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Russell-Tyler-Ruthton rallies to edge North Woods for 1A championship

By RON HAGGSTROM, Star Tribune, 03/24/18, 12:45PM CDT

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Trailing by 11 points, the Knights used an 18-3 run in the second half en route to a 59-55 victory.


Russell-Tyler-Ruthton players celebrated with the Class 1A championship trophy after their 59-55 victory over North Woods on Saturday at Target Center. Photo: Shari L. Gross • shari.gross@startribune.com

Russell-Tyler-Ruthton senior guard Jonah Johnson hoisted the championship trophy proudly above his head. He did not want to take his hands off it.

The Knights had just finished overcoming an 11-point deficit in the final 8 minutes, 44 seconds to edge No. 2-ranked North Woods 59-55 for the Class 1A championship Saturday at Target Center. It marked the school’s third state championship, the other two coming back-to-back in 2004 and 2005.

“We knew it would be a tough battle,” said Knights junior guard Carter Hansen, who had 13 points and closed out the victory with three free throws in the final 11 seconds. “We had to grind it out.”

Grizzlies junior guard Chase Kleppe had a chance to tie it with 25.9 seconds left but made only one of two free throws after being fouled in the act of shooting. North Woods also turned the ball over with four seconds left, trailing by three.

First report

Russell-Tyler-Ruthton knows how to put it in overdrive.

The Knights used a late 18-3 run, erasing an 11-point deficit, to edge North Woods 59-55 for the Class 1A championship Saturday at Target Center. It is the school’s third state championship, the other two coming in 2004 and 2005.

Grizzlies junior guard Chase Kleppe had a chance to tie it with 25.9 seconds left but made only one of two free throws after being fouled in the act of shooting. North Woods also turned the ball over with four seconds left, trailing by three.

Knights junior guard Carter Hansen closed it out with three free throws in the final 10.7 seconds. He finished with 13 points.

Senior forward Westin Kirk led the Knights (33-1) with 18 points. Teammate senior forward Garrett Kern added 12 points.

Check back later for more on the game. 


Russell-Tyler-Ruthton forward Garrett Kern went up for a three-point shot while guarded by North Woods' Trevor Morrison in the first half. Photo: Shari L. Gross • shari.gross@startribune.com

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