CHISHOLM—An awe-inspiring performance from Ely senior guard Grace LaTourell helped the Timberwolves rout the Bluestreaks on their home hardwood Monday night. LaTourell poured in a career-high 37 points, including four threes, and grabbed five steals as she led Ely to its 67-44 win. “It was a performance so dominant that if you were there you won’t forget what you saw anytime soon,” said Ely Head Coach Max Gantt.
Fellow senior Hannah Penke posted her own strong performance with 14 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. Senior Sarah Visser just missed the double-double, with nine points and 16 boards on the night.
“All three seniors did exactly what we needed them to, to take care of a very good team in Chisholm,” said Gantt.
It was one of the best performances of the year for the Wolves as they allowed just 11 turnovers in the game.
“We took care of the ball and got it to our best scorers, and good things happened,” said Gantt. “On defense it was a complete team effort! Clare Thomas did a great job locking up their best player, big Tresa Baumgard. Tresa barely touched the ball most of the game. We played smart defense and forced them into shots they didn’t really want.”
Baumgard is not only Chisholm’s leading all-time scorer with more than 2,000 points, she holds the all-time state high school record for career rebounds.
Gantt lauded his squad for a true team effort. “Amelia Penke, Maija Mattson, Audrey Kallberg, and Zoe Mackenzie all contributed to our great team defensive effort. Chisholm is a 17-win team, and we have not beaten them twice, so that feels pretty good. It was a really good night for us.”
Monday’s big win was a nice comeback after a hard-fought loss to another strong team— Mesabi East. The Giants, who won 66-54 in Ely, lived up to their name. “They are tall and a tough match-up for us,” said Gantt. “We played pretty well, but just didn’t make enough shots, or get enough stops. Credit to Marta Forsline. She had 37 points and killed us posting up and she went four-out-of-five from three-point range.”
Ely’s three seniors again led in scoring. Visser had a big night, notching the double-double with 16 points and 13 boards. LaTourell notched 16 points, while Penke added 14 and seven boards. “We played solid offensively and we took care of the ball,” said Gantt, noting his team allowed fewer than a dozen turnovers. “We took almost 70 shots, but we just didn’t make enough,” he added. “If we keep generating good looks and taking care of the ball, good things will be in store for us down the stretch of our season. It was a tough loss against a solid team but it will make us better.”
Ely was set to host North Woods in a key matchup this Thursday and play Cherry in Chisholm on Tuesday. They finish out their regular season next Friday, Feb. 23, before heading into the Section 7A playoffs.