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A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
Esko's Clara Swanson blocks a shot by Carlton/Wrenshall's Liz Johnson Thursday night's basketball game. Swanson scored a game-high 18 points.
Esko's Kaitlyn McConnell shoots over Carlton/Wrenshall's Brielle Simula Thursday in a game in Wrenshall. Esko won 59-25.
Esko's Layla Peterson, left, and Carlton/ Wrenshall's Liz Johnson tie up a ball during Thursday's game.
The Esko girls basketball team stormed out to a big halftime lead and never looked back as they beat next-door neighbor Carlton/Wrenshall, 59-25, on Dec. 12 in Wrenshall.
"We went into the game thinking we had a chance of giving them a tough game, but they came out in a press that put us on our heels," said Carlton/Wrenshall coach Emma Grover. "My girls didn't adjust to what we were telling them to do, and it just got out of hand for us."
Esko was led by Clara Swanson's 18 points and Kaitlyn McConnell's 11 points.
McConnell proved to be a disruptive force that the Raptors couldn't handle.
"She was the difference maker," Grover said. "McConnell has a high basketball IQ and is so quick that basically it allowed them to run us off the floor."
The win for Esko was the second in a trio of wins over a five-game period which ended with Friday's impressive three-point home win over Pierz.
"The (Raptors) win was a good team win," said Esko coach Sue Northey.
In addition to Swanson and McConnell, Esko got 9 points from Celia Preiner, 7 from Layla Peterson, 4 points from Maya Johnson, 3 points from Maddie Hupp, and 2 points each from Maya Stuermer, Ava Marline and Kadence Chan. Keaira Coleman scored 1 point.
"We also have played four games in seven days," Northey said. "I am proud of our grit."
Carlton/Wrenshall was led by 9 points by Reeanna Defoe, with 4 points each by Sara Cid, Laura Rubesh and Brielle Simula, while Auna Johnson, Molli Williams and Sophie Collins all had 2 points.
"Defoe is only an eighth-grader, but she is going to be a stellar basketball player," Grover said. "She is tall, solid and physical. She wants to learn and she puts in a ton of work, so I expect big things from her."
The Raptors are currently 3-5, and Grover is still optimistic about the season ahead.
"We have a lot of potential," Grover said. "The girls love to be in the gym and they are willing to work."
The wins over Carlton/Wrenshall and Pierz last week pushed the Esko record to 4-3.
"There is always room for improvement in executing on the court," Northey said.
