ELY— Deer River showed no mercy to their hosts here on Tuesday as they blew open a 22-2 lead in the opening minutes and never looked back. “We played better after that but we just didn’t have the defense to put a stop to them,” said Ely Head Coach Tom McDonald. “They just have too many weapons on the floor to defend and they also defend really well so we struggled on the offensive end also.”
But the Wolves did eventually manage to put some points on the board in the 96-56 final that brought a chance for some younger players to shine. Jack Davies led the way with 18 points, but it was Leo McKrahl who stepped into the limelight, coming off the bench to put up 16 points and grab nine rebounds. Trent Bishop came off the bench and added 12 points to Ely’s cause. The loss dropped the Wolves to 13-6 on the season.
It was the exact opposite outcome last Friday in Carlton as the Wolves thoroughly dominated the Wrens 85-44. “We were up 40-29 at the half and then broke it open in the second half with better defense and better shooting,” said McDonald. Caid Chittum led offensively with 25 points and eight assists, while Drew Johnson was right behind with 24 points and eight assists, along with eight rebounds. Davies added 18 points to the effort.
The Wolves were set to host Mesabi East on Friday and will head to Baudette on Saturday to take on Lake of the Woods.