Vikings get kicked by Mustangs

By Sun Advocate

The varsity boys basketball team from East Carbon headed north to Dugway Friday to face the Mustangs. The East Carbon Vikings were prepared for battle as the team ran out onto the court.
The first quarter found the Vikings holding down the ship as the team lead the Mustangs 19-18 at the end of the quarter. By the end of the second quarter however, the Vikings began to sink as Dugway out scored East Carbon 20-6 in the period, thus leading to a 38-25 lead for the Mustangs at the half.
After the teams returned to play, the scoring battle continued with the Vikings trailing behind the Mustangs. In the second half of play, the Vikings were out scored 53-25 in the second half, thus leading to the Vikings defeat, 91-50.
East Carbon Viking Austin Preston led his team in scoring with 14 points, including two three pointers.
Following in scoring for the Vikings was D.J. Huitt and Tony McFarland who each had 13 points. Both McFarland and Huitt completed a three point shot to complete the teams four long distance shots made against the Mustangs.
The biggest struggle for the Vikings came on the defensive side of the court. The Vikings allowed Nathan Nelson from Dugway to score 24 points, while his teammate Cory Rose completed the game with 23.
The Vikings defense also allowed the Mustangs to score six three point shots in the game Friday, two of which Nelson, the leading scorer for Dugway completed.
The defense must step up in order for the Vikings to compete strongly against all their upcoming opponents. Rebounding skills have to be improved by East Carbon for the team to be able to contend with opposing offenses.
East Carbon is now 2-7 for the season. As the year progresses, the Vikings seem to improve their ball skills, which should help to boost the teams winning record.
The team grows with each game, and learns its strengths and weaknesses with every game. These factors will be worked on and improved so that the team will be a strong competitor.
The Vikings felt the sting from the Mustangs strong kick all the way home. The Vikings have shaken off the loss and plan to bounce back to strong form Wednesday as the team travels to Provo to do battle against Meridian High.