Facing a Benson County team that pulled out a gutsy victory Thursday night, Parker Simon made sure North Star remained undefeated in Friday’s semifinal round of the Ramsey County Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
Simon scored 22 points in the first half en route to a dominant 61-34 defeat of the Wildcats at the Devils Lake Sports Center. The win moved the Bearcats to 7-0 and earned them a trip to the tournament championship game.
“We shot the ball better than we did last night,” North Star head coach Jesse Vote said. “We still didn’t shoot it great, but anytime we can hit some outside shots, we can get into our pressure full-court, it really makes our team go.”
There was never much of a doubt that the Bearcats were going to win, as they frolicked out to a quick 18-8 lead and led 24-10 at the end of the first quarter. Simon scored 13 points, displaying a versatile range of weapons — from shooting threes, to sneaking in and making layups, to shooting free throws.
“Body control overall in general,” Vote said on what he’s seen the senior improve on. “Not so wild. Able to take care of himself on the court, both offensively and defensively. He’s just grown overall as a player. Another one of those kids that lots of coaches wish they had on their team.”
Simon kept it going in the second quarter, scoring nine points to help give North Star a 35-16 lead at halftime. Among his 22 points, he made a trio of three-pointers and five three throws to complement his four field goals. Take away those 22 points, and Benson County would have been leading.
Simon’s contributions have been especially vital with guard Dane Hagler sitting out with an injury.
“[Simon]’s been really tough for us this year, especially since Dane’s been out,” Vote said. “He’s really stepped up shooting the basketball. He’s kind of been our leader. He’s getting to the basket for us. We lose Dane for a few games; we’re gonna have to have somebody score for us, and he’s stepped into that role nicely for us.”
While the first half was all about Simon, the Bearcats started getting contributions from others down the lineup in the third quarter. Garrett Westlind led North Star’s scoring with eight points, while Brett Gilley and Chas Bisbee contributed as well. Also making a basket was a different Simon — his twin brother, Karsen.
“Sometimes it’s tough when you don’t know who’s who on the court, and you’re yelling at the wrong one and trying to figure out who is who,” Vote said. “But yeah, it’s pretty cool having two twin towers there on defense. They’re a fun group of kids to be around.”
With North Star up 53-25 at the end of the third quarter, Vote began to rest his regulars and empty the bench. Alec Peyerl collected three points, while Zachary Jorde snagged a free throw. Westlind also collected two more baskets, bringing his point total to 16 for the game. P. Simon finished with 24.
The Bearcats sailed comfortably into a 27-point victory. On Benson County’s side, Paxton Neppl led with 10 points.
North Star will play the winner of Devils Lake JV and Nelson County in the tournament championship on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Devils Lake Sports Center.
“I’m more worried about our stamina after two games where we’ve had to play seven quarters for the most part,” Vote said. “It’s something we haven’t won for a while. We need to make sure we bring the tournament back to Cando.”
