WILLOW WOOD – The Symmes Valley Vikings believe in keeping the lines of communication open.

Vikings coach Alvin Carpenter said better communication has helped the defense and the result was a 68-54 Southern Ohio Conference win Friday over the East Tartans.

“We played better defense. We’re talking to each other more and helping each other out,” Carpenter said.

The offense had one of its better games, too. The Vikings were 26 of 51 from the field with four players reaching double figures.

Michael Humphrey had 18 points while Kyle Meadows got 15 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Also in double figures were Matt Tibbs with 15 and Jacob Johnson with 12.

“We played pretty good team ball. We didn’t force any shots and we played better defense,” Carpenter said.

Nathan Williams paced East with 18 points and Chase Dickerson aaded 11.

Symmes Valley (5-3, 3-2) led 17-14 at the end of the first quarter and then took a 34-25 haltime lead as Humphrey scored 10 points in the second quarter.

Meadows got 8 points in the third quarter to help offset 10 by Williams as East cut into the deficit down to 47-41.

Dickerson scored 8 points in the fourth quarter but Tibbs had 9 points including 4 of 4 from the line and Jacob Johnson sank 2 of 3 down the stretch to seal the victory.

The Vikings host Hannan, W.Va., on Tuesday.

Ports. East14111613=54

Sym. Valley17171321=68

PORTSOUTH EAST (2-5, 1-4): Nathan Williams 1 5 1-2 18, Chase Mault 0 0 2-2 2, Tyler Mault 3 0 2-2 8, Chase Dickerson 1 3 0-0 11, Brad Collins 3 0 1-1 7, John Luther 1 0 3-4 5, Brian Collins 1 0 1-2 3. Totals: 10

8

10-13

54. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: None.

SYMMES VALLEY (5-3, 3-2): Tyler Smith 0 0 0-0 0, Jacob Johnson 3 1 3-5 12, Kirt Shipley 1 0 0-0 2, Chris Capper 3 0 0-0 6, Matt Tibbs 4 0 7-8 15, Kyle Meadows 6 0 3-5 15, Michael Humphrey 8 0 2-2 18. Totals: 26-51 15-20

68. 3-point goals: 1-3. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 39 (Meadows 13, Capper 10). Assists: 11 (Smith 4). Steals: 10 (Smith 3, Meadows 3). Turnovers: 14. Blocked shots: 8 (Meadows 4).