Rock Ridge Topples Cloquet, Advances to State Tournament

First section title in program's two-year history

DULUTH, Minn.- In only their second season as a program, the Rock Ridge girls basketball team has claimed the Section 7AAA Championship, defeating Cloquet 58-41.

After leading 27-26 at halftime, the Wolverines outscored the Lumberjacks 31-15 in an electric second half for Rock Ridge.

After the game, Rock Ridge Head Coach Byron Negen explained what has made his team special all season long. “I think just the commitment, and their love of the game of basketball,” says Coach Negen. “Just the time that they’ve put in. Outside of basketball practice, outside of when we’re practicing, they’re putting extra time in, and this is what the result is.”

“We’ve only been together for like two years, but we’ve worked together every summer, like weekends, every time we don’t have practice, we’re always at the gym, so it’s really good that it’s finally paying off and we’re so excited.” Said senior Emma Lamppa, who’s excited to continue her high school hoops career at the state tournament. “We’re just going to bring it and have fun and work the hardest we can.”

Rock Ridge will play in the AAA Quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 13 in Minneapolis.