Park Rapids at Aitkin

Recap

Late turnovers and not converting at the free throw line hurt the Aitkin Gobblers’ strong start in a 67-56 loss to the Park Rapids Panthers Friday night at Aitkin High School.

The Gobblers opened the game with a 10-2 run as Zach MacDonald tallied 11 points in the first half. The fast start gave way to the Panthers’ Nick Michaelson 13 points even as both teams kept the turnovers relatively close at 6 a piece at the break which was a 32-31 lead for Park Rapids.

The second half was all Michaelson for Park Rapids as he went off for 22 points. Aitkin built up a lead 9 point lead late before missed opportunities, including shooting 6-for-15 at the free throw line and 18 turnovers, left the chance for Park Rapids to pull away for the the 67-56 win. Jaeland Williams led the Gobblers with 20 points in the loss.

Aitkin is now 3-8 on the season and have dropped 4 of their last 5 games. The Gobblers host Esko Tuesday, which will be broadcasted on KKIN-AM 930/FM 103.1, rjbroadcasting.com, and can be seen on Yourliveevent.com. Park Rapids has won 3 in a row to improve to 8-3 on the season with a home game on Monday vs Frazee.

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Aitkin Stats (18 turnovers; 6-for-15 FT; 22 rebounds): Jaeland Williams 20pts, 3rebs; Zack MacDonald 14pts, 2rebs; Alex Palm 8pts, 3rebs; Gus Sanford 6pts, 3rebs; Landon Janzen 5pts, 8rebs; Eli Christy 2pts, 2rebs; Blaise Sanford 1pt, 1reb

Park Rapids Stats (12 turnovers; 14-for-18 FT; 22 rebounds): Nick Michaelson 35pts, 10rebs; Noah Larson 10pts; Logan Jackson 9pts, 5rebs; Parker Harmon 5pts, 2rebs; Noah Morris 4pts, 3rebs; Isaiah Olson 3pts, 1reb