ELY— Ely junior Hannah Penke appears to have tied a state record as she led the Timberwolves to a 69-52 victory over South Ridge in their regular season finale here on Friday. Penke, who is new to the team this season, has played a key role in Ely’s success thus far, and she showed it once again against the Panthers as she connected for eight treys in a row, apparently tying the state girls record for the most consecutive three-point shots in a single game. That’s according to records posted on the website of the Minnesota State High School League.
It was a solid finish to Ely’s 21-4 regular season, its most successful in team history, and it left them ranked as the third seed heading into the Section 7A playoffs. The Wolves were set to host 14th seeded Silver Bay in the opening round starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, as the Timberjay went to press. An Ely victory would send the Wolves to Hibbing Memorial at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, against either Bigfork or Cook County.
Against the Panthers, Ely demonstrated the kind of play it will take to advance in the playoffs.
“I was proud of our defensive effort, and it was just fun to watch us shoot the ball,” said Ely Head Coach Max Gantt. The Wolves connected for at least 14 treys, accounting for well over half of their points. “When shots are going in like that is just feels contagious,” said Gantt.
The Wolves have several players who have demonstrated their ability to hit from beyond the arc this year, noted Gantt. “Hannah got hot and just had a really good game,” he said. “Grace LaTourell actually has the best percentage and most makes from three for us on the year.”
Buoyed by her eight treys, Penke finished the game with 31 points, one of her highest totals of the season. Grace LaTourell connected on four shots from beyond the arc to add a total of 14 points and nine boards on the evening. Madeline Perry posted 13 points and four assists, while Sarah Visser connected on two treys and came up with several key steals in the match. “And Madeline Kallberg had a monster defensive game taking away their post players for us,” said Gantt.
Friday’s contest was one of Ely’s best all-around performances of the year. “Our girls showed up in a big way in what was our biggest game of the year. Now we just keep it rolling into the playoffs,” said Gantt.
Penke’s three-point mark will require some paperwork before it becomes official. Gantt said the state High School League will be sending documentation forms to fill out to certify her record-setting achievement.