AURORA—Turnovers and lackluster shooting proved Ely’s undoing here on Monday as the Timberwolves girls basketball squad dropped their first game of the young season to Mesabi East. “We just turned it over too much considering we were playing a good team,” said Ely Head Coach Max Gantt. “I think those turnovers will clean themselves up as we play more.”
Senior Grace LaTourell, who had a big night in Ely’s opener against Nashwauk-Keewatin, had another strong outing for Ely, with 14 points. Sophomore Zoe Mackenzie and senior Hannah Penke notched nine points apiece as the Wolves slipped to 2-1 on the season.
The Wolves had their way with Two Harbors during a Saturday visit to the shore, winning in a rout, 78-14. “We played great on ball defense and really swallowed them up,” said Gantt. “Offense took a little bit to find a rhythm, but overall we played a really good game.”
Aggressive defense played a key in the win as the team racked up almost 30 steals on the night. Three Ely players posted double digits on the scoreboard, led by junior Clare Thomas with 15, while Penke added 14 and Mackenzie posted 12.
The Wolves are set to host International Falls on Friday, with a 7:15 p.m. start. They’ll be on the road next Tuesday at Silver Bay.