Lumberjacks bounced in first round

It took a nearly flawless game for the North Branch Vikings to beat the Cloquet in the Section 7AAA boys basketball tournament last week. The game was even at 41-41 at halftime on March 6, but the Vikings managed to finally pull away with a 95-85 win and a chance to move into the semifinals.

“They played well and we played well,” said Cloquet coach Steve Battaglia. “It took a heck of game to beat us, but in the end they got 12 more rebounds and they were able to close it out.”

The Vikings played a lineup with all seniors, while the Lumberjacks featured just two seniors so North Branch had the advantage in experience.

Jack Battaglia led the ’Jacks with 32 points. Also in double digits were Shazae Henagin with 18 points, Seth Rothamel with 14, and 10 for Joe Bailey. Max Sundquist finished with 8 points and Grant Biebl added 3.

Cloquet finished with a record of 14-13 and now will look to next year when they return seven of the nine players who saw significant court time this season.