Prologue
Its annual first Tuesday of February is screwed up schedule, so we get conference games in the NW Suburban on a Monday night. This one takes me to Park Center for my first look of the season at the Pirates as they take on Champlin Park. Now Park Center is known for their pep band (not in the house tonight, so sad) and usually quality pizza. But they have Walking Tacos, WOO HOO! Haven't had one of those in a long while and I may hit that 3 straight nights with Hopkins and Totino-Grace coming up the next 2 nights. A little salsa for kick and a healthy dollup of sour cream to soothe it, good stuff. For music, let's go with a 1 hit wonder since Park Center was looking to get in the way of Champlin Park's conference title run.
Song of the Day
Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder
Game Time
First 4 of the game go to Park Center with a Kevin Handy reverse layup on the post. 10-7 Park Center at the 11:30 mark after a Rebels tip in. Then 7 in a row from the Pirates with Handy on the post again and a Quinton Hooker spin move for 2. That gives Park Center an 18-7 lead but coach Bo Powell bails Champlin out with the timeout they desperately needed. But with nothing going in what do you say? The timeout appears to kill the momentum as Champlin gets the next 2 buckets. Showing that I know NOTHING, Handy and Treyton Daniels score again and Terrance Elmore buries a 3 for 7 more in a row for Park Center. 15-4 is the total run. 25-11 late in the half before Champlin rebounds with the last 4. 25-15 Park Center at halftime.
Second half has TJ Okafor on a mission. He opens the second half with 2 putbacks and shows some range with a 3 all in the 1st 2 minutes. 27-24 Park Center. Champlin Park finally gets the game to even on a free throw at the 13:08 mark. 29 all. The shooting in this one not something that going to make a highlight reel. Okafor makes 2 free throws and Champlin Park goes 2-3 zone down 32-31 with 12+ left. Park Center promptly extends the offense. The Rebels try a possession of 1-3-1 and go back to 2-3. Once again Park Center wants nothing to do with the zone and CP immediately comes out it outside of 9 minutes left. Kevin Handy with 3 fouls and getting a surprisingly long rest before he comes back in with 8 minutes left. That's after a Hooker bucket for a 36-35 lead. Michael Sales 2 free throws and then off a Pirates turnover, Okafor gets out and runs his way to a 2 handed dunk. 39-36 Champlin Park with 6:42 left and they return the earlier favor with a timeout. Teddy Gibson with a steal to push the lead to 5. But the foul like for Rebels was a struggle all night and they miss their next 4. Isaiah Lynn with a pair of buckets along with Handy inside for a 7-2 spurt. 43-41 Park Center with 4 minutes left. Okafor right back with a good spin move to tie it. The teams trade 1 free throw before Okafor goes up and gets a man's rebound on the defensive end. That's 2 more free throws, 46-44 Champlin Park with 2:43 left. Out of a timeout, they're back to the 2-3 zone and with the lead Park Center now has to play against it. That's the danger of pulling it out early. Handy misses and Anthony Hill goes to the floater driving right baseline to push the lead to 4. Hooker in and out for 3 but the Rebels miss 2 free throws on the other end. Gibson with another steal for 1 free throw with 55.1 left. That's a 5 point lead and Okafor adds 3 of 4 free throws to seal it. 54-47 Champlin Park wins.
Post Game
For Park Center, Kevin Handy with 8 of his 13 in the first half where he outplayed Okafor inside. Star guard Quinton Hooker 9 of his 11 in the second half. I was surprised Handy didn't get more looks in the second half since he was the best first half offense they had. With an off night from Hooker, they'll struggle to score. The Pirates fall to 5-11, 4-7 and have Maple Grove, Armstrong and Osseo in their next 3 games, ouch.
For Champlin Park, they outscore Park Center 39-22 in the second half. TJ Okafor finishes with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. 20 and 9 and all 3 blocks in the 2nd half as he flipped the switch and took over. Anthony Hill 10 of his 14 in the 2nd half. Take out Okafor's 7-8 FTs and the rest of the team was 8-23 from the charity stripe. The Rebels stay 1 game behind in the NW Suburban standings. They visit section foe Spring Lake Park on Saturday before hosting Maple Grove on Tuesday.
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2010-11 CzarPI, January 30, 2011
Here is the 7th edition of the CzarPI for the 2010-2011 season (see CzarPI Explained here). It includes games through January 29th, 2011. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class. Since the MSHSL site says that Liberty Classical Academy is no longer playing in the section 4A tournament, I've removed them from the list (they're now treated like any non-MSHSL member).
Class AAAA
Class AA
Class AAAA
- Hopkins - 61.87 (23)
- Eden Prairie - 61.28 (6)
- Osseo - 60.11 (14)
- Eastview - 58.75 (50)
- Chaska - 58.13 (36)
- Wayzata - 57.99 (25)
- Robbinsdale Armstrong - 56.96 (42)
- Owatonna - 56.45 (62)
- Edina - 55.7 (45)
- Champlin Park - 55.58 (51)
- Tartan - 55.39 (65)
- Roseville - 55.23 (53)
- Lakeville South - 55.1 (18)
- Maple Grove - 54.34 (31)
- Moorhead - 54.27 (44)
- Robbinsdale Cooper - 53.86 (11)
- Buffalo - 53.8 (55)
- Shakopee - 53.65 (15)
- Duluth East - 53.57 (40)
- White Bear Lake - 53.39 (32)
- St. Louis Park - 52.67 (17)
- Blaine - 52.6 (12)
- Cretin-Derham Hall - 52.4 (24)
- Eagan - 52.36 (56)
- Burnsville - 51.82 (27)
- Forest Lake - 51.46 (63)
- St. Michael-Albertville - 50.84 (37)
- Apple Valley - 50.54 (10)
- Irondale - 50.53 (48)
- Spring Lake Park - 49.64 (33)
- Rochester Century - 49.57 (64)
- Duluth Central - 48.48 (61)
- Lakeville North - 47.92 (4)
- Cambridge-Isanti - 47.84 (26)
- Minneapolis North - 47.36 (35)
- East Ridge - 46.54 (59)
- Stillwater Area - 46.32 (54)
- Andover - 45.91 (7)
- Chanhassen - 45.82 (28)
- Anoka - 45.32 (13)
- Minneapolis South - 44.68 (39)
- Alexandria - 44.44 (49)
- Bloomington Kennedy - 44.35 (52)
- Prior Lake - 43.88 (2)
- Woodbury - 42.42 (43)
- North St. Paul - 41.69 (21)
- St. Cloud Tech - 41.04 (46)
- Rosemount - 40.19 (22)
- Bloomington Jefferson - 38.35 (19)
- Park Center - 37.55 (9)
- Elk River - 37.49 (30)
- Minnetonka - 37.33 (1)
- Mounds View - 36.65 (20)
- Rochester Mayo - 35.98 (34)
- Farmington - 34.66 (58)
- Northfield - 34.16 (5)
- Centennial - 32.97 (16)
- Henry Sibley - 32.88 (8)
- St. Francis - 32.28 (41)
- Minneapolis Southwest - 31.88 (57)
- Brainerd - 27.25 (29)
- Rochester John Marshall - 25.69 (38)
- Coon Rapids - 24.44 (3)
- Park of Cottage Grove - 23.56 (60)
- Hastings - 17.47 (47)
- St. Paul Johnson - 59.23 (34)
- Orono - 56.98 (12)
- Minneapolis Washburn - 55.89 (9)
- Waconia - 55.74 (5)
- Bemidji - 55.67 (49)
- Benilde-St. Margaret's - 55.01 (32)
- Marshall - 54.77 (2)
- Worthington - 54.39 (24)
- Detroit Lakes - 54.34 (17)
- Hill-Murray - 53.87 (23)
- Delano - 53.73 (38)
- New Prague - 53.71 (15)
- DeLaSalle - 53.55 (45)
- Little Falls - 53.27 (21)
- St. Cloud Apollo - 52.96 (41)
- Columbia Heights - 52.83 (35)
- Holy Family Catholic - 52.4 (36)
- Rogers - 52.33 (37)
- Hutchinson - 52.02 (6)
- Winona - 51.26 (42)
- Willmar - 50.88 (25)
- Totino-Grace - 50.73 (3)
- Richfield - 50.39 (55)
- St. Thomas Academy - 49.96 (43)
- St. Anthony Village - 49.94 (51)
- Grand Rapids - 49.66 (28)
- St. Paul Como Park - 49.23 (7)
- Big Lake - 48.88 (50)
- Mahtomedi - 48.84 (29)
- Rocori - 48.43 (56)
- Annandale - 48.18 (10)
- Austin - 47.69 (33)
- Hermantown - 47.67 (58)
- St. Paul Central - 47.65 (8)
- St. Paul Highland Park - 46.5 (46)
- Hibbing - 45.96 (44)
- Red Wing - 45.86 (57)
- Minneapolis Henry - 45.79 (52)
- Mankato East - 45.41 (20)
- Monticello - 43.79 (4)
- Mound-Westonka - 42.19 (31)
- Fergus Falls - 40.65 (39)
- Holy Angels - 40.63 (1)
- New Ulm - 40.08 (27)
- Chisago Lakes Area - 39.56 (16)
- St. Paul Harding - 37.66 (60)
- Mankato West - 37.17 (22)
- Cloquet - 36.65 (30)
- Faribault - 36.12 (19)
- Albert Lea - 36.07 (11)
- Sartell-St. Stephen - 34.08 (54)
- Fridley - 34.06 (26)
- Simley - 33.98 (48)
- North Branch - 30.82 (40)
- Waseca - 30.5 (47)
- Princeton - 30.46 (53)
- Dassel-Cokato - 30.31 (13)
- Becker - 27.48 (18)
- South St. Paul - 17.77 (59)
- Sauk Rapids-Rice - 0 (14)
Class AA
- Esko - 59.44 (17)
- Montevideo - 59.17 (25)
- Perham - 58.31 (44)
- Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 58.02 (97)
- Moose Lake-Willow River - 57.21 (46)
- Minnewaska Area - 55.96 (54)
- Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 55.96 (110)
- Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 55.86 (105)
- Stewartville - 55.74 (45)
- Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 55.72 (78)
- Bagley - 55.42 (111)
- Windom Area - 55.37 (32)
- Rochester Lourdes - 54.52 (8)
- New London-Spicer - 54.23 (33)
- Pelican Rapids - 54.18 (43)
- Redwood Valley - 53.92 (13)
- Thief River Falls - 53.91 (31)
- Caledonia - 53.89 (75)
- Braham - 53.49 (117)
- Mayer Lutheran - 53.15 (101)
- Maple River - 53.13 (106)
- Deer River - 53.12 (80)
- Kasson-Mantorville - 53.03 (115)
- Glencoe-Silver Lake - 52.98 (12)
- Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 52.94 (59)
- Pequot Lakes - 52.73 (52)
- Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 52.37 (109)
- Hawley - 51.72 (51)
- Kenyon-Wanamingo - 51.58 (100)
- Zimmerman - 51.19 (68)
- Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 51.17 (107)
- International Falls - 51.17 (124)
- Virginia - 50.98 (79)
- United South Central - 50.8 (49)
- St. Peter - 50.15 (87)
- Concordia Academy-Roseville - 50.1 (96)
- Hayfield - 49.89 (93)
- Litchfield - 49.85 (28)
- St. Cloud Cathedral - 49.76 (67)
- Blake - 49.74 (61)
- Byron - 49.69 (73)
- Jackson County Central - 49.07 (27)
- Fairmont - 48.78 (7)
- Sauk Centre - 48.06 (88)
- Kimball Area - 47.77 (26)
- Watertown-Mayer - 47.61 (37)
- Maple Lake - 47.14 (104)
- Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 47.12 (77)
- Trinity School - 46.82 (85)
- Kingsland - 46.7 (70)
- St. Croix Lutheran - 46.51 (57)
- Pierz - 46.18 (19)
- Jordan - 46.13 (121)
- Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 46.05 (81)
- Murray County Central - 46.05 (23)
- Southland - 46.03 (66)
- Albany - 45.93 (103)
- Lake City - 45.88 (39)
- East Grand Forks - 45.66 (91)
- Belle Plaine - 45.61 (64)
- Crookston - 45.43 (4)
- New Richland-H-E-G - 44.95 (35)
- La Crescent - 44.74 (83)
- St. Charles - 44.64 (89)
- Sibley East - 44.47 (55)
- Crosby-Ironton - 43.71 (76)
- Hinckley-Finlayson - 43.56 (65)
- Minnehaha Academy - 43.51 (94)
- Norwood-Young America - 43.48 (36)
- Martin County West - 43.14 (120)
- St. John's Prep - 42.99 (48)
- Rush City - 42.8 (62)
- Breckenridge - 42.74 (14)
- Melrose - 42.67 (92)
- Pine City - 41.75 (56)
- Benson - 41.62 (58)
- Providence Academy - 41.38 (122)
- West Central Area - 41.24 (21)
- Wadena-Deer Creek - 40.95 (30)
- Legacy Christian - 40.55 (113)
- Lac qui Parle Valley - 39.77 (34)
- Breck - 39.65 (112)
- LeSueur-Henderson - 39.54 (40)
- Warroad - 39.4 (60)
- BOLD - 38.95 (102)
- Lewiston-Altura - 38.72 (84)
- Red Lake - 38.65 (47)
- Mora - 38.48 (16)
- Holdingford - 38.43 (41)
- Roseau - 38 (125)
- Winona Cotter - 37.19 (86)
- Minneapolis Roosevelt - 37.03 (118)
- Eden Valley-Watkins - 36.82 (123)
- Aitkin - 36.59 (9)
- Rockford - 36.5 (69)
- Montgomery-Lonsdale - 35.64 (99)
- Great River - 35.36 (126)
- Blue Earth Area - 34.88 (82)
- Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 34.47 (24)
- Pipestone Area - 34.34 (5)
- Cannon Falls - 34.32 (42)
- Pine Island - 33.59 (50)
- Foley - 33.22 (63)
- Duluth Marshall - 33.14 (74)
- Luverne - 32.94 (15)
- St. James - 32.66 (72)
- Dover-Eyota - 32.03 (18)
- Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 31.78 (38)
- International School of MN - 31.47 (127)
- Triton - 31.29 (108)
- St. Paul Academy - 31.21 (114)
- Milaca - 30.87 (71)
- Staples-Motley - 30.52 (20)
- Proctor - 30.04 (116)
- Yellow Medicine East - 29.43 (29)
- Greenway - 29.3 (10)
- Osakis - 28.71 (2)
- Chatfield - 28.4 (22)
- Minneapolis Edison - 25.35 (119)
- Brooklyn Center - 22.58 (53)
- Eveleth-Gilbert - 22.49 (90)
- Frazee - 20.49 (11)
- Park Rapids Area - 17.85 (6)
- Mounds Park Academy - 16.09 (95)
- Two Harbors - 0 (1)
- Paynesville Area - 0 (3)
- Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 0 (98)
- Sebeka - 58.59 (55)
- Southwest MN Christian - 58.42 (68)
- Ellsworth - 55.49 (20)
- Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 55.38 (130)
- Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 55.32 (109)
- Springfield - 54.83 (101)
- Upsala - 54.78 (54)
- Ely - 54.7 (139)
- Battle Lake - 53.95 (149)
- Maranatha Christian - 53.49 (90)
- Orr - 53.12 (87)
- Heritage Christian - 52.54 (62)
- Sleepy Eye - 52.45 (106)
- Ulen-Hitterdal - 52.32 (99)
- Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 52.15 (102)
- Glenville-Emmons - 52.07 (151)
- McGregor - 51.9 (118)
- Hills-Beaver Creek - 51.71 (66)
- Lakeview Christian - 51.63 (150)
- Ada-Borup - 51.46 (75)
- MACCRAY - 51.38 (119)
- Bertha-Hewitt - 51.22 (31)
- Mankato Loyola - 51.21 (41)
- Browerville - 51.08 (143)
- Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 51.01 (10)
- Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 51 (9)
- East Central - 50.79 (96)
- Chisholm - 50.77 (146)
- Cass Lake-Bena - 50.71 (103)
- Minnesota Transitions Charter - 50.53 (63)
- Rushford-Peterson - 50.49 (98)
- Fosston - 49.87 (132)
- Northern Freeze - 49.85 (91)
- Goodhue - 49.63 (137)
- Mt. Lake/Butterfield-Odin - 49.4 (61)
- Eagle Valley - 49.14 (73)
- Cook County - 49.13 (15)
- Stephen-Argyle - 48.58 (134)
- Barnesville - 48.21 (92)
- Dawson-Boyd - 48.12 (104)
- Nevis - 47.63 (122)
- Bigfork - 47.4 (70)
- Granada-Huntley-East Chain - 47.37 (78)
- Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 47.36 (152)
- Prairie Seeds Academy - 47.29 (115)
- New York Mills - 46.94 (79)
- West Lutheran - 46.58 (135)
- Hill City - 46.48 (11)
- Blackduck - 46.47 (107)
- Spring Grove - 46.41 (147)
- Littlefork-Big Falls - 46.37 (35)
- Barnum - 45.71 (138)
- Truman - 45.66 (111)
- Norman County East - 45.62 (43)
- Isle - 45.15 (48)
- Houston - 44.96 (157)
- Brandon-Evansville - 44.95 (85)
- Kittson County Central - 44.81 (65)
- Ashby - 44.67 (100)
- Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 44.61 (88)
- Mahnomen - 44.55 (93)
- Fulda - 44.51 (14)
- FAIR Downtown - 44.34 (155)
- AlBrook/Cotton - 43.78 (59)
- Minneota - 43.4 (141)
- Red Lake County - 43.04 (133)
- Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 42.89 (45)
- Goodridge-Grygla - 42.73 (84)
- Bethany Academy - 42.56 (80)
- Lanesboro - 42.39 (154)
- Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 42.09 (83)
- New Ulm Cathedral - 42.04 (27)
- Tower-Soudan - 41.89 (33)
