Mesabi East at Pequot Lakes

Recap

After a rough shooting first half, the Pequot Lakes Patriots were able to pull away late and defeat the Giants of Mesabi East to start the season 5-0.

The Patriots also had to battle the towering Giants, that featured three players six feet tall or taller. The first half featured two ties and six lead changes. A 10-0 Giants run gave the visitors a 21-14 lead. After trading a few buckets, the Patriots answered the run with nine straight to go up 32-28, and led at the break 36-33.

6’2″ senior Kora Forsline had 16 for Mesabi East at the break, while Maci Martini had 14 for Pequot Lakes.

Mesabi East scored first in the second half to cut the Patriots’ lead to one, but the Patriots offense got rolling a little faster in the second frame. Pequot Lakes scored 12 of the next 14 points to push their lead to double figures at 48-37 around the 13:00 mark. The Giants’ weren’t done, as they used the high-low game to pass over the top of the Patriot defenders, and used an 11-4 burst to work back within four at 52-48. Pequot Lakes was not phased, however, and put the game away with a 10-2 response, leading 64-52 with 2:35 left.

With the win, the Patriots are 5-0 and host another big section opponent, Proctor, on Thursday. Mesabi East falls to 2-2 and will play at Floodwood Monday.

Team Stats: Turnovers- PL 15, ME 23; Rebounds (off.) – PL 35 (16), ME 30 (13); Free Throws – PL 11/14, ME 16/24

Mesabi East Leaders: Kora Forsline 24pts, 5 assts; Maija Hill 14 pts, 2 stls; Steve Hakala 11 pts, 2 assts

Pequot Lakes Leaders: Maci Martini 29 pts, 2 stls; Isabel Larson 12 pts, 3 stls; Kelsi Martini 7 pts, 4 assts; Lauren Schultz 7 pts, 3 stls

Postgame Interview with Mesabi East Coach Chris Whiting

Postgame Interview with Pequot Lakes Coach Brian Lempola