SPARTA — A third-period lapse and a barrage of three-point shots lifted the River Valley Vikings to a 62-55 victory over the Highland Scots in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference boys basketball action on Saturday.
After jumping out 12-8 in the first quarter, the Scots traded blows with the Vikings. Scots’ post player Ethan Zuber and teammate Jake Ulrey each sank three field goals to help hold off the Vikings and maintain their four-point lead going into the locker room at the half.
Guard Michael Simmons (25 points, 6-for-10 FT) knocked down three of River Valley’s seven 3-pointers to lead the way. Teammate Luke McCoy added a pair of his own. They combined with Bo Keener (13 points) and Nick McCleese (seven rebounds, two steals) to be a leathal combination against the Scots.
Keener hit a jumper to lead off the second half. The Scots answered with a Zuber bucket, followed by a Matt Stooksbury 3-pointer to stake them to a five-point lead, 36-31, their biggest of the second half.
Still early in the third quarter, Keener stole the ball on the Scots’ next possession and hit the layup. It was a move that seemed to throw Highland out of its game.
