Sports

by Tom Coombe
An idea for a community service project has, in five short years, taken on a life of its own.
Now in its fifth year, the Hoops for Hope Holiday Tournament has become a staple on Ely’s high school girls basketball calendar and a significant local fundraiser.
This year’s event is set for Thursday and Friday at the high school gymnasium, with four teams squaring off and raising money for the local Spiritwood Foundation in the process.
Hoops for Hope, in addition to raising money for a local cause, also raises awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease, one of several benefits from an event that started with an idea from Darren Visser, who took over as girls basketball coach in town and started the tournament in 2014.

Ely Squirts first place finish at the City on the Bay Walker, MN tournament this past weekend. Ely went undefeated in four games, beating Becker Big Lake, Blaine, Warroad, and then Bloomington Kennedy Richfield in the championship game. Pictured are: back row (l-r): Head coach Nicki Carlson, Assistant Coaches Justin Zemke, Bill Forsberg, Joe Majerus; 3rd row: Lewey Powell, Jayden Zemke, Stig Majerus, Ryland Sandy, Tyler Forsberg, Sylvia Shock; 2nd row: Brayden Akins, Nico Lenci, Brady Eaton, Sean Merriman, Caz Carlson, Owen Marolt, Hunter Halbakken, Evan Leeson; Front: winning goalie in net for the championship game, Jon Schlosser. Submitted photo.

BATTLE IN FRONT OF THE BENCH - Ely’s Austin Meskill (5) looked to take the puck from an Eveleth-Gilber player right in front of Ely’s bench as coaches Jake Myers and Ben Johnson and the Wolves’ Jackson Flom and Isaac Gawboy look on. Photo by Eric Sherman

by Tom Coombe -

CONGRATULATIONS for Ely’s Erika Mattson who celebrated with family members after scoring her 1,000th career point. Photo by Eric Sherman.

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe -

DESPITE A HAND TO THE FACE, Vermilion guard Maurice Carter went in for a layup as the Ironmen picked up two wins in last weekend’s season-opening tournament. Photo by Eric Sherman

by Tom Coombe -

by Tom Coombe -

Try Hockey for Free Day was held in Ely on Nov. 10 in conjunction with USA Hockey and Minnesota and sponsored by Pure Hockey and Chipolte. Kids get to try hockey with no obligation, for free! There were over 30 skaters this year and coaches at all levels come and help out. Photos by Tara Kay.

ELY EIGHTH GRADER Zoe Devine (962) competed in the state cross country meet and placed 29th in Class A.

by Tom Coombe -