Wellpinit Boys Basketball Tops Northport in NE1B Semifinal

Barry Abrahamson scored 19 points as the Wellpinit Redskins pulled away in the second half for a 70-59 win over the Northport Mustangs (16-6) in a boys basketball Northeast 1B semifinal match on Feb. 7, at Deer Park High School.

The game was tight early, with Wellpinit holding a slim 31-29 lead at halftime. The Redskins gained separation in the third quarter behind balanced scoring and perimeter shooting, outscoring Northport 20-17, then closed the game with a 19-13 edge in the fourth quarter.

Abrahamson led a Wellpinit attack that featured six made 3-pointers. Jayden Thomas added 13 points, while Wynecoop-Holt chipped in nine points. Wellpinit finished 12-of-18 at the free-throw line.

Northport was paced by Pete Beardslee with 23 points, including seven made free throws. Trae Smith added 20 points. 

The loss sent Northport into the third-place bracket, where the Mustangs will face Chesterton Academy on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Deer Park. The winner will advance to the third-place game, while the loser will play for fifth.

With the win, Wellpinit advanced to the NE1B championship game against Almira/Coulee-Hartline on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 7:15 p.m., also in Deer Park.

Earlier in the week, Northport earned a district fire round 66-61 home win over Selkirk Rangers on Wednesday, Feb. 4.