- Silver Bay - 41.87 (49)
- Nicollet - 41.82 (113)
- Nashwauk-Keewatin - 41.76 (71)
- St. Agnes - 41.76 (57)
- Bethlehem Academy - 41.75 (56)
- Southwest Star Concept - 41.65 (86)
- St. Paul Humboldt - 41.59 (89)
- Cherry - 41.57 (22)
- Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 41.36 (58)
- St. Clair - 41.09 (94)
- Round Lake-Brewster - 41.08 (69)
- Floodwood - 41.03 (21)
- Pine River-Backus - 40.3 (46)
- Onamia - 39.96 (53)
- New Life Academy - 39.66 (24)
- Clearbrook-Gonvick - 39.38 (30)
- Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 39 (12)
- Henning - 38.9 (81)
- Hope Lutheran - 38.63 (116)
- Blooming Prairie - 38.49 (25)
- Mountain Iron-Buhl - 38.14 (36)
- Kelliher/Northome - 37.56 (142)
- Fertile-Beltrami - 37.36 (7)
- Menahga - 37.34 (50)
- Southwest Christian - 36.85 (105)
- Carlton - 35.94 (23)
- Wabasso - 35.6 (74)
- Randolph - 35.49 (60)
- Royalton - 35.47 (39)
- Canby - 35.25 (112)
- Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 35.19 (166)
- Cromwell - 34.69 (29)
- Win-E-Mac - 34.69 (42)
- Central MN Christian - 34.64 (76)
- Alden-Conger - 34.63 (148)
- Lincoln HI - 34.49 (34)
- Academy for Sciences & Ag - 34.46 (169)
- Cook - 34.43 (26)
- Medford - 34.19 (108)
- Ortonville - 34.16 (114)
- Le Center - 34.15 (120)
- Mesabi East - 33.44 (126)
- Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 33.44 (16)
- Red Rock Central - 33.25 (18)
- Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 33.16 (64)
- Four Directions Charter - 33.03 (161)
- Mabel-Canton - 32.45 (131)
- Community of Peace Academy - 32.42 (168)
- Fillmore Central - 32.18 (5)
- Madelia - 31.78 (127)
- Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 31.61 (19)
- PACT Charter - 31.4 (77)
- Grand Meadow - 31.13 (124)
- Renville County West - 30.52 (82)
- Martin Luther - 29.76 (72)
- Math & Science Academy - 29.55 (170)
- Edgerton - 29.38 (17)
- Climax/Fisher - 29.02 (37)
- LeRoy-Ostrander - 28.85 (128)
- Park Christian - 28.76 (145)
- Wabasha-Kellogg - 28.52 (52)
- Parkers Prairie - 28.33 (44)
- Lake of the Woods - 28.25 (144)
- Lakeview - 28.13 (121)
- Verndale - 27.17 (3)
- Lake Park-Audubon - 27 (123)
- Sacred Heart - 25.99 (51)
- Babbitt-Embarrass - 25.53 (47)
- Calvin Christian - 25.39 (167)
- Ogilvie - 25.28 (6)
- Cannon Valley Lutheran - 24.36 (164)
- Cleveland - 24.02 (125)
- CHOF - 23.66 (95)
- Norman County West - 22 (117)
- Adrian - 21.68 (2)
- Underwood - 19.46 (129)
- MN Academy for the Deaf - 18.69 (165)
- Northland - 0 (97)
- Swanville - 0 (32)
- Hancock - 0 (13)
- Spectrum - 0 (158)
- St. Paul Prep - 0 (159)
- Laporte - 0 (162)
- Metro Deaf School - 0 (163)
- Wrenshall - 0 (1)
- Mesabi Academy - 0 (4)
- Pillager - 0 (8)
- Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 0 (28)
- Rothsay - 0 (38)
- Waubun - 0 (40)
- Schaeffer Academy - 0 (67)
- Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig - 0 (110)
- E.C.H.O. Charter - 0 (136)
- North Lakes Academy - 0 (140)
- Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 0 (153)
- Learning for Leadership - 0 (156)
- Hmong Academy - 0 (160)
2011 Border Battle Observations
Prologue
To St. Cloud Tech for the 5th annual Border Battle. Minnesota won last year 5-0 on Wisconsin soil so cheeseheads looking for revenge with a quality lineup of guards across the board. Minnesota defending home turf with the top 2 ranked teams in 4A and #6AAA Apollo in their home town. Respectable hot dog at the cramped concession stand, but props to the Breakdown folks for providing the media with Papa John's. I thought dibs on 1 piece per came called was fair (this was after game 4). I did the color commentary for 5 of the games on Webcast America. Links will be included below to go back and watch any of the games.
Song of the Day
Border Song - Elton John
Game 1: #2AAAA Tartan vs #2-D2 Seymour (Watch it here)
An outstanding opener between 2 of the best traditions in either state. Tartan hosted the inaugural Border Battle and Seymour beat Henry in that same Border Battle. Tartan uses 4 3s from 4 players and 3 interior buckets from Joel Awich to jump out to a 22-8 lead at the 9:05 mark of the 1st half. The rest of the half is all Seymour. Luke Preiner hits another 3 and the lead is 25-12. They use top scorer Cal Skogman in high pick and roll, usually with their other star Phil Romback and usually in transitions and Tartan has no answers. Skogman is in on the last 16 points of the half (11 + 2 ast to Romback for 5 more points) as Seymour finishes on a 14-0 run. 28-27 Seymour at half. Then 5 more out of the break for Skogman. That's involvement in 21 straight over 8:40. He nails another 3 and after a Seymour 3 its 46-34 Seymour with 12:05 left. Tartan had some success vs 1-3-1 with dribble penetration but it went away against 2-3 zone (something Hill-Murray has had great success with against the Titans). Tartan makes an adjustment to set high screens against the 2-3 and it works. Darrion Strong heats up for Tartan with back to back buckets to cut the lead to 6. Then another nice pullup and a tough 3 point play tie the game at 52 with 6 minutes left. Seymour with the ball up 3 late but can't hang on. After a turnover, 2 free throws cut the margin to 1, then 2 missed Seymour FTs with 49.4 left and Awich inside for an easy 2 puts Tartan back ahead with 35 seconds left. Seymour misses 2 or 3 good looks before Tartan makes 2 more freebies. Seymour can't convert at the end and Tartan comes back for a 62-59 win. Darrion Strong 13 of his 15 points in the second half to bring Tartan back. Joel Awich 14 points and 7 rebounds. Cal Skogman 25 points, Phil Romback 20 points for Seymour.
Game 2: Rocori vs #3-D3 Manitowoc Roncalli (Watch it here)
WOW is all I can say to this one. Rocori chooses to go man in the 1st half against the feared motion offense of Roncalli and all the Jets do is drain 11 3s to finish the half on a 21-10 run. Jets star Ben Stelzer (Michigan Tech signee) with 7 3s by himself. Rocori plays zone in the 2nd half and cuts the lead to 45-42 with 10:30 left behind 2 Jonah Eisenschenk buckets. But Stelzer counters with a 4 point play on his 9th 3 of the day. He sits with 4 fouls at the 7:55 mark and Roncalli up 4. Coach Joe Rux rolls the dice and brings him back in with a 54-50 lead and 6:08 left. All Stelzer does is score 8 of the last 10 Roncalli points to close the game out. Roncalli wins 64-54. Stelzer finishes with 10 3s and 41 points. Roncalli finished with 14 3s , 14 FTs and 4 2s. Jonah Eisenschenk 24 points, Nate Meyer 14 for Rocori.
Game 3: St. Cloud Cathedral vs #1-D3 La Crosse Aquinas (Watch it here)
After hammering my alma mater last night, Aquinas comes to town to play St. Cloud Cathedral. The first half Cathedral gives Aquinas all they want. It takes a Bronson Koenig high jumper at the halftime buzzer to tie the game at 32. Cathedral not keeping Evan Pederson out of the lane as he had 5 assists in the half for easy buckets. But Aquinas can't handle Joe Burt as he puts up 15 points in the half. Great matchup with Burt and Koenig going at each other. Bjorn Bjorklund with a 3 and then Scottie Rucks on the baseline drive to keep Cathedral up 46-45 with 10 minutes left. Koenig with a 3 off a set and then coast to coast for a 3 point play to put Aquinas up 55-48. Cathedral cuts the lead to 59-57 with 4:14 left as Koenig takes 3 quick shots and misses when it looked like Aquinas wanted to run some time off. Bjorklund 5 poitns in the run. But Koenig comes back and posts Burt for a 3 point play. Then a sweet pass to Jimmy Ancius for a 3 point play to push the lead to 8 and that's the dagger. Aquinas wins 71-64. Bronson Koenig 26 points, 13 of those after Cathedral took the 46-45 lead. Joe Burt 23 in a quality effort for Cathedral. Bjorn Bjorklund 14 of his 20 in the second half.
Game 4: #1AAAA Hopkins vs Madison East (Watch it here)
This one was over right from the start. Joe Coleman for 2 and a 3 point play. Siyani Chambers with a steal for 2 and then a long ball. 16-2 Hopkins at the 12:08 mark. East couldn't make a shot on the Nimrod Hilliard kickouts but it wouldn't have matter. The lead gets to 31-6 at 7:50, etc etc etc. Hopkins rolls 93-53 with the stars seeing limited action. Nick Jorgenson leads Hopkins with 20 points. Joe Coleman 15 points, 4 rebounds and a highlight block. 0-1 on outside shooting. Marvin Singleton 13. Jake Wright 11 as the frosh saw plenty of 1st half time in this one. Nimrod Hilliard 25 points for East and I had 9 turnovers on my sheet. But he is really fun to watch with his ridiculous quickness.
Game 5: #6AAA St. Cloud Apollo vs #11-D2 Rice Lake (Watch it here)
Rice Lake finishes the 1st half on a 12-2 run to flip the score to a 34-29 halftime lead. Wally Ellenson with 4 highlight reel blocks in the half. The duo of Simon Krych and Blake Maslonkowski producing inside for Apollo. Apollo comes back with their own run out of halftime of 14-3 to take a 43-37 lead inside of 13 minutes remaining. Krych doing work inside for a 3 point play 54-50 Apollo lead. Ellenson quiet to this point in the half banks in a 3 from the left corner (ridiculous) and another 3 at 4:55 for a 58-56 Rice Lake lead. Maslonkowski with a 3 point play countered by a Ellenson pullup. Mas on the post again for 2 with 45 seconds left. Nice play to go right to score after going left most of the game. 62-61 Rice Lake. Ellenson 1 free throw and then Ellenson is roaming on D and appears to tie up Krych but a foul is called. Krych is clutch with both freebies with 10.7 left to tie the game at 63. Rice Lake goes with no time out. Dribble up the right wing and hand off to the lefty Ellenson, he gets another screen at the top of the key but there's nothing there. He fades from 3 against great defense as the buzzer sounds and BOOM goes the dynamite as the 3 goes in for the win. 66-63 Rice Lake wins as Apollo sees another buzzer beater. He finishes with 25 points to lead all scorers. Simon Krych 23 points, Blake Maslonkowski 13 for the Eagles.
Game 6: Baldwin-Woodville at St. Cloud Tech (Watch it here)
To the late game and in a surprise, just nothing for Baldwin-Woodville in the first half. Star point guard Ryan Benoy goes scoreless and has 3 fouls. Tyler Heitmann has 14 points in the half to keep the Blackhawks close. But after a 5-0 Baldwin-Woodville start, the half is all Tech after a 20-5 run. 34-21 Tech at half but not putting it away either. Benoy picks up his 4th foul at 16:45 and has to sit. Tech Frosh Andy Foley with a pair of tough hoops early in the half as Tech extends the lead to 18. Down 13 with 11:15 to play, he comes back in and why not. Benoy finally on the board with a 3 at the 7:50 mark after an 0-7 FG start. Alex Matchinsky with a pair of free throws and Tech keeps the lead at 16 with just over 7 minutes left. But that 3 sparked Benoy. 1 basket, then a 3 point play and a pull up. He follows 2 missed Tech free throws with 2 made free throws of his own. Those 9 in a row cut the Tech lead to 55-48 with 5:05 left. Don't leave just yet. Matchinsky back to back hoops before a Benoy 3 vs a Tech zone cuts the lead to 59-53 with 4:05 left. Matchinsky scores again and Benoy fouls out with 1:58 left. Baldwin-Woodville won't get any closer. Tech makes their free throws to win 71-57. Alex Matchinsky with 18 of his 30 for Tech in the first half. Freshman Andy Foley 14 of his 19 in the second half with 6 late free throws to ice the game. Tyler Heitman 14 of his 20 in the first half to lead Baldwin-Woodville. Ryan Benoy all 15 of his points in a 3:45 span late in the 2nd half where the Blackhawks outscored Tech 19-8.
The series splits 3 and 3. Minnesota leads all time 15-11. Each state has won 2 years and this year's split. Next year's event is at Sun Prairie, WI. Here are the participants for what should be another outstanding.
WI: Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Wisconsin Dells, Madison Edgewood, La Crosse Aquinas and Gale-Ettrick-Trempeleau.
MN: Tartan, DeLaSalle, Maranatha, Maple River, Prior Lake and Grand Rapids
The Czar's All Border Battle Team
Ben Stelzer - Manitowoc Roncalli (MVP)
Wally Ellenson - Rice Lake
Alex Matchinsky - St. Cloud Tech
Calahan Skogman - Seymour
Darrion Strong - Tartan
Bronson Koenig - La Crosse Aquinas
Joe Burt - St. Cloud Cathedral
Simon Krych - St. Cloud Apollo
Nathan Meyer- Rocori
Joe Coleman - Hopkins
To St. Cloud Tech for the 5th annual Border Battle. Minnesota won last year 5-0 on Wisconsin soil so cheeseheads looking for revenge with a quality lineup of guards across the board. Minnesota defending home turf with the top 2 ranked teams in 4A and #6AAA Apollo in their home town. Respectable hot dog at the cramped concession stand, but props to the Breakdown folks for providing the media with Papa John's. I thought dibs on 1 piece per came called was fair (this was after game 4). I did the color commentary for 5 of the games on Webcast America. Links will be included below to go back and watch any of the games.
Song of the Day
Border Song - Elton John
Game 1: #2AAAA Tartan vs #2-D2 Seymour (Watch it here)
An outstanding opener between 2 of the best traditions in either state. Tartan hosted the inaugural Border Battle and Seymour beat Henry in that same Border Battle. Tartan uses 4 3s from 4 players and 3 interior buckets from Joel Awich to jump out to a 22-8 lead at the 9:05 mark of the 1st half. The rest of the half is all Seymour. Luke Preiner hits another 3 and the lead is 25-12. They use top scorer Cal Skogman in high pick and roll, usually with their other star Phil Romback and usually in transitions and Tartan has no answers. Skogman is in on the last 16 points of the half (11 + 2 ast to Romback for 5 more points) as Seymour finishes on a 14-0 run. 28-27 Seymour at half. Then 5 more out of the break for Skogman. That's involvement in 21 straight over 8:40. He nails another 3 and after a Seymour 3 its 46-34 Seymour with 12:05 left. Tartan had some success vs 1-3-1 with dribble penetration but it went away against 2-3 zone (something Hill-Murray has had great success with against the Titans). Tartan makes an adjustment to set high screens against the 2-3 and it works. Darrion Strong heats up for Tartan with back to back buckets to cut the lead to 6. Then another nice pullup and a tough 3 point play tie the game at 52 with 6 minutes left. Seymour with the ball up 3 late but can't hang on. After a turnover, 2 free throws cut the margin to 1, then 2 missed Seymour FTs with 49.4 left and Awich inside for an easy 2 puts Tartan back ahead with 35 seconds left. Seymour misses 2 or 3 good looks before Tartan makes 2 more freebies. Seymour can't convert at the end and Tartan comes back for a 62-59 win. Darrion Strong 13 of his 15 points in the second half to bring Tartan back. Joel Awich 14 points and 7 rebounds. Cal Skogman 25 points, Phil Romback 20 points for Seymour.
