Floodwood Upsets Barnum Boys 61-60

Jan 4

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

BARNUM- When the Floodwood Polar Bears entered the Barnum High School Tuesday night, head coach Chris Tommila didn’t know how his team was going to play coming off a two week layoff over the holiday break. His team started slow but responded fast as the Polar Bear upset the previous unbeaten and state ranked Barnum Bombers by a final score of 61-60.

After two technical fouls called on Barnum during warm-ups the Polar Bears shot four free throws and started the game with a 4-0 lead. Barnum responded right back with some great shooting and strong inside play to take a ten point 23-13 lead. The Polar Bears responded right back going on a 19-7 run to end the first half with a two point 32-30 lead.

The second half saw the Polar Bears again continue on with their momentum as they built an eleven point 52-41 lead with six minutes remaining. Barnum however responded by going on their own run, answering back with twelve straight points to take a 53-52 lead. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch and it would be a three pointer from Colin Eagle that sealed the win for Floodwood as Barnum’s last second attempt to win the game fell short.

Barnum was led in scoring by Justin Newman who finished with 12 points. Danny Warpula added 11, Bobby Minkkinen scored 9, Josh Hogan & Brandon Newman each added 7, Andrew Youngren chipped in with 6, Jake Naslund 3, and Luke Chalberg finished with 2.

Floodwood was led senior guard Zack Heggedahl with 21 points, including five three-pointers. Ross Schminski added 20 points in the win. Colin Eagle had 9 points, Jarred Heggedahl ended with 7, Justin Hall and Riley Bernsdorf each had 2. The Polar Bears improve to 4-4 on the season.

Barnum falls to 7-1 overall and will play at Wrenshall on Friday night in a Polar League battle. On Saturday they will play in a boys and girls double header against New Life Academy at home. The Girls game is at 2:00 pm the boys are slated to begin at 4:00 pm.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com