Cardinals Win State Opener

NSO – NEWS RELEASE

Cromwell-Wright guard Taya Hakamaki is pretty hard to stop.

The senior had 34 points, five assists and five steals as the Cardinals defeated Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 67-58 in a Class 1A quarterfinal Thursday at Maturi Pavilion.

The No. 2-ranked Cardinals (29-2) stretched an eight-point halftime lead to 15 points in the second half before the Jaguars mounted a comeback. They pulled within 58-51 with just over six minutes left before Hakamaki quickly responded with a three-pointer and three-point play.

Senior guard Shaily Hakamaki, Taya’s first cousin, added 15 points and nine rebounds.

The Jaguars (19-11) were led by freshman guard Abby Berge’s 18 points.