Sartell Sabres End Detroit Lakes Lakers’ Season with 63-48 Victory

The girls’ basketball season for the Detroit Lakes Lakers concluded on March 2, 2024, as they faced a challenging defeat against the Sartell Sabres. The No. 5-seeded Lakers fought hard but ultimately fell 63-48 to the No. 4-seeded Sabres in Sartell. This loss eliminated Detroit Lakes from the postseason, while Sartell advances to play the top-seeded Little Falls on March 4.

The match was characterized by its physicality, a factor that played a significant role in the game’s dynamics. According to Lakers head coach Robb Flint, “It was a very physical game, which showed on the turnover sheet and the rebound deficit.” He acknowledged that Sartell’s intensity hindered his team’s offensive rhythm, yet praised his players for their resilience. “The girls fought until the end, because that is the character of these young ladies,” Flint added.

Sartell quickly established dominance, jumping to an early 12-4 lead thanks to four successful three-point shots. The Lakers managed to regroup, trailing 37-30 at halftime. Just two minutes into the second half, Aliyah Okeson made two free throws, and teammate Jaycie Sliper hit a three-pointer, giving Detroit Lakes a brief one-point lead. However, Sartell responded with a significant scoring run, leaving the Lakers struggling to find their rhythm for the remainder of the game.

The Sabres were led by Kennedy Lewis, who recorded a game-high 19 points. Teammates Kaiya Schumann and Lauren Morse contributed 13 points each, solidifying Sartell’s offensive efforts. For Detroit Lakes, Sophia Karlgaard led her team with 15 points, followed by Okeson with 14 points and Sliper with nine.

Flint reflected on the season, noting that the Lakers ended with a record of 7-19 overall, slightly worse than last season’s performance. They finished 6-8 in Central Lakes Conference play. Despite the disappointing record, the program demonstrated growth at various levels, with the B team achieving a noteworthy 19-4 record and the Junior Varsity team finishing 12-11.

The Lakers faced numerous challenges during the season, including injuries to key players such as Hadyn Miller and Addi Spalla, and a difficult schedule compounded by weather-related game rescheduling. “The girls showed resilience and ability to fight through tough circumstances,” Flint noted.

As the team looks toward the offseason, Flint emphasized the importance of improving quickness and strength on both sides of the court. “Quickness will enhance our ability to score off the dribble and create shots for teammates,” he explained. “Strength is crucial for finishing in the paint and maintaining balance while facing contact.”

Flint also commended the contributions of his four seniors: Kyleigh Okeson, Mya Omberg, Marian Martin, and Spalla. He stated that coaching this group was a rewarding experience, as they brought enthusiasm to every practice. “They are great examples for the program and community,” Flint remarked. “Our seniors didn’t win as many games as we had hoped, but their sacrifice and effort have been instrumental in building the foundation of a program that the whole community will rally behind.”

The final score of the game underscored the competitive spirit and challenges faced by both teams. As the Lakers prepare for the future, the hope is that the lessons learned this season will pave the way for improved performance in the next.

Final Score:
Sartell 63, Detroit Lakes 48

Detroit Lakes Scoring: Karlgaard 15; A. Okeson 14; Sliper 9; K. Okeson 2; Omberg 2; Izzy 2; Syvertson 2; Martin 2
Sartell Scoring: Lewis 19; Morse 13; K. Schumann 13; Olson 5; Hovda 4; Thompson 4; G. Schumann 3; Frieler 2