HOT SPRINGS — Sticking to the game plan paid off for the Charlo boys’ basketball team in its 46-38 win over Hot Springs last Tuesday.

“We played well,” head coach Michael Brown said. “We finally had a good defensive game.”

At the end of the first quarter, Charlo was down 11-9.

“[Hot Springs] made some good shots” Brown said.

The Vikings didn’t give up and continued to make Hot Springs take the tough shots.

“We dug in on defense and started rebounding,” Brown said. “If they took a shot, we at least made sure a hand was in their face.”

At the half, the Vikings were up 23-15 and with a 23-point second half, ended with a win.

Senior Chance Frame ended with a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore Dillion Delaney added 11 points and senior Houston Blevins posted 10 more.

Frame’s points are important for Charlo, Brown said, after senior Chance Firestone’s high-ankle sprain in the Victor tournament Dec. 12.

Delaney stepped up, taking the role of running the team.

“We we lost our senior leadership in Firestone, it fell on [Delaney],” Brown said. “He is doing well adjusting and next year will be a big year for him.”

Firestone is set to return to the court against Arlee on Jan. 7 but Brown said he might hold him out for one more game.

“He’s chomping at the bit,” he said. “It’s a long season. He’ll have plenty of time.”

Last time Charlo played Arlee, the Vikings lost 70-51.

Defense will be key for Charlo in order to win. Last year, Brown said his team was giving away upwards of 30 shots at the free throw line.

“I expect us to play better defense,” he said. “If we can go out and play defense, I’ll be satisfied. Don’t get me wrong, a win would be nice, but we need to play defense.”