Northland faces another test

The battle-tested Northland Vikings (3-3) prepare for their third game in seven days when they take on the Euclid Panthers (4-2) at 4:30 pm, today at the Columbus Convention Center.

Northland, winner of its last two contests, is looking to get its first win away from home. The Vikings have dropped one game on the road at Centennial and another neutral contest against Columbus Academy.

Based in the Cleveland area, Euclid is in the midst of a three-game winning streak. After starting the season in the Columbus area with a 73-69 win at Pickerington North, Euclid suffered two double-digit road defeats to Brunswick and St. Vincent-St. Mary. From Dec. 12 to Dec. 20, Euclid has earned double-digit wins over Mentor, Lorain and Villa Angela-St. Joseph.

Five of Northland's first six contests have felt like playoff games. The Vikings have spent the early part of the season, learning how to hold on to late leads, survive comebacks and utilize their players who are either new to the program or in more demanding roles than before.

First year varsity player Charlie Johnson and first year starter Vandell Slade have had bright moments for Northland. Johnson is leading the team with an average of 2.4 steals per game, while shooting 38 percent from three-point territory. Slade is averaging 10.5 points per game while knocking down 54 percent of his shots.

The two young sophomore guards have provided a solid complement in the Northland backcourt which is led by seniors Diante James and Ke'Ondre Tubbs. James is averaging 14.8 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals. Tubbs, who began the season in the starting line-up has found recent success as a reserve. He's made five of his last eight three-point attempts. As Northland found itself in a tight contest against Columbus City League rival East, Tubbs calmly scored a season high 16 points off of the bench to help deliver the Vikings to victory.

Northland's new forward, Daneal Krylov, who previously competed for New Albany narrowly leads the team in scoring at 15 points per game. He is also first on the team with an average of 3.7 assists while also shooting a team best 58 percent from the field.

One of the few returning starters from last year, forward, Owan Mburugu is adjusting to a more demanding role. He is averaging 13.2 points, shooting 55 percent from the field and collecting a team leading 9.8 rebounds per game. Those numbers are up from a year ago when he averaged 7.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and shot 48 percent. Mburugu has also improved in defense and ball movement as he's averaging two steals per game and nearly two assists per game.

Euclid is one of many non-conference opponents that will prepare the Vikings for a hopeful long post-season run in February into March. As of today, the combined records of Northland's non-conference competition is 29-18. Only one of those teams currently have a losing record, Grand River is currently 5-6. If you do not include that record, the teams are 24-12.

In today's match-up against Euclid, the Vikings defense will be put to the test. Northland is giving up just 50 points per game. Only two teams have scored more than 60 points against the Vikings. In three out of Euclid's four wins, the Panthers have scored at least 70 points. In each its two losses, Euclid has scored under 60 points.

Going into today's game, the Euclid offense averages 62.5 points, while Northland averages 60. Euclid appears to be more of a second half team when it comes to offense. It has scored 65 percent of its points in the third and fourth quarters. Northland has more of a balanced situation, scoring 51.8 percent of its points in the second half.