Abbie Crawford (10) makes a nice move around her Rebel defender as she cuts for the basket. Crawford has battled illness for much of the season but is rebounding to health at just the right time for the Section 7 playoffs to begin. Crawford scored 8 points in the game against MLWR.
The CCHS girls’ basketball team got a nice home win on Friday, February 16, beating Moose Lake/Willow River 60-56.
With the win, the Vikings’ record is now 7-14 on the season.
Both teams played hard, but the Viking defense caused numerous turnovers, which led to an early 10-point lead. The Rebels were equally scrappy, however, and kept the game close.
With neither team exceptionally tall, the Vikings got inside to make 23 two-point shots while the Rebels converted on 21 two-point baskets.
The Vikings only made one three-point basket, a shot taken by Sophie Eliasen, while Moose Lake scored on three 3-point shots. The difference in the game came at the foul line. The Vikings converted 9 of 17 free throws while the Rebels were only 5-13 from the charity stripe.
Sophie Eliasen once again had the hot hand for the Vikings, leading the team in scoring with 21 points. Freshman forward Paisley Smith poured in 14 points, a significant scoring night for her. Back from a long illness, sophomore forward Abbie Crawford played sparingly, but the team needed every one of the 8 points she contributed. Sophomore forward Emma Gesch rebounded well and netted 6 points, and freshman guard Ariana Poyirier played a tremendous all-around game while scoring 5 points.
Sophie Eliasen busted through the lane to score two of her 21 points against the MLWR Rebels.
It was parent night and as the players were announced in between the girls’ and boys’ game the kids ran into the stands to be with their parents. The girls’ lone senior Veronica Lopez was honored as well as senior manager Linnea Gesch at midcourt. The Vikings’ only other senior player, Maya McHugh, graduated early and is now living and working in Spain.
The Vikings’ away game at Floodwood scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20 was canceled due to the weather. It’s not known at this time if this game can be made up before playoffs start Feb. 28.
The Vikings’ last home game and last scheduled game is tonight, Friday, Feb. 23 against Nashwauk- Keewatin. Action starts in the gym at 6:30 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings!
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