East Grand Forks Defeats Perham 66-51 in Section 8AA Matchup

The Section 8AA leading-Wave outlasted the Yellowjackets at home, led by strong defense and clutch shooting from Chase Lindgren.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The East Grand Forks Senior High boys basketball team defeated Perham 66-51 in a Section 8AA matchup on Tuesday. The Green Wave jumped out to an early 16-2 lead and maintained control throughout, led by strong defensive play and timely 3-pointers from Chase Lindgren. Perham's Isaiah Farrell, Cypress Thiel, and Nathan Rustad combined for 38 points, but the Wave's balanced scoring attack and transition offense proved too much for the Yellowjackets.

Why it matters

This win keeps East Grand Forks undefeated in Section 8AA play as they make a push for the playoffs. The Wave have several tough section games remaining, so this victory over a quality opponent like Perham is an important step in their quest to secure a high seed.

The details

East Grand Forks' defense set the tone early, limiting Perham to just one offensive rebound in the first half and forcing several turnovers with their quick man-to-man pressure. On offense, Jezrael Jones and Carson McDonald led the transition attack, while Lindgren hit four clutch 3-pointers to fend off Perham runs. The Yellowjackets' trio of Farrell, Thiel, and Rustad combined for 38 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced scoring and defensive intensity of the Green Wave.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Michael Mahar

The head coach of the East Grand Forks Senior High boys basketball team.

Jezrael Jones

A player for East Grand Forks who scored 8 points in the opening minutes to help the Green Wave build an early lead.

Chase Lindgren

A player for East Grand Forks who hit four 3-pointers in clutch situations to help the Green Wave maintain their advantage.

Isaiah Farrell

A player for Perham who combined with Cypress Thiel and Nathan Rustad to score 38 points for the Yellowjackets.

Cypress Thiel

A player for Perham who combined with Isaiah Farrell and Nathan Rustad to score 38 points for the Yellowjackets.

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What they’re saying

“We had such a big, emotional game Saturday and you worry about that natural letdown, but, because it was Perham and that means so much to our guys, I think we didn't see that letdown.”

— Michael Mahar, Head Coach, East Grand Forks Senior High

“Chase is not as quick as Jez, but he is so hard to guard on the dribble because he so good with it. Jez is so fast off the dribble, Carson is too and when you have multiple guys that can do that and then you surround them with guys who can shoot, it really puts you defensively into a pickle.”

— Michael Mahar, Head Coach, East Grand Forks Senior High

What’s next

East Grand Forks will continue their push for the Section 8AA playoffs, with key upcoming games against Warroad, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, and Barnesville.

The takeaway

This victory showcases East Grand Forks' ability to win tough section games, even after an emotional win just a few days prior. Their balanced scoring attack, stifling defense, and timely 3-point shooting make them a formidable opponent as the regular season winds down.