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Vikes’ balance overcomes Forrest for 9-2A win

Posted on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:33 am

Landon Berman floats past the Rocket defense and lays in a basket for the Vikings. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)

By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
UNIONVILLE — The combined balance for Community was enough to overcome a stellar night by Forrest’s Tristan Goad in Friday night’s 71-62 District 9-2A win.
Goad was an offensive force, posting a game-high 28 points, but it was the balance of Community’s offense that was able to stay consistent throughout regulation in the win.
The Vikings placed four players in double figures, with Austin Stickler leading the way with 14 points—most of which came in the paint.
While he struggled to get going early, Landon Lovvorn eventually rattled loose for nine points in the third and finished with 13 points.
Landon Berman and Jaxson Williams also both hit double figures, with Berman turning in a 12-point night and Williams finishing with 10
Goad did the bulk of his damage in the closing minutes of the second quarter, helping the Rockets to erase a double-digit Community lead down to just three points by halftime.
A pair of three-pointers by Jon Astolfi with 3:35 left in the third cut the Community lead to 44-43, but the Vikings were able to rally around Lovvorn to rebuild the sizable lead heading into the fourth.
Forrest again wouldn’t go away and Goad brought the Rockets within six points after a basket at the 6:17 mark, but the Vikings were able to continue pressing the attack in the paint and drew key fouls to get to the line.
In the fourth quarter, Community sank 5-of-7 attempts to help fend off the Rockets.
For the game, Community finished 9-of-13.

Forrest 18 19 10 15 — 62
Community 23 17 16 15 — 71

Forrest: Tristan Goad 28, Matthew Yeager 15, Jean Astolfi 11, Andruw Myers 4, Josh Doud 2, Jon Hightower 2.
Community: Austin Stickler 14, Landon Lovvorn 13, Landon Berman 12, Jaxson Williams 10, Charlie Haskins 8, Moe Berman 6, Josh Powers 6, Jonathan Lawell 2.
3-Pont goals: Community (6): M. Berman 2, Powers, Williams, Lovvorn; Forrest (9): Yeager 4, Astolfi 3, Goad 2.
Halftime score: Community 40, Forrest 37.