All season, opponents have tried to keep the Duluth Marshall tandem of Gianna Kneepkens and Grace Kirk in check.
Aitkin did an admirable job Wednesday night in a Section 7AA semifinal, holding Kneepkens to 27 points and Kirk to 19.
They didn't account for Merlea Mrozik, however. The sophomore scored 23 points and made seven 3-pointers to lead the Hilltoppers to a 78-64 victory at Romano Gym.
Marshall (22-7) will face Lake Superior Conference rival Proctor in the section final at 7 p.m. Friday at Romano Gym.
Proctor 59, Pequot Lakes 44
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Morgan Nylund scored 16 points and the Rails played tough defense to qualify for the section final.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Ely 87, Hill City 44
Pat Vanderbeek poured in 30 points and made five 3-pointers to help the Timberwolves to the Section 7A home win and give coach Tom McDonald his 500th career prep victory.
LCA 82, Carlton 63
Jacob Easty scored 24 points and made four 3-pointers and all five Lakeview Christian Academy starters scored in double figures in the 7A first-round game at Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium.
Matt Santkuyl led the Bulldogs with 23 points.
BOYS SOCCER
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Faynik selects Robert Morris
Duluth Denfeld senior striker Jon Faynik, who as a sophomore was named the News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year, announced Wednesday that he will play soccer at Division I Robert Morris University, located in Moon Township, Pa.
Faynik set school records for goals in a season with 27 during the 2018 campaign and in a career with 65 (more than twice the previous record).
