Grizzlies Cruise into State Semifinals
A year ago, the North Woods boys' basketball team surprised many at the state tournament. The unseeded Grizzlies out of Cook upset No. 3 seed Central Minnesota Christian and No. 2 seed Goodhue before losing to top-seed Minneapolis North. This year North Woods (30-1) was awarded the second seed. The No. 2 ranked Grizzlies put their quarterfinal game against Heritage Christian Academy into running time Thursday and won 74-36. North Woods advances to the state semifinals at Target Center Friday at 2PM with coverage on KDHL AM 920
Cade Goggleye hit three quick three-point shots for a 9-2 lead and the Grizzlies never let Heritage Christian get anything rolling. North Woods led 33-15 at the half. Goggleye scored 23 points and dished out eight assists. Chase Kleppe scored 18 with seven rebounds and three assists. The Grizzlies had 18 assists on 27 made field goals. They held the Eagles (13-18) to 13-for-44 shooting (29.5%).
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton beat Hinckley-Finlayson 87-70 in a Class A quarterfinal at Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota. The Knights finished the first half with a strong push and led by 46-34 at the break. The Jaguars closed to within seven points several times, but couldn't get any closer.
RTR (31-1) shot nearly 60 percent and were led by 29 points from Garrett Kern. Westin Kirk scored 20. They will play top-seed Mayer Lutheran at 12PM Friday at Target Center.