Game 2: Rocori vs #3-D3 Manitowoc Roncalli (Watch it here)
WOW is all I can say to this one. Rocori chooses to go man in the 1st half against the feared motion offense of Roncalli and all the Jets do is drain 11 3s to finish the half on a 21-10 run. Jets star Ben Stelzer (Michigan Tech signee) with 7 3s by himself. Rocori plays zone in the 2nd half and cuts the lead to 45-42 with 10:30 left behind 2 Jonah Eisenschenk buckets. But Stelzer counters with a 4 point play on his 9th 3 of the day. He sits with 4 fouls at the 7:55 mark and Roncalli up 4. Coach Joe Rux rolls the dice and brings him back in with a 54-50 lead and 6:08 left. All Stelzer does is score 8 of the last 10 Roncalli points to close the game out. Roncalli wins 64-54. Stelzer finishes with 10 3s and 41 points. Roncalli finished with 14 3s , 14 FTs and 4 2s. Jonah Eisenschenk 24 points, Nate Meyer 14 for Rocori.
Game 3: St. Cloud Cathedral vs #1-D3 La Crosse Aquinas (Watch it here)
After hammering my alma mater last night, Aquinas comes to town to play St. Cloud Cathedral. The first half Cathedral gives Aquinas all they want. It takes a Bronson Koenig high jumper at the halftime buzzer to tie the game at 32. Cathedral not keeping Evan Pederson out of the lane as he had 5 assists in the half for easy buckets. But Aquinas can't handle Joe Burt as he puts up 15 points in the half. Great matchup with Burt and Koenig going at each other. Bjorn Bjorklund with a 3 and then Scottie Rucks on the baseline drive to keep Cathedral up 46-45 with 10 minutes left. Koenig with a 3 off a set and then coast to coast for a 3 point play to put Aquinas up 55-48. Cathedral cuts the lead to 59-57 with 4:14 left as Koenig takes 3 quick shots and misses when it looked like Aquinas wanted to run some time off. Bjorklund 5 poitns in the run. But Koenig comes back and posts Burt for a 3 point play. Then a sweet pass to Jimmy Ancius for a 3 point play to push the lead to 8 and that's the dagger. Aquinas wins 71-64. Bronson Koenig 26 points, 13 of those after Cathedral took the 46-45 lead. Joe Burt 23 in a quality effort for Cathedral. Bjorn Bjorklund 14 of his 20 in the second half.
Game 4: #1AAAA Hopkins vs Madison East (Watch it here)
This one was over right from the start. Joe Coleman for 2 and a 3 point play. Siyani Chambers with a steal for 2 and then a long ball. 16-2 Hopkins at the 12:08 mark. East couldn't make a shot on the Nimrod Hilliard kickouts but it wouldn't have matter. The lead gets to 31-6 at 7:50, etc etc etc. Hopkins rolls 93-53 with the stars seeing limited action. Nick Jorgenson leads Hopkins with 20 points. Joe Coleman 15 points, 4 rebounds and a highlight block. 0-1 on outside shooting. Marvin Singleton 13. Jake Wright 11 as the frosh saw plenty of 1st half time in this one. Nimrod Hilliard 25 points for East and I had 9 turnovers on my sheet. But he is really fun to watch with his ridiculous quickness.
Game 5: #6AAA St. Cloud Apollo vs #11-D2 Rice Lake (Watch it here)
Rice Lake finishes the 1st half on a 12-2 run to flip the score to a 34-29 halftime lead. Wally Ellenson with 4 highlight reel blocks in the half. The duo of Simon Krych and Blake Maslonkowski producing inside for Apollo. Apollo comes back with their own run out of halftime of 14-3 to take a 43-37 lead inside of 13 minutes remaining. Krych doing work inside for a 3 point play 54-50 Apollo lead. Ellenson quiet to this point in the half banks in a 3 from the left corner (ridiculous) and another 3 at 4:55 for a 58-56 Rice Lake lead. Maslonkowski with a 3 point play countered by a Ellenson pullup. Mas on the post again for 2 with 45 seconds left. Nice play to go right to score after going left most of the game. 62-61 Rice Lake. Ellenson 1 free throw and then Ellenson is roaming on D and appears to tie up Krych but a foul is called. Krych is clutch with both freebies with 10.7 left to tie the game at 63. Rice Lake goes with no time out. Dribble up the right wing and hand off to the lefty Ellenson, he gets another screen at the top of the key but there's nothing there. He fades from 3 against great defense as the buzzer sounds and BOOM goes the dynamite as the 3 goes in for the win. 66-63 Rice Lake wins as Apollo sees another buzzer beater. He finishes with 25 points to lead all scorers. Simon Krych 23 points, Blake Maslonkowski 13 for the Eagles.
Game 6: Baldwin-Woodville at St. Cloud Tech (Watch it here)
To the late game and in a surprise, just nothing for Baldwin-Woodville in the first half. Star point guard Ryan Benoy goes scoreless and has 3 fouls. Tyler Heitmann has 14 points in the half to keep the Blackhawks close. But after a 5-0 Baldwin-Woodville start, the half is all Tech after a 20-5 run. 34-21 Tech at half but not putting it away either. Benoy picks up his 4th foul at 16:45 and has to sit. Tech Frosh Andy Foley with a pair of tough hoops early in the half as Tech extends the lead to 18. Down 13 with 11:15 to play, he comes back in and why not. Benoy finally on the board with a 3 at the 7:50 mark after an 0-7 FG start. Alex Matchinsky with a pair of free throws and Tech keeps the lead at 16 with just over 7 minutes left. But that 3 sparked Benoy. 1 basket, then a 3 point play and a pull up. He follows 2 missed Tech free throws with 2 made free throws of his own. Those 9 in a row cut the Tech lead to 55-48 with 5:05 left. Don't leave just yet. Matchinsky back to back hoops before a Benoy 3 vs a Tech zone cuts the lead to 59-53 with 4:05 left. Matchinsky scores again and Benoy fouls out with 1:58 left. Baldwin-Woodville won't get any closer. Tech makes their free throws to win 71-57. Alex Matchinsky with 18 of his 30 for Tech in the first half. Freshman Andy Foley 14 of his 19 in the second half with 6 late free throws to ice the game. Tyler Heitman 14 of his 20 in the first half to lead Baldwin-Woodville. Ryan Benoy all 15 of his points in a 3:45 span late in the 2nd half where the Blackhawks outscored Tech 19-8.
The series splits 3 and 3. Minnesota leads all time 15-11. Each state has won 2 years and this year's split. Next year's event is at Sun Prairie, WI. Here are the participants for what should be another outstanding.
WI: Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Wisconsin Dells, Madison Edgewood, La Crosse Aquinas and Gale-Ettrick-Trempeleau.
MN: Tartan, DeLaSalle, Maranatha, Maple River, Prior Lake and Grand Rapids
The Czar's All Border Battle Team
Ben Stelzer - Manitowoc Roncalli (MVP)
Wally Ellenson - Rice Lake
Alex Matchinsky - St. Cloud Tech
Calahan Skogman - Seymour
Darrion Strong - Tartan
Bronson Koenig - La Crosse Aquinas
Joe Burt - St. Cloud Cathedral
Simon Krych - St. Cloud Apollo
Nathan Meyer- Rocori
Joe Coleman - Hopkins
Scots cage the Cougars
Prologue
Its equal time for St. Paul night as I'm off to Como Park for a St. Paul City matchup against Highland Park. Small but tasty hot dog and Pepsi is never a bad thing. We have local TV cameras just about everywhere so its hard to get a decent seat.
Song of the Day
Scandal - The Warrior
Game Time
Highland Park going to the box and 1 on Terrence Williams in this one Como Park plays straight 2-3 zone. With all the athleticism out there, we get zone. Sigh. Back and forth in the first half. Ty'shaun Williams with a 3, a layup and a pair of free throws for 7 in a row for Highland Park. 18 all at the 8:38 mark. Terrence Williams with a nice block that leads to a Kaysh Shaw bucket. That's followed by a Denzel Shaw bucket. 26-25 Como Park with 4 minutes left in the half. Highland Park finishes the half on a run with Ty'shaun Williams. He nails a 3 at 1:30, a turnover for a layup and a floater to beat the halftime horn. 36-27 Highland at the half after an 11-1 run.
43-34 Highland at the 14:57 mark after Terrance Williams takes a steal for a three-point play. Then Darrell Hill strikes with his 3rd and 4th bombs of the night in a 9-0 Highland run that blows the lead to 53-34 with 13:40 remaining. Kaysh Shaw then attempts to bring Como back. He has a pair of layups and a tough bucket. Then he nails a 3 at the 10:40 mark and the lead is only 9. 57-48 Highland Park leads. Cordero Washington back in the game with 4 fouls for Highland and he scores 6 quick points. Kaysh Shaw with an assist to Denzel Shaw for a layup, a floater and then a 3 at the 6:40 mark. But Como Park is still down 65-55. Najee Kennedy hits a 3 at the 6 minute mark to cut the lead to 7 but Como will get no closer than that. Highland Park wins the city matchup 73-65.
Post Game
Como Park falls to 7-7 overall and 2-2 in St. Paul City play. They host Concordia on Tuesday. Sophomore point guard Kaysh Shaw with 23 points off the bench, 19 of those in the 2nd half. A couple of years ago he was playing toe to toe with Tyus Jones (so the story goes) and held his own. Not saying he's at that level, but you can see there's a good amount of talent there. Terrance Williams with 16 points when he got away from the box and 1. Interesting tactic to move him from the wing to the post in the 2nd half against it. Denzel Shaw 12 points.
For Highland Park, Ty'Shaun Williams and Darrell Hill both finish with 21 points. Hill with 4 3s, Williams with 3 from deep. Cordaro Washington with 10 (and 6 boards) of his 14 points in the second half to keep Como Park from getting all the back in the game. Dion Bradley 10 points. Highland Park is now 10-6, 3-2 in the St. Paul City. They have a difficult non-conference trip to St. Louis Park on Tuesday before having the rest of the week off. Lots of perimeter play in that game.
Its equal time for St. Paul night as I'm off to Como Park for a St. Paul City matchup against Highland Park. Small but tasty hot dog and Pepsi is never a bad thing. We have local TV cameras just about everywhere so its hard to get a decent seat.
Song of the Day
Scandal - The Warrior
Game Time
Highland Park going to the box and 1 on Terrence Williams in this one Como Park plays straight 2-3 zone. With all the athleticism out there, we get zone. Sigh. Back and forth in the first half. Ty'shaun Williams with a 3, a layup and a pair of free throws for 7 in a row for Highland Park. 18 all at the 8:38 mark. Terrence Williams with a nice block that leads to a Kaysh Shaw bucket. That's followed by a Denzel Shaw bucket. 26-25 Como Park with 4 minutes left in the half. Highland Park finishes the half on a run with Ty'shaun Williams. He nails a 3 at 1:30, a turnover for a layup and a floater to beat the halftime horn. 36-27 Highland at the half after an 11-1 run.
43-34 Highland at the 14:57 mark after Terrance Williams takes a steal for a three-point play. Then Darrell Hill strikes with his 3rd and 4th bombs of the night in a 9-0 Highland run that blows the lead to 53-34 with 13:40 remaining. Kaysh Shaw then attempts to bring Como back. He has a pair of layups and a tough bucket. Then he nails a 3 at the 10:40 mark and the lead is only 9. 57-48 Highland Park leads. Cordero Washington back in the game with 4 fouls for Highland and he scores 6 quick points. Kaysh Shaw with an assist to Denzel Shaw for a layup, a floater and then a 3 at the 6:40 mark. But Como Park is still down 65-55. Najee Kennedy hits a 3 at the 6 minute mark to cut the lead to 7 but Como will get no closer than that. Highland Park wins the city matchup 73-65.
Post Game
Como Park falls to 7-7 overall and 2-2 in St. Paul City play. They host Concordia on Tuesday. Sophomore point guard Kaysh Shaw with 23 points off the bench, 19 of those in the 2nd half. A couple of years ago he was playing toe to toe with Tyus Jones (so the story goes) and held his own. Not saying he's at that level, but you can see there's a good amount of talent there. Terrance Williams with 16 points when he got away from the box and 1. Interesting tactic to move him from the wing to the post in the 2nd half against it. Denzel Shaw 12 points.
For Highland Park, Ty'Shaun Williams and Darrell Hill both finish with 21 points. Hill with 4 3s, Williams with 3 from deep. Cordaro Washington with 10 (and 6 boards) of his 14 points in the second half to keep Como Park from getting all the back in the game. Dion Bradley 10 points. Highland Park is now 10-6, 3-2 in the St. Paul City. They have a difficult non-conference trip to St. Louis Park on Tuesday before having the rest of the week off. Lots of perimeter play in that game.
Cruising on the Island
Prologue
Since I'm going to miss Saturday's big Eden Prairie at DeLaSalle showdown, I figured I'd make up for lost time by making a visit to the island to see DLS take on St. Croix Lutheran. The concession stand downgrades with no Taco in a Bag, but with no crowd, why bother. But since Hopkins was off, we do get the Mr Basketball committee in attendance. Right down in front too but no popcorn was a surprise. Always fun to watch the Islanders warmup with their in game concepts (unlike most other teams that do useless drills or free shooting). Tonight's song is once again from the obvious department and because we had disco last night, we go with a song written by arguably the face of disco.
Song of the Day
Islands in the Stream - Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton (written by the Bee Gees)
Game Time
The theme here is the same as the entire season for the Islanders. Suffocating defense and too much strength inside. After St. Croix Lutheran makes an opening jumper, DLS holds them scoreless for the next 9:40. Jonah Travis with a pair of free throws, Marcas Dorsey on the post, Robert Ndondo-Lay on the post. High/Low to him and to Travis, Ndondo-Lay again inside. That's all part of a 21-0 run. 21-2 Islanders at the 9:43 mark. The lead extends to 33-6 before the defense gets sloppy and allows a couple of Crusaders 3s. 39-14 DLS at the half. They open the second half on a 19-3 spurt and win easily 70-31.
Post Game
St. Croix Lutheran falls to 8-5 and 4-4 in the Tri-Metro. But the rest of the schedule is very favorable with 7 of the next 9 game at home. That includes east division showdowns with St. Anthony and Concordia at home. Just flat out over matched in all aspects in this one. But they do have most of the roster returning next season.
For DeLaSalle, Jonah Travis finishes with 17 and 15 on my sheet. Robert Ndondo-Lay nice touch with the jump hook over the left shoulder. He finishes with 10 of his 14 points in the first half. Cold night for Bretson McNeal 4-11 shooting for 8 points. The Islanders are now 14-1 and 10-0 in the Tri-Metro. The schedule really toughens up with Eden Prairie, Waunakee (WI), CDH, at BSM and Minneapolis Henry (an annual nemesis) in the next month.
Since I'm going to miss Saturday's big Eden Prairie at DeLaSalle showdown, I figured I'd make up for lost time by making a visit to the island to see DLS take on St. Croix Lutheran. The concession stand downgrades with no Taco in a Bag, but with no crowd, why bother. But since Hopkins was off, we do get the Mr Basketball committee in attendance. Right down in front too but no popcorn was a surprise. Always fun to watch the Islanders warmup with their in game concepts (unlike most other teams that do useless drills or free shooting). Tonight's song is once again from the obvious department and because we had disco last night, we go with a song written by arguably the face of disco.
Song of the Day
Islands in the Stream - Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton (written by the Bee Gees)
Game Time
The theme here is the same as the entire season for the Islanders. Suffocating defense and too much strength inside. After St. Croix Lutheran makes an opening jumper, DLS holds them scoreless for the next 9:40. Jonah Travis with a pair of free throws, Marcas Dorsey on the post, Robert Ndondo-Lay on the post. High/Low to him and to Travis, Ndondo-Lay again inside. That's all part of a 21-0 run. 21-2 Islanders at the 9:43 mark. The lead extends to 33-6 before the defense gets sloppy and allows a couple of Crusaders 3s. 39-14 DLS at the half. They open the second half on a 19-3 spurt and win easily 70-31.
Post Game
St. Croix Lutheran falls to 8-5 and 4-4 in the Tri-Metro. But the rest of the schedule is very favorable with 7 of the next 9 game at home. That includes east division showdowns with St. Anthony and Concordia at home. Just flat out over matched in all aspects in this one. But they do have most of the roster returning next season.
For DeLaSalle, Jonah Travis finishes with 17 and 15 on my sheet. Robert Ndondo-Lay nice touch with the jump hook over the left shoulder. He finishes with 10 of his 14 points in the first half. Cold night for Bretson McNeal 4-11 shooting for 8 points. The Islanders are now 14-1 and 10-0 in the Tri-Metro. The schedule really toughens up with Eden Prairie, Waunakee (WI), CDH, at BSM and Minneapolis Henry (an annual nemesis) in the next month.
Henry's state of the game
Prologue
Ladies and gentleman, Emperor, Her Majesty, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, I'm happy to report that the state of The Kingdom is strong. We are honored to be at one of the finest city gyms which happens to be named after one of our great founding fathers, Patrick Henry. So concession stand, GIVE ME PEPSI OR GIVE ME DEATH! We have a rare sight of cheerleaders from both Henry and Brooklyn Center to energize us all. There's outstanding music throughout The Kingdom so with the sight of cheerleaders dancing at half and a strong Kingdom, I give you
Song of the Day
Let's Groove - Earth, Wind and Fire
Game Time
A pregame technical and 2 quick 3s means around a Henry turnover mean there's much work to be done for Henry. 7-0 Centaurs 30 seconds into the game. Demetrius Anthony with a jumper 4 minutes in for a 13-4 Brooklyn Center lead. Then our founding team proves as we do in the Kingdom that they can overcome the slow start (only came out for warmups with 8:22 left on the clock). Soph Darius Hill with an inside out 3 and coast to coast for 2. Then Latrell Love with a pair of nice post ups and then a putback for a 3 point play. Its a 13-0 lead to put Henry up for good. Anthony with another jumper to cut the lead to 23-17 with 7:48 left in the half, but the rest is all Patriots. Henry runs away 25-5 the rest of the half for a 48-22 halftime lead and coasts from there to a 75-43 win.
