A pair of late free throws from Kilgore was the difference in a tightly contested 59-57 game in the season opener for the Grayson Vikings, as their thrilling comeback from a double digit deficit came up just short, but the Vikings battled until the end. 
The game was tightly contested throughout. After Kilgore jumped out to a 4-0 lead, a Jayden Garces three quickly brought the Vikings within one.
Nick Gunter was a force on the boards all evening long, his put back tied the game at 8 early in the half. 
A 9-0 run from Kilgore following a media timeout, put the Vikings in a 17-8 deficit, but a Garces three put Grayson within six.
Kilgore extended their lead to 27-15, but the Vikings went on a 6-0 run to close the half, and trailed 27-21 at the break. 
The Vikings faced their largest deficit of the game in the second half, 50-35, but they continued battling. Terrance Ramirez hit a jumper, and the Vikings would go on a 12-5 run capped by a Jordan Williams basket to pull within eight with four minutes to play. A three point play from Gunter got the Vikings within five, and he brought the crowd to their feet with a one handed slam to bring Grayson within three late in the game. After a defensive stop, Barlow hit a three to tie it at 57, but with under 30 seconds to play, Kilgore hit the decisive free throws to decide the game.
Gunter finished with a double-double, leading the Vikings with 19 points, and 18 rebounds. He also added three assists. Terrance Ramirez finished with nine points, while Garces, Barlow and Kevin Paul Jr all finished with eight.
Next up for the Vikings is a trip to Paris to take on the Dragons on Tuesday, Nov. 5.