ML-WR Boys Use Solid Defense to Down Barnum

Jan 11

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

WILLOW RIVER- Tuesday night saw the Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels put a strong hold on the Polar League Conference with a 58-41 win over rival Barnum. The Rebels used balanced scoring and a great defensive effort as they win by 17 points at home.

The Rebels jumped out quickly in the first half as the Rebels would command a 38-15 lead at halftime and cruised in the second half for the win. Barnum outscored the Rebels by six points in the second half but the Rebels huge first half lead was too much to overcome.

“They did a good job on us inside” Head Coach for Barnum Rich Newman stated. “They got to the free throw line 24 times compared to only eight times for us.” Newman was unable to coach from the bench after being ejected from a game last Saturday. Newman was in attendance and watched from behind the Bombers bench in the stands.

Adam Johnsen paced the Rebels with 14 points in the Rebel victory. Ryan Adamczak added 11 points, Caleb Koecher and Trevor Nummela each finished with 9 points, Nick Tokar and Taylor Mattison both added 7 points and Jeff Hansen finished out the scoring with 1 point on the night.

The Bombers were led by Danny Warpula, who finished with 12 points including 2 three-pointers. Jacob Naslund added 8, Josh Hogan finished with 6, Hector Chavez and Bobby Minkkinen each had 5, Justin Newman and Andrew Youngren both ended with 2 points and Luke Chalberg closed the scoring with 1 point in the loss.

Moose Lake-Willow River moves to 10-2 overall on the season. They are back in action this Friday when they face Carlton in Willow River. The Bombers fall to 9-2 on the season and are in action again on Thursday when they will play Hinckley-Finlayson at the Hinckley High School.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com