Centennial no match for the nation’s best
Only 24 hours removed from their upset victory over then #1 Findlay Prep, the Northland Vikings made sure nobody would ruin their moment. Home against traditionally weak Centennial, the Vikings went out and did business as usual waxing the Stars up and down the floor for 95 points and letting the defense thrive, allowing 49.
Jared Sullinger backed up last night’s performance tonight, bruising Centennial for 31 points while not playing nearly as many minutes as the night before. A night ago Sullinger was dominating D1 commit Tristan Thompson, tonight, his defenders weren’t nearly as good and the results showed.
Trey Burke had another solid outing, racking up 20 points and dishing out eight assists. Burke once again outplayed the opponent this time talented guard Bucky Chenault, who has been one of the better guards in the city this year. Burke once again flashed his ability to hit from anywhere on the floor, knocking down four three point field goals. West Virginia commit Jalen Robinson also had a solid performance, nearly reaching a double double with nine points and 12 rebounds. The balance in scoring was remarkable for the Vikings on Friday, as ten players scored.
Leading 28-15 at the end of the first, Northland once again turned up the heat on defense, limiting the Stars to 12 points for the next two quarters prior to having essentially the JV squad in for the final session. In addition to the pressure put on the defensive side of the ball, the Viking offense also lit it up, outscoring Centennial by 43 in the second and third quarters. Resting his sore ankle, JD Weatherspoon wouldn’t be needed tonight in a game where the bench players could have won. The ability to not lose focus and play as a team when national spotlight has been cast on them has been a goal of this Northland team. With a 46 point win tonight, this team has extended the path to City League destruction and nationwide success.
