Today’s game marks the second of three straight Duneland Athletic Conference games for the Vikings, as the 7-3 (1-3 DAC) Crown Point Bulldogs take on the 5-5 (2-2 DAC) Valparaiso Vikings.
Crown Point and Valpo are two programs that have made their mark at the state finals. Valparaiso has been state runner up three times (’82 ’96 and ’00), Crown Point twice (’83 and ’97). The Bulldogs have won two state championships (’84 and ’85). Valparaiso was an original member of the DAC along with Chesterton, Portage and Hobart in 1970. Crown Point became a member of the conference in 1993 following the disbandment of the Lake Suburban Conference. Valparaiso has won 18 DAC championships.
Valparaiso returns home after a four game road swing over a period of two weeks in which they compiled a 2-2 record. Valpo won at Lake Central in a game where a strong second half helped the Vikings overcome a 3 point deficit at half time. The next night the Vikings beat Highland, where they own a 19-3 all-time advantage. This past week the Vikings met an undefeated Hobart team that outscored the Vikings by 18 at the free throw line, winning by six points. See the summary of the Portage game below.
Last Time Out: Portage 62, Valparaiso 57 (2OT)
Friday December 11, 2009 Portage earned a victory over the visiting Vikings in double overtime on Friday night. Senior Kelsie Ostojic paced the Vikings with 21 points including 4 three pointers. However, that wasn’t enough as Portage Senior Tara Ellis had a career night with 32 points and 16 rebounds. It was the first overtime game of the season for both teams. JV: Valpo beat the Indians 36-32. This brings their record to 6-2. Michelle Rosenbaum had 8 points and Laura Ferrari 6.