Carlton drops Season Opener

Photos By: Marianne Pierson

Brian Hey-NSO

    The Bulldogs opened their season Tuesday night in Carlton with a tough 60-64 loss to Nashwauk-Keewatin.   Adam Ermatinger led the Dogs in scoring with 23 and Cade Pierson added 13 including a trio of 3-pointers.

Carlton started off strong, leading by as much as 12 in the first half, but foul trouble allowed the Spartans to close the gap, ending the first half only down 34-30.  The second half saw multiple lead changes right down to the final minutes.

Nashwauk pulled ahead by 6 with a minute to play on some strong inside play by the Spartans junior center Kevin Hale.  An Ermatinger 3-pointer brought Carlton to within 3 with 40 seconds to go, but consistent free throw shooting for the Spartans down the stretch kept the win for the Bulldogs just out of reach. 

Carlton Scoring – Adam Ermatinger 23, Cade Pierson 13, Sam Macor 8, Eric Soderstrom 6, Dominic Bennett 6, Nick Lee 2, Efren Morales-Cruz 2

3-point goals: Pierson 3, Ermatinger 2