Essa Jacobsen commits to Lakehead University to play basketball

After having an outstanding two years of playing basketball at Mesabi Junior College, Essa Jacobsen, one of Cook County High School’s finest basketball players— male or female— will attend Lakehead University in the fall to attend school and continue playing basketball for the Lakehead Timberwolves.

Outstanding.

That sums up Essa Jacobsen’s high school career at Cook County High School (CCHS). That also sums up her two years at Mesabi Junior College. And all of that great play hasn’t gone unnoticed. It is being rewarded with an offer to play close to home at Lakehead University located in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

But first, a look back at this phenomenal player’s brief career.

At CCHS Jacobsen was a three-time all-conference player and is the only girl or boy to score over 1,000 points and pull down more than 1,000 rebounds. She is also the school’s all-time shot block leader with 110.

The last two years Jacobsen played junior college ball for Mesabi Range Technical College. While the competition got tougher, so did the 6-foot low post player. While at Mesabi Jacobsen was named twice to the all MCAC Northern Division First Team and was twice named to the All MCAC State First Team. Jacobsen was also selected to the All Regional First Team this past winter.

The coach of Lakehead University, John Kreiner, who recruited and landed the hard-working Jacobsen, noticed all of that great play.

“Essa is exactly what we need in the post: a strong, tough, physical player who is willing to put her body on the line for her teammates. Essa’s a team-first player who will improve our rebounding and post-defense.”

Mesabi Range coach Don Zbosnik said, “Essa’s a tremendous rebounder who is seldom outworked. She is one of the hardest working players I’ve coached. Her commitment and determination have provided this opportunity at Lakehead University and I am excited for her.”

The daughter of John and Heidi Jacobsen, Essa is excited to move forward with her basketball and academics. “I’m super excited with this opportunity I have to play in Thunder Bay. It has always been a dream of mine to play at the University level. I am looking forward to playing with the Lakehead University Timberwolves and getting to work on the court with my new teammates.”