Post Game
Latrell Love with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the first half on his way to 22 points to lead all scorers. Soph Darius Hill another nice performance with 17 points. Deonte Blakemore with 13 points off the bench. Samson Seebo 8 of his 11 in the 2nd half to lead Brooklyn Center. Demetrius Anthony all 10 of his points in the first half for the Centaurs. Henry improves to 8-7 with the win and will play at Roosevelt on Friday. Brooklyn Center falls to 2-16. They finish cross-division play in the Tri-Metro at St. Anthony next Tuesday.
So while there is much work to be done for Brooklyn Center, a star shines brightly for Henry and The Kingdom is strong. God bless you all and may God bless our Kingdom.
Lakeville South's offense disappears
Prologue
To Lakeville South for a South Suburban showdown of the #3 Cougars vs #6 Eastview. A truckload of coaches on hand too. St. Olaf, Augsburg, UW-River Falls, UMD, MN State-Mankato, MN-Moorhead, South Dakota and Columbia at a minimum. Standard concessions with the piping hot hot dog. An appearance by the Lakeville South band is always welcome which means they get today's music selection.
Song of the Day
Do Wah Diddy Diddy - Manfred Mann
Game Time
Right off the bat we get a pair of surprises with Eastview's Joey King guarding Alex Richter and Spencer Pankonin coming off the South bench. I expected Eastview's normal defensive stopper Frank Veldman to get the task. Richter starts the game off with a 3, surprising that he went to that right away. Riley West from Pankonin out of the high post for 3 and then a drive for 2 more. 10-8 South at the 12:45 mark. Frank Veldman playing well for Eastview he has an early dunk and drive and an assist to Ben Oberfeld for an easy layup. A strong drive to the rack nets 2 more. That's countered by a pair of South buckets to tie the game at the 8:55 mark. Then the rest of the half is all Eastview. They go to THE WORLD'S WORST OFFENSE to slow the pace to a crawl. A jumper out of it, Joey King with a drive for 2, then a handoff to Veldman for another jumper, Richter's 2nd foul at 4:11 gives King 2 FTs and then King with an NBA 3 at the 3:15 mark for an 11-0 run. No more scoring the rest of the half. 29-18 Eastview at the break.
The drought from the floor goes on for South during the 2nd half. Veldman with a big dunk to push the lead to 19, King 3-6 FTs and Veldman with a nice backcut in the 5 out for a layup. Richter misses a lob for a dunk and a bunny that he usually finishes in moments that were fitting of South's night. 47-24 Eastview with 9:53 left. Finally Alec Jensen makes 3 at the 8:38 mark to break South's FG drought. It covers 18:17 on the clock (more than a half). Richter with 6 free throws in the half before that as he tried to get going. Richter strong for a 3 point play and a 3 pointer to cut the lead to 14 with 4:05 left but Veldman goes strong for 2 free throws (foul prevents dunk), a big 2 handed dunk and another backcut for 2 to keep the game out of reach. Eastview wins 59-43.
Post Game
For Lakeville South, they fall to 11-3 and into a 3 way with Eastview and Eagan for 1st in the South Suburban at 6-1. Alex Richter 13 of his 16 points in the 2nd half to lead the Cougars, 3-9 FG and I haven't seen him shoot that many outside shots in a long time, if ever. I expected to see him go at King more, especially in the 1st half. Jon Christensen 6 of his 8 in the first half. Riley West an off night of 7 points. No rest in the South Suburban as the Cougars visit Eagan on Friday.
For Eastview, Frank Veldman was outstanding with 18 points and probably double-digit boards. He showed explosiveness going to the basket but also a nice handoff jumper in the first half. Joey King with only 2 field goals but he finishes with 14 points. In an unusual night for him, only 9-17 from the foul line. Chris Narum 11 points and Ben Oberfeld 10 points for the Lightning. Eastview now has wins over the other 3 top league contenders during the 1st round of league play (Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville South). The Lightning improve to 13-2 and host Bloomington Kennedy on Friday.
To Lakeville South for a South Suburban showdown of the #3 Cougars vs #6 Eastview. A truckload of coaches on hand too. St. Olaf, Augsburg, UW-River Falls, UMD, MN State-Mankato, MN-Moorhead, South Dakota and Columbia at a minimum. Standard concessions with the piping hot hot dog. An appearance by the Lakeville South band is always welcome which means they get today's music selection.
Song of the Day
Do Wah Diddy Diddy - Manfred Mann
Game Time
Right off the bat we get a pair of surprises with Eastview's Joey King guarding Alex Richter and Spencer Pankonin coming off the South bench. I expected Eastview's normal defensive stopper Frank Veldman to get the task. Richter starts the game off with a 3, surprising that he went to that right away. Riley West from Pankonin out of the high post for 3 and then a drive for 2 more. 10-8 South at the 12:45 mark. Frank Veldman playing well for Eastview he has an early dunk and drive and an assist to Ben Oberfeld for an easy layup. A strong drive to the rack nets 2 more. That's countered by a pair of South buckets to tie the game at the 8:55 mark. Then the rest of the half is all Eastview. They go to THE WORLD'S WORST OFFENSE to slow the pace to a crawl. A jumper out of it, Joey King with a drive for 2, then a handoff to Veldman for another jumper, Richter's 2nd foul at 4:11 gives King 2 FTs and then King with an NBA 3 at the 3:15 mark for an 11-0 run. No more scoring the rest of the half. 29-18 Eastview at the break.
The drought from the floor goes on for South during the 2nd half. Veldman with a big dunk to push the lead to 19, King 3-6 FTs and Veldman with a nice backcut in the 5 out for a layup. Richter misses a lob for a dunk and a bunny that he usually finishes in moments that were fitting of South's night. 47-24 Eastview with 9:53 left. Finally Alec Jensen makes 3 at the 8:38 mark to break South's FG drought. It covers 18:17 on the clock (more than a half). Richter with 6 free throws in the half before that as he tried to get going. Richter strong for a 3 point play and a 3 pointer to cut the lead to 14 with 4:05 left but Veldman goes strong for 2 free throws (foul prevents dunk), a big 2 handed dunk and another backcut for 2 to keep the game out of reach. Eastview wins 59-43.
Post Game
For Lakeville South, they fall to 11-3 and into a 3 way with Eastview and Eagan for 1st in the South Suburban at 6-1. Alex Richter 13 of his 16 points in the 2nd half to lead the Cougars, 3-9 FG and I haven't seen him shoot that many outside shots in a long time, if ever. I expected to see him go at King more, especially in the 1st half. Jon Christensen 6 of his 8 in the first half. Riley West an off night of 7 points. No rest in the South Suburban as the Cougars visit Eagan on Friday.
For Eastview, Frank Veldman was outstanding with 18 points and probably double-digit boards. He showed explosiveness going to the basket but also a nice handoff jumper in the first half. Joey King with only 2 field goals but he finishes with 14 points. In an unusual night for him, only 9-17 from the foul line. Chris Narum 11 points and Ben Oberfeld 10 points for the Lightning. Eastview now has wins over the other 3 top league contenders during the 1st round of league play (Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville South). The Lightning improve to 13-2 and host Bloomington Kennedy on Friday.
More fun with Holy Family Seeding
Last year was a difficult season to seed Richfield and Holy Family in section 6AAA. Holy Family was 18-8 but got the #5 seed and had to play at 12-14 Richfield in the first round. Richfield ended up winning that game (read my thoughts here). That's how I would have seeded it at the time. Well it looks like the debate for that last home game may happen again with BSM, Washburn and Waconia being the likely top 3 seeds in that section. Here's a look at both teams so far this season.
Holy Family
Record 10-5, 6-0 Minnesota River (1st), vs 3rd place Belle Plaine tonight, 1-0 Section
CzarPI Rank: 18th with a schedule strength of 31st of 60 class AAA teams
QRF Rank: 25th
Best Wins: 82-74 vs Braham in Breakdown Tipoff Classic (12-2 #25 CzarPI with 116th schedule in AA, #30 QRF), 80-44 over current #8AA Mayer Lutheran (#20 CzarPI, 75th schedule, #22 in QRF)
Damaging losses: 76-67 at Mankato East, 69-59 vs Minnetonka
Record of opponents defeated: 63-74 (46%)
9 of 10 wins vs AA opponents (59-63)
Richfield (#10AAA)
Record 10-4, 5-1 Classic Suburban (3rd due to tiebreaker with Tartan), play at league leader Hill-Murray tonight, 1-0 Section
CzarPI Rank: 22nd with a schedule strength of 52nd of 60 class AAA teams
QRF Rank: 13th
Best Wins: 92-68 at St. Thomas Academy (9-4, #26AAA CzarPI, 37th schedule, #24 QRF), 85-77 over 7-5 Mahtomedi who was #10 ranked in AAA poll at the time (#27 CzarPI with 9th best schedule, #26 QRF)
Damaging losses: 100-70 vs Duluth Central and 79-74 at Andover.
Record of opponents defeated: 50-83 (37.6%)
4 wins over class AAAA opponents (15-39), 6 wins over AAA opponents (35-44)
Common Opponent
Holy Family def Holy Angels 48-44
Richfield won at Holy Angels 54-52
How would you seed the teams based on their current results?
Holy Family
Record 10-5, 6-0 Minnesota River (1st), vs 3rd place Belle Plaine tonight, 1-0 Section
CzarPI Rank: 18th with a schedule strength of 31st of 60 class AAA teams
QRF Rank: 25th
Best Wins: 82-74 vs Braham in Breakdown Tipoff Classic (12-2 #25 CzarPI with 116th schedule in AA, #30 QRF), 80-44 over current #8AA Mayer Lutheran (#20 CzarPI, 75th schedule, #22 in QRF)
Damaging losses: 76-67 at Mankato East, 69-59 vs Minnetonka
Record of opponents defeated: 63-74 (46%)
9 of 10 wins vs AA opponents (59-63)
Richfield (#10AAA)
Record 10-4, 5-1 Classic Suburban (3rd due to tiebreaker with Tartan), play at league leader Hill-Murray tonight, 1-0 Section
CzarPI Rank: 22nd with a schedule strength of 52nd of 60 class AAA teams
QRF Rank: 13th
Best Wins: 92-68 at St. Thomas Academy (9-4, #26AAA CzarPI, 37th schedule, #24 QRF), 85-77 over 7-5 Mahtomedi who was #10 ranked in AAA poll at the time (#27 CzarPI with 9th best schedule, #26 QRF)
Damaging losses: 100-70 vs Duluth Central and 79-74 at Andover.
Record of opponents defeated: 50-83 (37.6%)
4 wins over class AAAA opponents (15-39), 6 wins over AAA opponents (35-44)
Common Opponent
Holy Family def Holy Angels 48-44
Richfield won at Holy Angels 54-52
How would you seed the teams based on their current results?
2010-11 CzarPI, January 23, 2011
Here is the 6th edition of the CzarPI for the 2010-2011 season (see CzarPI Explained here). It includes games through January 22nd, 2011. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.
Class AAAA
Class AA
Class AAAA
- Hopkins - 61.33 (31)
- Osseo - 60.93 (8)
- Eden Prairie - 60.26 (13)
- Moorhead - 58.76 (39)
- Chaska - 58.3 (25)
- Owatonna - 57.24 (56)
- Wayzata - 57.06 (28)
- Eastview - 56.96 (57)
- Robbinsdale Armstrong - 56.93 (36)
- Tartan - 56.03 (60)
- Lakeville South - 54.86 (46)
- Roseville - 54.25 (54)
- Champlin Park - 54.1 (50)
- Maple Grove - 53.9 (42)
- Shakopee - 53.85 (7)
- Buffalo - 53.78 (48)
- Burnsville - 53.74 (20)
- Edina - 53.4 (53)
- Cretin-Derham Hall - 52.53 (37)
- Forest Lake - 52.51 (47)
- Duluth East - 52.44 (24)
- St. Michael-Albertville - 52.38 (26)
- St. Louis Park - 52.3 (10)
- White Bear Lake - 52.28 (23)
- Robbinsdale Cooper - 52.19 (16)
- Blaine - 51.92 (30)
- Eagan - 51.86 (65)
- Spring Lake Park - 51.11 (40)
- Apple Valley - 50.69 (9)
- Rochester Century - 50.09 (63)
- Duluth Central - 48.84 (61)
- Irondale - 47.97 (45)
- Stillwater Area - 47.55 (52)
- East Ridge - 47.48 (62)
- Cambridge-Isanti - 47.24 (32)
- Lakeville North - 46.71 (1)
- Minneapolis North - 46.53 (41)
- Andover - 46.48 (14)
- Anoka - 46.1 (33)
- Bloomington Kennedy - 44.49 (51)
- Woodbury - 43.78 (55)
- Chanhassen - 43.71 (43)
- Alexandria - 43.37 (34)
- Minneapolis South - 43.19 (21)
- Prior Lake - 42.64 (6)
- Bloomington Jefferson - 39.87 (18)
- Minnetonka - 39.72 (3)
- North St. Paul - 39.42 (15)
- St. Cloud Tech - 39.37 (27)
- Elk River - 37.97 (38)
- Mounds View - 37.79 (19)
- Rosemount - 37.22 (22)
- Rochester Mayo - 36.83 (35)
- Henry Sibley - 35.64 (12)
- St. Francis - 35.35 (29)
- Farmington - 34.73 (64)
- Minneapolis Southwest - 33.38 (59)
- Park Center - 31.14 (11)
- Centennial - 31.03 (5)
- Rochester John Marshall - 28.26 (44)
- Brainerd - 26.19 (17)
- Northfield - 25.99 (4)
- Park of Cottage Grove - 25.48 (58)
- Hastings - 18.59 (49)
- Coon Rapids - 0 (2)
- St. Paul Johnson - 59.94 (26)
- Minneapolis Washburn - 56.99 (22)
- Orono - 56.31 (13)
- Benilde-St. Margaret's - 55.94 (15)
- Bemidji - 55.67 (45)
- Detroit Lakes - 55.46 (35)
- Delano - 55.2 (40)
- Waconia - 55.14 (5)
- Marshall - 54.75 (1)
- St. Cloud Apollo - 54.57 (17)
- Little Falls - 53.8 (8)
- Hutchinson - 53.64 (3)
- Worthington - 53.58 (24)
- Totino-Grace - 53.24 (6)
- New Prague - 52.81 (19)
- Hill-Murray - 52.7 (23)
- DeLaSalle - 52.47 (54)
- Holy Family Catholic - 52.3 (31)
- Columbia Heights - 52.25 (32)
- Rogers - 51.16 (34)
- St. Anthony Village - 50.8 (49)
- Richfield - 50.79 (52)
- Winona - 50.79 (38)
- Annandale - 50.66 (10)
- Rocori - 50.29 (47)
- St. Thomas Academy - 49.74 (37)
- Mahtomedi - 49.22 (9)
- Willmar - 48.81 (25)
- Grand Rapids - 48.43 (48)
- St. Paul Central - 48.43 (4)
- St. Paul Como Park - 48.42 (16)
- Big Lake - 48.19 (44)
- Hermantown - 47.17 (59)
- Hibbing - 46.52 (41)
- Red Wing - 45.97 (55)
- St. Paul Highland Park - 45.37 (53)
- Monticello - 45 (2)
- Mound-Westonka - 44.97 (43)
- Austin - 44.86 (33)
- Minneapolis Henry - 44.25 (42)
- Mankato East - 43.64 (12)
- Fergus Falls - 42.63 (28)
- Holy Angels - 41.08 (7)
- Chisago Lakes Area - 40.84 (36)
- St. Paul Harding - 39.78 (58)
- New Ulm - 38.76 (20)
- Mankato West - 38.16 (14)
- Faribault - 37.99 (46)
- Albert Lea - 36.9 (18)
- Simley - 36.42 (57)
- Fridley - 36.07 (39)
- Cloquet - 35.19 (30)
- Sartell-St. Stephen - 34.65 (50)
- North Branch - 34.38 (51)
- Waseca - 33.07 (29)
- Dassel-Cokato - 30.5 (11)
- Princeton - 30.33 (60)
- Becker - 27.55 (21)
- South St. Paul - 18.59 (56)
- Sauk Rapids-Rice - 0 (27)
Class AA
- Montevideo - 59.91 (49)
- Esko - 59.37 (20)
- Perham - 59.18 (61)
- Moose Lake-Willow River - 58.14 (24)
- Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 57.84 (95)
- Minnewaska Area - 56.58 (88)
- Windom Area - 55.98 (44)
- Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 55.4 (101)
- Bagley - 55.08 (108)
- Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 54.76 (79)
- Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 54.65 (117)
- Caledonia - 54.53 (70)
- Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 54.48 (78)
- Deer River - 54.43 (74)
