ELY— Tough defense was key for the Timberwolves on Tuesday as they manhandled Silver Bay 72-33 to even their early-season boys basketball record at 2-2. It was all Ely from the start. “We attacked the basket well on the offensive end and just pulled away from them,” said Ely Head Coach Tom McDonald.

But defense was key and it allowed the Wolves to hold Silver Bay to their lowest point total of the season so far.

Junior forward Dylan Fenske proved a major factor with 27 points and eight rebounds, while senior guard Patrick Vanderbeek scored 20 points and tallied five assists. Senior guard Trevor Mattson posted six assists and five rebounds.

Tuesday’s big win was a nice follow-up to Ely’s 81-42 win over Hill City last Saturday. “I thought we played well defensively and we really did a nice job on the offensive end,” said McDonald. Fenske posted a career high 33 points and notched seven rebounds, while Vanderbeek scored 30 points and posted five assists. Mattson added seven rebounds to round out the major stats.

The Wolves played well but lost narrowly to a tough I-Falls squad last Friday, 72-67. “I thought we competed well and kept ourselves in the game,” said McDonald. The game came down to the final seconds. “We had a chance to tie with a three-pointer with about five seconds left, but missed,” said McDonald.

Vanderbeek led scoring for Ely with 23 points and added six assists. Fenske posted 22 points and nine rebounds.