By Jed Buelow
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor, Sports and Nature Editor
TOMAHAWK – On the night when they were recognized as part of Senior Night, Hatchet seniors Matt Johnson and Connor Dichsen went off leading Tomahawk in scoring against Northland Pines with 19 points each.
The big performance wasn’t quite enough though, as the Eagles fed converted 21 Hatchet turnovers into easy buckets turning a 34-31 halftime lead into a 77-63 season finale win.
“”I thought that we played much better in this game against Pines than we did the first time at their place. We did some good things on offense and on defense,” stated Hatchet head coach Jacob Jarvensivu. “The thing that got us was the turnovers. It seemed like as soon as we would have some momentum, we would turn it over and give them the momentum right back.”
Tomahawk actually out-rebounded Pines and finished the GNC with more assists. It was the 10 additional turnovers that allowed the Eagles to get the win.
“I feel like the team is in a good place and hopefully we can upset them in the playoffs,” the coach added.
Fortunately #12 Tomahawk didn’t have to wait long for a chance to take down the #5 Eagles as they traveled to Eagle River last night (Tuesday) to take on Pines in the opening round Regional matchup of the WIAA D3 playoffs. The winner will be back in action this Friday, March 6 as they travel to Clintonville to take on the #4 seeded Truckers with opening tip at 7 p.m.