Rebels open Playoff’s with Victory

Photos by: Jenifer Szczyrbak & Joyce Hibke

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels opened the section 7AA boys basketball playoffs with a 73-63 victory over Pine City Tuesday night at Moose lake High School.

The Rebels used a balanced attack in the first half as the Rebels jumped out to a 15 point halftime lead at 36-21.The Rebels had four players all within two points of one another in the first half.

The second half saw the Rebels start the half fast as they built up a 21 point lead midway through the second half at 61-40. The Dragons were not going to go away quietly as they fought back and would cut the lead down to 7.

The Rebels who struggled from the free throw line in the second half connected on 6-8 with less than two minutes to go to seal the victory, and Brad Fossum hitting his last three free throws.

Fossum led the Rebels with 18 points, Ike Pederson added 12, while it was Trent Autio chipping with 11, and Matt Mach was the fourth Rebels player in double figures with 10 points.

The Dragons were paced by Mitch Hannsmeyer who scored 27 points including five three pointers. Noah Adams hit for 18 points in the loss for the Dragons who finished the season with a record of 12-14.

The Rebels improve to 17-9 overall this year and they will face either Rush City of Barnum on Saturday afternoon at UMD. The Bombers and the Tigers play Wednesday night at Barnum.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at Dwight@northlandsportsonline.com