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The 2015-16 Northland boys basketball season began with the Eagles hosting Blackduck. The boys started out a bit slow in the first half only scoring 19 and trailing by four. The Eagles put on a much better show in the second half but fell just short of a win 57-60.

Zach Greene lead the team in scoring with 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals. Cooper Kovall added 13 points, six rebounds, four steals and four assists. Zane Myers added 10 points; Benji Swankier had nine points seven rebounds two assists and two steals.

"The boys played very hard. It was a very good game to start the season," commented Head Coach Chris Carlson.

The Eagles next hosted their cross-200 rival the WHA Wolves. In a near repeat of their performance against the Drakes, the Eagles fell behind early but were able to fight their way back, close the gap, and take a 26-23 halftime lead into the locker room. Turnovers early in the second half allowed the Wolves extra opportunities to score in a see-saw battle that had Zach Carney hitting a pair of free throws at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. The game remained a back and forth contest in OT until a couple of costly turnovers put extra points on the board for the Wolves. The boys would fall to the Wolves 75-72.

"The boys are playing good basketball, they never quit, they hustle and play as a team. If they keep playing like this the nail bitters will start going our way." Concluded Coach Carlson.

Zach Carney lead the scoring with 23 points and added eight rebounds, Kovall had 13 points, Zach Greene finished with 12 points six rebounds, six assists, and three steals, Swankier added seven points and 14 rebounds.

The boys next hosted Carlton.

"We had some spotty shooting in the first half and too many turnovers that got us into a hole early. To Carlton's credit, they came out and shot the ball very well. We were able to clean up our play in the second half and found some holes in their defense, we forced some turnovers and closed the gap," commented Coach Carlson. "We've improved our turnover ratio but we still need to improve from the line."

Carney led the offense with 22 points and 10 rebounds; Frankie Smith added 11 points; Greene put in nine points, six assists and six take-aways; Kovall put up six points and came down with 14 boards.

The Eagles next game will be tonight (Tuesday) at Hill City. Nevis will arrive Friday and Sebeka on Saturday.[[In-content Ad]]

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