Vikings scare fans before claiming win

Zach Haynes (20), Justin Stallings (5) and Cody Pierce surround a rebound in their non-district win over Nashville Christian. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Coach Jace Bryant's team is simply not going to make things easy on Community basketball fans' cardiovascular systems this season.

The Vikings (7-3) took on a relatively young and inexperienced Nashville Christian team and, for much of Monday night, seemed to be on the precipice of turning the game into a rout, only to slide back to square one time and time again in their 51-48 win.

Wylder Norris, playing with six stitches in his chin from a blow under the basket on Friday night, scored six points, including a dunk, and Zach Haynes added five to give the Vikings a quick 10-0 lead early and then a 16-9 cushion after one quarter.

Justin Stallings, playing as fifth man while still nursing a sore ankle, came in and tallied all nine points scored by Community in the second frame while the defense allowed only two field goals and three free throws to take a 25-16 lead at the break.

"We played hard in the first half and I liked our defensive effort," Viking coach Jace Bryant said. "We hit some shots and then they began to pack it in on Justin (Stallings).

"We did not handle that well in the second half."

The Eagles put 3-pointers on the board by Dakota Priest, Nick Walker and Matt Ogle to cut the Viking lead to 34-29 going into the final stanza.

Walker netted two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Eagles would get as close as two points several times, but the Vikings answered each time.

Dustin White retaliated with a long trey on his way to a triple double and Cody Pierce once again exhibited deadly calm from the charity stripe in the closing seconds to close out the win.

The Vikings registered the win despite 10 turnovers and shooting a dismal 4-of-16 from behind the arc.

"We play hard, we just don't always play smart," Bryant said. "I told the guys after the game that I am not unhappy with the effort that we give on a nightly basis, but I sometimes wonder if we are truly thinking about basketball during the games.

"We are certainly capable. Like most sports, this is a mental game. We just need to play with a more intelligent mindset."

Stallings led the way for both teams with 16 points. White kicked in with 11.

Priest netted 14 and Walker added 12 for the Eagles.

Community will compete in the Hickman County tournament on Saturday. Their first game will be against Station Camp at 6.