Rangers hope luck doesn't run out at BSU

The last time the Crosby-Ironton Rangers played at Bemdiji State University they won a summer tournament.

When it mattered the most, they beat Pelican Rapids in the 2008 Section 8-2A final to advance to state.

They'll look to replay that success when they face the North Subsection champion Thief River Falls Prowlers 7 p.m. Friday for the section title.

The Prowlers have used an impressive defense to advance through the North Subsection bracket and land in their first section final since 1988.

The Prowlers, a long time Class 3A school, will face Class 2A's third-ranked Rangers, who also pride themselves on defense.

"I think Crosby is the model all of us want to follow," said Prowlers coach Chris McLean. "You have a hall of fame coach. They've been to the section final four straight times and to the state tournament more times than I can count. They are what most programs aspire to be. We certainly come in as the underdog. Their quickness and fundamental skills scare us a little bit. They live up to their No. 3 ranking."

Section 8-2A final

Who: Crosby-Ironton Rangers vs. Thief River Falls Prowlers

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Bemidji State University

At stake: A spot in the Class 2A state tournament

C-I's pressure defense forced Hawley into 25 turnovers leading to a 53-46 South Subsection 8-2A championship. The Rangers have held opponents to 46.7 points per game, while tallying 69.1 points leading to a 27-2 overall record.

The constant pressure does cause turnovers, but also frustrates teams into hurried or bad shots. That's a trap McLean hopes his team doesn't fall into.

"Can we handle their pressure? That's a really good question," said McLean. "You can't rely on your guards to do it all. We have to make sure all five of our guys are able to catch and operate in an area and be able to catch and face and look one and two passes ahead. Their quickness is something we haven't seen. We haven't played anybody that quick. The thing with presses is you do take some risks and hopefully we can capitalize on that risk."

The Prowlers' defense held teams to 53.6 points per game, but their offense averaged just 56.6 points leading to a 17-11 record.

Of the common opponents Thief River lost to Hawley, Detroit Lakes twice and Pequot Lakes while beating Park Rapids, Roseau and Warroad twice.

Thief River Falls did knock off a good Bemidji team late in the regular season.

"We know they pride themselves on defense," said Ranger head coach Dave Galovich. "They are a solid defensive team and they play very well together.

"They're clutch in the fact that because they rely on their defense, they are able to stay in a lot of ball games. Coach McLean prides himself on defense and he gets a great effort from his players."

The Prowlers are led by 6-foot-3 senior Jacob Langevin, who is averaging around 15 points and 5-10 junior guard Karter Trontvet, who tallies around 12 points a game.

Rounding out the Prowlers' starting lineup will be senior guard Brady Harbott (6-0), senior forward Aaron Yaggie (6-0) and senior center Steven Peterson (6-3).

"We are a senior dominated team," said McLean. "We do start one junior, but we have seven seniors that play and six that play quite a bit. There is some experience here. We are a defensive oriented team and we hope the score is around 50 points and that will give us a chance."

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5856.