CHEROKEE — Holding a lead through most of the first three quarters, the Parsons Vikings boys dropped a nailbiter to the Southeast Lancers on Tuesday, 55-51, in the first round of the Lancer Classic.
“This one hurt,” Parsons head coach Anthony Houk said. “It really hurts. I hurt for the kids. They’re getting better each day. They’re making better decisions. I’m proud of the efforts and attitudes they’re bringing. Even with our record, we’re staying together as a team. We’re fighting for a win. I’m proud of their approach. There was no fear in them.”
Parsons, still seeking its first win, led, 30-23, at halftime and 47-41 going into the final quarter.
“In the first half, we had three turnovers total,” Houk said. “We probably had over 10 in the second half. We took some good shots in the first half. We were moving the ball well.”
Maurian Morton led the Vikings with 13 points. “He had a great start offensively and played well defensively all game,” Houk said. “We needed a couple more buckets from him. He came off the bench and gave us a lot. That’s what we need our bench guys to do.”
Tyler Warner paced Southeast with 26 points. “What made him difficult was we’d have guys surrounding him and he could shoot over us,” Houk said. “We forced him into first-shot misses, but he’s so springy that he’d get his own rebounds. That’s what killed us.”
Up next
The Lancer Classic shifted its schedule due to incoming weather, with Parsons playing its final two games on Thursday and Friday.
“We’ve got to keep our heads up and fight the good fight,” Houk said. “They can’t get tired of doing the right things. The good book says to not grow weary of doing good. That’s what I’m begging our guys to do. We’ll get a taste of victory soon. I believe it.”
