Defense was a key to Monday night's win over Hillman, the second in five nights. It was win No. 14 to complete a perfect North Star League season for the Vikings (17-2 overall). They received another conference championship trophy and enjoyed posing with it at center court. “It's a great accomplishment,” said head coach Karl Momrik of the perfect conference record. “I don't think you'll really appreciate it for a few years until when you look back, on how really good this team was. It's not easy at all.” The final was 52-26. It was the Vikings 34th consecutive league win.

The Vikings wrapped up the outright conference title last Thursday in Hillman. Weather cancellations forced these games to be played back-to-back and there was a playoff intensity in the air. “The last two times we played them, we’ve felt that,” the coach said. “That's a big rivalry with us. We're always going to be up to playing Hillman, and they always are going to be up to playing us. That will never change, no matter what sport you're playing.” The Vikings went with man-to-man full-court pressure to open the third quarter and played it about as well as could be expected.

Three straight steals turned into points in the middle part of the quarter, and a 15-point lead turned into 22 in a hurry. It was 26 by the end of the third, 43-17. The halftime lead was 23-10. “Defense is what won the game for us tonight,” said Momrik. Korynn Hincka led all scorers with 16, while Anna Couture put in 12. In the meeting last Thursday, the Vikings used a huge 24-6 second quarter to propel them to the win. They led 14-8 after one.

“The big second quarter put the game on ice,” said Momrik. The Vikings went 21-for-29 from the free-throw line. Hincka had 23, including 11-of-13 from the free-throw line. Ashley Meyers had 10, while Paige Lewandowski had nine. The final in the game was 57-38.

Tonight is the rematch with Alcona, who handed the Vikings a season-opening loss. The difference this time around is Posen is healthier, plus the game is on the home floor. It will be a nice tuneup for the district tournament next week in Posen, where the Vikings have a bye and await the winner of the Hale/Hillman winner next Wednesday.