In a standout performance, Brooks Bakko led the Kindred Vikings to a commanding victory against Fargo Oak Grove, scoring 35 points in a game that showcased his exceptional skills. The 6-foot-6 guard dominated the court, culminating in a powerful two-handed dunk that electrified the home crowd at the Vikings gymnasium. Bakko’s contribution included a mix of layups, jump shots, and free throws, illustrating his versatility on the court.
Bakko’s adaptability has been crucial for the No. 1-ranked Vikings, who remain undefeated with an overall record of 8-0 and a perfect 3-0 in North Dakota Division A, Region 1 boys basketball. Averaging approximately 28 points and 10 rebounds per game, he has established himself as the team’s leading scorer by a significant margin of nearly 100 points over his closest teammate.
Team Dynamics and Leadership
His impact extends beyond personal statistics, as Bakko’s playstyle opens opportunities for his teammates. Gabe Whipple, a guard for the Vikings, noted, “(He) frees up so many opportunities for our other guys, who will cut or get open for a three. That opens up a lot of looks for the whole board.” The team averages over 77 points per game, boasting a shooting percentage of 50% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc.
Head coach Brad Woehl praised Bakko’s unselfishness, stating, “He still remains humble and he’s very unselfish. He gets the ball to where it needs to go. He’s all about winning and that’s good to have from your leader.” Bakko’s leadership qualities were evident last season when he scored the game-winning tip-in at the buzzer, securing Kindred’s second state championship with a narrow 59-58 victory over Devils Lake.
Multi-Sport Talent and Future Prospects
Beyond basketball, Bakko’s athletic prowess is also apparent on the football field. He has received NCAA Division I FBS offers from prestigious programs such as Michigan, Michigan State, and Oklahoma. Last season, he was named an all-state first-team selection and recognized as the North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year, accumulating 778 yards and 13 touchdowns on 36 receptions.
In the recent matchup against Oak Grove, Bakko’s skills shone through as he effortlessly executed no-look passes, demonstrating football instincts that translate well to basketball. “It’s kind of like instinct,” he explained. “A lot of it comes from football, just reading guys and moving them with your eyes. It’s just kind of mental.”
The Vikings attribute their undefeated start to consistent improvement and a focus on winning each game. “It’s a process of us just getting better and better, and going 1-0 on game night,” Coach Woehl remarked.
As they face a challenging week ahead, Kindred prepares to take on No. 3 Central Cass on January 20, 2024, in Casselton. The team will then travel to play Devils Lake on January 23, followed by a home game against No. 2 Four Winds-Minnewaukan on January 24. Bakko emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, stating, “Just keep stacking days, games. Just trying to be the best team that we can.”
Despite their success, the Vikings acknowledge areas for improvement. Whipple noted, “Offensively, we’re scoring the ball well. Defensively, we can clean some little things up.” As the season progresses, the Vikings remain focused on enhancing their performance and continuing their winning streak.
