The Ring Lardner seventh grade boys’ basketball team wrapped up a 9-2 season with a 44-20 win over Lakeshore Wednesday night.

The Vikings scored 18 points in the opening quarter thanks to some big baskets from Austin Curran and Kenny Gathright.

Hunter Slaughter, Jerrod Glenn and Dawson Clemens were credited for their work on the offensive end of the floor, while Dustin Anders, Keegan Neumman and Alex Jasper received kudos on defense.

Jacob Hamm led all scorers with 12 points for Ring Lardner, which also got 10 points and 11 rebounds from Alex Harpenau. Cameron Haines, Ben Florkowski and Bryce Lake led the team in rebounding.

Eighth grade

The eighth grade boys’ basketball team lost another tough contest Wednesday night and finished the year with a 7-5 record.

The Vikings were defeated by Lakeshore 32-27.

Niles trailed the Lancers 10-7 at halftime as both teams struggled offensively.

Lakeshore would open up a nine-point advantage in the second half only to have Niles trim it back down to two points before falling.

Gavin Rasler led the Vikings with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Tyler Phillips finished with seven points, Joe Avance six while Tim McCaffery and Derek Brown each had two points.

“Another slow start and first half filled with turnovers was too much for us to overcome,” Niles coach Mike Gallo said. “The basket seemed to have a lid on it for the first two quarters. I loved the shots we were getting, but we weren’t getting enough opportunities because we were throwing the ball all over the gym.

“I have been telling the kids all year that you play like you practice, and it showed again. We played extremely tough and hard about half the game, unfortunately against a good team that is usually not good enough to win. I love our character when we get down in games, but it’s difficult to win consistently when you’re always chasing.”