Lakeville North upsets Osseo in Class 4A semifinals

Just before stepping to the free-throw line in the game's waning seconds, Lakeville North senior Nick Fossey leaned over to teammate Calven Pesola, nudged him with his shoulder and said, "I've got ice water in my veins."

After talking the talk, the 6-2 guard walked the walk, converting six consecutive free throws in the final 47 seconds to give Lakeville North a 60-56 victory over previously undefeated Osseo on Thursday in the Class 4A semifinals at Target Center.

"My arms felt like noodles," said Fossey, who finished with 12 points. "That place was rocking. I just tried to do my routine like I have all year."

"Nick's not lacking for confidence," Lakeville North coach John Oxton said.

Fossey scored Lakeville North's final eight points as the Panthers held off a determined Osseo charge. The Orioles had taken their first lead since the opening minute of first half, 53-52, on a putback by Kam Bettie with 1:53 left in the game. Fossey answered with a rebound and a layup, giving Lakeville North a 54-53 lead that it would not relinquish.

Unlike most of Osseo's previous opponents, Lakeville North (26-5) was far from flustered by the Orioles' frantic defense. In the first half, the Panthers handled the Osseo pressure well. When they found open shots, they knocked them down, making 67 percent of their field-goal attempts to take a 32-28 halftime lead. Nathan Reuvers, a 6-10 cool head, scored 12 points in the first half.

He was held in check after halftime and finished with 17 points. But he provided the defensive save that held off Osseo (30-1), blocking a layup attempt by Demario Armstrong with 1:31 left that would have given Osseo a three-point lead.

Osseo coach Tim Theisen said his team struggled with Lakeville North's defensive intensity.

"They had four players in double figures," Theisen said. "That's usually our story line. We forced 21 turnovers, but we couldn't get the ball to go in the hole."

Allan Anderson led the Orioles with 19 points.