Esko Hoops Ready for Return to State

50-8 combined record over last two seasons

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team has remained one of the best teams in the Polar League over the last decade. However, they haven’t qualified for the state tournament since 2019.

In each of the last two seasons, Esko has posted 25 wins, including a perfect record against conference opponents. Head Coach Derek Anderson is looking forward to keeping Esko one of the Northland’s biggest threats on the hardwood. “Very excited to be back. Obviously, we look forward to this part of the year pretty much year-round, so it’s nice to get back in the gym and get to working with our team.”

Esko’s hoops roster is made up of several football players, who recently lost in the state quarterfinals. Junior Sam Haugen, who played a key role in Esko’s playoff run as a receiver, has noticed a significant energy shift between football and basketball practice. “There’s not as much pressure as a team as a whole because we’re kind of just ramping stuff up for basketball…Two weeks ago, we were in the state tournament for football. I know from past experience that once the season gets going, we’re going to be ready.”

There’s a strong chance Esko would have had some more recent state tournament appearances if it wasn’t for Pequot Lakes. Over the last three years, the Patriots have eliminated Esko in the playoffs (twice in the 7AA Championship, once in the 7AA Semifinals). Coach Anderson knows they’ll likely need to take down Pequot Lakes in their run to a section title.

“We always seem to be even and it’s always a good battle when we play them, so they’re definitely a game that we’ve got marked on our calendar…I think that’s the team we need to look at as far as knocking them off.”

Esko’s regular season begins on Tuesday, December 5 when they host Rock Ridge. Their last run-in with the Wolverines came in the 7AA Semifinals last March, which ended with Esko winning 73-58.