There is more to the game of high school basketball than a team’s record.

No one knows that more than Niles boys basketball coach Todd Pawielski, whose team is currently 3-6.

Pawielski liked what he saw Friday night as the Vikings took on one of the area’s top teams in Lakeshore.

Niles did not win the game, but it did show some growth.

That is important as the team heads into the second half of the season when you start thinking about the districts.

“Our kids grew up a little bit tonight,” Pawielski said following the Vikings’ 65-51 loss to the Lancers. “We still need to execute a little bit better in the right spots. But what a gutsy effort by the kids. They have nothing to hang their heads about tonight.”

After trailing much of the game, Niles got within striking distance in the fourth quarter and forces some early turnovers by Lakeshore to cut the lead to one, 47-46, with six and a half minutes to go.

Unfortunately, the Vikings were unable to keep the much bigger Lancers from pounding the ball inside and hitting a couple of key jumpers down the stretch.

Still, Pawielski liked what he saw from both his perimeter and post players.

“Tyler Phillips did a nice job inside and Gavin Rasler was solid,” Pawielski said. “Ray Glenn had a real good night on both sides of the floor for us and Gabe Stokes continues to be a real solid floor general for us.”

Glenn and Stokes both finished with 12 points against the Lancers, but they contributed much more than just scoring.

Glenn had eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Stokes had eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. The two guards combined for just four turnovers.

On the year, Stokes is averaging 15.8 points per game, while Glenn is averaging 8.7 after being shutout in the season opener.

Rasler finished the night with 11 points and six rebounds.

Niles still has plenty of big games ahead of it this season before even thinking about the state playoffs.

The Vikings will not win the SMAC West Division where they are currently 0-4, but they very well could have a say in who does with games at Benton Harbor on Friday, at Lakeshore Feb. 27 and a return meeting with the Tigers in Niles on March 3.

Pawielski knows there is more work to do before the post season begins.

“We are doing some good things but not at a consistent level for four quarters,” he said. “At times, we lack the discipline to do what we have to do and instead do what we want to do on a particular play.

“Our work ethic continues to be fine. We are seeking to bring our effort and execution together more often. Senior leadership will define our season.”