By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
You can throw out the records for tonight's Dowagiac-Niles Big 16 Conference West Division basketball clash.
The Chieftains and Vikings have a lot in common.
Both teams are 0-3 in the West Division. Both teams have been struggling with their shooting touch, and, both teams need to get things going as the second half of the season is looming near.
Dowagiac is just 1-8 on the season, having defeated South Haven on the road earlier this month.
Niles won four out of its first five games, but has now lost five straight.
The Vikings stand at 4-6 on the season.
Chieftain coach Greg Blomgren agreed with Parks, adding "With both teams being 0-3 in the west, someone is going to get their first win in the division.
Parks noted that if his team is going to snap its losing streak, the Vikings must play good defense, apply pressure on the Chieftains, box out and rebound effectively and shoot the ball better.
Blomgren said that his team must handle the pressure defense, shoot a better percentage from the field and rebound better.
Tip-off for tonight's game is 7:30.