Vikings defeat Carlton, advance to section quarterfinals

The Cook County Vikings girls' basketball team hosted the Carlton Bulldogs on Thursday night in section 7a playoff action.  According to Vikings coach Kelly Hawsen, this was the first time the girls had ever hosted a playoff game.

The Vikings played well, handling the press that Carlton put on for much of the game, and went on to win by a final of 74-42.  Ariana Poyirier led the Vikings with 21 points.  Other leading scorers for the Vikings were Paisley Smith with 17, Rhonnie Poyirier - 16, and Abbie Crawford - 10.

Next up for the Vikings is the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers in the section quarterfinals.  The teams will meet on Saturday at 4 pm at Romano Gym on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth. 

WTIP's Sterling Anderson and Norman Moe will broadcast the game on WTIP.  Sterling also spoke with the Vikings coach and some of the players during their practice on Friday.  That report is in the audio below