Mesabi East at Pequot Lakes

Recap

The top-seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots rolled into the 7AA Semifinals after defeating the Mesabi East Giants for the second time this season.

The defense shined in this game for the Patriots as they completely shut down the much taller post players for Mesabi East. 6’2″ Senior Kora Forsline for the Giants, who scored 24 in the regular season meeting, was held to just three points. The Giants didn’t have many threats from outside, and their offense struggles mightily for most of the game.

The Patriots built an 18-point lead at 30-12 when Mesabi East had their only run of the game. Nine straight for the Giants cut the lead to nine with 5:35 to go in the half. Pequot Lakes responded by ending the half with ten straight, highlighted by a running layup by sophomore Izzy Larson as time expired. It was 40-21 at the break.

The Patriots wasted little time putting the game out of reach in the second half, outscoring the Giants 19-6 through the first 6:10 of the half. The running time rule was put into effect shortly after, and Pequot Lakes advances.

Pequot Lakes has now won 22 straight, and will play #4-seed Proctor Wednesday night in the semifinals at 27-1. Pregame will be 5pm Wednesday night on KLKS Talk 100 & rjbroadcasting.com.

Mesabi East finishes the year at 19-9 and will graduate five seniors.

Postgame Interview with PL Coach Brian Lempola: