AURORA— A slow start didn’t keep the Timberwolves from ultimately running roughshod over Mesabi East here on Monday night to improve to 4-1 on the season. Ely helped their cause with a 40-point second half, which helped them pad their 35-19 lead at the half.
“We played a much better second half defensively after giving up too many easy points in the first half with our man-to-man defense,” said Ely Head Coach Tom McDonald.
Ely’s senior guard Joey Bianco led the Wolves offensively, pouring in a game-high 23 points and clocking seven steals and eight assists. Fellow senior Jason Kerntz was right behind with 22 points and seven rebounds, while senior Erron Anderson added 13 boards.
Playing Thursday at home, the Wolves had a romp over the newly-reconstituted boys basketball squad from Northeast Range, winning 97-15. “We jumped out to a big lead early,” said McDonald in the understatement of the week. Ely led 67-8 at the half but their offensive production slowed in the second half as McDonald let several younger players in on the action.
“All of our younger guys played quite a bit and we had 10 players score,” said McDonald. “We shot the ball well throughout the game and I thought both our man and zone defenses were good.”
Bianco led the way with 29 points and seven assists, while sophomore Caid Chittum added a career-high 25 points along with seven steals. Freshman Jack Davies added ten points.
Ely was set to host Cook County on Thursday. They’ll be back in action during the Ely Holiday Tournament, set for Dec. 27-29.