The Wareham Vikings boys varsity basketball team opened their season with a hard fought 67-63 victory against the Old Rochester Bulldogs on Friday night.  

Playing a dominant full court press defense and showing a touch from three point range, the Vikings jumped out to the early lead and held onto that lead for the majority of the game.  Wareham took a 7 point lead into halftime and looked to have the perfect game plan heading into the second half.  

The game was far from a blowout though as the Bulldogs showed that they have a lot of bite in their game, erasing the Viking’s lead in the third quarter.  Viking’s turnovers and quick scoring plays from the Bulldogs early in the quarter had ORR up by a score of 36-34 after only a little more than 2 minutes into the half.  Back and forth scoring throughout the third quarter and a flurry of defensive steals, leading to 6 quick points, once again had the Vikings up by 6 going into the final frame. 

In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs once again showed their gritty play and scoring abilities, narrowing the Viking lead to 65-63 with just 36 seconds left.  Trading free throws for the remainder of the game, the Vikings held on to win the game by a score of 67-63. 

The Vikings’ Destine Hayward-Gomes led all scorers with 27 points, 15 of which came from 3 point range while teammates Darien Gibson (13 points) and Bryce Fernandes (11 points) also had strong games.