Grand Rapids just doesn’t produce stellar hockey players. It also has some talented basketball players.

Senior guard Austin Pohlen and freshman forward Alex Illikainen combined to outscore Mankato East in the first half, leading the Thunderhawks (25-5) to another victory over the Section 2 champion.

Grand Rapids used a second-half rally to beat the Cougars 81-63 nearly two months ago.

“We wanted to get out to an early lead, and keep the pressure on them,” Pohlen said. He is appearing in his fifth consecutive state tournament with the Thunderhawks.

Pohlen (17 points) and Illikainen (10 points) had 27 points at the intermission as Grand Rapids entered the locker room with a 38-23 lead. Pohlen, a Division II recruit, finished with a game-high 33 points. The 6-goot-9 Illikianen, regarded as one of the best freshmen in the state, wound up with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Illikainen also held the Cougars’ leading scorer, senior forward Brody Ziegler, scoreless until 12 minutes was left on the clock. Grand Rapids led 45-27 lead at the time.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize how strong Alex is,” Pohlen said. “He does that every game. He is a competitor.”

-- Ron Haggstrom, Star Tribune

Austin Pohlen, Grand Rapids

Pohlen ran the show in what was a tremendous overall offensive performance. He handled more than half of Grand Rapids point total scoring 33 points. He also chipped in 9 rebounds and 5 assists. He was ultra-aggressive in the second-half drawing numerous fouls on his way to 19 free throw attempts, making 11.

Alex Illikainen, Grand Rapids

The freshmen big man did his work in the paint scoring 15 points. Illikainen made a stamp on the game at the defensive end as well, blocking and contesting shots very well without fouling while playing effective defense against Cougars' star Brody Zeigler. His work on the glass (13 rebounds) helped Grand Rapids win always-important rebounding battle.

Brody Ziegler, Mankato East

Ziegler did his best to counter Illikainen in the paint, scoring 10 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Most of his damage was done within a couple feet of the basket late in the game and his work on the boards prevented countless offensive rebounding situations for the Thunderhawks.

 -- Alec Kinsky, MN Basketball Hub Staff