Sports

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe
When is a nearly 30-point loss a moral victory?
When the opponent is the top-ranked team in the state.
So it was for the Ely Timberwolves Dec. 15 at Cook, where they gave powerful Northwoods a run for their money before fading late in an 87-59 high school boys basketball defeat.
Northwoods, last year’s Section 7A champions and state runner-up, is rated first in Class A this winter and unbeaten in five starts.
The Grizzlies, who got 36 points from senior sharpshooter Tate Olson, were averaging over 100 points per game and play impressive defense.
But the Wolves, who lost for the first time in four starts, weathered a few early storms and remained very much in the ballgame midway through the first half.
“I was happy that we competed with them for a good portion of the game but their athleticism finally got to us on both ends of the floor,” said Ely Head Coach Tom McDonald.

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe -

SOPHOMORE WYNTER GEORGE has logged plenty of minutes for VCC this winter, as the Ironwomen have battled injuries en route to a 1-7 start. Photo by Eric Sherman

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe
The Vermilion Ironmen faded in the second half on Saturday, and their season-long winning streak came ot an end.
A double-digit first half lead went by the wayside as Minnesota West rallied and downed the community college basketball team 81-77 Saturday at Worthington.
The loss was the first in six contests for the Ironmen, who opened the long trip with an 88-76, Dec. 1 victory at Ridgewater.
But against the Bluejays, it was a seesaw affair. The game featured eight ties and several lead changes.
Vermilion led 48-38 at the half, fell behind by one, then charged back to lead 73-65.
Minnesota West countered with a 16-4 run to end the game, fueled in part by DeShawn Pickford, who led all scorers with 27 points.
Minnesota West grabbed a 79-77 lead late in the contest, and VCC misfired on a three-pont attempt with 20 seconds left.
Vermilion’s first defeat came despite some impressive statistical days.

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe -

ON THE BEACH in Hawaii after an outrigger canoe race was Ely’s Jacob Dayton (in sunglasses). Dayton was part of a juniors team that competed in the world championships earlier this year. He is pictured with teammate Kawai Cho and coach Lorelei Nakagawa. Submitted photo

by Tom Coombe -