Jovahn Thomas picked a great time to have a career day.

The sophomore forward scored a career-high 32 points, including 12 in a row in the third quarter, to lead the Wareham High School Vikings to a 75-56 victory over playoff rival Martha’s Vineyard (14-6) in the second round of the South Sectional Division III Tournament.

It was the fourth straight year the Vikings played the Vineyarders in the tournament, with Martha’s Vineyard knocking Wareham out in each of the last two years.

“I think they’ve won three and we’ve won three (in the last six playoff matchups),” said Coach Kevin Brogioli. “It’s good to be back on top.”

The Vikings benefitted from strong defensive play and rebounding throughout the game, in particular in the first half. Wareham led 33-20 at the half.

“I thought our first half was phenomenal,” said Brogioli. “It’s the best defense we’ve played all year. I was so pleased with the intensity and the execution on defense and rebounding in the first half. We said before the game, if we can control the boards, we’ll win the game. I was really pleased with our defense.”

In the third, Thomas caught fire, and the Vikings extended on their lead making it 45-24 halfway through the quarter. He mixed sharp outside shooting with aggressive drives to the hoop en route to a 23-point second half.

“Honestly, just the intensity of the crowd got me going,” said Thomas following the game.

“Jovahn is unconscious some times,” added Brogioli.

Though the Vineyarders were able to cut into Wareham’s fourth quarter lead, the Viking sustained. Senior forward Andy White, the team’s leading scorer, is still battling an ankle injury, but Thomas was able to pick up for White’s slow start. White scored seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, with five of those coming at the free throw line.

“He’s still not 100 percent,” said Brogioli. “A couple days of rest will do him good. Other guys stepped it up. And I was just very proud of the guys tonight.”

Senior Mike Labonte added 12 points for Wareham, while senior forward Mark Pierrot was able to ignite the Viking offense with seven of his nine points coming in the second quarter.

The Vikings (19-5) will face rival Old Rochester Regional (19-3) on Wednesday night at Durfee High School at 6:30 p.m. The Vikings lost both contests to Old Rochester this season, including a 66-62 loss at home less than a week earlier.