Esko Beats Deer River, Stays Perfect On The Season

Click Here For The Complete Box Score

Dec 20

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

ESKO- The 2010-2011 Esko boys basketball team has three senior starters in their starting five; add in two juniors that all have the same desire and this year, the Esko basketball team should be one difficult team to beat. The starting five proved that Monday as they knocked off the once beaten Warriors of Deer River by a score of 66-52.

The Eskomos, with team speed, quickness, the ability to push the ball in transition, or work the offense in a half court set, show they are going to be very tough this year in section 7AA. Monday the Eskomos and the Warriors battled from the opening tip exchanging baskets with neither team creating an early advantage.

With the game tied at 14-14 it was the Eskomos strong defenses that allowed Esko to jump out and go on an 20-10 run to close out the first half. Esko did an excellent job on the defensive side shutting down Damon Benham of the Warriors, who was leading the Warriors in scoring with over 22 points per game.

The Eskomos defense held Benham to a season low nine points on the night. Meanwhile Esko’s Jake Stainbrook scored a game high 25 points to lead all scorers. Stainbrook was 12-20 from the field and was 1-3 from the free throw line. Marc Peterson and Jackson Lindquist added 9 points in the Eskomos win.

Esko remains perfect on the season, moving to 5-0 overall. Tuesday’s contest with Duluth Central was postponed due to the snow and school closing. Esko is in action again on next Tuesday as they will play in the Wood City Classic in Cloquet. Esko will face Blake on Tuesday at 5 pm, and East Central on Wednesday at 5 pm.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com