Vikings move on with OT District win over Lake Mills

It was a week of real highs and real lows for the Vikings.  The week opened with a big road loss, but ended on a positive note as the team moves on in District action.
Ventura 47, LM 45 OT
    Monday night was a big night for the Vikings.  Not only did they garner an overtime victory against Lake Mills to move on

in District action, but the win was also significant in the fact that it was the last varsity game to be played in the Ventura gym.
    Lake Mills and Ventura were evenly matched teams and a battle ensued from the very beginning.  The playing style of both teams was very similar with good defense and calculated offense.
    The Bulldogs captured a first quarter lead of 9-4.  The Vikings battled back in the second quarter and behind a buzzer shot by Jeff O’Brien, took a 17-15 lead into the break.
    The back and forth scoring continued in the third quarter.  Lake Mills hit a three at the buzzer to jump ahead, 28-26.
    With 2:30 remaining in regulation, the Bulldogs had a four point advantage.  The Vikings made up ground and tied the score, 36-36 with 1:35 left on the clock.  Lake Mills went up by two at the :50 second mark.  An under the basket dump by Ryan Schmitz tied the game, 38-38, sending the game into overtime.
    Lake Mills opened OT by taking a four point lead.  Once again, the Vikings battled back.  Joel Watson put in two for the Vikings, giving them a one point lead with :53 on the clock. 
    Seniors James Stephenson and Ryan Schmitz made the difference by both connecting on free throws in the final :43 seconds to take a 47-42 lead.  The Bulldogs started chucking up three-point desperation shots in the final seconds of the game and connected on one with .2 seconds remaining on the clock, 47-45.  The Vikings inbounded and watched time expire for the victory.
    “The seniors really stepped it up tonight,” said Coach Chad Brown.  “Joel Watson was 50 percent from the field with eight points and five assists.  Ryan Schmitz ended with six points and really provided needed defense and hustle.  James Stephenson also stepped up defensively, hit some big free throws and provided eight points.”
    Coach Brown also commended the play of Joel Toppin.  Toppin held Lake Mills’ outside shooter to just six points.  Toppin hit Ventura’s only three and ended the night with eight points.  Sam Treloar and Shawn Murphy were also recognized for coming off the bench to add some needed energy.
    In the post position, Jeff O’Brien and Zach Ryerson added some spark, according to Brown.  O’Brien did a nice job at defense under the basket and had two great assists from the high post.
    “We played great defense and we were patient on offense,” said Brown.  “We’ll head to North Iowa on - Read More Via e-Edition