The season is approaching critical mass for the Vikings. Last Friday, Jan. 25, North Shore traveled for a rubber match with the Green Dragons of Westbury High. Since North Shore had broken the Westbury full court press so convincingly in their early season win, Westbury chose to pack in a tough 2-3 zone. At the outset, center Ankit Shah hit his first three 3-point shots. But after picking up three quick fouls, he was never able to assert himself in the contest. Westbury broke out to a 17-12 first quarter lead.

Point guard Andre Moskowitz picked up the scoring slack for North Shore, scoring 11 of his game high 15 points in the second quarter, including a four point play. North Shore led by 34-29 at halftime.

Poor shooting plagued both teams in the third quarter, but Westbury's superior rebounding gave them enough second chance scoring opportunities to pull within two, 43-41 at the end of the quarter.

With under five minutes to go in the game, Westbury took a 46-43 lead. Moskowitz answered with a driving lay up against the heart of the Westbury defense, and then followed it up with a fast break assist to give the Vikings a 47-46 advantage. It would be the last lead enjoyed by the Vikings in the evening. The Green Dragons eked out the victory 59-55. Guard Frank Guidici contributed 12 points to the North Shore cause.

The Vikings travel to Wheatley on Friday, Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Coach Paul Giarolamo has encouraged his squad to keep their heads high, that three of their losses were very winnable games, and that if they can demonstrate some composure at crunch time, he has expressed his confidence that they can still make the playoffs.