Esko Sweeps On Coaches vs. Cancer Night

Wes Vork-NSO

Click here for the boys box score

Click here for the girls box score

For additional photos click here
to view
our complete photo gallery

Dec 15, 2011

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Esko Eskomos boys and girls basketball teams were both victorious Thursday night over Cook County in a boys and girls doubleheader on the Coaches versus Cancer night at Esko High School. The girls basketball team defeated the Vikings 57-41 in the first game of the night and the Esko boys defeated the Vikings by a score of 59-40.

On a night where players, parents, fans, and anyone in attendance could purchase wrist bands or T-shirts, or even take part in a paper airplane toss; it was a night to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Carlton County Relay for Life Program. The Cancer versus Coach’s organization was founded by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball coaches.

“We raised an amazing $1052.00 in just a few short hours,” explained Esko Head Boys Basketball Coach Mike Devney. “For our first try, this was an outstanding effort. This money will go directly to fight cancer in the Northland. I cannot express my thanks enough to all who worked the event and donated to this cause.”

The Vikings of Cook County took early lead in the girls match up as the Viking built a halftime lead of 22-18. Esko responded in the second half outscoring the Vikings 39-21 to come away with the 16 point win at home. Savanna Trapp finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocked shots in the Eskomos win. Kallyn Knutson added 15 points, including going three for three from beyond the arc and Marisa Shady also finished in double figures with 10 points.

Ashley Deschamp led all scorers with 20 points including six 3-pointers in the loss for the Vikings. The Eskomos with the win improve to 5-0 on the season and they are in action again Friday and Saturday in the Esko Coaches Classic where a matchup with the unbeaten Hermantown Hawks looms as a real possibility. The Vikings fall to 3-2 on the season and they will be in action on Monday against the Rangers of Mt. Iron-Buhl.

The Esko boys continued their hot outside shooting as again the nailed down double figures in total 3-pointers made. On Thursday, the Eskomos dialed in with 10 3-pointers in the 19 point win at home. Esko built up a 13 point 31-18 lead at halftime and continued to distance them in the second half.

Jackson Lindquist nailed five 3-pointers in the Eskomos win which helped make him the games leading scorer with 22 points. Casey Staniger added 12 points and Marc Peterson finished with 11 for the Eskomos. The Vikings had one player in double figures as David Berstrom finished with 12 points in the loss.

The Eskomos improve to 3-1 on the season and they will face Deer River on Monday night at Deer River High School. The Vikings fall to 3-1 on the season and they will be in action also on Monday against Mt. Iron-Buhl.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at Dwight@northlandsportsonline.com