SHS boys defeat Denfeld, prepare for Hermantown

The Superior High School boys basketball team defeated Duluth Denfeld 75-55 Tuesday on what was senior night for the Spartan boys.

The Spartans started the game with an 8-0 run, but Jerome Strother kept the Hunters close with 16 first-half points. By halftime, Superior had only a six-point lead, 43-37.

“It was senior night and I expected us to be a bit distracted, and it showed defensively in the first half especially after losing Derek (Kontny) in the first two minutes of play to injury for the rest of the game,” said SHS coach Dave Kontny.

Superior came out strong to start the second half and quickly pushed its lead into double figures. Denfeld, meanwhile, struggled and finished with just 18 points in the second half.

Erick Tunell led Superior with 21 points, followed by Jordan Hughes with 17 and Bryan Sanders with 12.

The Spartans finished 11-of-13 at the free-throw line, while Duluth Denfeld was 6-of-14.

“I thought we came out more focused in the second half and got better looks at the basket, but we played much better on the defensive end, only allowing Denfeld 18 second-half points,” Kontny said. “Again we had all eight guys in the rotation on the scoreboard, and that’s what makes us dangerous on any night.”

On Thursday, the Spartan boys host Hermantown at 7:15 p.m.

“They have the best team they have had in a long time this season,” Kontny said.

Both Hermantown and Superior have just two losses this season and hold identical 15-2 records. The Hawks are ranked No. 9 in Class AAA in this week’s Minnesota AP poll.

Hermantown is also the only other team undefeated in Lake Superior Conference play. A win Thursday would give Superior sole possession of the conference title.

Tuesday’s game

Duluth Denfeld 37 18 — 55

Superior 43 32 — 75

Duluth Denfeld — Jerome Strother 27, Jamarr Harkins 11, Sergei Hanka 14, Spencer Wallner 3.

3-point goals — Wallner.

Superior — Erick Tunell 21, Jordan Hughes 17, Bryan Sanders 12, Nick Mehlum 7, Carter Anderson 6, Anthony Valentine 5, Ben Erickson 4, Derek Kontny 3.

3-point goals — Tunell 3, Hughes 2, Mehlum.

Tags: sports, preps, basketball, superior, spartans