• Chiefs point guard Chaz Richardson soars for score.

OKEMOS - After losing to formerly winless Lansing Eastern, the Okemos Chiefs (4-8) came out a new team Tuesday night, as they put the hammer down on rival Haslett (6-7), 63-54.

Junior wing Vail Hartman broke out with a team-leading 21 point and proved pivotal in the fourth quarter, attacking the rim at will, to close this one out.

"Vail could be a secret weapon," assistant/interim coach Brian Cushion said after the win. "He is so tall, lengthy. I don't think he really knows how good he can be, and when he plays well, our team plays well."

The key matchup coming into this game was at point guard. A pair of senior superstars, Haslett sharpshooter Brandon Allen squared off with Chiefs speedster Chaz Richardson. Allen finished with a game-high 25 points, but it was Richardson's leadership on defense that gave Okemos the edge.

"Chaz played his heart out on Brandon," Cushion said. "I mean I don't know what you can do. The guy (Allen) is firing three-pointers from everywhere."

"Chaz really trailed him on a lot of plays, and I was really proud of Chaz's effort and the whole team's effort on that one."

Okemos head coach Jeff Wonch had to miss this game due to personal reasons.

"We really wanted to win this one for coach Wonch," Cushion said.

Okemos goes to Grand Ledge to face the Comets (8-4) Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

The Vikings play with their playoff hopes on the line back at home against Mason (3-9). Tipoff for this one is also set for Friday at 7:30 p.m.