Bemidji State shooting lights up Thanksgiving Classic in Lakeland

Bemidji State took control of the Thanksgiving Classic opener in Lakeland, finishing with a final score of Bemidji State 87, St. Leo 78 on November 28. Senior guard John Pecarich led the Beavers with a game high 35 points, hitting five three point baskets and going six of six from the free throw line, while Henry Shannon III added 20 points to provide a balanced offensive attack.

Pecarich went five of nine from three point range and was a perfect six of six at the foul line, key contributions in a game where the Beavers made 33 of 62 field goal attempts overall. The team connected on nine of 22 three point attempts and made 12 of 15 free throws. Other scorers included Josephson with 12 points, Fairbanks with 8, Isaac Severts with 8 points and five assists, and Nathan Fenske who led the team with seven rebounds while scoring four points. St. Leo was paced by Hill with 27, Pawlikowski with 19 and Smith with 11.

The win matters to Beltrami County beyond the stat sheet. Midwinter trips and tournament play give local fans a reason to rally, and the team s strong shooting provides momentum for community engagement and ticket driven revenue when home dates return. The performance also highlights the workload and travel demands placed on student athletes during a season that overlaps final exams and winter respiratory virus season, both factors that affect student health and campus services.

Local public health and campus health officials may view continued travel and large gatherings through the lens of prevention and access. Successful teams raise visibility for the university and can create opportunities to expand health and counseling resources for athletes and the wider student body. As the Beavers build on this early season win, attention to equitable access to medical care, mental health support, and safe travel practices will be important for sustaining both athletic success and community wellbeing in Beltrami County.