An early lead in Thursday's Section 7AA semifinals didn't last long for the International Falls girls basketball team.
The top-seeded Broncos, who jumped out to a 5-1 lead after a 3-pointer and two free throws by Grace Gilbert, found themselves down by double digits with 11:18 left in the first half and trailed 45-28 at halftime before losing to No. 2-seeded Pequot Lakes, 68-51, at the University of Minnesota Duluth's Romano Gymnasium.
“We knew we had to come out strong if we were going to have a chance in this game,” said Falls head coach Shawn Gilbert. “I thought we did come out pretty strong, compared to like last year in the section final (against Esko). We came out pretty well, but (the Patriots are) a really good team. (Haley Wiebolt) is a heck of a player. We just lost to a better team (Thursday night).”
Wiebolt led three Pequot Lakes players scoring in double figures with a game-high 20 points. Olivia Lane added 14 points with Karli Skog scoring 13 more.
The Broncos, who were able to break the Patriots' full-court press early in the game, had trouble holding onto the ball when facing Pequot Lakes' half-court defense and committed multiple turnovers.
“I think we just turned over the ball too many times against their press,” Shawn Gilbert said. “We just made too many bad decisions against their 1-2-2 (defense). Normally, we don't have much of a problem against a 1-2-2, but we definitely turned the ball over too many times (Thursday night).”
The Falls, which also experienced cold shooting in its section semifinal, was led by Grace Gilbert with 14 points, which included four 3-pointers. Jena Sullivan also scored in double figures with 13 points.
The Broncos, who finished the season with an overall record of 17-12, will be losing only reserve guard Cassi Harju to graduation.
“I think the future looks great,” Shawn Gilbert said. “I thought we gained a lot of experience this year. I think we're going to come back even stronger next year and the year after. I think the sky is the limit for us being in the section semifinals this year with this group. It was a huge learning experience, and I think we'll be ready for next year.”
Pequot Lakes advanced to Saturday night's Section 7AA finals at UMD to face the defending section champion, Esko, which won its semifinal game over Mesabi East, 67-43.
PL 68, IF 51
PL 45 23 – 68
IF 28 23 – 51
PL: Haley Wiebolt 20, Karli Skog 13, Olivia Lane 14, Corina Ruud 9, Laura Squires 3, Sam Littman 5, Morgan Lohmiller 4. 3-pointers: Wiebolt, Skog. Free throws: 20-30. Fouls: 13.
IF: Libby Miggins 2, Teah Goulet 6, Janet Humbert 5, Grace Gilbert 14, Jena Sullivan 13, Emma Gilbert 7, Deelyla St. Peter 4. 3-pointers: G. Gilbert 4, Goulet, Humbert, E. Gilbert. Free throws: 4-11. Fouls: 20. Fouled out: E. Gilbert.
