The Pequot Lakes Patriots boys' basketball team rallied in the second half to defeat the Panthers in a Mid-State Conference game on Friday, Jan. 30.
The Panthers were looking for revenge against the Patriots following a lopsided home loss earlier this season. And Park Rapids did lead 37-31 at the half, but the hosts rallied with 43 points in the second half.
"The kids showed a lot of heart in the second half as (the coaches) challenged their mental toughness at the break, and they responded nicely," said Pequot Lakes coach Ben Starns.
Hunter Larson scored 23 points while Jack Kreitz added a career-high 20 points and C.J. Borleis and Gage Westlund added 10 for Pequot Lakes, which improved to 4-4 in the conference.
"I had a couple games where I didn't do so well, especially on 3-pointers," said Larson, who had been struggling, "but tonight they were going in, so I kept shooting. We did have four players score in double figures, so it was a team effort."
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The Panthers led for most of the first half, although a 3-pointer by Borleis tied it 18-18. Remington Hagen later hit back-to-back 3-point shots and Park Rapids led 37-31. The Panthers eventually led 45-40 in the second half when three layups by Brandon Hehir, Connor Davich and Kreitz gave the hosts the lead. A 3-pointer by Larson ignited a 13-0 run for the Patriots, who eventually led 59-47 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Pequot Lakes later extended the advantage to 66-51, and Borleis clinched the win by making five of six free throws in the final minutes.
Park Rapids 37 21 - 58
Pequot Lakes 31 43 - 74
PARK RAPIDS
Riley Massie 2, Adam Herberg 2, Nicolas Lopez 5, Damion Hanke 8, Jordan McCollum 16, Derek Porozinski 4, Remington Hagen 17, Hunter Jewison 4. FT 10-14 (71 percent).
PEQUOT LAKES
Jack Kreitz 20, Hunter Larson 23, Josh Buell 2, C.J. Borleis 10, Brandon Hehir 7, Gage Westlund 10, Connor Davich 2. FT 13-19 (68 percent).
