AlBrook Boys Advance To Section Finals

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Mar 18

Andrew Chalberg-NSO

HIBBING – The Hibbing Memorial Arena is a special place for the AlBrook Falcons when it comes to reaching section final games. For only the third time in the schools fifty year history, the Falcons will play for the Section 7 championship on Saturday in Hibbing after rallying from a 17-13 point half time deficit to defeat the heavily favored Chisholm Bluestreaks 43- 41 Thursday evening.

The Falcons played a poor first half that included 12 turnovers and did not score their first point of the game until the 10 minute mark of the first half. Peter Martin carried the Falcons with his 14 second half points and finished the game with 18. Senior sensation Colten Karppinen again was in double figures with 15.

The Falcons were down by as many as 9 points during the game but rallied behind 11/14 free throw shooting in the second half to narrow the gap. Chisholm senior Erik Payne and junior Adam Vake combined for 26 points in a losing effort.

AlBrook’s senior center Damondtaye Gaines only basket of the game gave AlBrook its first lead with only 2:50 remaining. Both teams continued to battle down to the end. Junior Bryce Karppinen’s basket off the glass with 1.5 seconds left would seal the win for the Falcons. Bryce Karppinen finished with 8 points on the night.

The 17-8 Falcons now advance to the Section 7A finals against the 6th seeded Mesabi East Giants, who upset Floodwood 56 – 51 in the other section semi-final game.

The Falcons have played all of their previous section finals in the Hibbing Memorial Arena, which include a 1990 loss to East Central and a 2006 win against Onamia. AlBrook coach Damien Paulson has been a part of all three teams as a player and coach. The defending Section 7A champion, the Chisholm Bluestreaks, end their season at 24-6.