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North Branch 75, Duluth Denfeld 63

The Vikings played two solid halves in leading wire-to-wire over the Duluth Denfeld Hunters on Tuesday, December 12 to bump their record to 4-0 on the year.

North Branch led by six at halftime, up 40-34, and then matched that gap in the second half, adding on to the lead by outscoring the Hunters 35-29 for the final score of 75-63.

North Branch was led by junior Tyler Minke, who poured in 26 points. Senior point guard Brody Beaver scored 19 points to go along with six assists and two steals, and seniors Evan Overson, Owen Link and Noah Thorsen combined for 29 points in a supporting effort.

Big Lake 80, North Branch 68

North Branch suffered their first defeat of the year, and unfortunately it was in their Mississippi 8 Conference opener as well.

The Vikings traveled to Big Lake on Thursday, December 14 but were stung by the Hornets when they put up matching 40-34 halves.

Thorsen had his highest scoring game as a Vikings, netting 22 points in the loss. Minke chipped in 15 points and Beaver had 12 points and seven assists.

Big Lake senior Trevor Maruska was averaging just 10 points per game heading into the contest, but the senior sharpshooter was on fire, scoring 26 points. Big Lake was also aided by a ridiculous half court heave shot at the end of the first half by Isaiah Terlinden that went in as the buzzer sounded. It was a deflating basket for a North Branch team that had battled to be within three points at the break.

Upcomings

The Vikings will travel to Hermantown on Thursday, December 21 for a section showdown before their Christmas break.

The Vikes will be participating in the Owatonna Holiday Tournament on Friday, December 29 and open the showcase with a game against the host Huskies.

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