Carlton Boys Win Second Tight Game

Wes Vork-NSO

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Jan 10

Wes Vork-NSO

CARLTON – Over the last couple of years the Carlton Boys basketball program has found itself on the wrong end of several close games. Through hard work and dedication that trend is starting to change with the Bulldogs winning their second tight game in a row. The latest coming Monday evening when they held off a never say die AlBrook squad for a 57-55 home victory.

On Friday the Bulldogs came out on the winning end of a 46-44 score against Cook County. “This group of kids have worked real hard and come close so many times; it’s nice to win two close ones in a row.” Carlton Head Coach Carl Grussendorf told Northland Sports Online after the game.

Monday’s win wasn’t without its moments near the end however. With less than two minutes left in the game Carlton was leading by a score of 50-39. Three pointers by the Falcons chipped away at the lead, getting it down to five points at 54-49 with a minute left. A clutch 3-pointer by Robby McQuade helped AlBrook-Cotton cut the lead to 54-52 with 42 seconds left. After the Bulldogs hit one of two free throws, Bryce Karppinen hit yet another from beyond the arc for the Falcons and it was back to a two point game at 57-55. AlBrook-Cotton was able to get one last chance when Carlton missed both free throws with only five seconds remaining. Although the Falcons secured the rebound, they were unable to work the ball through traffic and had to settle for a half-court shot that fell well short of its mark, giving the Bulldogs their second two point win in as many games.

For a program that has put forth a good effort but has struggled to find wins, coming out on top of two tight games in a row may be just what the doctor ordered. “Getting experience in situations like this helps them relax with the basketball; their confidence is starting to come and starting to show.” Grussendorf commented.

The Bulldogs were led by Matt Lund with15 points including three 3-pointers. He was joined in double figures by Erik Adams and Kodie Peterson with 14 and 10 points respectively. Others scoring for Carlton were Lane Empson with 8, Dakota Frear scoring 5, Marc Shoberg 3, and Kyle Gunderson rounding out the scoring with 2 points.

The Falcons hit a total of 10 3-pointers on the evening, including a couple clutch baskets from beyond the arc in the final seconds, but were only 10-33 from 3-point land on the night. Bryce Karppinen and Kory Saver led the Falcons with 13 points each. Dominic Janke was next with 9 points, Robby McQuade had 6, Ryan Smith and Dan Wood scored 6 points each and Chase Miller finished with 2 points.

The win moves Carlton’s record to 2-10 on the season, they will have another tough test when they travel to Willow River to take on the Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels on Friday. AlBrook Cotton has a short turnaround when they travel to Orr on Tuesday night.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com