Bulldogs Open Playoffs With Dominate Win

Wes Vork-NSO

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Mar 6, 2012

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Carlton Bulldogs, who have had some time to prepare for the Section 7A playoffs, came out Tuesday night ready for action. The Bulldogs have transferred the hard work no-nonsense style of coaching from first year head coach Adam Bailey into late season wins defeated the Cherry Tigers 70-47 in Section 7A opening round play at Carlton High School.

The Bulldogs, whose last game was 12 days ago, were fresh and prepared as they knocked off the Tigers by 23 points. The Bulldogs whose last game was February 24th had also been playing very well as they won their last four regular season contests.

Erik Adams exploded for a game high 45 points to led the Bulldogs to the section win Tuesday as Carlton and Cherry battled in the first half, it was Carlton holding on to a five point lead at the break.

Carlton came out and took control in the second half as they outscored the Tigers 40-22 in the second half and pick up their first sectional playoff win since 2008-2009 when Carlton defeated Silver Bay in overtime in a sectional playoff game.

Adams and his 45 points on the night led Carlton; he also connected on 3 three-pointers and was 14-16 from the free throw line. Dekota Frear added 8 points, and Spencer Walton and Kyle Gunderson finished with 5 each.

The rest of the Bulldogs scoring was Mike Goranson and Dominic Bennett who both scored 3 points for the Bulldogs; and it was Zach Veno and Spencer Walton who both added 1 point in the Bulldogs home victory.

The Tigers were led by Jordan Parenteau, who scored 25 points. Austin Kawarsh added 11, Tim Bukovich added 4, Tim Clement 3, and it was Matt Koski and Ted Clement who both finished with 2 points for the Tigers.

With the win the Bulldogs improve to 9-14 overall on the season and they will move on to face Lakeview Christian Academy on Thursday night at Esko High School. The Lions who are the number one seed in the south sub-section and are 21-5 overall.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com