Win some, lose some. Opportunities taken. Opportunities missed. Tuesday, Jan. 15, the Vikings evened their league record at 2-2 with a 72-61 point drubbing of Plainedge High. On Friday, Jan. 18, North Shore hosted heretofore unbeaten Jericho High. Jericho was reeling from the loss of their star guard Justin Zale, out for the season with a fractured wrist. They were ripe for the picking. Alas, the Vikings couldn't gather in the bough, falling on their face in front of the hometown fans, 70-53.

The Plainedge contest was decided in the second quarter. After the first quarter ended in a tie at 17, the Viking press, combined with effective offensive rebounding by Ankit Shah and Tim Schenkel proved too much for the Red Devils. North Shore cruised to a 37-22 halftime lead. Though Plainedge mounted a third quarter comeback, Nkrumah Pierre came off the bench to play with intensity at both ends of the court. Nkrumah scored 11 points in total, including 5 crucial back to back ploints in the fourth quarter to stem the tide. Schenkel lead the Vikes with 22, followed by Shah, whose 3-point stroke was potent, with 17 points.

Unfortunately, the stroke wasn't there Friday night. Once again North Shore was content to hoist up three's against a packed in Jericho defense. The result was not only a one and one offense, but the failure to drive meant the failure to get to the free throw line. North Shore took no more three throws the entire game! Despite sloppy ball handling and a lack of poise on offense, North Shore was able to hang in, only down by four points after three quarters. Frank Guidici with 18 points and Tim Schenkel with 17, carried North Shore on their backs. In the fourth quarter, Jericho handled the Viking press, breaking down court time and time again for finishing layups.

On Friday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. the Vikings attempt to right their ship when they sail into Westbury.