Shawn Filipiak’s had his eye on 1,000 career points the entire season. He feels even better about the milestone with his team sporting a 21-4 record.
The Broncos improved to that impressive mark Tuesday night by going on the offensive in an 89-78 victory over Mesabi East on Parent’s Night.
Filipiak led the offensive charge, scoring 25 of his game-high 29 points in an exciting second half to become the 15th player in school history to reach 1,000 points.
“Couldn’t ask for a better night for this to happen to him and the seniors,” said Broncos head coach Derek Dowty, who’s third on the school’s career scoring list at 1,341 points.
Nick Bujold added 13 points and six assists, Gunnar Anderson tallied 12 points, Trevar Carlson posted 11 points and seven assists and Ethan Johns finished with 10 points to aid Filipiak’s effort.
Four players finished in double figures for the Giants (8-16) — Dan Settimi (23), Garrett Larson (17), Joe Howell (40) and Tyler Holmstrom (12).
“It was great to have a lot of people here,” said Filipiak. “Really appreciate it.”
The large crowd seemed anxious until Filipiak started piling up points late in the second half. He still needed 14 to reach the milestone when he exited with his fourth foul with 12:59 to play.
Mesabi East didn’t go away, however, and when Filipiak was needed, he had two straight baskets to make it 69-61 with just under five minutes remaining. His 11 points over the final four minutes not only got him to 1,003, but it electrified the crowd. One official claimed after the game that it was the loudest crowd he’s heard all season.
“It was fun. Fun three years. Best year yet,” said Filipiak, who reached 1,000 on a free throw with 45.8 seconds remaining to give the Broncos an 86-76 lead. He added another free throw and a layup for good measure.
“The win was more important,” Filipiak said. “Now go out to Friday’s game and don’t worry about it anymore. Play that game and get ready for playoffs.”
The Broncos, winners in seven straight, already locked up the No. 2 seed in the Section 7AA tournament, which begins March 9.
Game notes
• FHS student Dylan Streiff opened the game with a perfect rendition of the National Anthem.
• Five seniors started for the Broncos to celebrate Parent’s Night — Jon Skoglund, Aaron Marx, Johns, Carlson and Marcus Zawchenuk.
• Broncos senior Matt Paulbeck picked up a technical foul for swearing out of frustration after getting called for traveling with 7:34 remaining in the game.
Friday’s results
I. Falls 71,
Duluth Marshall 66
Filipiak and Anderson led the way Friday with 17 points apiece at the Falls High Gym. Bujold chipped in with 15 points and Johns had eight points.
Matt Goldschmidt led the Hilltoppers (10-16) with 18 points.
International Falls’ 1,000-point club
DeAngelo Brackens 2003-07 2,096
Nicole Friend 1999-03 1,571
Derek Dowty 1997-01 1,341
Aaron Skoglund 2005-09 1,214
Amy Erickson 1986-89 1,172
Howard Arch 1976-80 1,156
Krista Skoglund 2003-07 1,155
Tim Rehn 1973-77 1,122
Jim Davison 1983-87 1,090
Alyssa Bilben 1988-91 1,063
Danika Stelton 2005-09 1,060
Kevin Flynn 1988-91 1,058
Sam Sherwood 2004-08 1,035
Shawn Filipiak 2008-11 1,003*
Pam Vanbergen 1994-97 1,000
*Active
