Eskomos Advance to Finals

Scott Tohott – NSO

Photos By: Dan Lingle

The Esko Eskomos rolled back into the section 7AA finals for the fourth consecutive year as the Eskomos routed Deer River by a score of 59-30. The Eskomos the two time defending section champions will face Barnum in a section rematch from a season ago.

Esko started fast Tuesday night as they Eskomos jumped out to a 33-13 lead at halftime following Aaron Olson who scored 16 first half points including 4 three-pointers in the half. Esko also used dominating defense as the Eskomos held Deer River scoreless until Kole Schultz connected on two free throws.

Esko continued to roll in the first half as the Eskomos Adam Trapp frustrated the Warriors inside game, forcing Deer River to alter inside shots and when they couldn’t connect from outside the game became a twenty point lead at the break.

Schultz and Aaron Drotts hit three pointers to start the second half but that would be all the Warriors would be able to do as Esko used a ball control offense and timely free throws as the Eskomos picked up the 29 point victory.

Olson finished with 20 points to lead all scorers on the night, while Jaxon Turner finished with 12, and Trapp ended with 9 points. He also added 7 blocked shots on the night and grabbed 9 rebounds in the victory.

Kole Schultz was the only Warrior player in double figures as he finished with 15 points in the loss. Deer River closes the season with a 18-11 record.

The Eskomos improved to 22-7 overall and they will see Barnum for the second time this season and will set up a rematch of last seasons section title game.

Deer River    13-17—30

Esko               33-26—59

Deer River —

Ben Eby 3

Kole Schultz 15

Aaron Drotts 6

Dakota Goggleye 2

Cody Shevich 2

Sebastian Anttila 2

3-point goals — Drotts 2, Schultz.

Esko

Jaxson Turner 12

Derek Pantsar 5

Isaac Blue 2

Elijah Mattinen 3

Aaron Olson 20

Trenton Menor 5

Nate Johnson 1

Matt Bolgrean 2

Adam Trapp 9

3-point goals — Turner, Pantsar, Olson 4

Scott Tohott can be reached at Sports@northlandsportsonline.com

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