If the opening week of Vikings' basketball was a movie, it would be dubbed "Eight Men In & Out," because that's how many healthy players Coach Paul Girolamo had available as North Shore competed in the Cold Spring Harbor Tournament Dec. 13 - 14. Another title might be "Little Big Men" because then it was the Viking frontline of Chris Galano, Tyler Shirreffs and last year's impact player, 6-5 center Jose Valdeviaso that were missing from action in the sickbay. Their absences were immediately felt against the Carey High in the opening round match of Dec. 13. The Carey center, Bobby Mostacci, he of the 6 foot 7 inch height and broad-shouldered frame tossed in 29 points worth of layups, put backs, and short pops in the lane. He was aided in the cause by shooting guard T.J. Lopez who hit four three-point shots in the second quarter to give Carey a lead they would never relinquish. North Shore scoring was led by forward Tim Schenkel with 16 points with guard Frank Guidici following with 14. Though the Vikings hustled and played with great heart and effort, the vertically challenged squad succumbed 71-55.

The Vikings did not grow overnight in anticipation of the consolation game against Cold Spring Harbor, the latter having been defeated by Division High of Levittown. After falling behind 19-12 after the first quarter, prospects for a 0-2 start to the season looked all too bright. But through tenacious defense and canny ball distribution the Vikings outscored the Seahawks 25-11 in the second quarter to lead after half time. Guard Frank Guidici seemed to take the game into his own hands as he tossed in 26 points on five treys as well as drives from seemingly impossible angles, Forward Ankit Shah contributed 16 points to the cause. Point guard Andrew Moskowitz did an exemplary job of breaking the Sawhawks' full court press and distributing the ball. Despite some shaky free-throw shooting in the final minutes, the Vikings held on for a 67-63 victory. The contest was witnessed by Walt Szczerbiak, the father of NBA star Wally Szczerbiak of the Minnesota Timberwolves (a Cold Spring Harbor alum), who congratulated the Vikings squad on their fine effort.

The momentum garnered from the win over Cold Spring Harbor propelled the Vikings into their home opener Monday, Dec. 17 against their annual out of country opponents, Harrison High of Westchester. Running the fast break to perfection, the North Shore outhustled the visitors from across the Throgs Neck Bridge. The game was all be decided by an 18-6 point outburst in the second quarter. The final score was North Shore 75, Harrison 44. Frank Guidici was again the top scorer with 23. The key to the victory was the crisp passing and untempo offense commanded by point guard Moskowitz. On to the Roslyn tournament Dec. 27 and 29.