Vikings rock Forrest in overtime

The Vikings' Zach Haynes (20) and Cody Pierce combine to pull in a rebound against the Rockets' Seth Brothers (32) and Preston Pratt (40). (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The Community Vikings came into their District 9-A basketball game with Forrest in desperate need of a win and got just what the doctor ordered.

Justin Stallings and Zach Haynes combined for 32 points in a well-played contest by both teams that required an overtime period to decide the 55-52 Viking victory.

The game featured 11 lead changes, 39 free throws, and a clutch 3-pointer by the Rockets with 13 seconds left to tie the game that quieted a raucous home crowd, albeit for just a brief time.

Preston Pratt paced the Rockets to a 12-11 first quarter advantage with two 3-point shots to counter a six-point effort by Wylder Norris for the Purple and Gold (6-3, 2-2 9-A)

David Natale and Dustin White nailed a shot apiece from beyond the arc and Zach Haynes netted seven points for the Vikings, who looked like they would take a lead into the break.

But the Rockets' Colin Henson got the hot hand to score nine points, four in the last 20 seconds of the quarter, to give his team a narrow 31-30 lead at the horn.

"Forrest plays as hard as any team in the district," Community coach Jace Bryant said. "They are one of the best-coached teams in the area and it shows on the floor.

"I was pleased with our ball movement against their trap defense and we scrapped for every loose ball and rebound."

The Vikings had a bit of a offensive letdown in the third period, with only four points on two baskets by Stallings, but were able to slow the Rockets down to just seven points as the buzzer sounded on a 38-34 Forrest lead.

Stallings tied the game at the four-minute mark on a pretty drive in the lane and Cody Pierce put the Vikings in front with two free throws after a steal.

Haynes went to the charity stripe a minute later and put the Vikings ahead by three points.

A trade of baskets by Natale and the Rockets' Ferris Perkins maintained the Viking advantage. It looked as if the Vikings would prevail with 12 seconds left when it appeared as if the visitors' point guard double dribbled, but there was no whistle on the play.

Pratt then fired up a 25-foot jumper that made the nets sing to send the game into overtime.

"I was real proud of the way our guys reacted after that 3-pointer," Bryant said. "It could have broken their heart but they went right back to work and won the game.

"We stepped up as a team tonight."

Stallings had four points and Pierce and White hit clutch free throws to finish out the win for the Vikings.

Community plays host to Nashville Christian on Monday at 7:30.