Esko Boys' Hoops Downed by Pierz in Section Semifinals

Despite a 31-point performance from Graham Hartlieb, No. 3 Esko couldn't hold off a second-half surge from No. 2 Pierz.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite Graham Hartlieb's 31-point performance, the No. 3 Esko boys' basketball team couldn't hold on to their halftime lead, falling 75-66 to the No. 2 Pierz team in the Section 7AA Semifinals on Wednesday night.

Why it matters

Esko had been aiming for its fifth consecutive section championship meeting with top-seeded Pequot Lakes, but Pierz's second-half comeback ended those hopes and eliminated the Esko squad from the playoffs.

The details

Pierz controlled the game early on, but Esko started chipping away before taking their first lead on a Graham Hartlieb layup. Esko would lead by as many as ten points in the first half and took an eight-point advantage into halftime. However, Pierz would come alive in the second half, outscoring Esko 47-30 in the final 18 minutes of play to advance to the section championship.

  • The Section 7AA Semifinals took place on Wednesday night.

The players

Graham Hartlieb

The leading scorer for Esko, pouring in 31 points in the losing effort.

Pequot Lakes

The top-seeded team that Esko had hoped to face in the section championship game.

Pierz

The No. 2 seed that mounted a second-half comeback to defeat Esko and advance to the section championship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Esko's hopes of a fifth consecutive section championship appearance were dashed by Pierz's second-half surge, ending their season with a 15-14 record.