Ely trio part of all-star game

by Tom Coombe

Three Ely seniors saw their high school girls basketball careers come to an end during the Section 7A semifinals earlier this month.

But the trio had one last chance to be together on the court on Wednesday night.

The venue was the gymnasium at Mesabi Community College in Virginia, home to the annual Iron Range Engineering All-Star Games.

The “home” team that included Ely seniors Grace LaTourell and Hannah Penke beat the “away” squad that had the third Timberwolf - Sarah Visser.

They joined players from Mt. Iron-Buhl, North Woods, Cromwell, Rock Ridge, South Ridge, Hibbing, Duluth Marshall and elsewhere for a competitive yet fun night of basketball.

LaTourell, who finished her prep career with 1,945 points, added 11 more to help her team to an 86-79 win.

Penke added four points and four rebounds to her team’s cause.

Visser, who ended her prep career with a slew of single-season and career records - including over 1,000 rebounds - added five points, six rebounds, two steals and two assists in the contest.

All three Wolves were earlier named to the All-Arrowhead Conference Team and spurred Ely to a 22-7 record this winter.