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1A: Ellsworth 66, Norman County East 52
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ELLSWORTH 66, NORMAN COUNTY EAST 52
Defending champs make it backRecap: Cody Schilling scored 30 points -- 21 in the second half -- as the defending state champions advanced to the title game with a workmanlike victory. Norman County East gave the Panthers a solid test, but the Eagles' leading scorer, David Varriano, suffered a hip injury in the first half when he went down hard under one of the baskets. He played only 12 minutes and scored three points, 14 under his average.
Turning point: Ellsworth led by seven early in the second half before an 11-4 run helped the Panthers put some space between themselves and the Eagles. Schilling, who a day earlier became the state's career scoring leader, had nine of those 11 points, capping the run with a three-point play that put Ellsworth in front 46-32 with 10 minutes left.
The quote: "He was the difference-maker. He's the all-time leading scorer. What do you expect?" -- Norman County East coach Mike Sather on Schilling.
Noteworthy: Ellsworth, trying to win back-to-back state titles, will meet Minnesota Transitions in today's championship game. ... Schilling, who made 15 of 19 free throws, also had 10 rebounds, six assists and seven turnovers. Adam Van Der Stoep scored 11 for Ellsworth and Trevor Gruis 10. ... Taylor Bennefeld led Norman County East with 20 points and Tyler Bennefeld had 18 points, 16 rebounds and four steals.
JOHN MILLEA
