Boys basketball: Speikers leads Tigers to win

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With injuries still taking their toll on the Farmington line-up, it was up to freshman Zach Speikers to take over in the second half of Friday’s Missota Conference game against Shakopee.

Speikers exploded for a career-high 15 points, all in the second half, as the Tigers overcame a four-point halftime deficit and avenged a 22-point loss earlier this season with a 48-45 victory over the Sabers at Tiger Gym.

Speikers seized his opportunity to shine with teammates Nick Varner and Darren Beenken playing at less than full strength, and Mackinley Bassett, Austin Bassett and Jack Hanson all watching from the sideline due to injuries.

Varner finished with six points, including an offensive rebound and basket that gave the Tigers a 44-43 lead with less than five minutes remaining. The Tiger defense yielded just one field goal the rest of the way and Varner knocked down two free throws in the final minute to help preserve the win.

Beenken backed Speikers with eight points.

The Tigers, who improved to 7-13 and ended a four-game conference losing streak, are back at Tiger Gym tonight against a Northfield team they beat 57-48 on Jan. 20 in Northfield.

Tags: boys basketball, sports, tigers, farmington, prep