- Stewartville - 54.29 (57)
- Maple River - 54.21 (107)
- Rochester Lourdes - 54.02 (45)
- Thief River Falls - 53.45 (13)
- Redwood Valley - 53.28 (41)
- Mayer Lutheran - 53.27 (75)
- Zimmerman - 53.23 (36)
- Kasson-Mantorville - 53.21 (97)
- New London-Spicer - 52.96 (25)
- Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 52.6 (59)
- Braham - 52.52 (116)
- Glencoe-Silver Lake - 52.4 (5)
- Pequot Lakes - 52.28 (62)
- Hawley - 51.89 (18)
- United South Central - 51.78 (54)
- Pelican Rapids - 51.4 (55)
- Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 51.13 (69)
- Byron - 51.05 (104)
- Concordia Academy-Roseville - 50.92 (102)
- International Falls - 50 (125)
- Litchfield - 49.74 (34)
- Virginia - 49.68 (67)
- Blake - 49.25 (48)
- Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 49.22 (73)
- Hayfield - 49.16 (110)
- St. Peter - 49.14 (96)
- St. Cloud Cathedral - 49.09 (43)
- Kenyon-Wanamingo - 49.07 (100)
- Jackson County Central - 48.94 (21)
- Murray County Central - 48.68 (15)
- Watertown-Mayer - 48.67 (26)
- Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 48.18 (46)
- St. Croix Lutheran - 47.94 (84)
- Maple Lake - 47.86 (89)
- Kimball Area - 47.31 (39)
- Jordan - 47.14 (119)
- Trinity School - 46.73 (85)
- Fairmont - 46.7 (12)
- Kingsland - 46.57 (50)
- Crookston - 46.44 (14)
- East Grand Forks - 46.21 (92)
- La Crescent - 45.69 (111)
- Pierz - 45.54 (11)
- Sauk Centre - 45.52 (98)
- Lake City - 45.2 (16)
- St. Charles - 44.93 (91)
- Belle Plaine - 44.52 (87)
- Norwood-Young America - 44.48 (27)
- Southland - 44.2 (94)
- Albany - 43.67 (123)
- Hinckley-Finlayson - 43.64 (35)
- Crosby-Ironton - 43.19 (31)
- Rush City - 43.01 (77)
- Minnehaha Academy - 42.35 (58)
- Sibley East - 42.32 (65)
- Lac qui Parle Valley - 42.13 (40)
- New Richland-H-E-G - 41.61 (19)
- St. John's Prep - 41.59 (83)
- West Central Area - 41.3 (22)
- Martin County West - 41.26 (122)
- Wadena-Deer Creek - 40.77 (29)
- Providence Academy - 40.7 (120)
- Warroad - 40.07 (60)
- Legacy Christian - 40.04 (99)
- Melrose - 39.32 (71)
- Lewiston-Altura - 39.31 (63)
- Pine City - 38.99 (53)
- Breckenridge - 38.67 (9)
- Red Lake - 38.58 (66)
- Rockford - 38.4 (64)
- Minneapolis Roosevelt - 38.28 (109)
- BOLD - 38.26 (103)
- Great River - 38.19 (126)
- Holdingford - 38.15 (105)
- Benson - 37.75 (37)
- Eden Valley-Watkins - 37.58 (118)
- Aitkin - 37.34 (23)
- LeSueur-Henderson - 37.23 (47)
- Mora - 36.85 (30)
- Breck - 36.42 (121)
- Montgomery-Lonsdale - 36.1 (113)
- Cannon Falls - 36.06 (52)
- Pipestone Area - 35.93 (32)
- St. James - 35.16 (72)
- Luverne - 34.48 (38)
- Winona Cotter - 34.42 (106)
- Pine Island - 34.03 (82)
- Duluth Marshall - 34.01 (86)
- Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 33.81 (17)
- Roseau - 33.32 (124)
- Dover-Eyota - 33.19 (33)
- Foley - 32.84 (90)
- Blue Earth Area - 32.83 (81)
- Triton - 32.64 (115)
- Yellow Medicine East - 32.25 (10)
- St. Paul Academy - 32.21 (114)
- Proctor - 31.94 (80)
- Osakis - 30.37 (3)
- Chatfield - 30.24 (42)
- International School of MN - 30.1 (127)
- Milaca - 29.16 (68)
- Greenway - 29.06 (4)
- Minneapolis Edison - 26.58 (112)
- Staples-Motley - 25.66 (8)
- Brooklyn Center - 24.05 (56)
- Eveleth-Gilbert - 21.47 (51)
- Frazee - 21.15 (7)
- Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 20.28 (28)
- Park Rapids Area - 19.03 (6)
- Mounds Park Academy - 17.6 (76)
- Two Harbors - 0 (1)
- Paynesville Area - 0 (2)
- Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 0 (93)
- Sebeka - 58.32 (64)
- Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 57.25 (89)
- Southwest MN Christian - 56.7 (98)
- Ellsworth - 56.17 (8)
- Springfield - 56.16 (111)
- Upsala - 55.54 (35)
- Ely - 54.74 (130)
- Maranatha Christian - 54.18 (115)
- Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 54.06 (123)
- Orr - 54.03 (41)
- Sleepy Eye - 53.23 (62)
- MACCRAY - 52.93 (75)
- Battle Lake - 52.86 (154)
- Ulen-Hitterdal - 52.78 (63)
- McGregor - 52.76 (84)
- Bertha-Hewitt - 52.62 (44)
- Glenville-Emmons - 52.51 (156)
- Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 52.21 (22)
- Mankato Loyola - 51.94 (74)
- Lakeview Christian - 51.79 (159)
- Ada-Borup - 51.39 (61)
- Rushford-Peterson - 51.32 (82)
- Hills-Beaver Creek - 51.14 (55)
- Browerville - 51.08 (131)
- Goodhue - 50.38 (139)
- Chisholm - 50.21 (143)
- Barnesville - 50 (88)
- Mt. Lake/Butterfield-Odin - 49.91 (76)
- East Central - 49.85 (120)
- Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 49.75 (116)
- Eagle Valley - 49.28 (54)
- Cook County - 49.09 (10)
- Cass Lake-Bena - 48.96 (103)
- Bigfork - 48.88 (94)
- Fosston - 48.88 (117)
- Hill City - 48.66 (6)
- Northern Freeze - 48.37 (95)
- Barnum - 48.16 (132)
- Minnesota Transitions Charter - 47.94 (81)
- Heritage Christian - 47.92 (101)
- Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 47.81 (12)
- Stephen-Argyle - 47.8 (134)
- Blackduck - 47.48 (110)
- Dawson-Boyd - 47.18 (122)
- Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 47 (138)
- Prairie Seeds Academy - 46.99 (109)
- Brandon-Evansville - 46.69 (121)
- New York Mills - 46.49 (42)
- Truman - 46.46 (93)
- Norman County East - 46.17 (37)
- West Lutheran - 45.71 (140)
- Spring Grove - 45.59 (135)
- Nevis - 45.26 (125)
- Red Lake County - 45.11 (127)
- Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 45.1 (105)
- FAIR Downtown - 44.94 (152)
- Houston - 44.83 (157)
- Isle - 44.7 (79)
- Granada-Huntley-East Chain - 44.26 (67)
- Kittson County Central - 44.21 (60)
- Mahnomen - 44.08 (118)
- Nicollet - 43.92 (119)
- Round Lake-Brewster - 43.53 (57)
- New Ulm Cathedral - 43.44 (25)
- Southwest Star Concept - 43.43 (107)
- Cherry - 43.37 (14)
- AlBrook/Cotton - 43.27 (97)
- Tower-Soudan - 42.95 (70)
- Fulda - 42.71 (33)
- Minneota - 42.66 (136)
- St. Clair - 42.32 (112)
- Bethlehem Academy - 42.21 (53)
- St. Agnes - 42.14 (46)
- Pine River-Backus - 42.12 (18)
- Goodridge-Grygla - 42 (92)
- Littlefork-Big Falls - 41.83 (19)
- Clearbrook-Gonvick - 41.65 (87)
- Nashwauk-Keewatin - 41.65 (47)
- Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 41.53 (71)
- Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 41.52 (43)
- Lanesboro - 41.4 (146)
- Floodwood - 41.3 (13)
- St. Paul Humboldt - 41.25 (69)
- New Life Academy - 41.02 (34)
- Bethany Academy - 40.47 (38)
- Henning - 40.16 (90)
- Academy for Sciences & Ag - 40.14 (168)
- Ashby - 39.96 (100)
- Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 39.75 (26)
- Silver Bay - 39.43 (23)
- Fertile-Beltrami - 38.98 (24)
- Southwest Christian - 38.43 (108)
- Mountain Iron-Buhl - 38.41 (45)
- Carlton - 37.96 (7)
- Menahga - 37.84 (65)
- Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 37.84 (21)
- Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 36.88 (170)
- Blooming Prairie - 36.79 (50)
- Alden-Conger - 36.73 (155)
- Royalton - 36.21 (31)
- Kelliher/Northome - 36.19 (153)
- Lincoln HI - 36.14 (49)
- Cromwell - 35.76 (77)
- Canby - 35.35 (83)
- Randolph - 35.25 (51)
- Community of Peace Academy - 35.19 (169)
- Medford - 34.91 (128)
- Win-E-Mac - 34.78 (40)
- Mesabi East - 34.33 (126)
- Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 33.9 (102)
- Central MN Christian - 33.84 (72)
- PACT Charter - 33.79 (52)
- Cook - 33.76 (15)
- Ortonville - 33.65 (133)
- Onamia - 33.57 (73)
- Fillmore Central - 32.77 (16)
- Climax/Fisher - 31.91 (58)
- Calvin Christian - 31.83 (167)
- Hope Lutheran - 31.51 (151)
- Mabel-Canton - 31.48 (149)
- Four Directions Charter - 31.41 (161)
- Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 31.26 (39)
- Edgerton - 30.87 (5)
- Lakeview - 30.75 (104)
- Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 30.72 (27)
- Parkers Prairie - 30.66 (30)
- Le Center - 30.53 (86)
- Renville County West - 30.47 (56)
- Park Christian - 30.4 (113)
- Grand Meadow - 30.37 (129)
- Wabasha-Kellogg - 30.23 (78)
- LeRoy-Ostrander - 29.96 (124)
- Madelia - 29.36 (91)
- Martin Luther - 28.52 (28)
- Lake of the Woods - 27.96 (148)
- Red Rock Central - 27.43 (20)
- Verndale - 27.33 (9)
- Sacred Heart - 27.2 (68)
- Lake Park-Audubon - 27.15 (145)
- Wabasso - 26.82 (59)
- Babbitt-Embarrass - 25.14 (36)
- CHOF - 24.48 (66)
- Cleveland - 24.3 (147)
- Norman County West - 23.94 (80)
- Liberty Classical Academy - 23.07 (166)
- Adrian - 23.06 (1)
- Cannon Valley Lutheran - 22.83 (164)
- MN Academy for the Deaf - 20.85 (165)
- Northland - 0 (85)
- Underwood - 0 (137)
- Swanville - 0 (106)
- Spectrum - 0 (158)
- St. Paul Prep - 0 (160)
- Laporte - 0 (162)
- Metro Deaf School - 0 (163)
- Pillager - 0 (2)
- Wrenshall - 0 (3)
- Mesabi Academy - 0 (4)
- Ogilvie - 0 (11)
- Hancock - 0 (17)
- Rothsay - 0 (29)
- Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 0 (32)
- Waubun - 0 (48)
- Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig - 0 (96)
- E.C.H.O. Charter - 0 (99)
- Schaeffer Academy - 0 (114)
- Learning for Leadership - 0 (141)
- Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 0 (142)
- North Lakes Academy - 0 (144)
- Hmong Academy - 0 (150)
- Math & Science Academy - 0 (171)
2010 Breakdown Tip Classic Thoughts
Prologue
Its one of the fine events of the year with the rescheduled Breakdown Tipoff Classic. How fun it is to feel like a ping pong ball bouncing between gyms. Quality sloppy joes in the hospitality room, but not good when trying to write. Though I did keep the highly important stat sheet clean. St. Cloud State watching all day and UW-Stout in the building just to name a couple but not the usual college crowd that you'd see on the normally scheduled day in mid December. The Mr. Basketball committee front and center as always. Popcorn gentlemen? Funniest moment of the day was early when 1 of the security ladies told Rene Pulley to get off the 1st row of bleachers (signs everywhere to not sit on them). A quality day of basketball with a bit of everything. As to music, my original idea of Beverly Hills Cop II didn't work like I thought it would and we just had a great saxophone song a couple days ago (Bad to the Bone). But I can keep the spirit of those themes with this and still complain about the weather.
Song of the Day
Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On (Beverly Hills Cop I)
Session 1: Shakopee vs #7AAA Orono and #6AA Braham vs Holy Family
Shakopee comes out strong and Orono just doesn't have an answer as they're not able to break Shakopee down. Jason Perkins effective inside, Dylan Ulferts nails a pair of jumpers and 6'4" Kevin Carlson is a nice piece. 30-12 Shakopee at the 4:02 mark. Orono makes a nice run to end the half to cut the margin to 34-23 at the half. I return to this one with 3 minutes and Orono is still down 10 and can't get over the hump. Shakopee wins 64-51.
Braham and Holy Family (9-5, 6-0 MN River) in the West Gym. What an oven, top row had to be pushing 85 degrees so I move down to lower evalations and a cool 80 degrees.. Holy Family 6'8 Jr center Ryan Dahl with 11 points in the first half but he picks up 2 fouls and sits at the 9:11 mark with Holy Family leading 27-16. Tyler Vaughan then goes nuts for Braham to tie the game at 29 at the 5:30 mark. Dahl returns and picks up his 3rd foul at the 3:06 mark. 43-36 Braham at the half, Vaughan with 22 and 7 in the half. Dahl returns in the 2nd half and is absolutely dominant. 60-57 Holy Family with the lead outside of 8 minutes to play and Dahl scores a handful of buckets in a row to stretch the lead to double digits. Post feed after post feed after post feed as Holy Family made it look easy. Vaughan makes 3 late 3s to keep it respectable. Holy Family impressively wins 82-74. Dahl with 25 of his 36 in the 2nd half and he likely had double digit rebounds. Tyler Vaughan with 22 of his 37 in the 1st half and he had at least 9 boards. 6 3s for Vaughan, 3 of those late in a relatively quiet 2nd half.
Session 2: #6AAA St.Cloud Apollo vs #5AAAA Eden Prairie and Duluth East vs #1A Minnesota Transitions
Back to the east gym for the end of the 1st half with MTS and Duluth East. Rodney Owens in foul trouble so I only see a quick glimpse of him on the floor. A Johnny Woodard 3 pushes the East lead to 6 but MTS comes back to cut the lead to 33-32 at the half. MTS not looking good at all in the half. After hearing MTS had a 52-45 lead, I return for the last 4 minutes and a 56 all tie. MTS with the next 4 for a 60-56 lead. Then 2 missed free throws and Duluth East comes back with a 3 to give them the 61-60 lead with 1:50 left. After a pair of MTS misses. Johnny Woodard with 5 of 6 free throws to push the lead to 66-60 with 30.3 left. Kyle Noreen for 3 but Taylor Stafford makes 2 free throws to seal a 69-65 Duluth East win. Its their first win away from home this season. MTS falls on back to back days.
In the west gym, Eden Prairie put a beating on Apollo. 11-7 before Eden Prairie uses traps to generate a 21-5 run and blow this one wide open. 35-16 Eden Prairie at the half and they roll from there. Apollo not able to get into sets and pound the ball inside. Eden Prairie with great balance and supreme hustle and grit.
Session 3: Waconia vs Apple Valley and #5A Maranatha vs Henry Sibley
I check out the 1st half of MCA vs Sibley and it was largely a snooze fest. But then Adam Huessner and Dante Grant heated up from 3 vs the MCA zone. Huessner with 3 straight 3s and Grant with 3 in the half. A pair of Jamey Hammond 3s keep MCA close. 34-27 Sibley at the half. Thanks to the D1 battle in the main gym, I miss the entire second half of this one though it sounds like Darian Pittman was outstanding in the comeback win for MCA.
Its Tom Schalk vs Shelby Moats in the main gym. This one didn't disappoint as I stay for all of it. Ben Kortuem's back to back 3s puts Waconia up 23-11 at the 10:10 mark but Schalk carries the Eagles the rest of the half. 34-32 Waconia at the break. Schalk with 18 of the 32 with 11 rebounds. Moats 13 and 8. Kortuem 12 on 4 3s. Schalk on the post for 2 to give Apple Valley their 1st lead in forever, 48-47 with 11:48 to go. Moats inside out to Kortuem for his 6th 3 in a run that puts Waconia up 60-53 with about 4 minutes left. Then its Dustin Fronk. He nails a 3, then a floater to tie the game, and a skip pass finds him for 3 in the right corner. 8 points in a 10-0 run to put Apple Valley up 63-60 with 1:51 left. Waconia patient and not fouling. Schalk catches and the foul line and looks. Nothing so he goes off the dribble and scores with 27.5 left for a 65-62 lead. Fronk was hot from 3 but he goes 1-4 from the line and Kortuem's 7th 3 cuts the lead to 66-65. After 1 FT, Moats gets a look at a 3 and leaves it short. Putback at the buzzer is no good and Apple Valley comes from behind to win 67-65. Tom Schalk with 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead Apple Valley. Dustin Fronk 17 points, 9 of them late to bring the Eagles back. Shelby Moats 21 and 11. Ben Kortuem 7 3s for 27 points.
