FIELD TWP— The Grizzlies’ regular season ended much as it began, with another convincing win for the top-ranked team. Senior Tate Olson provided one of the game’s biggest highlights as he scored his 1,000th career point and led the Grizzlies offensively with 22 points as they easily outpaced Deer River 87-44, to improve their record to 25-1 heading into post-season.

North Woods was set to take on Littlefork-Big Falls in the opening round of the Section 7A playoffs on Wednesday night as the Timberjay went to press. Assuming a victory against the 1-24 Vikings, the Grizzlies will move on to play at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, at Hibbing Memorial, where they’ll face the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between Chisholm and Nashwauk-Keewatin. A victory there would move them to the semi-final round, set for 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 15.

Grizzlies fans found plenty to like in their regular season finale. “We played a very good game defensively,” said Grizzlies Head Coach Will Kleppe. “That was what we were looking for at the end of the regular season. It was also parents’ night and, of course, Tate hitting his 1,000th career point made it a great night for the Grizzlies.”

All five of the team’s seniors, including Olson, Brendan Parson, Isaiah Squires, Tanner Lokken, and Austin Chaulklin were part of the game’s starting line-up. “It was a great night to honor our seniors by giving them some floor time together in their last home game,” said Kleppe.

Junior guard Cade Goggleye had a strong night as well, pouring in 19 points, grabbing seven rebounds and notching six assists. Chase Kleppe added 11 points, while Brendan Parson tallied ten. Also scoring for the Grizzlies were Tanner Lokken, with eight points, Austin Chaulklin and Trevor Morrison, with four apiece.