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Deer River dominates Wolves struggle against section’s second-best and state-ranked foe
Even at full strength, Ely’s high school boys basketball team would be a decided underdog against state-ranked Deer River.
Take a key starter out of the lineup and the challenge gets even greater.
That was the dilemma facing the Timberwolves Tuesday, as they took on Deer River without the services of junior Derek Johnson - who was out with illness.
While sophomore Leo McKrahl filled in for Johnson and did an admirable job, scoring a season-high 16 points, the Wolves were nonetheless no match for the talented and athletic Warriors, who cruised to a 95-56 win.
Deer River (18-1), currently ranked eighth in the state in Class A and second in Section 7A, showed off its quickness, size and athleticism in a one-sided affair at the high school gymnasium.
The Wolves fell behind 15-2 early on and were never really in the game.
“We struggled on both ends of the floor,” said Ely Head Coach Tom McDonald. “Their athleticism stopped us from getting many good looks on the offensive and we had a hard time defending all of their scorers.”
Deer River built a 20-point lead just past the midway point of the opening half a nd didn’t look back. T he Warriors’ only loss this season has been to section rival and defending State Class A champion Cherry, which is ranked first statewide.
Junior Jack Davies led the Wolves with 18 points, while McKrahl gave his team a spark with 16.
Trenton Bishop added 12 points for the Wolves and senior Caid Chittum finished with eight points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
At 13-6, the Wolves are currently rated sixth in 7A.
They would likely have to run the table and get some help to climb into the top-four, and Ely is fighting to stay in the top-eight and get a home game when the section playoffs start in March.
The Wolves met Mesabi East Friday night and have a long trip to Baudette Saturday to take on Lake of the Woods. A home date with Chisholm follows Feb. 14.
• Ely outscored Carlton 44-15 in the second half and rolled to an 85-44 victory on Jan. 31.
The Wolves opened the half with a 33-8 run and sent the game into running time.
“We defended better in the second half and ran away with it,” said Mc-Donald.
Chittum led all scorers with 25 points and Johnson was next with 24 to go with eight rebounds and eight assists.
Davies added 18 points for the winners.
