After struggling out of the gate at the start of the basketball season, Hopkins has won eight of its last nine contests and its last six in a row.

As a result, the Vikings are tied for first place in the O-K Silver Conference standings with a 6-1 record. They will have a showdown Tuesday night with co-leader Calvin Christian at the Squires’ court.

Hopkins was 1-3 at the Christmas break, but came out strong afterward.

The Vikings won at Godwin Heights, 68-54, to improve to 10-4 overall.

Senior Tyler Zomerlei finished with 22 points, Drew Weber added 21 and Colin Weber 17.

“We got out to an early lead by executing well vs. their 1-2-2 zone,” said coach Jake Jewett. “Godwin climbed back into it by getting out in transition and finishing strong at the rim.”

Hopkins led at the half by just a point, 27-26.

“We had a great third quarter effort, getting the ball inside and using our size,” the coach said. “We moved the ball well, shared it, and found our advantage in the half court.”

Jewett said Colin Weber played tremendous defense on the Wolverines’ freshman sharpshooter, Jakhary Towns, holding him to eight points. He added that Nathan Tew also had some key minutes off the bench and played tough defensively.

The Lady Vikings, earlier in the evening, also won 53-40, to lift their overall season record to 8-6. They are in second place in the Silver while Calvin Christian and Kelloggsville are tied for first.