Northland Sports Online

Minneapolis North ends Rebels Season

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NSO – Mark Edwards

 

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There was simply too much of too many things for Moose Lake-Willow River to overcome in their 71-40 loss to Minneapolis North in the Class 2A quarterfinals.

There was big-game experience. The Rebels were making just the second state tournament appearance in team history Wednesday at Osseo High School. For the Polars, it was their 23rd, six of them ending with state championships, a program comfortable in the state tournament spotlight.

Moose Lake-Willow River came in as the highest-scoring team in the field, averaging more than 83 points per game, with a proclivity for shooting threes. But the Rebels aren’t big, with one starter reaching 6-3.

North (15-1) countered with four starters at least that tall, led by a pair of 6-7 interior forces in Davon Townley and Marcus Owens. Together, Townley and Owens controlled the lane, combining for 27 points in the paint, rugged rebounding and rim protection whenever Moose Lake would venture into their territory.

A year ago, the Polars were section champs and stood poised for another state tournament appearance when the opportunity was stolen by COVID-19.

Townley, who has signed to play football at Penn State, said he was tired hearing people say his best basketball days were behind him. He had something to prove, scoring 13 of his 15 points in the first half, setting the tone for the game.

Joining Townley and Owens in scoring in double-figures were Andre Gray, with 12 points off the bench, and De’Meiko Anderson with 11.

Matt Olson led Moose Lake-Willow River (18-4) with 19 points.

 

 

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