Basketball Game Preview: Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings vs. Independence Mustangs

After both having extra time off, the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings and the Independence Mustangs will dust off their jerseys to take on one another at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Vinton-Shellsburg has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.

While Vinton-Shellsburg didn't have the best season last year (they finished 2-20), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They simply couldn't be stopped two weeks ago as they easily beat South Tama County 72-35. The contest marked the Vikings' most dominant win of the season so far.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Independence). They were the clear victor by a 69-43 margin over New Hampton two weeks ago. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Mustangs have posted since February 9, 2024.

Vinton-Shellsburg's win bumped their record up to 6-2. As for Independence, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 3-4.

Vinton-Shellsburg strolled past Independence in their previous matchup back in December of 2024 by a score of 74-57. The rematch might be a little tougher for Vinton-Shellsburg since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.