Falcons Come Close, But Fall In Section Finals

Wes Vork-NSO

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Mar 20

Andrew Chalberg

HIBBING – Anticipation of the AlBrook Falcons making it to the boys state high school basketball tournament for the second time in four years was the topic of conversation in the towns of Alborn, Brookston and
Saginaw and all areas in between since Thursday night’s shocking last minute win over Chisholm.

However, the Mesabi East Giants had a plan of their own and ended the Falcons magical run through the 2010 Section 7A playoffs with a 75–66 section final win Saturday night at the Hibbing Memorial Arena.

The Falcons started out right where they had left off Thursday with junior guard Brice Karppinen helping the Falcons keep pace with the Giants by scoring 17 first half points. However, Mesabi East went on a 7-2 run to end the first half and take a 36-32 lead. The Falcons shooting woes continued in the second half until senior Colten Karppinen’s five 3-pointers crept the Falcons back within five points at 69-64. Colten Karppinen finished the night with seven 3-pointers and 26 points for the game.

Yet, Mesabi East’s senior forward Travis Whiting’s outside shooting and senior E.J. Welch’s dominating low post play, including 5 blocked shots, were too much for the Falcons to handle. This dynamic duo combined for 46 of the Giants’ 75 points.

With senior guard Peter Martin in foul trouble early and often, the Falcons were forced to go with a much different lineup unseen during the playoffs. Bryce Karppinen finished with 26 points, including five 3-pointers for the Falcons. Following him in scoring was Martin with 9, Damondtaye Gaines 3 and
Cody Anderson with
2 points.

Mesabi East, 21-9, will now move on to next Thursda’ys state quarterfinal matchup against Section 5 champion Sebeka at 3 pm at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. Good Luck to the Giants at State!

The Senior dominated Falcons end their season at 17-9 Northland Sports Online would like to recognize the following AlBrook High School Seniors for all their hard work and dedication: Colten Karppinen, Peter Martin, Joey Haag, Cody Anderson, Nick Hayes, Freddie Jackson, Jon Bolme and Damondtaye Gaines.