Defending Champs Fall

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Created on Thursday, 05 March 2015 22:15

Written by JJ Murphy

LYNDON- The Lyndon Institute boy's basketball team was denied their chance for a repeat at the hands of the Enosburg Hornets.

The second ranked Vikings and defending champions traveled to the Barre auditorium to take on the fourth ranked Hornets in the Division II State semi-finals. The final buzzer sounded with the Hornets advancing to the championship game, beating L.I. 62-49.

The Vikings, who had previously won 16 straight games, led by two at the beginning of the game off of a Jacky Lau basket. Unfortunately, that would be the only lead they had all night.

Lyndon Coach, Phil Joyal, admits that "The Aud" was a little intimidating for his team.

"It was a tough atmosphere to play in," he said. "I think we got caught up in that a little bit."

Lyndon went into the half down 22-14. Enosburg point guard, Sophomore Calvin Carter, led both teams at the half with ten points.

Midway through the third quarter the Vikings were down by as many as fifteen points before hitting a trio of three pointers to cut the deficit to less than ten.

Even with a good showing of support from their fans, the Vikings could not overcome the pressure that the Hornets brought.

Enosburg head coach, Matt Luneau, had nothing but praise for his team, which included eight Freshman and Sophomores.

"I'm just very happy with the team to come in here in a high pressure game," he said. "For them to come out and play the way they did, I'm very proud and I'm happy with them."

Jay Cobb, the lone senior on the Vikings, also had praise for his opponents after the game.

"Enosburg's pretty good," he said. "I hope they go beat Woodstock."

When asked what was next for the young Vikings, Cobb said "success."

Enosburg will travel back to Barre Saturday night to take on the number one seeded, 22-0 Woodstock Wasps in the Division II state championship.