Notes from the North: Recap (11/27/17 – 12/3/17)
In this week’s Notes from the North: Recap, we bring you five of the best performances from the week that was. It features a pair of team performances, a record being broken, and two eye-popping individual games.
Best Win of the Week
Breckenridge Tops Fergus Falls – The Cowboys opened up their season in style, with a 79-73 victory over the Fergus Falls Otters on 11/30/17. Both teams were ranked #10 in their respective classes to open up the season. It was the first time in over 8 years that the Class AA (and only 4 students away from A) team had defeated their Class AAA rival. The Cowboys were propelled to victory with a career-high night from one of their seniors, guard Derek Dahlgren, who poured in 31 points in the win. The Otters were paced by senior guard, Nathan Rund, as he scored 22 points in the loss. Harrison Christensen and Matthew Johnson chipped in 14 and 13, respectively.
Best Team Performance
Tech Opens Strong – St. Cloud Tech opened the season ranked #12 in AAAA, is the prohibitive favorite in the Central Lakes Conference, and has their sights set on a State Tournament berth this season. They started out with a strong team win last Thursday, defeating Buffalo 77-54. Brevyn Spann-Ford was hampered by some early foul trouble, but finished with 14 points. With their star in-check for most of the game, the depth of the Tigers was on display, as Kail Lindgren stepped up, hitting 4 three-pointers on his way to 15 points. Senior James Kaczor, typically known for his defense, also added 14 points.
Best Career Achievement
Slagter Breaks School Record – On Saturday, Willmar senior Noah Slagter broke Willmar’s all-time scoring record. With his 19th point of the night, Slagter passed former Gopher, Paul Van Den Einde, for the Cardinal all-time mark, which now sits at 1,428 and counting. All told, Slagter scored 31 for the game on 11-18 shooting. He also added 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. In an impressive 89-51 win over Zimmerman, the Cardinals had three others score in double figures. Drey Dirksen scored 11, while Adam Roux and Ty Roelofs each added 10.
Best Scoring Performance
Goggleye Mauls South Ridge – In their season opener, the North Woods Grizzlies rolled to a 116-27 win over South Ridge. Most of the damage was done by one Grizzly in particular, as junior Cade Goggleye poured in 62 points to kick off the season!
Best Overall Stat Line
Triple-Double for Passer – McGregor senior Carson Passer had a huge night for the Mercuries in their 92-58 over Northland. Passer finished with an unreal stat line, finishing with 43 points, 10 rebounds, 10 steals, and 6 assists. For the game, he shot 57% from the floor, going 17-30.