SOUTH WHITLEY – The Tippecanoe Valley boys basketball team returned to its winning ways Friday night.

The Vikings, who had not seen game action in 10 days, opened Three Rivers Conference play with a 59-40 win at Whitko in the league opener for both teams.

Valley had not played since dropping a 57-42 decision at home Dec. 10 to Culver Academy. The Vikings had home games versus both John Glenn (Dec. 14) and Peru (Dec. 17) postponed due to inclement weather.

The Vikings led just 10-6 after the opening period Friday night before outscoring the Wildcats 14-4 in the second stanza to take control at 24-10 at intermission.

Star senior forward Tanner Andrews led the way for the Vikings with 19 points in the win.

The Vikings, who improve to 4-1 overall, had strong scoring balance in the TRC victory. Logan Britton and Ben Shriver each scored 12 points and Chainey Zolman netted 11 for coachBill Patrick’s squad.

The Vikings went a perfect 7-0 to claim the TRC championship a year ago.

Whitko, coming off a 48-36 home loss to Wawasee Tuesday night, drops to 1-5 on the season.

Senior Dylan Cumberland turned in an outstanding game for the Wildcats with a game-high 21 points. Nate Walpole added nine points for the hosts.

Valley won the junior varsity contest by a 47-13 count.

Valley returns to action Jan. 3 versus NorthWood in the first round of the Winning Edge Holiday Tournament at Rochester. Whitko will face Maconaquah on Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Miami County Tournament at Maconaquah.