VIKINGS LOOK TO RETURN TO THE SCHOTT

High expectations have motivated the Northland Vikings all season and like Scioto they are one step away from an opportunity to play in the Division I Final Four next weekend at the Schottenstein Center.

While central Ohio basketball observers expected a veteran Scioto team to compete for its second consecutive district title, many penciled in the Vikings as an obvious choice to advance much further and earn a spot in the state championships. Both teams typically get their opponents best shot and face hostile crowds on the road due to their performance on the floor over the last few seasons.

The Vikings are led by a big, skilled frontcourt. 6-9 junior center Jared Sullinger is averaging around 20 points in tournament play and can be counted on for double/doubles almost every night. One of the most highly regarded underclassmen in the country; he has committed to play basketball at Ohio State. He is joined by 6-6 junior JD Weatherspoon, a high flier averaging around 15 points a game in tournament play and who can be counted upon for at least one spectacular dunk per game.

A pair of seniors typically joins them in the starting lineup. Javon Cornley is a rugged 6-5/215 pounder who takes pride in earning the defensive assignment against an opponent’s strongest offensive threat. He has signed with Indiana University and will play defensive line for the Hoosiers. Dimonde Hale is a 6-4/190 shooting guard who joined several teammates in earning All Columbus City League recognition.

Starting at point guard is 5-11/155 sophomore Trey Burke. He is already drawing interest from mid-major programs like Ohio, James Madison, Akron and Stephen F. Austin. Noted for his ball-handling skills, he has been called upon to score more lately in the season as teams have focused on limiting scoring opportunities for Sullinger and Weatherspoon as much as possible. He delivered in the regional semi-final against Grove City with 16 points.

In recent games, freshman guards Jordan Potts (5-10/160) and Ke’Chaun Lewis (6-2/165) have seen additional playing time as the Vikings worked to match-up with teams trying to pressure them defensively.

The only loss thus far, was a 67-61 OT road game against state-ranked Canton Timken. The Trojans played a frenetic, high risk/high reward type of game and were able to cause enough turnovers and get to the free throw line enough to win.

A very good Columbus Beechcroft team tested Northland in both games this season. Similar to Timken, the Cougars featured a versatile lineup of athletes who could shoot the ball well, but didn’t have a whole lot of size.

In the tournament, the Vikings have been tested in their last two outings. OCC Cardinal Division foe Westerville North hung around thanks in part to Northland’s inability to convert free throws and lost 59-56 in the district finals. Grove City used its ball movement and a torrid start from beyond the three point line to establish a 44-38 halftime lead in the regional semi-final. But the stronger Vikings extended their defense in the second half and held the Greyhounds to only 20 points.

On most nights, Northland’s size and athleticism will dominate the glass. So, it is important for teams who want to beat them to do two things – shoot well from the field and cash in on whatever second chance opportunities come their way. In addition, limiting the number of turnovers will offer more opportunities to score.

Defensively, teams will need to limit Northland’s second chance opportunities inside the paint as much as possible and put pressure on the ball handlers. Over the last few games, the Vikings have struggled a bit at the free throw line as well.

More about Northland….

Northland High School has been open since 1965 and is part of Columbus City Schools. They compete in the North Division with traditional basketball powers Beechcroft and Brookhaven. The current enrollment is around 1,300 students and the OHSAA male enrollment (grades 10-12) is 511. This makes Northland a medium to small-sized Division I program in terms of basketball. Scioto’s OHSAA male enrollment is 436 students.

Famous Viking alums include country music star and actor Dwight Yoakam and NFL player Doug Smith.

The Vikings made an appearance in the state semi-finals in 2007 and have won district titles in 1981, 1985 and 2007. It has been stellar guard play that helped them earn these titles. These teams featured players like Robert Tatum (Ohio), Adam Porter (North Carolina-Wilmington) and Devon Moore (James Madison).

Northland finished #1 in the final Associated Press Division I State Basketball Poll and in the Columbus Dispatch Coaches Poll. Scioto finished sixth and second, respectively, in these polls. The Vikings are also ranked #19 in the USA Today national high school prep poll.

Coach James “Satch” Sullinger and Irish Coach Tony Bisutti are friends and serve together as members of the District 10 Coaches Association Board. The teams have scouted one another as well. Irish assistant coach Mike Fiebig is friends with J.J. Sullinger and they have played a lot of basketball together over the years. Coach Fiebig, one of the all-time leading scorers at Scioto and Ohio Dominican, also played with the Columbus Cyclones of the IBL. J.J. Sullinger, who played at Thomas Worthington and Ohio State, continued to play professionally in Europe and the Continental Basketball Association.