Strong Thunderhawk Second Half Upends Lady Jacks

Wes Vork-NSO

Click here for the complete game box score

For additional photos click here to view our complete photo gallery

Dec 11, 2012

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

CLOQUET- This young season for the Lumberjacks has seen Cloquet struggle being able to score points at times and the Lady Lumberjacks have also struggled to stay away from long scoring droughts in their games this season. Through the first half, and the first nine or so minutes of the second half it seemed Cloquet was going to avoid that situation.

Although Cloquet had played well and was scoring with consistency, it wasn’t going to last as the Lumberjacks took a 38-36 lead, but with 10:06 remaining, the Lumberjacks hit another scoring drought going all the way down to: 25 seconds remaining in the game Tara Longseth connected on two free throws to put a end to the scoring lull, but it was too little too late as the Thunderhawks completed the comeback and finished with an 11 point, 51-40 victory Tuesday night in Cloquet.

The Lumberjacks used timely shooting and several defensive steals by Jaiden Cofield in the first half to build up a five point 26-21 lead at the break. The Lumberjacks, who shot over 40% from the floor in the first half controlled the boards as they out rebounded the Thunderhawks in the first half. The Lumberjacks led by five had several opportunities to extend their lead, but 17 turnovers cost the Lumberjacks some chances at even a bigger lead at the break.

The second half saw the Thunderhawks make a strong run to start the half and the Thunderhawks built up a six point lead. The Lumberjacks again fought back to tie the game at 36-36 and a Kenzie Rathe basket put Cloquet in front 38-36; but that was the last lead the Lumberjacks had as the Thunderhawks pick up their fourth win on the season and move to 4-1 overall.

Cofield led Cloquet with 18 points on the night; Kenzie Rathe finished with 6, while it was Reilly Kedrowski and Kaylee McMillen both adding 4 points, and it was Gracie Sinisalo, Kassidy Steen, Tara Longseth, and Avery Bieri all adding 2 points for the Lumberjacks, who drop their third straight game and fall to 1-4 overall this season.

Kenzie Kane scored 16 to lead Grand Rapids Tuesday night. Taylor Kane added 10 points and Maggie Gibbons had 8 points while it was Megan Allen adding 7, Katie Anderson added 6, and Jordan Olson ended with 2. The Thunderhawks will play again Thursday at home when they will host Duluth Denfeld. Cloquet is back home Friday night when they will face Deer River.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsprotsonline.com