Session 4: Buzzer Beaters!
For fun, let's do this session in real time. It starts with a sleepy start from #3AAA Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Cretin-Derham Hall. Raijon Kelly nails a 3 at 13:59 to force a BSM timeout down 11-2. Since I've seen these 2 already, let's go watch the end of Buffalo vs Marshall. Buffalo up 49-41 with 6:16 left and they extend that lead to 60-48 and look to be in control. But this one doesn't end that easily. Marshall trapping on makes and misses (a rare sight in MN). They force 3 straight turnovers and 1 free throw with 2:09 left cuts the lead to 60-56 after an 8-0 run. Marshall makes 1 3 to cut the lead to 3 but Buffalo counters with 6-6 FTs. 66-59 Buffalo with 1:09 left. Caleb Johnson with 1 3 point play and then another chance at one (missed FT). Buffalo still looks in good shape after 2 more Andy Ortmann FTs with 44.3 left, 69-64 lead. A driving layup for Marshall and then Buffalo turns it over with 25 seconds left. It's Johnson from the left corner for 3 with 12 seconds left and we're tied at 69. Buffalo right back the other way, Ortmann catches left wing and drives middle. The defense collapses and he kicks out to Josh High who knocks down the 3 just as time runs out. Buffalo wins a thriller 72-69. Andy Ortmann 6 of 6 FTs and the game winning assist in the last 2 minutes.
Back to BSM vs CDH in the west gym as they have about 10 minutes left and CDH up 48-45. CDH extends the lead to 8, 55-47 with 7:45 left. Then BSM makes a comeback. Isaiah Zierden to Evan Battle for a layup with 4:35 left to cut the lead to 57-54. Zierden then on a double flare screen is fouled and makes all 3 free throws. The teams trade turnovers and then CDH out on a 3 on 2 break. Kyle Washington with a big block and CDH turns it over. BSM with another turnover but another Washington block results in a tie up that goes to Benilde with 1:27 left. Zierden a good look at a 3 to take the lead but its no good. Taylor Montero 1 free throw with 41.3 left for a 60-58 CDH lead. Out of a timeout, Zierden to the basket and scores with 26 seconds left.to tie the game. CDH goes with no timeout. Raijon Kelly holds and then goes and misses with 7 seconds left. BSM right back and Zierden with an open look on the left wing. No good and it looks like we'll have OT, but there's more time than you think and Myles Barnes grabs the miss off the left block and banks it home at the buzzer for a 62-60 BSM win. Another amazing finish. Isaiah Zierden leads BSM with 26 points. Raijon Kelly 18 for CDH.
Final Session: #1AAAA Hopkins vs #2AAAA Osseo and #3AAAA Lakeville South at Minnetonka
So thanks to the buzzer beater, I'm late for the start of the #1 vs #2 showdown in the small east gym. Not good as the gym is PACKED! People out the door 10 thick. Great atmosphere. Knowing Osseo and Hopkins both travel well, if the Breakdown had to do it over again, they'd reschedule this one for the main gym. I do see the last 6 minutes which don't reveal much. Joe Coleman crazy athletic around the rim. Hopkins wins easily 86-68.
So I end up seeing the entire first half of Lakeville South vs Minnetonka. Lakeville South with a sleepy start as Tonka gets up on them 23-15 at the 10:29 mark before South finally takes an overdue timeout to wake up the troops. That must have inspired Alex Richter as he proceeds to take over. A bucket and a strong dunk at 8:05 to cut the lead to 1. Then 3 quick passes out of a timeout allow South to go full court and get Richter an easy layup at the halftime buzzer. 48-35 South at half, Richter 21 points. I come back for the end and its out of hand. Richter finishes with 30. Riley West 20, Jon Christensen 21. Nick Latzke 22 points for the Skippers.
Its one of the fine events of the year with the rescheduled Breakdown Tipoff Classic. How fun it is to feel like a ping pong ball bouncing between gyms. Quality sloppy joes in the hospitality room, but not good when trying to write. Though I did keep the highly important stat sheet clean. St. Cloud State watching all day and UW-Stout in the building just to name a couple but not the usual college crowd that you'd see on the normally scheduled day in mid December. The Mr. Basketball committee front and center as always. Popcorn gentlemen? Funniest moment of the day was early when 1 of the security ladies told Rene Pulley to get off the 1st row of bleachers (signs everywhere to not sit on them). A quality day of basketball with a bit of everything. As to music, my original idea of Beverly Hills Cop II didn't work like I thought it would and we just had a great saxophone song a couple days ago (Bad to the Bone). But I can keep the spirit of those themes with this and still complain about the weather.
Song of the Day
Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On (Beverly Hills Cop I)
Session 1: Shakopee vs #7AAA Orono and #6AA Braham vs Holy Family
Shakopee comes out strong and Orono just doesn't have an answer as they're not able to break Shakopee down. Jason Perkins effective inside, Dylan Ulferts nails a pair of jumpers and 6'4" Kevin Carlson is a nice piece. 30-12 Shakopee at the 4:02 mark. Orono makes a nice run to end the half to cut the margin to 34-23 at the half. I return to this one with 3 minutes and Orono is still down 10 and can't get over the hump. Shakopee wins 64-51.
Braham and Holy Family (9-5, 6-0 MN River) in the West Gym. What an oven, top row had to be pushing 85 degrees so I move down to lower evalations and a cool 80 degrees.. Holy Family 6'8 Jr center Ryan Dahl with 11 points in the first half but he picks up 2 fouls and sits at the 9:11 mark with Holy Family leading 27-16. Tyler Vaughan then goes nuts for Braham to tie the game at 29 at the 5:30 mark. Dahl returns and picks up his 3rd foul at the 3:06 mark. 43-36 Braham at the half, Vaughan with 22 and 7 in the half. Dahl returns in the 2nd half and is absolutely dominant. 60-57 Holy Family with the lead outside of 8 minutes to play and Dahl scores a handful of buckets in a row to stretch the lead to double digits. Post feed after post feed after post feed as Holy Family made it look easy. Vaughan makes 3 late 3s to keep it respectable. Holy Family impressively wins 82-74. Dahl with 25 of his 36 in the 2nd half and he likely had double digit rebounds. Tyler Vaughan with 22 of his 37 in the 1st half and he had at least 9 boards. 6 3s for Vaughan, 3 of those late in a relatively quiet 2nd half.
Session 2: #6AAA St.Cloud Apollo vs #5AAAA Eden Prairie and Duluth East vs #1A Minnesota Transitions
Back to the east gym for the end of the 1st half with MTS and Duluth East. Rodney Owens in foul trouble so I only see a quick glimpse of him on the floor. A Johnny Woodard 3 pushes the East lead to 6 but MTS comes back to cut the lead to 33-32 at the half. MTS not looking good at all in the half. After hearing MTS had a 52-45 lead, I return for the last 4 minutes and a 56 all tie. MTS with the next 4 for a 60-56 lead. Then 2 missed free throws and Duluth East comes back with a 3 to give them the 61-60 lead with 1:50 left. After a pair of MTS misses. Johnny Woodard with 5 of 6 free throws to push the lead to 66-60 with 30.3 left. Kyle Noreen for 3 but Taylor Stafford makes 2 free throws to seal a 69-65 Duluth East win. Its their first win away from home this season. MTS falls on back to back days.
In the west gym, Eden Prairie put a beating on Apollo. 11-7 before Eden Prairie uses traps to generate a 21-5 run and blow this one wide open. 35-16 Eden Prairie at the half and they roll from there. Apollo not able to get into sets and pound the ball inside. Eden Prairie with great balance and supreme hustle and grit.
Session 3: Waconia vs Apple Valley and #5A Maranatha vs Henry Sibley
I check out the 1st half of MCA vs Sibley and it was largely a snooze fest. But then Adam Huessner and Dante Grant heated up from 3 vs the MCA zone. Huessner with 3 straight 3s and Grant with 3 in the half. A pair of Jamey Hammond 3s keep MCA close. 34-27 Sibley at the half. Thanks to the D1 battle in the main gym, I miss the entire second half of this one though it sounds like Darian Pittman was outstanding in the comeback win for MCA.
Its Tom Schalk vs Shelby Moats in the main gym. This one didn't disappoint as I stay for all of it. Ben Kortuem's back to back 3s puts Waconia up 23-11 at the 10:10 mark but Schalk carries the Eagles the rest of the half. 34-32 Waconia at the break. Schalk with 18 of the 32 with 11 rebounds. Moats 13 and 8. Kortuem 12 on 4 3s. Schalk on the post for 2 to give Apple Valley their 1st lead in forever, 48-47 with 11:48 to go. Moats inside out to Kortuem for his 6th 3 in a run that puts Waconia up 60-53 with about 4 minutes left. Then its Dustin Fronk. He nails a 3, then a floater to tie the game, and a skip pass finds him for 3 in the right corner. 8 points in a 10-0 run to put Apple Valley up 63-60 with 1:51 left. Waconia patient and not fouling. Schalk catches and the foul line and looks. Nothing so he goes off the dribble and scores with 27.5 left for a 65-62 lead. Fronk was hot from 3 but he goes 1-4 from the line and Kortuem's 7th 3 cuts the lead to 66-65. After 1 FT, Moats gets a look at a 3 and leaves it short. Putback at the buzzer is no good and Apple Valley comes from behind to win 67-65. Tom Schalk with 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead Apple Valley. Dustin Fronk 17 points, 9 of them late to bring the Eagles back. Shelby Moats 21 and 11. Ben Kortuem 7 3s for 27 points.
Session 4: Buzzer Beaters!
For fun, let's do this session in real time. It starts with a sleepy start from #3AAA Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Cretin-Derham Hall. Raijon Kelly nails a 3 at 13:59 to force a BSM timeout down 11-2. Since I've seen these 2 already, let's go watch the end of Buffalo vs Marshall. Buffalo up 49-41 with 6:16 left and they extend that lead to 60-48 and look to be in control. But this one doesn't end that easily. Marshall trapping on makes and misses (a rare sight in MN). They force 3 straight turnovers and 1 free throw with 2:09 left cuts the lead to 60-56 after an 8-0 run. Marshall makes 1 3 to cut the lead to 3 but Buffalo counters with 6-6 FTs. 66-59 Buffalo with 1:09 left. Caleb Johnson with 1 3 point play and then another chance at one (missed FT). Buffalo still looks in good shape after 2 more Andy Ortmann FTs with 44.3 left, 69-64 lead. A driving layup for Marshall and then Buffalo turns it over with 25 seconds left. It's Johnson from the left corner for 3 with 12 seconds left and we're tied at 69. Buffalo right back the other way, Ortmann catches left wing and drives middle. The defense collapses and he kicks out to Josh High who knocks down the 3 just as time runs out. Buffalo wins a thriller 72-69. Andy Ortmann 6 of 6 FTs and the game winning assist in the last 2 minutes.
Back to BSM vs CDH in the west gym as they have about 10 minutes left and CDH up 48-45. CDH extends the lead to 8, 55-47 with 7:45 left. Then BSM makes a comeback. Isaiah Zierden to Evan Battle for a layup with 4:35 left to cut the lead to 57-54. Zierden then on a double flare screen is fouled and makes all 3 free throws. The teams trade turnovers and then CDH out on a 3 on 2 break. Kyle Washington with a big block and CDH turns it over. BSM with another turnover but another Washington block results in a tie up that goes to Benilde with 1:27 left. Zierden a good look at a 3 to take the lead but its no good. Taylor Montero 1 free throw with 41.3 left for a 60-58 CDH lead. Out of a timeout, Zierden to the basket and scores with 26 seconds left.to tie the game. CDH goes with no timeout. Raijon Kelly holds and then goes and misses with 7 seconds left. BSM right back and Zierden with an open look on the left wing. No good and it looks like we'll have OT, but there's more time than you think and Myles Barnes grabs the miss off the left block and banks it home at the buzzer for a 62-60 BSM win. Another amazing finish. Isaiah Zierden leads BSM with 26 points. Raijon Kelly 18 for CDH.
Final Session: #1AAAA Hopkins vs #2AAAA Osseo and #3AAAA Lakeville South at Minnetonka
So thanks to the buzzer beater, I'm late for the start of the #1 vs #2 showdown in the small east gym. Not good as the gym is PACKED! People out the door 10 thick. Great atmosphere. Knowing Osseo and Hopkins both travel well, if the Breakdown had to do it over again, they'd reschedule this one for the main gym. I do see the last 6 minutes which don't reveal much. Joe Coleman crazy athletic around the rim. Hopkins wins easily 86-68.
So I end up seeing the entire first half of Lakeville South vs Minnetonka. Lakeville South with a sleepy start as Tonka gets up on them 23-15 at the 10:29 mark before South finally takes an overdue timeout to wake up the troops. That must have inspired Alex Richter as he proceeds to take over. A bucket and a strong dunk at 8:05 to cut the lead to 1. Then 3 quick passes out of a timeout allow South to go full court and get Richter an easy layup at the halftime buzzer. 48-35 South at half, Richter 21 points. I come back for the end and its out of hand. Richter finishes with 30. Riley West 20, Jon Christensen 21. Nick Latzke 22 points for the Skippers.
2011 East Metro Showcase Day 1
Prologue
To Johnson for the annual East Metro Showcase. Today is day 1 beginning with a 61-56 St. John's Military Academy (Delafield, WI) victory over #1A Minnesota Transitions. I then show up for a quality hot dog and Pepsi which is never a bad thing. South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Kirkwood and NDSCS in the building watching action tonight. We also get WCCO TV for the entire night as Frank Vascellaro is in the building live but no Amelia Santaniello, what's up with that? As to song of the day, let's honor this disgusting weather with a classic.
Song of the Day
Foreigner - Cold as Ice
Game 1: #1AAAA Hopkins vs #2 D1 Milwaukee Riverside
Its a showdown of high ranked teams in the middle game of the day as 11-1 Milwaukee Riverside comes in ranked #2 in Wisconsin. They knocked off previous #1 Milwaukee King last week King then beat Johnson by 15 the following day. Riverside star Trinson White just picked up an offer from Cal Poly this week. Hopkins off to a quick 7-0 lead as Riverside can't take care of the ball. After a Zach Stahl steal and dunk, Riverside comes back with a 9-0 run ended by a White putback to cut the Hopkins lead to 22-20 at the 7:30 mark. Hopkins then goes on a 20-6 run over the next 6 minutes. Nick Jorgenson with a pair of left corner 3s against a 1-3-1 and it finishes with a Marvin Singleton 3. Riverside cuts the margin to 42-31 at half. Very ugly half for both teams. Then its a 13-2 Hopkins run run to start the 2nd half with 7 points from Siyani Chambers. The lead is 55-33 with 14:55 left, it gets to 30 but we don't get running time. Hopkins goes on to a easy 92-68 win. Joe Coleman finishes with 29 points and 6 rebounds. 12-17 shooting but only 1-2 on real jump shots. That's 4-13 on the year in real shooting in the games I've attended. Siyani Chambers all 12 of his points in the 2nd half. Nick Jorgenson 15 points with 3 3s. Trinson White 20 points for Riverside.
Game 2: #2AAA Johnson vs Superior, WI
This game is very interesting one as you have a battle of D1 point guards who both saw time for MN PNR this summer. Joel Lindberg from Superior will attend NDSU next season. Then you have Estan Tyler on the other side who will attend Missouri-Kansas City. Rumor has it NDSU had their choice of the 2. Johnson gets out to a 6-0 lead to force a Superior timeout and then Superior will go 3-2 zone the rest of the way. Tyler with a hand in the 1st 11 points of the game for Johnson with a pair of sweet assists for layups, a putback, a 3 and a steal for 2 free throws. 11-2 Johnson at the 15:46 mark. Johnson doubling Lindberg on inbounds plays and running 2 guys at him all over the floor. Rob Kraft hot all night. His first 2 triples help bring Superior within 21-20 at the 8:50 mark. Marcus Marshall to Tyler for 3 and then reverse roles for another 3. Then Lindberg picks up foul #2 at the 7:15 mark on a charge and sits. Superior is within 30-25 at the 5:59 mark and Lindberg comes back in, slightly surprising. His bank shot cuts the lead to 3 before the dice come up snake eyes at 4:27. 30-27 Johnson leads. Marcus Marshall gets 3 bounces and the shooters role for 3 right after that. Tyler ends the 12-4 spurt with a 3 point play to push the lead to 11. But Johnson is sloppy in the last 45 seconds of the half. 42-36 Johnson at the break. Can't be too displeased with that if you're Superior.
