P-E-M 81, Mpls North 74
MINNETONKA -- Minneapolis North jumped out on Plainview/Elgin-Millville with a quick 12-point advantage as jumping jack Mark Devine gave North a huge inside advantage swatting, deflecting, and intimidating the Bulldogs from scoring inside. North’s athleticism also allowed them to push ahead as PEM seemed a little surprised with the Polar activity. Charles Smith and Ricky Collins were relentless in their attack to the basket combining for 24 first half points. The Bulldogs weren’t affected for long though as Cole Olstad hit a three at the halftime buzzer making the score 43-40 and giving the Bulldogs late momentum.
The Bulldogs were able to handle the pressure in half number two and utilized a high level of team ball movement, which forced the Polars to scramble. Michael Pick helped with scores in transition, Landon Flies had three field goals including an important 16-footer, and Clay nailed a three before going to the foul line numerous times making six. Player of the game Cole Olstad knocked down nine free throws of his own and all of this helped PEM build their lead to 12 points.
North had a lot of fight left in them down the stretch and they put forth a gallant effort trying to claw their way back. Jayvin Dubose hit a three, Shondale Strickland hit one as well, Charles Smith drove to make shots, and the Polars got the Bulldog lead down to six points. They couldn’t get any closer though as PEM made a healthy percentage of their free throw chances in the final minutes winning 81-74.
Cole Olstad finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and two steals while his brother put up 17 points. Pick totaled 19 points, Flies had 11, and Chris Conrad scored 11. For North Smith scored a team high 18 points, Ricky Collins put up 16, and Strickland had 13.
Player of the Game
Cole Olstad
The Plainview-Elgin-Millville junior forward tallied a game-high 23 points to help the Bulldogs rally from a 12-point deficit late in the first half to beat Minneapolis North.
Scoring
Plainview-Elgin-Millville --Co. Olstad 23, Pick 19, Cl. Olstad 17, Conrad 11, Flies 11
Mpls North -- Smith 18, Collins 16, Strickland 13, Dubose 9, Hicks 7, Deloney 6, Devine 5