Vikings hammer Tigers, surpass last year’s win total

 GRISWOLD -- The AHSTW boys basketball team simply continues to roll along as the sole leader of the Western Iowa Conference.
 With nine regular-season games still remaining, the Vikings surpassed last year’s win total Tuesday night with a one-sided 75-27 victory at Griswold, improving to 11-1 overall and 8-1 in the WIC. They hold a one-game lead over Underwood (7-2) going into Friday’s home game vs. Riverside.
 AHSTW shot 68 percent (34-of-50) against the winless Tigers (0-11, 0-9 WIC) and led 65-20 after three quarters, topping the 60-point mark for the 11th time in 12 games. The only time the Vikings did not score 60 was in their only loss of the season, a 61-59 setback at Logan-Magnolia.
 AHSTW tallied many of its points on layups and short jumpers Tuesday, scoring in transition often during the first half fueled by early full court pressure and half court traps. The Vikings led 45-16 at the half, then backed off defensively after the break but still worked the ball inside for numerous easy baskets. The 35-point running clock went into effect less than midway through the third quarter.