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Girls win tourney crown

Contributions from throughout their lineup lifted the Ely Timberwolves to a championship performance in their own holiday tournament.Four players scored in double figures in a high school girls basketball victory over Cromwell, while all five starters had between seven and 10 points in a title-clinching 47-38 decision against Eveleth-Gilbert in the Dec. 30 finale of the three-day event.Ely ran its record to 5-2 for the season and continued a string of impressive early-season performances.The Wolves won just seven games a year ago but could be in position to match that total within the next week. They met Mesabi East late Thursday, after the Echo’s deadline, and have games ahead with Chisholm (Monday), Babbitt-Embarrass (Thursday, Jan. 12) and Maranatha Academy (Saturday, Jan. 14).Several factors have led to the turnaround including:• A healthy lineup. Ely was ravaged by injuries in 2004-2005 but have played largely at full strength this season.• More balance. The Wolves have one of the area’s most potent scorers in junior Tomi McDonald but all four of the remaining starters have hit double figures at least once this season.• Improved defense. Ely’s zone has wreaked havoc with opponents, most notably Eveleth-Gilbert during the tournament finale.Wolves 57, Cromwell 48Ely struggled with the Cardinals for a half, then pulled away to take the Dec. 29 matchup.McDonald and Kelsey Ivancich both hit a pair of three-pointers in the first half as Ely built a 28-23 advantage.The Cardinals (2-9) trimmed the lead to two during the second half, but Ely managed to pull away.McDonald had a team-high 17 points, but junior Barb Klun had a strong all-around afternoon with 15 points, including 10 in the second half, and eight rebounds.Ivancich hit double figures with 13 points and Kathleen Omerza added 12 points for the Wolves.Kylee Smith led Cromwell with 17 points.Wolves 47, Eveleth-Gilbert 38Ely’s patience on offense and a defense that forced turnovers swung the game in its favor.The Wolves led 23-20 at halftime and gained control in the second stanza.Junior Kaytie Spangler scored 10 points, including four inside hoops in the second half.McDonald also scored 10 points but balance was key. Klun and Omerza both netted nine points and Ivancich wound up with seven.On the boards, McDonald had 10 rebounds and Klun had nine. Klun also dished out five assists.Megan Beard had 10 points for Eveleth-Gilbert (6-2).The Golden Bears we t 2-1 in the tournament to place second, ahead of both Cromwell (1-2) and Silver Bay (0-3).

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