ML-WR Falls In Section Finals

Wes Vork-NSO

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Mar 19

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

UMD- The Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels 2010-2011 season was one of many highs, and one of very few lows. The biggest low was the Rebels dream of making it to the state tournament and how that dream ended Saturday night at UMD as the Virginia Bluedevils defeated the Rebels 51-46.

Moose Lake-Willow River saw the Rebels looking to make a return trip to the state tournament; the last appearance was in 2005 when the Rebels fell in the state quarterfinals to Luverne. That season the Rebels had also defeated Virginia in the section finals to advance to the state tournament.

Things started really slowly in the first half as both teams set up half court offenses and worked for their best shot. Virginia’s top gun, Caven Stackpool scored 9 first half points as the Rebels found themselves trailing by two points 19-17 at halftime. Even trailing at the break, the biggest factor in the game in the first half was the knee injury to Caleb Koecher.

Koecher went hard to the floor late in the first half, and was helped back to the Rebels locker room. With Koecher out for the rest of the game the Bluedevils would sag inside defensively and force the Rebels to fire away from the outside. The Rebels, who normally shoot around 40% from the field, struggled from behind the three point line as they finished 0-14 beyond the arc.

The game was a back and forth battle in the second half, with Virginia controlling play for most of the second half. The Rebels would respond, but every time the Rebels did respond the Bluedevils answered right back. As time was running down the Rebels found themselves trailing and were forced to foul. Virginia capitalized on those chances, finishing 11-14 from the free throw line.

The Rebels Head Coach Neil Dickinson told Northland Sports Online “We gave it our all out there tonight, the kids battled hard and we really wanted that trip to the cities.” Dickinson added, “Virginia played us tough tonight, they are a good team and we wish them well at the state tournament.”

“We had chances, had opportunities, but sometimes you just can’t get the shots to fall and tonight they didn’t fall for us.” Dickinson stated “When Koecher went down it hurt inside, it put more pressure matching up with their big guys down low, but our kids did well tonight, I’m proud of them all, and the seniors I thanked them for all their hard work and dedication.”

The Rebels magical run came to an end Saturday night, with it a 22 game win streak and a chance at the state championship. A 27-3 overall record this season, and the memories that will remain with all the players, fans, coaches, parents and friends, truly will be one magical season.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com