New Life at MN Transitions Thoughts

A chance to finally see a full game at the deaf dome (the new MTS gym). Yes the drum line was out in full force again tonight. Unique entertainment, but after a couple of these games and an AC/DC concert I've lost 95% of my hearing. Caleb Palkert and Peter Sorenson of SW Christian took in some of the action as they have to play both of these teams coming up.

NLA point guard Ryan Furlong with 3 offensive rebounds that result in buckets. 15-6 New Life at 12:50. A Robbie Anderstrom jumper at 11:15 keeps the NLA lead at 9, 19-10 with 11:15 left in the first half. But the turnovers and rebounding problems set in for NLA. MTS goes on a 24-2 run over the next 8 minutes. Kevin Noreen knocks down back to back triples to push MTS over the top once they got back to even. Anderstrom put back a miss to keep it respectable at the half. 40-26 MTS at the break. NLA went 8 minutes without a field goal and I had them for at least 12 turnovers. MTS effective with their 1-2-2 half court pressure. Not doing anything in the full court.

Joe Mann knocks down 1 of his 6 triples, MTS turns it over for a Kory Kiekhofer layup. NLA back within 8, 43-35 MTS, with 15 minutes left. Mann with another triple at 9:11 to keep it at 10 points, 59-49. But NLA can't get any closer. MTS goes on a 21-6 run with a couple of big dunks and a layup from Jerrel Washington to put it away. Kevin Noreen with a steal and dunk sandwiched by a couple of Washingtion jumpers at the end of the run. Minnesota Transitions wins 84-67.

For NLA, Joe Mann with 6 triples for 20 points. Robbie Anderstrom with 10 points and I had him for 16 rebounds. There were plenty of openings to find him at the high post against the zone that NLA didn't take advantage of. They still have trips to Maranatha and Bethlehem Academy on the schedule as well as a home game with SW Christian on the schedule.

For MTS, Kevin Noreen with 24 points, 8 of them during the 1st half run that ultimately put MTS ahead for good. Jerrell Washington got it going in the 2nd half for 27 points. The MTS trapping defense really keeps a team from getting into any kind of sets. I liked how Kyle Noreen showed some aggressiveness taking the ball baseline for a couple of layups. Andre Ingram was a real force inside too. 8 points and I had 6 rebounds and 6 blocks for him. I'll see them again in an interesting battle vs Arlington next Wednesday night (and I'm bringing my earplugs).