With a big game this week against JPII and a home tournament to follow at the end of the month, the Vikings’ senior boys will look to finish their season on a high note with a bright future ahead. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

down the stretch drive

NBCHS senior boys Vikings look for strong finish to season

Feb 12, 2020 | 3:03 PM

The North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) gymnasium should be an electric atmosphere Thursday night, as the Vikings’ senior boys will play host to their cross-town rivals from John Paul II Collegiate (JPII) for an ‘all-Battlefords’ showdown.

Because the Vikings play in the 5A division while the Crusaders play 4A, Thursday’s game will serve as just the second matchup of the season between the two sides, and a date circled on the calendar amongst players from both teams.

Head coach of the NBCHS senior boys, Jeremy Cockrill, said the team is looking forward to the challenge that comes with playing their cross-town rivals from JPII.

“These guys on both teams are friends, but when they step on the court, obviously you are playing for your school and your teammates so both teams want to win; it’s fun to beat your friends,” he said.

NBCHS will hope a good showing Thursday can help serve as a spring board to a strong stretch drive to their season. With just a single Grade 12 on the senior boys’ roster, the 2019-20 season has been a bit of a rebuild year.

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The Vikings will enter Thursday’s matchup with a 3-18 record on the season, although Cockrill said there is a lot to like about the group and their continued improvement throughout the year.

“Obviously when you have a young team, they are still adjusting as they move up to the senior level,” he said. “They are adjusting to the speed and the intensity of senior basketball as compared to junior, so that has been a bit of a challenge this year, but there have been some Grade 10’s on the team that I’ve been excited about how they’ve grown. They could be a special group here over the next couple of years.”

Following their showdown with JPII Thursday, the Comprehensive High School will also host its Viking Invitational Tournament to close out the month, Feb. 28 and 29.

Regionals will follow, taking place March 13 and 14 in Weyburn.

Thursday night’s showdown between NBCHS and JPII will begin at 6:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1