much-needed win.

"Any win is a good win," Bryant said. "This one was just what we needed to get back on track before our district game on Friday night."

Community welcomes Forrest on Friday night at 7:30.

Daniel White led all scorers with 19 points for the Bobcats. He was joined by Ben Thompson with 13.

Community placed three in double digits led by Natale's 16. Dustin White hit for 14 and Justin Stallings returned after a two-game absence to net 10.

The Vikings hit 17-of-22 from the charity stripe.