Hermantown Boys Fall To Grand Rapids

Feb 14

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Hermantown Hawks fell for the second straight game Monday night as the Hawks slow start against Grand Rapids was too much to overcome as they fall 70-59 to the Thunderhawks at Grand Rapids High School. This loss was the second straight as the Hawks fell Saturday against section foe Chisago Lakes 79-69.

The Hawks over last two games seem to have fallen in the same spunk, as they started slow on Saturday before rallying in the second half only to fall short against the Wildcats. Ben Figini led all scorers for Chisago Lakes finishing with 31 points on the night.

The Hawks trailed by twelve points at halftime and rallied to cut the lead to three points late in the game, but it was the Wildcats hitting free throws down the stretch and earning the sectional win at home. Cory Kucza scored 21 points to lead the Hawks, he was followed by Corey Anderson with 19, and Kevin Folman chipped in with 14.

Hermantown again started slow Monday night when they spotted the Thunderhawks another 12 point lead at halftime with Grand Rapids in front 28-16. The second half featured a scoring barrage by both teams with a combined 85 points scored in the second half alone.

Hermantown again battled back and cut the lead down to five points in the second half, but the Thunderhawks responded and went on to the 11 point win at home. “We lost earlier in the season by 19 points, so since they are the team to beat in our section it was a good measuring stick for us.” Hermantown head Coach Mike Pothast explained.

The Hawks had four players in double figures in the Grand Rapids game, led by Corey Anderson and Cory Kucza who finished with 17 points each on the night. Spencer Johnson, back after an injury, chipped in with 15 points and it was Kevin Folman with another nice night finishing with 10 points.

The Hawks are now 12-9 on the season and they look to end the two game losing skid on Friday night when they will host the Ashland Oredockers in a Lake Superior Conference contest at Hermantown High School.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com