14-5 Johnson goes off in the 1st 7:10 of the half. It ends with a Waylon Johnson putback at 10:50, 56-41 Johnson. Superior claws their way back. Dustin Hobson with a layup and Lindberg with his only points of the 2nd half on 2 free throws at the 6:36 mark. Timeout Johnson up 60-53. Then a set play finds Kraft for 3 in the corner, Tyler misses a layup and the same set play for Kraft and he's fouled shooting the 3. All 3 free throws are good at the 5:27 mark. 2 missed free throws on the other end but Lindberg misses a good look at a 3 to tie. Tyler finds Roosevelt Scott for a layup with 4:25 left to push the lead to 64-59 and it seems Johnson has weathered the storm.
Maybe not! Josh Kimmes with a layup and then a no look pass from Lindberg for another. Johnson turns it over and its Kraft with his 6th triple of the night. The 7-0 runs gives Superior their only lead of the night 66-64 with 2:50 left. Tyler drives at 2:18 to tie the game and then a pair of free throws with 1:16 left for a 68-66 lead. Kraft has an OK look at a 3 but its quick and no good. Tyler is fouled but misses the front end. Trey Coffman snares the rebound for Johnson and they get a timeout to save possession with 38 seconds left. Johnson still holds and takes 2 more times-out (I hate proper english) as Superior won't foul. Finally, Scott is fouled with 17 seconds left and misses the front end. Kimmes misses a bunny inside that would have tied it. Marcus Marshall makes 2 free throws with 3 seconds left to seal the 70-66 Johnson win. Estan Tyler absolutely outstanding in another big game. He has 19 of his 30 in the 1st half. I had him for 5 rebounds and 5 assists as well. He had numerous other quality passes as well. Marcus Marshall 20 points with 4 3s vs the zone. Those were mainly on skip passes. Roosevelt Scott 10 points in an off night for him as he easily could have had 20 points with the good looks he had at the rim. Joel Lindberg held to 6 points on 2-9 shooting. Rob Kraft 6 3s and 4 free throws for 22 points to lead the Spartans. With DeLaSalle winning easily over Superior at UW-Superior 2 weeks ago and this home struggle for Johnson against the Spartans, I can see this win solidifying the #1 spot in the AAA poll for DLS. That assumes of course that both teams win out, which isn't a given.
To Johnson for the annual East Metro Showcase. Today is day 1 beginning with a 61-56 St. John's Military Academy (Delafield, WI) victory over #1A Minnesota Transitions. I then show up for a quality hot dog and Pepsi which is never a bad thing. South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Kirkwood and NDSCS in the building watching action tonight. We also get WCCO TV for the entire night as Frank Vascellaro is in the building live but no Amelia Santaniello, what's up with that? As to song of the day, let's honor this disgusting weather with a classic.
Song of the Day
Foreigner - Cold as Ice
Game 1: #1AAAA Hopkins vs #2 D1 Milwaukee Riverside
Its a showdown of high ranked teams in the middle game of the day as 11-1 Milwaukee Riverside comes in ranked #2 in Wisconsin. They knocked off previous #1 Milwaukee King last week King then beat Johnson by 15 the following day. Riverside star Trinson White just picked up an offer from Cal Poly this week. Hopkins off to a quick 7-0 lead as Riverside can't take care of the ball. After a Zach Stahl steal and dunk, Riverside comes back with a 9-0 run ended by a White putback to cut the Hopkins lead to 22-20 at the 7:30 mark. Hopkins then goes on a 20-6 run over the next 6 minutes. Nick Jorgenson with a pair of left corner 3s against a 1-3-1 and it finishes with a Marvin Singleton 3. Riverside cuts the margin to 42-31 at half. Very ugly half for both teams. Then its a 13-2 Hopkins run run to start the 2nd half with 7 points from Siyani Chambers. The lead is 55-33 with 14:55 left, it gets to 30 but we don't get running time. Hopkins goes on to a easy 92-68 win. Joe Coleman finishes with 29 points and 6 rebounds. 12-17 shooting but only 1-2 on real jump shots. That's 4-13 on the year in real shooting in the games I've attended. Siyani Chambers all 12 of his points in the 2nd half. Nick Jorgenson 15 points with 3 3s. Trinson White 20 points for Riverside.
Game 2: #2AAA Johnson vs Superior, WI
This game is very interesting one as you have a battle of D1 point guards who both saw time for MN PNR this summer. Joel Lindberg from Superior will attend NDSU next season. Then you have Estan Tyler on the other side who will attend Missouri-Kansas City. Rumor has it NDSU had their choice of the 2. Johnson gets out to a 6-0 lead to force a Superior timeout and then Superior will go 3-2 zone the rest of the way. Tyler with a hand in the 1st 11 points of the game for Johnson with a pair of sweet assists for layups, a putback, a 3 and a steal for 2 free throws. 11-2 Johnson at the 15:46 mark. Johnson doubling Lindberg on inbounds plays and running 2 guys at him all over the floor. Rob Kraft hot all night. His first 2 triples help bring Superior within 21-20 at the 8:50 mark. Marcus Marshall to Tyler for 3 and then reverse roles for another 3. Then Lindberg picks up foul #2 at the 7:15 mark on a charge and sits. Superior is within 30-25 at the 5:59 mark and Lindberg comes back in, slightly surprising. His bank shot cuts the lead to 3 before the dice come up snake eyes at 4:27. 30-27 Johnson leads. Marcus Marshall gets 3 bounces and the shooters role for 3 right after that. Tyler ends the 12-4 spurt with a 3 point play to push the lead to 11. But Johnson is sloppy in the last 45 seconds of the half. 42-36 Johnson at the break. Can't be too displeased with that if you're Superior.
14-5 Johnson goes off in the 1st 7:10 of the half. It ends with a Waylon Johnson putback at 10:50, 56-41 Johnson. Superior claws their way back. Dustin Hobson with a layup and Lindberg with his only points of the 2nd half on 2 free throws at the 6:36 mark. Timeout Johnson up 60-53. Then a set play finds Kraft for 3 in the corner, Tyler misses a layup and the same set play for Kraft and he's fouled shooting the 3. All 3 free throws are good at the 5:27 mark. 2 missed free throws on the other end but Lindberg misses a good look at a 3 to tie. Tyler finds Roosevelt Scott for a layup with 4:25 left to push the lead to 64-59 and it seems Johnson has weathered the storm.
Maybe not! Josh Kimmes with a layup and then a no look pass from Lindberg for another. Johnson turns it over and its Kraft with his 6th triple of the night. The 7-0 runs gives Superior their only lead of the night 66-64 with 2:50 left. Tyler drives at 2:18 to tie the game and then a pair of free throws with 1:16 left for a 68-66 lead. Kraft has an OK look at a 3 but its quick and no good. Tyler is fouled but misses the front end. Trey Coffman snares the rebound for Johnson and they get a timeout to save possession with 38 seconds left. Johnson still holds and takes 2 more times-out (I hate proper english) as Superior won't foul. Finally, Scott is fouled with 17 seconds left and misses the front end. Kimmes misses a bunny inside that would have tied it. Marcus Marshall makes 2 free throws with 3 seconds left to seal the 70-66 Johnson win. Estan Tyler absolutely outstanding in another big game. He has 19 of his 30 in the 1st half. I had him for 5 rebounds and 5 assists as well. He had numerous other quality passes as well. Marcus Marshall 20 points with 4 3s vs the zone. Those were mainly on skip passes. Roosevelt Scott 10 points in an off night for him as he easily could have had 20 points with the good looks he had at the rim. Joel Lindberg held to 6 points on 2-9 shooting. Rob Kraft 6 3s and 4 free throws for 22 points to lead the Spartans. With DeLaSalle winning easily over Superior at UW-Superior 2 weeks ago and this home struggle for Johnson against the Spartans, I can see this win solidifying the #1 spot in the AAA poll for DLS. That assumes of course that both teams win out, which isn't a given.
Zephyrs too strong for Huskies
Prologue
A brutal night on the schedule but 1 kinda interesting game with 6-5 Mahtomedi visiting surprising 9-3 St. Anthony. St. Anthony sitting on top of the Tri-Metro East at 5-1 thanks to a head-head win at Concordia. Mahtomedi was ranked just a couple of weeks ago but has back to back road losses in Classic Suburban play to fall to 2-3 in league play. Good pizza on the menu which is always nice. Best of all, we have the absolutely outstanding St. Anthony pep band. Easy nominee for my band of the year. Great music with another awesome version of Crazy Train (just like my alma mater), Beat It and Don't Stop Believing. But tonight's song of the day from their set list is one that can't be played enough.
Song of the Day
George Thorogood - Bad to the Bone
Game Time
Mahtomedi jumps out quickly thanks to 3 easy post buckets from 6'9 Dane Schmid (No Huskies starter over 6'3). 11-0 Zephyrs at the 14:35 mark. Then its a run for Mahtomedi's sophomore leader Zach Lindquist. He drives for 2, on the post for a 3 point play, another post bucket and add 2 more. 29-14 Mahtomedi at 7:45. Then a 7-0 run capped by an Andrew Lindquist 3 pushes the lead to 41-20 at 3:15. St. Anthony finishes the half on a 8-0 run thanks to a Steven Couillard jumper and steal for 2. A 3 goes in and out at the halftime buzzer that would have cut the lead to 10. 41-28 Mahtomedi at the half.
Junior forward Mike Harris has a nice set of minutes off the bench to push Mahtomedi further ahead. A 3 point play, a nice spin for a 2 and 2 free throws working the offensive glass for 7 in a row. Its part of an 11-0 run. 57-35 Mahtomedi with 10:20 left. But St. Anthony is still playing very hard and with their man to man trapping, Dustin Iannazzo gets 4 straight steals as the run and jump causes havoc. After the last steal they get a great look at a 3 that doesn't go in. 57-45 Mahtomedi with 6:15 left. Zach Lindquist converts a post up on the other end. Then a St. Anthony block nets no points and Andrew Lindquist ends up with a layup and is fouled on the other end. That's the last threat. Mahtomedi wins 71-50.
Post Game
For St. Anthony, they fall to 9-4. Anthony Brama was averaging 20 a night coming in. He's held to 5 points on 2-12 shooting. Mahtomedi made sure to swarm him when he touched the ball inside. Stephen Couillard leads the Huskies with 15 points. Dustin Iannazzo used his handful of steals to finish with 14 points. This was a night where 2 or 3 more shots falling at the right time could have really changed the face of the game but the Huskies don't have that prime shooter this year with Josh Pratt now at Hamline. Next up for St. Anthony is B league play as in Blake, Breck and Brooklyn Center to finish up play against the Tri-Metro West.
For Mahtomedi, they improve to 7-5. Soph Zach Lindquist was averaging about 16 a night coming in to top the Zephyrs. He gets 25 with 10 boards tonight on 11-15 shooting. A very tough matchup for opponents at 6'3 with a big body but he can handle, shoot and pass away from the basket. Dane Schmid with 9 of his 12 in the first half. Andrew Lindquist can really shoot it though he was off for some of the night. Three 3s in the 1st half to finish with 13 points. Mike Harris with the second half spurt off the bench to reach double figures with 11 points. Zach Lindquist and Schmid did whatever they wanted inside. Give credit to St. Anthony for playing hard but there were at least 2 spots where the lead was 20 and the Zephyrs didn't put the game away. They resume Classic Suburban play next week against Henry Sibley and at North St. Paul before the Justin Pahl return game next Saturday.
A brutal night on the schedule but 1 kinda interesting game with 6-5 Mahtomedi visiting surprising 9-3 St. Anthony. St. Anthony sitting on top of the Tri-Metro East at 5-1 thanks to a head-head win at Concordia. Mahtomedi was ranked just a couple of weeks ago but has back to back road losses in Classic Suburban play to fall to 2-3 in league play. Good pizza on the menu which is always nice. Best of all, we have the absolutely outstanding St. Anthony pep band. Easy nominee for my band of the year. Great music with another awesome version of Crazy Train (just like my alma mater), Beat It and Don't Stop Believing. But tonight's song of the day from their set list is one that can't be played enough.
Song of the Day
George Thorogood - Bad to the Bone
Game Time
Mahtomedi jumps out quickly thanks to 3 easy post buckets from 6'9 Dane Schmid (No Huskies starter over 6'3). 11-0 Zephyrs at the 14:35 mark. Then its a run for Mahtomedi's sophomore leader Zach Lindquist. He drives for 2, on the post for a 3 point play, another post bucket and add 2 more. 29-14 Mahtomedi at 7:45. Then a 7-0 run capped by an Andrew Lindquist 3 pushes the lead to 41-20 at 3:15. St. Anthony finishes the half on a 8-0 run thanks to a Steven Couillard jumper and steal for 2. A 3 goes in and out at the halftime buzzer that would have cut the lead to 10. 41-28 Mahtomedi at the half.
Junior forward Mike Harris has a nice set of minutes off the bench to push Mahtomedi further ahead. A 3 point play, a nice spin for a 2 and 2 free throws working the offensive glass for 7 in a row. Its part of an 11-0 run. 57-35 Mahtomedi with 10:20 left. But St. Anthony is still playing very hard and with their man to man trapping, Dustin Iannazzo gets 4 straight steals as the run and jump causes havoc. After the last steal they get a great look at a 3 that doesn't go in. 57-45 Mahtomedi with 6:15 left. Zach Lindquist converts a post up on the other end. Then a St. Anthony block nets no points and Andrew Lindquist ends up with a layup and is fouled on the other end. That's the last threat. Mahtomedi wins 71-50.
Post Game
For St. Anthony, they fall to 9-4. Anthony Brama was averaging 20 a night coming in. He's held to 5 points on 2-12 shooting. Mahtomedi made sure to swarm him when he touched the ball inside. Stephen Couillard leads the Huskies with 15 points. Dustin Iannazzo used his handful of steals to finish with 14 points. This was a night where 2 or 3 more shots falling at the right time could have really changed the face of the game but the Huskies don't have that prime shooter this year with Josh Pratt now at Hamline. Next up for St. Anthony is B league play as in Blake, Breck and Brooklyn Center to finish up play against the Tri-Metro West.
For Mahtomedi, they improve to 7-5. Soph Zach Lindquist was averaging about 16 a night coming in to top the Zephyrs. He gets 25 with 10 boards tonight on 11-15 shooting. A very tough matchup for opponents at 6'3 with a big body but he can handle, shoot and pass away from the basket. Dane Schmid with 9 of his 12 in the first half. Andrew Lindquist can really shoot it though he was off for some of the night. Three 3s in the 1st half to finish with 13 points. Mike Harris with the second half spurt off the bench to reach double figures with 11 points. Zach Lindquist and Schmid did whatever they wanted inside. Give credit to St. Anthony for playing hard but there were at least 2 spots where the lead was 20 and the Zephyrs didn't put the game away. They resume Classic Suburban play next week against Henry Sibley and at North St. Paul before the Justin Pahl return game next Saturday.
Govs Joust with Knights
Prologue
I begin tonight with the side note that this is the 1000th entry that I've written on this blog. I never would have thought it would get that far back when I started in June 2007. After last night's epic battle between Armstrong and Osseo, its back to reality with a St. Paul City and east side showdown between Johnson and Harding. Standard food, blah. There was 1 college in the building looking on but I didn't get a good look at who.
Song of the Day
Tracy Chapman - Give me one reason
Game Time
Johnathin Hall goes backdoor for 2 at the 16:35 mark and we're tied at 3. Then Johnson pulls away with their pressure defense. Marcus Marshall with a steal for 2, a turnover leads to a nice behind the back pass from Roosevelt Scott to Estan Tyler for a 3 point play. 3 straight turnovers = 3 straight Marshall layups and then after another Knights turnover, he nails a 3. Harding having a hard time just getting the ball into the front court. After another turnover, Quashingm Smith with a putback. Then Marcel West with an easy drive for a bucket. 21-0 is the Johnson run over 4:35 for a 24-3 lead. Scott to Chris Smith-Bond for layup, Marshall with a jumper, Tyler with a layup and a jumper, 38-10. Anthony Lee for 3 to beat the halftime buzzer and that puts Johnson up 51-18 at the half. 2nd half is unwatchable, Johnson wins 76-37.
Post Game
Estan Tyler leads Johnson with 22 points. Marcus Marshall with 11 of his 15 points in the first half. Roosevelt Scott only 6 points but I had him for 3 first half assists. Johnson now 11-2 and still undefeated against Minnesota opponents. They host Superior in the East Metro Showcase Friday night. Johnathin Hall with 12 points to lead Harding. Harding falls to 5-8. They have a quiet stretch in the schedule now as they don't play against until Tuesday at Humboldt.
I begin tonight with the side note that this is the 1000th entry that I've written on this blog. I never would have thought it would get that far back when I started in June 2007. After last night's epic battle between Armstrong and Osseo, its back to reality with a St. Paul City and east side showdown between Johnson and Harding. Standard food, blah. There was 1 college in the building looking on but I didn't get a good look at who.
Song of the Day
Tracy Chapman - Give me one reason
Game Time
Johnathin Hall goes backdoor for 2 at the 16:35 mark and we're tied at 3. Then Johnson pulls away with their pressure defense. Marcus Marshall with a steal for 2, a turnover leads to a nice behind the back pass from Roosevelt Scott to Estan Tyler for a 3 point play. 3 straight turnovers = 3 straight Marshall layups and then after another Knights turnover, he nails a 3. Harding having a hard time just getting the ball into the front court. After another turnover, Quashingm Smith with a putback. Then Marcel West with an easy drive for a bucket. 21-0 is the Johnson run over 4:35 for a 24-3 lead. Scott to Chris Smith-Bond for layup, Marshall with a jumper, Tyler with a layup and a jumper, 38-10. Anthony Lee for 3 to beat the halftime buzzer and that puts Johnson up 51-18 at the half. 2nd half is unwatchable, Johnson wins 76-37.
