The Hopkins boys’ varsity basketball team is showing improvement in the late stages of the season.

The Vikings lost 75-63 to Kelloggsville Friday night, but coach Darrin Smith said he was pleased with the progress of his players.

“This was one of the best overall games that we played from start to finish this season!” Smith commented. “We have one more game against Maple Valley next week and then districts start the following week. I hope we can hit our stride at the right time and have some ‘March Magic’ happen for the Vikings!”

Hopkins, now 3-16 overall for the season, fell behind 29-18 at the end of the first quarter, but spent the rest of the night playing the host Rockets evenly.

The Vikings were led by Jack Sapp with 22 points, six rebounds and one blocked shot. Curtis Opatic and Hunter Lewellyn both had 11 points.

Kelloggsville was led by Tyrell Jernegan with 26 points and Jaevian Willis had 15.

PHOTO: Hopkins coach Darrin Smith said he saw some good things in his team’s 73-63 loss Friday night to O-K Silver Conference rival Kelloggsville.