Following last year’s 0-21 season, Niles coach Patrick Touhey and his squad went to work on making sure that wouldn’t happen again.

The Vikings played 54 games over the summer throughout Michigan and Indiana. They played in four different tournaments as well as the national tournament and the Coloma league.

All of this year’s roster competed with the exception of two players.

The results of all that hard work seem to already be paying dividends as Niles is off to a 2-0 following its victory Friday night.

The Vikings have already defeated Buchanan (73-32) and Big 16 West Division foe St. Joseph (48-29).

“The biggest thing that has occurred form last year to this year was a process that occurred over the summer and that we they have worked really hard on the fundamentals and that has led to some success and confidence,” Touhey said. “I think the biggest leap we have made is on the mental side. We have the confidence that we can compete and they are not afraid to compete anymore. That was built by confidence.

“A year ago we were like deer in the headlights. After the win the other night they were excited, but they were also calm and you could see the confidence.”

Another key to the early season success is the conditioning program