No Call Ends Esko’s Season

Dwight Cadwell – NSO

Photos By: Carley Cadwell

The Esko Eskomos took the floor at Target Center Wednesday night with the hopes of repeating at State Champion, but those hopes were dashed as the Eskomo’s Aaron Olson saw his last ditch effort come up short at he was hammered to the ground with no foul called the Eskomo’s season ended with a 37-35 loss to the top seeded Crusaders of St. Croix Lutheran.

A game which saw a Crusader 10-7 lead at halftime saw the Eskomos slow the tempo down in the first half and work patiently for each shot they took. Both teams struggled form the floor in the first half with Esko connecting on only 3 of 20 shots in the half while the Crusaders shot 4-21 from the field.

The second half saw things open up a little more from the field as both teams shot much better in the second half. Trenton Krueger used some strong low post moves and have several second chance opportunities as he scored 14 second half points and a game high 18 for the Crusaders.

Ade Lamu posted up down low on the Eskomos as he finished with 11 points in the win for St. Croix Lutheran. The Crusader who built up a double digit lead saw the Eskomos slowly chip away with timely shooting form the out side as Nate Johnson connected on two long range bombs in the second half and he had 3 total for the game.

Elijah Mattinen also hit two three-pointers and some free throws would tie the game up late in the second half. The top seed Crusaders eventually took a four point lead when Esko who was perfect from the free throw line up until late in the second half saw Esko miss 3-4 free throws down the stretch.

Esko had an opportunity to win or tie as time was ticking away Nate Johnson fired a three pointer for the win which hit the rim and bounced off but Aaron Olson chased down the rebound and as he drove to the basket his shot fell short as he was hammered to the ground by a Crusader defender and with no call it was the Crusaders ending the Eskomos season and their hopes of a second straight state title.

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