Pool Play at MN HS Hoops Classic

So I made my way to "The Birthplace of Intercollegiate Basketball" for the MN HS Hoops Classic. A nice field with Osseo, Forest Lake, Henry Sibley, Spring Lake Park and Minnehaha among those participating.

Osseo vs Forest Lake highlighted the 1st session. Aaron Anderson arriving at the half for Osseo after the morning's ACTs. Forest Lake uses a 9-2 run to end the 1st half for a 7 point half time lead and they win 77-64. Forest Lake's open-post motion offense in mid-season form getting them great looks. Osseo with no answers on the defensive end.

Minnehaha vs Sibley for the highlight of the 2nd session. No Taylor Hanson in this one for Minnehaha which is never a good sign when you're up against Mike Rostampour and Jake Kreuser. Jordan Jackson also getting action with his new teammates (Como Park transfer). That's a big get for Sibley especially if Jackson can reign in some of the habits he had at Como. Rostampour had to have 20 and 10 in this one. Not much from Parker Hines for Minnehaha and Sibley goes on to an easy 64-36 win.

Osseo against St. Anthony in game 3 of the day. St. Anthony bombing away from deep to keep the game tied at 14 in the 1st half. Osseo extends to 37-28 at the break. Josh Pratt with a big 3 at the 11 minute mark of the 2nd half for a 48-47 St. Anthony lead. But Osseo is too much. A 13-3 run for Osseo gives them the lead for good. Osseo goes on to a 81-68 win.

Session 4 had Sibley with another big win 66-33 over Farmington.

My last session had Spring Lake Park vs St. Louis Park. Full house rosters for each team though not having Derek Dahl for Spring Lake Park was a big loss. Alex Koch leading the way despite some forced shots. The Orioles get a 12 point lead in the 1st half and never look back. 72-61 St. Louis Park wins. Aaron Ziman is the 1 player who doesn't play 1000 miles per hour for them though he has the ability. He's key to getting them in their sets. Elijah Sabah again showing a developed perimeter game. Nice to see Sean Scott getting some time with them as well.

Mike Rostampour easily the player of the day. Absolutely dominant in the paint and he even got in a couple of passing lanes to take passes the other way in the Farmington game.