Barnum Falls In Semi’s, McGregor Moves On To Section Finals

Click Here For The Complete Game Box Score

For Additional Photos Click Here To View Our Complete Photo Gallery

Mar 15

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

MORA- Tuesday night as the Section 5A Semi-Final game was near the conclusion, a controversial no call marred a hard fought McGregor Mercuries victory over Polar League rival Barnum by a final score of 45-42 at Mora High School.

With the Bombers trailing late in the second half by a score of 44-39, a three point basket by Justin Newman cut the lead to two points at 44-42. The ensuing inbounds play saw Danny Warpula knock the ball from the hands of one McGregor player towards another Merc player, who grabbed the ball and appeared to step on the end line.

The official ruling, however, was the Bombers committed a foul on the play, sending McGregor to the free throw line. The Mercuries then sank one out of two free throws to seal the victory and move on to the section 5A championship game Friday night vs. Upsala in Crosby. Upsala upset the state’s number one ranked team, the Sebeka Trojans in the other Section 5A Semi-Final.

Barnum and McGregor battled evenly in the first half with both teams making small runs and exchanging the lead several times. Late in the first half Jacob Naslund hit some key shots that would have the Bombers holding a two point 22-20 lead at halftime. Both teams slowed the ball down worked it each and every possession for a good shot.

The second half saw the Bombers hit a few shots early in the half that allowed Barnum to hold the lead for a short time. Justin Newman’s drives to the basket and his clutch shots down the stretch were not enough as the Mercuries would garner control midway through the second half and go on to the three point win. Preston Hurd scored eight of his 12 points down the stretch.

Justin Newman scored 20 points to lead all scorers for Barnum, Danny Warpula and Jacob Naslund each finished with 7, Josh Hogan, Bobby Minkkinen, Luke Chalberg, and Andrew Youngren all finished with two points in the Bomber loss. Barnum finishes 22-7 on the season; McGregor improves to 25-4 as the advance to the section finals.

Northland Sports Online would like to recognize the five seniors on this year’s Barnum roster, Luke Chalberg, Hector Chavez, Josh Hogan, Andrew Youngren, and Justin Newman. NSO wishes all the best to the graduating seniors and thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to the Bomber basketball program.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com

Dwight Cadwell-NSO