Vikings top Eagles 57-48

Photo: Matthew Fleming

DEFENSE — Andrew Fleming plays tough D vs. Mt. Ararat.

OXFORD HILLS — The Oxford Hills Boys Basketball team came away with a satisfying win over Mt. Ararat on Monday, January 21. Earlier in the season the Vikings had lost to them on the road.

A low scoring first quarter featured Mt. Ararat's freshman guard, Shy Ulrickson's precision dismantling of the Vikings full court press for easy baskets. The Vikings countered with their big three, Jake Plummer, Luke Davidson, and Andrew Fleming dominating in the paint.

There were tons of fouls and foul shots. At half the Vikings were on top 27-22.

A run in the second half by the Eagles resulted in a 37-37 tie midway through the third quarter. The Vikings then went to work controlling the tempo of the game pounding the ball inside and packing in the defense, extending their lead to double digits.

Late in the fourth quarter the lead went to as little as six points. Mt. Ararat was forced to put OH on the charity stripe in an attempt to stop clock. The Vikings foul shooting was suspect but some key rebounds and superior team defense locked up the win for the Vikes.

Plummer finished with 18. Fleming tossed in 13 along with key rebounds and defensive effort down the stretch on the Eagle's freshman standout Ulrickson, which earned him the WOXO player of the game.

Matty Beauchesne showed great poise and leadership with his handling of the basketball in the final minutes of the game.

On Friday, January 18, it was a rematch from the first game of the season that OH won 71-68. This time Lewiston came to play, they beat Oxford Hills 74-62.

To start the scoring Ryan Godin hit 2 points off a bank shot. Fleming added to that with a 3 pointer for the Vikings. Kenny Lynch had a team high 15 points which started on two 3 point field goals. Beauchesne got a steal to end the first quarter.

The next few minutes were a great defensive job by the Vikings. Fleming got a steal and Davidson and Riley Chickering both had took a charge. Then it went in the wrong direction. Dalton Rice recorded a foul and Jordan Croteau argued the call, getting a technical foul. Lynch got a and one lay up to slow the charge down for the Vikings.

The Viking's next game is Thursday, January 24 against Cony.

Photo: Matthew Fleming

REBOUND? — Vikings look to rebound after a foul shot vs. Lewiston.