Vikings win first playoff game in thrilling fashion

The Cook County Vikings boys basketball team won a back and forth contest over the McGregor Mercuries on Wednesday, March 4, 62-60, to advance in the section playoff bracket. MaCoy Fairbanks hit the game winning shot with 6 seconds left on the scoreboard.

The team will play in the section quarterfinals on Saturday, March 7, 11 am at the Hibbing Memorial Building. WTIP will be broadcasting Saturday’s matchup against the Cherry Tigers.

WTIP’s Sterling Anderson spoke with Vikings Head Coach Keaton Riley and seniors Nick Spry and Parker Backstrom after the win against McGregor.

Sterling Anderson March 5, 2026