Cardinals Clip Eagles with Late Rally

Last night, KFIL broadcasted the Three Rivers Conference boy's basketball game between Lewiston-Altura and Dover-Eyota. The Eagles had a 9 point lead at the half 32-23. They extended the lead to a dozen with just about 5 minutes left, and it seemed like they had all the answers to keep the Cardinals from a big run. Then the wind shifted, and even in the face of the incredible mural of the soaring eagle at DEHS, the Cardinals caught fire. L-A ended the game with a 16-3 run, and escaped with a win! The final score was 60-59. The Eagles had two chances in the paint in the final seconds, including a tip-in attempt, but the ball somehow found itself outside the cylinder. Great game!

The “Player of the Game” awards for the Eagles (I had to go with two!) were senior Garrett Studer, who knocked down five 'triples' on his way to a team-high 20 points and also had three assists, and sophomore Brady Pankonin. Brady came in averaging only 2.4 points per game, but hit some great shots-including some tough runners in the lane, on his way to 13 points. He also had two steals and two assists. For Lewiston-Altura, senior Cullin Neeck took over during the Cardinals' late-game rally, hitting two of his four second half threes in the stretch, and scoring the game-winner. Cullin poured in 30, with 21 in the second half!

The “Game Ball” was awarded to sophomore Bradley Miller of Lewiston-Altura. The tough-nosed Miller had 12 points and at least 6 offensive rebounds for the Cardinals. He scored a left-handed tip-in in the waning moments that cut the DE lead to 59-58. 

Up next for high school coverage- Thursday KFIL has TRC girl's basketball with Caledonia visiting Rushford-Peterson. Friday we have games on both of our FM stations! In non-conference play, Fillmore Central visits Grand Meadow for girl's play on KVGO Cool 104.3 & kvgo1043.com. Lanesboro visits Fillmore Central in boy's action on KFIL & kfilradio.com.

Photo credit: Rick Madonik, Getty Images