Eagles fall to Northwoods to close out season

   The Northland Eagles basketball season came to a close in Duluth on Thursday with a 71-67 loss to the 2nd seeded Northwoods Grizzlies. The Eagles controlled the game early jumping out to a 20-9 lead, but the senior laden Grizzles chipped away to pull within one, 33-32 at halftime. Three quick baskets by Northwoods to start the second half proved to be the difference as Northland could never regain control of the game, falling by four points at the final buzzer.  

   The Eagles were led by their lone senior, Nathan Johnson, who played his best game of the season, with 24 points including a three pointer late in the game and 7 for 7 from the free-throw line.  

   “Nathan has been our guy in the middle for the last few years, he won’t be easy to replace” stated coach Chris Carlson.

   Nolan Carlson had 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while Alec Wake added 18 to go along with seven rebounds in the loss.  Liam Wake, who held Northwoods’ top scorer to 17, added five points and seven rebounds.

   The Eagles have a bright future with four starters returning and several players of a solid JV team looking like they are ready to contribute.