The Gibraltar Vikings broke their five-game regular-season skid and three-game tournament losing streak in one swoop Tuesday night as they edged Suring 56-54 on the road in their WIAA Tournament opener.
It was all Kayin Jackson early as he scored 15 points in the opening frame with a dunk, several layups, and a three-pointer to his credit. The Eagles' combination of Parker Haak and Taylor Booth-Stroffegan was able to keep the Vikings at bay with eight points apiece, along with five points to take a slim 25-23 lead at the break.
The Vikings' offense got off to a slow start in the second half while Haak, Booth-Stroffegan, and Karl Hischke helped the Eagles build a 39-30 advantage a few minutes into the period. Aaron Brey helped keep the Vikings within striking distance, allowing Jackson and Marco Jauregui to heat up. Thanks in part to six three-pointers by the trio, the Vikings turned the nine-point deficit into a 48-45 advantage with just a few minutes to go.
The Vikings and Eagles would exchange leads late, but a big bucket from Owen Dannhausen and timely free throws from Brey and Finn Bremer helped set up the dramatic ending that fell in favor of the Vikings for their first tournament win since they last played in Suring against Three Lakes in the 2023 sectional semifinal.
Jackson led all scorers with 23 points for the Vikings while Brey added 17 points, Jauregui eight points, and Bremer six points. The Eagles had three players score in double figures, with Haak leading the way with 19 points, while Booth-Stroffegen registered 16 points and Hischke contributed 11 points.
The Vikings move on to face Providence Academy Green Bay in Howard Friday night in the regional semifinal. Tim Kowols will have the call on 105.1 The GOAT beginning at 6:45 p.m. followed by the opening tip at 7 p.m.
