By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Denny Parks is not disappointed with his team's draw in the Class B District Tournament.
Even though Niles has to face Lakeshore, one of the favorites to win the tournament, in the first round, Parks is optimistic about his team's chances.
Niles last won a district title in 2002 and advanced to the quarterfinals. The Vikings bowed out in the first round of last year's tournament.
Niles is 4-11 this season and travels to Stevensville tonight for a preview of the upcoming first-round bout with the Lancers, which are 10-5 on the season.
Some teams on Niles' schedule this season may have struck fear into the Vikings' hearts. Teams like Lansing Everett (No. 2 Class A), Marshall (No. 2 Class B) and Penn (Ind.) have gotten the best of Niles this season.
Parks feels Lakeshore, St. Joseph and Coloma are three teams in that next level.
The Vikings own one victory this season against teams in the district tournament, a 61-52 win over Dowagiac last week.
The Chieftains drew the other first-round game against defending district champion Coloma. St. Joseph and Berrien Springs received byes.
Both Lakeshore and St. Joseph beat Coloma in regular season games. The Lancers and Bears split their two-game regular season series.
After facing Lakeshore tonight, Niles hosts Battle Creek Lakeview on Tuesday before travelling to St. Joseph next Friday. The Vikings then travel to Vicksburg on Monday, March 1, before playing in a Big 16 Conference challenge game on Friday, March 5.