For the first two quarters Wednesday night the Valley Viking boys’ varsity team executed their game plan to perfection. But in the end junior phenom Nic Moore and the Tiger offense would find its groove...in the "Nic" of time.

For the first 8 minutes of play Warsaw and Valley traded baskets as the two arch rivals settled into the electric atmosphere. Valley was paced early by the shooting senior forward Taylor Burkhart who connected for 7 quick points. Warsaw received early contributions from senior forward Justin Clemens and a fast start from Nic Moore to match the Vikings point for point.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, both squads began to showcase their talent. Viking freshman guard Nick Kindig rained in a long 3 pointer at the 4:48 mark on quarter number two. Senior sharpshooter Zack Linky followed Kindig's 3 pointer with a 3 point bomb of his own just 8 seconds later to answer for the Tigers. Moore continued his hot start scoring 6 points in the 2nd frame while dishing out 3 assists to Clemens and junior forward Jalen Roscoe.

The Tigers took a 23-20 advantage into the locker room at halftime. Nic Moore had 13 points at the break.

The 3rd quarter belonged to the visiting Tigers. Warsaw outscored Valley 26-11 in the frame to open up a cushion they would never relinquish. 6'3" sophomore guard Jordyn Coon stole a Viking inbounds pass with 6:29 on the clock. Coon was fouled on his layup attempt which bounced a few times on the top of the backboard before falling through the netted hoop. The play brought Tiger fans to their feet. Coon then swished the foul shot to complete a 3-point play. After a Valley timeout to regroup, Viking senior guard Zach Owens blocked a Nic Moore layup attempt to bring Viking fans to their feet. Moore proceeded to steal the next pass and drive straight to the basket to score on a double-clutch power layup. Tiger fans jumped to their feet in response to Nic's amazing play while Moore expressed jubilant emotion over his steal and score combination. Sophomore forward Lucas Grose controlled the boards for the Tigers during their 3rd quarter run. Warsaw led 49-33 to end the period.

Warsaw continued its dominance in the 4th. Led by Justin Clemens scoring the Tigers began to smell victory. Clemens scored on an offensive rebound and drew a foul with 1:40 on the clock to seal the deal for Warsaw. Tiger reserves Cody Bragg, Brock Davis, and Joey Sparkman played valuable minutes in the quarter as the lead would never get below 10 points again. Nic Moore left the game to a hearty Tiger faithful "roar" after Clemens connected on his 3-point put back. Moore scored 25 points to lead the Tigers.

Final score: Warsaw 62 Valley 49

For the game the Tigers shot 58% from the field connecting on 25 of 43 attempts. Warsaw converted 63% of its free throws on 12 of 19 shooting.

Justin Clemens and Lucas Grose led the rebounding effort with 5 boards apiece.

Compete scoring for the Tigers:

• Nic Moore - 25
• Justin Clemens - 15
• Jordyn Coon - 6
• Lucas Grose - 5
• Jalen Roscoe - 4
• Zack Linky - 3
• Andy Conrad - 3
• Cody Bragg - 1

The Tigers will travel to Columbia City to take on the Eagles Saturday 11/28. Come support your Tigers. TIGER NATION T-Shirts are on sale now for $10 each. Shirts are available in Black and Orange sizes M, L, XL, 2XL. Email info@tigersportsnation.com or head over to the Contact Us page to get your TIGER NATION shirt today.

Photo's provided by Your Average Joe Photographer

Posted In: Boy's Sports > Basketball