Vikings get revenge on Cougars

MURFREESBORO -- Every game in this part of the season takes on special meaning, especially when it counts in the district standings. Nobody knows that better than the Community Vikings.

Community (11-5, 4-2 9-A) avenged an earlier season loss to Middle Tennessee Christian Tuesday night 53-45 with a stout defensive effort and torrid shooting by senior Wylder Norris, who finished with a game-high 23 points.

"Wylder works hard to be a good player," Community coach Jace Bryant said. "He works hard in the weight room and makes the other guys have to work harder in practice every day.

"He has really stepped up and taken a leadership role with his teammates. I am really proud of him for that."

Norris was unstoppable in the first quarter, establishing position down low, and his teammates delivered the ball to him on demand. He hit on all five field goal attempts to account for 10 points and lead his squad to a 14-9 advantage.

Defense took over the game for both teams in the second stanza as the half concluded in a 23-18 Viking lead.

Killen Middleton provided instant offense for the Cougars with 13 points in the third quarter, including a trio of 3-pointers, to overcome the Viking advantage. His team led by as many as four points along the way.

The teams exchanged baskets on several occasions but the Cougars led 34-33 to begin the final period.

Cody Pierce led the Vikings' offense to a quick 8-0 run in the fourth with a clutch 3-point goal and Norris went back to work underneath with six points to hold off a frenzied comeback attempt by the Cougars.

Pierce closed out the win by hitting 6-of-6 free throws in the closing minutes.

"Any district win is a big win but they are especially meaningful on the road," Bryant said. "This was a big win for us and we worked hard for it."

Norris was game high scorer with 23. Pierce and Natale netted 11 apiece for the Vikings.

Middleton led the MTC effort with 22.

Community takes on Boyd Christian on Friday in McMinnville.