Basketball update: Feb. 22

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Agate girls’ basketball

The Two Harbors Agates are feeling good. Last Friday they faced off against the Silver Bay Mariners and won 61-15. Coach Brooke Anderson said the Two Harbors girls played very good defense and held the Silver Bay girls to only three points in the first half. “The win against Silver Bay was much needed, and a good team effort,” Anderson said. “My bench saw a lot of action, and our scoring was very balanced.”

The Agates’ schedule heated up this week. The Two Harbors girls played against the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers Thursday and take on the Cook County Vikings today. “Winning this week would really help build some momentum for us going into the post-season,” Anderson said.

Mariners boys’

basketball

The Mariners are still red hot as they add to their winning streak by triumphing against the Two Harbors Agates 73-40 and the Ely Timberwolves 93-72. Coach Rick Frericks said he knew that some players who had to take off the first part of the season “would have gotten their legs back” at this time. “They’re playing with confidence,” he said.

Frericks said he was a little worried during the game against Two Harbors Friday who he describes a “scrappy team that is always going to battle.” He credits their coach Tom Nelson and the Agates for their hard work. “Two Harbors came out and started scoring right away,” he said.

Frericks said 36 minutes of the game Tuesday the Mariners played against Ely was the best the Mariners have played all season. He said his team shot well and played good defense. He said seniors Taylor Woodwick and Baruch Fischer dominated the boards. “Hopefully we can continue getting more production out of our interior,” Frericks said. “It’s one more weapon we’re going to be able to use.”

The Mariners next face off against the McGregor Mercuries Friday and the Mesabi Academy Bulldogs Tuesday. Frericks said he hopes his team will continue to play with confidence. He said he’s proud of his team and happy for them. “I’m really pleased with how our guys are working together. They’re unselfish,” he said.

Agates boys’ basketball

The Agates are having a busy time as they wind down towards the end of the season. Last Thursday the Two Harbors boys played against the Lakeview Christian Academy Lions, which boast the leading scorer in the state, losing 65-95.

Coach Tom Nelson said the audience turnout was great and he was proud that the Agates played a “good hard game” of basketball. “We definitely made him work for his points,” he said.

The Agates took on the Silver Bay Mariners the next day. Nelson said the Mariners are a different team now than when the Agates faced them and won earlier this season. “They’re a much improved team from the last time we played them,” he said.

Nelson said the Agates came out firing but were slowed down when senior Cole Myrdal rolled his ankle during the game. He said after that the Mariners “just took control” of the game. The Agates lost 40-73.

Nelson said the Two Harbors boys are still hoping to get freshman Alex Lemke back. He said the Agates could have used Lemke during the game against the Carlton Bulldogs on Tuesday. The Agates lost 40-65. “I think I’ve had more guys miss basketball games due to illness and injuries than our entire football team in the fall,” said Nelson who is also the football coach.

The Two Harbors boys’ season is not done yet. They play the Cook County Vikings today and will play the Cloquet Lumberjacks Monday. Nelson said that while this season has been a challenge, he loves working with this “great group” of kids. “I cannot complain about their willingness to work for us,” he said.

Tags: two harbors, silver bay, sports