Elk River has been overcoming deficits all year and still boasts an unblemished record. So why should the state tournament semifinals be any different?
The Elks rallied from a seven-point deficit in the final five minutes, including a hectic, controversial final four seconds, to emerge with a 57-56 victory over Lakeville North.
Elk River (31-0) advances to the Class 4A championship for the first time since 2001 against Hopkins, which is also undefeated. It’s the first time since the Minnesota State High School League went to the four-class tournament in 1997 that two unbeaten teams will square off in the finals.
Trailing 52-45 with six minutes left, the Elks went on a 10-2 run, taking the lead 55-54 on a traditional three-point play by leading scorer Gabi Haack. The teams traded baskets over the final minutes, with the Elks going ahead for good on Ava Kramer’s layup by 56 second left.
“We’ve played a number of close games all season,” Elks coach Jeremy Digiovanni said. “These girls believe. They have tremendous confidence in each other and find a way to get it done.''
Lakeville North had numerous chances to get the go-ahead basket in its final possession, but an ill-timed timeout and a likely missed foul doom their chances.
With 4.1 seconds left, Lauren Jensen picked up a loose ball and made a 15-footer that would have put the Panthers up 58-57. But Lakeville North coach Shelly Soule had called a timeout a fraction of a second earlier, negating the basket.
On the ensuing inbounds play, Temi Carda spotted up from the corner but was hammered by an Elk River player who also blocked the shot. Carda fell to the floor, but no foul was called. A Panthers’ last-ditch attempt fell just short.
“I believe that everything happens for a reason and I told our team that this must be Elk River’s year,” Soule said. “But it’s tough to lose in the worst way possible.”
Digiovanni admitted that his team has been on the receiving end of some fortunate bounces this season.
“To have a season like this, you have to have things go your way,” he said. “Players make plays we were fortunate enough to make enough at the end.
“To say it’s our year or not, that’s up for us to determine Saturday. But these girls have come out with a purpose all year long. They show a tremendous amount of resolve when the chips are against them.”
Elk River survived Lakeville North 57-56, setting up the first-ever Class 4A championship game between undefeated teams.
The Elks (31-0) got 20 points from Gabi Haack and a game-winning layup from Ava Kramer with 56 seconds left to complete a comeback from a seven-point deficit.
Lakeville North had three chances to score in the game’s final four seconds, but a timeout and some foul controversy kept the Panthers from the potential game-winning basket.
The wild final moments began when freshman guard Lauren Jensen picked up a loose ball, took a step and hit what looked to be a game-winning 15-footer with 3.8 seconds left on the clock.
But wait. In the preceding scramble, Lakeville North coach Shelly Soule had called time out – it was clearly visible in replays – and instead of leading by a point, the Panthers still trailed 57-56.
A play was run. Lakeville North guard Temi Carda caught the ball in the corner and was hammered by an Elk River player trying to block the shot. No call, but Lakeville North had the ball one more time with 2.4 seconds left. This time, Jensen’s jumper didn’t fall and Elk River escaped with the victory.
Check back later for more on the game.