All four Algoma seniors got into the act on Monday during their special night as the Wolves beat the visiting Gibraltar Vikings 56-39.
Little-used reserve player Josh Paul got the good vibes going for the Wolves with one of his first baskets of the season, but the Vikings would take those away thanks to Braden Sitte taking the offense to the hoop as he scored 12 of his team-high 18 points in the first half.
The Wolves stepped up their defensive pressure halfway through the first half, sparking the offense in the process as Parker Lischka scored 14 of his game-high 20 points in the first half and generated several fast break opportunities. The Vikings would find themselves down 28-18 at the break due to three other players combining for only six points as the Wolves denied them the arc in almost every possession.
The combination of their zone defense and an offensive explosion from Braeden Leist allowed the Wolves to extend their lead in the second half. The Vikings went almost nine minutes to start the frame without a field goal, while Leist scored nine of his 11 points after the break. Cody Kirchman also played a role in extending the lead for the Wolves as he scored seven of his nine points in the second half.
Kayin Jackson and Liam Lindenberg would eventually be able to knock down shots from beyond the arc, but it was not enough to turn the game in their favor. Jackson and Aaron Brey complemented Sitte with five points apiece, while Will Lecy added four points from the line.
Monday's game marked the final Packerland game for the Vikings, ending their season with games at Menominee (MI) on Thursday and at home against Hilbert on Saturday.
The Wolves wrap up their regular season with a game against Kewaunee on Thursday.