Post Game
Estan Tyler leads Johnson with 22 points. Marcus Marshall with 11 of his 15 points in the first half. Roosevelt Scott only 6 points but I had him for 3 first half assists. Johnson now 11-2 and still undefeated against Minnesota opponents. They host Superior in the East Metro Showcase Friday night. Johnathin Hall with 12 points to lead Harding. Harding falls to 5-8. They have a quiet stretch in the schedule now as they don't play against until Tuesday at Humboldt.
Orioles shock Falcons
Prologue
Its my 1st trip to Armstrong and a worthy one it is. #2AAAA Osseo comes to town with both teams 11-1 and tied (with Blaine) on top of the NW Suburban standings. I was too impatient to wait for the pork sandwich and that was a mistake as the pizza was a touch greasy for me. Interesting setup with the gym split in 2 not just for the freshman A and B games but also for the 2nd session of JV and Sophs (similar to what Osseo does). JV's get the short side away from the camera so the sophs get on video. Good college crowd with Concordia (St. Paul and Moorhead) and Valley City State in attendance. As to music, let's go with this for a bit of foreshadowing.
Song of the Day
The Four Season - Oh What A Night
Game Time
Armstrong with 3 3s in the 1st 3 minutes for an 11-5 lead. Terez Van Pelt with a 3 point play for his 5 point of the night. 11-10 Armstrong at the 13:33 mark. Then KJ Bluford with a pair of buckets to start a 10-0 Armstrong run. Then he has a sick crossover and goes glass. Then its Marquel Curtis. Bluford to him for a lob dunk, a steal for 2, a free throw and a turnover for 2 more on a strong move. 7 in a row from Curtis pushes the lead 30-14 at the 5:39 mark. He nails a 3 in the last minute. 35-21 Armstrong at halftime.
Armstrong starts strong in the 2nd half. Mike Willman with a layup and a 3 point play around a Bluford 3. Then Levi Abercrombie with a steal and he dunks at 15:43. 45-23 Armstrong and Osseo needs a timeout. And out of the timeout they respond thanks to Joey Sonnenfeld. He has a putback and the foul, a layup, then he misses a bunny that he puts back and a steal for a big jam. Then KJ Bluford with a charge for his 4th foul. Armstrong needs their 2nd time out of the run. 48-40 Armstrong with 9:31 left. Marquel Curtis carrying the Falcons as he goes backdoor for 2 FTs and drives and then a layup at 7:05, 54-44 Armstrong. Then Terez Van Pelt brings Osseo back with a 12-0 run. He scores a layup, then a forced shot gets him 2 free throws and then he nails back to back 3s vs a 3-2 zone. 56-54 Osseo with 2:43 left after a 33-9 run over 13 minutes. Curtis with a tip and the foul, Van Pelt to Ian Theisen for a layup and KJ Bluford a putback. 59-58 Armstrong with 1:22 left. Van Pelt misses and Osseo gets it back and takes a timeout with 45.8 left. Van Pelt drives with 25 seconds left no good, rebound no good, Theisen has a chance and leaves a rebound short. After those 3 chances to lead, Bluford grabs the miss and makes 2 FTs with 11.5 left. Out of a Armstrong timeout, Osseo finds soph Bridge Tusler on the left wing for 3, but he doesn't want the shot. Back to Van Pelt who throws it right back to Tusler in the left corner. As time runs out, Tusler throws up a contested fadeaway 3 and ITS GOOD! 61 all and we'll play overtime
The Osseo fans on their feet as we start the overtime. Theisen rejects Curtis twice on the opening possession. Scoring hard to come by in the OT. Bluford fouls out and Tusler misses both. Finally a drive to the hoop, rebound is loose and Osseo throws it in and it ends up in soph Konner Goettsche's hands for a layup with 1:30 left. 64-61 Armstrong. Osseo with a sloppy pass and they're on the sideline with no pressure for a turnover. But Abercrombie walks with 49.5 left to give the ball back as it looked like Osseo was trying to find the right guy to foul. Osseo goes pick and pop and Van Pelt finds Sonnenfeld from the same left corner with 33 seconds left. Willman gets a good look from Curtis who was doubled but its no good and we'll play a 2nd overtime.
66-65 Armstrong with 2:31 left when Curtis spins for a layup but its called a walk, very questionable. After an Osseo miss, Curtis misses a baseline fadeaway with 1:30 left. Van Pelt with 2 free throws and then Sonnenfeld with a steal for 1 free throw. The 2nd one is missed and Osseo grabs it and takes time. Absolute killer. 68-66 Osseo with the ball and exactly 1 minute left. Van Pelt makes a great acrobatic play on the inbounds in the backcourt just to save possession. After the teams trade points, Van Pelt makes 1 of 2 with 5.3 left. Curtis can't get a decent look to go and Osseo comes from 22 down with 15:43 to go to win 73-70 in double overtime. WOW!
Post Game
Take a deep breath, whew. Marquel Curtis leads Armstrong with 28 points and 10 rebounds on 9-18 shooting. KJ Bluford cooled off in the 2nd half but still finished with 17 points and a pair of triples. Levi Abercrombie 11 points. Armstrong falls to 11-2 and 4th in the NW Suburban (tiebreaker applied). They are at Coon Rapids on Friday.
For Osseo, they improve to 12-1 and have Centennial and Hopkins (Breakdown tipoff classic) coming up yet this week. Joey Sonnenfeld comes up huge with 17 of his 28 in the 2nd half and overtimes, all while having to guard Marquel Curtis too. While the rest of the roster was passive for a large chunk of the night, his intensity showed all game. Terez Van Pelt was quiet in the first half he was a monster with 10 points in the 12-0 run that gave Osseo the lead for the 1st time in the 2nd half. 16 of his 22 points in the 2nd half. While he was the catalyst, he would have been out of control last year, but wasn't in this one. Nice to see him developing into a nice prospect. Frosh Ian Thiesen split time in the middle with Will Johnson and had 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks on my sheet. Would have liked to see Osseo take even more advantage of their inside play in this one.
Its my 1st trip to Armstrong and a worthy one it is. #2AAAA Osseo comes to town with both teams 11-1 and tied (with Blaine) on top of the NW Suburban standings. I was too impatient to wait for the pork sandwich and that was a mistake as the pizza was a touch greasy for me. Interesting setup with the gym split in 2 not just for the freshman A and B games but also for the 2nd session of JV and Sophs (similar to what Osseo does). JV's get the short side away from the camera so the sophs get on video. Good college crowd with Concordia (St. Paul and Moorhead) and Valley City State in attendance. As to music, let's go with this for a bit of foreshadowing.
Song of the Day
The Four Season - Oh What A Night
Game Time
Armstrong with 3 3s in the 1st 3 minutes for an 11-5 lead. Terez Van Pelt with a 3 point play for his 5 point of the night. 11-10 Armstrong at the 13:33 mark. Then KJ Bluford with a pair of buckets to start a 10-0 Armstrong run. Then he has a sick crossover and goes glass. Then its Marquel Curtis. Bluford to him for a lob dunk, a steal for 2, a free throw and a turnover for 2 more on a strong move. 7 in a row from Curtis pushes the lead 30-14 at the 5:39 mark. He nails a 3 in the last minute. 35-21 Armstrong at halftime.
Armstrong starts strong in the 2nd half. Mike Willman with a layup and a 3 point play around a Bluford 3. Then Levi Abercrombie with a steal and he dunks at 15:43. 45-23 Armstrong and Osseo needs a timeout. And out of the timeout they respond thanks to Joey Sonnenfeld. He has a putback and the foul, a layup, then he misses a bunny that he puts back and a steal for a big jam. Then KJ Bluford with a charge for his 4th foul. Armstrong needs their 2nd time out of the run. 48-40 Armstrong with 9:31 left. Marquel Curtis carrying the Falcons as he goes backdoor for 2 FTs and drives and then a layup at 7:05, 54-44 Armstrong. Then Terez Van Pelt brings Osseo back with a 12-0 run. He scores a layup, then a forced shot gets him 2 free throws and then he nails back to back 3s vs a 3-2 zone. 56-54 Osseo with 2:43 left after a 33-9 run over 13 minutes. Curtis with a tip and the foul, Van Pelt to Ian Theisen for a layup and KJ Bluford a putback. 59-58 Armstrong with 1:22 left. Van Pelt misses and Osseo gets it back and takes a timeout with 45.8 left. Van Pelt drives with 25 seconds left no good, rebound no good, Theisen has a chance and leaves a rebound short. After those 3 chances to lead, Bluford grabs the miss and makes 2 FTs with 11.5 left. Out of a Armstrong timeout, Osseo finds soph Bridge Tusler on the left wing for 3, but he doesn't want the shot. Back to Van Pelt who throws it right back to Tusler in the left corner. As time runs out, Tusler throws up a contested fadeaway 3 and ITS GOOD! 61 all and we'll play overtime
The Osseo fans on their feet as we start the overtime. Theisen rejects Curtis twice on the opening possession. Scoring hard to come by in the OT. Bluford fouls out and Tusler misses both. Finally a drive to the hoop, rebound is loose and Osseo throws it in and it ends up in soph Konner Goettsche's hands for a layup with 1:30 left. 64-61 Armstrong. Osseo with a sloppy pass and they're on the sideline with no pressure for a turnover. But Abercrombie walks with 49.5 left to give the ball back as it looked like Osseo was trying to find the right guy to foul. Osseo goes pick and pop and Van Pelt finds Sonnenfeld from the same left corner with 33 seconds left. Willman gets a good look from Curtis who was doubled but its no good and we'll play a 2nd overtime.
66-65 Armstrong with 2:31 left when Curtis spins for a layup but its called a walk, very questionable. After an Osseo miss, Curtis misses a baseline fadeaway with 1:30 left. Van Pelt with 2 free throws and then Sonnenfeld with a steal for 1 free throw. The 2nd one is missed and Osseo grabs it and takes time. Absolute killer. 68-66 Osseo with the ball and exactly 1 minute left. Van Pelt makes a great acrobatic play on the inbounds in the backcourt just to save possession. After the teams trade points, Van Pelt makes 1 of 2 with 5.3 left. Curtis can't get a decent look to go and Osseo comes from 22 down with 15:43 to go to win 73-70 in double overtime. WOW!
Post Game
Take a deep breath, whew. Marquel Curtis leads Armstrong with 28 points and 10 rebounds on 9-18 shooting. KJ Bluford cooled off in the 2nd half but still finished with 17 points and a pair of triples. Levi Abercrombie 11 points. Armstrong falls to 11-2 and 4th in the NW Suburban (tiebreaker applied). They are at Coon Rapids on Friday.
For Osseo, they improve to 12-1 and have Centennial and Hopkins (Breakdown tipoff classic) coming up yet this week. Joey Sonnenfeld comes up huge with 17 of his 28 in the 2nd half and overtimes, all while having to guard Marquel Curtis too. While the rest of the roster was passive for a large chunk of the night, his intensity showed all game. Terez Van Pelt was quiet in the first half he was a monster with 10 points in the 12-0 run that gave Osseo the lead for the 1st time in the 2nd half. 16 of his 22 points in the 2nd half. While he was the catalyst, he would have been out of control last year, but wasn't in this one. Nice to see him developing into a nice prospect. Frosh Ian Thiesen split time in the middle with Will Johnson and had 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks on my sheet. Would have liked to see Osseo take even more advantage of their inside play in this one.
MTS trounces Tonka
Prologue
The MTS gym was under water and needs the floor totally replaced. They hope to be back home on February 1st against Cooper. So tonight's "home" game against Minnetonka gets moved to Roosevelt. Standard concessions and while my waistline didn't need the hot dog I went back for it anyway. Great upselling by the kids working. Good enought that they could almost convince people that the ketchup and napkins cost extra. The always entertaining (and earsplitting) MTS drum line and step crew makes an appearance as well. Considering the shooting despair that Minnetonka is going through right now (and tonight's result), this song seemed appropriate.
Song of the Day
Eiffel65 - Blue
Game Time
Rodney Owens for 3 and then runs for a layup. 7-0 MTS just 1:31 into the game and Tonka needs a timeout. KyleNoreen with 5 in a row and its 12-0 MTS at 15:10. Then he catches and squares from 30 feet for nothing but net. Matt Lanier for 3. Owens a drive and sweet assist for a layup and another pass to Noreen for a free throw. Owens with a inbounds layup, breakaway dunk and a breakaway layup. 29-11 MTS with 6:58 left in the 1st half and its another Tonka timeout. Owens keeps it going with 2 freebies and a jumper and a 3 point play. He's in on 18 straight MTS points. Lanier with another 3. Owens with 4 more to end the half. 46-23 MTS at the break. Owens in the post for 2 more, Noreen from 25 feet for all net. Noreen to Owens for another 3. 63-30 MTS with 8:45 left, Owens and Noreen depart with 7:53 left in a blowout. MTS goes onto win 77-51.
Post Game
Rodney Owens leads MTS with 32 points and 8 rebounds on my sheet. 3 3s for him. Kyle Noreen with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and possibly 8 assists (I was counting those very loosely just to see). He also made 3 treys. The official book and I have a Noreen/Owens bucket swapped. Add in a pair from Matt Lanier and the Wolves were hot. Minnetonka was not as they continue to struggle with their shooting. 1 bright spot was a brief spurt late in the 1st half thanks to a pair of quick jumpers from Andrew Grosz and an assist for a Latzke 3. Minnetonka gets 12 guys in the book with Tommy McDermott's 9 points leading the way. MTS is now 7-2 and will play Delafield St. John's Military Academy of Wisconsin in the 1st game of the East Metro Showcase on Friday. That's followed up with a matchup against Duluth East at the Tipoff Classic on Saturday afternoon. A rough stretch continues for Minnetonka as they host Lakeville South Saturday night in the Tipoff Classic then visit Tartan next Thursday.
The MTS gym was under water and needs the floor totally replaced. They hope to be back home on February 1st against Cooper. So tonight's "home" game against Minnetonka gets moved to Roosevelt. Standard concessions and while my waistline didn't need the hot dog I went back for it anyway. Great upselling by the kids working. Good enought that they could almost convince people that the ketchup and napkins cost extra. The always entertaining (and earsplitting) MTS drum line and step crew makes an appearance as well. Considering the shooting despair that Minnetonka is going through right now (and tonight's result), this song seemed appropriate.
Song of the Day
Eiffel65 - Blue
Game Time
Rodney Owens for 3 and then runs for a layup. 7-0 MTS just 1:31 into the game and Tonka needs a timeout. KyleNoreen with 5 in a row and its 12-0 MTS at 15:10. Then he catches and squares from 30 feet for nothing but net. Matt Lanier for 3. Owens a drive and sweet assist for a layup and another pass to Noreen for a free throw. Owens with a inbounds layup, breakaway dunk and a breakaway layup. 29-11 MTS with 6:58 left in the 1st half and its another Tonka timeout. Owens keeps it going with 2 freebies and a jumper and a 3 point play. He's in on 18 straight MTS points. Lanier with another 3. Owens with 4 more to end the half. 46-23 MTS at the break. Owens in the post for 2 more, Noreen from 25 feet for all net. Noreen to Owens for another 3. 63-30 MTS with 8:45 left, Owens and Noreen depart with 7:53 left in a blowout. MTS goes onto win 77-51.
Post Game
Rodney Owens leads MTS with 32 points and 8 rebounds on my sheet. 3 3s for him. Kyle Noreen with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and possibly 8 assists (I was counting those very loosely just to see). He also made 3 treys. The official book and I have a Noreen/Owens bucket swapped. Add in a pair from Matt Lanier and the Wolves were hot. Minnetonka was not as they continue to struggle with their shooting. 1 bright spot was a brief spurt late in the 1st half thanks to a pair of quick jumpers from Andrew Grosz and an assist for a Latzke 3. Minnetonka gets 12 guys in the book with Tommy McDermott's 9 points leading the way. MTS is now 7-2 and will play Delafield St. John's Military Academy of Wisconsin in the 1st game of the East Metro Showcase on Friday. That's followed up with a matchup against Duluth East at the Tipoff Classic on Saturday afternoon. A rough stretch continues for Minnetonka as they host Lakeville South Saturday night in the Tipoff Classic then visit Tartan next Thursday.
2010-11 CzarPI, January 16, 2011
Here is the 5th edition of the CzarPI for the 2010-2011 season (see CzarPI Explained here). It includes games through January 15th, 2011. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class
Class AAAA
Class AAAA
- Osseo - 61.65 (16)
- Moorhead - 60.64 (40)
- Hopkins - 59.81 (45)
- Wayzata - 58.82 (28)
- Eden Prairie - 58.33 (18)
- Robbinsdale Armstrong - 58.29 (39)
- Chaska - 57.28 (27)
- Owatonna - 56.98 (51)
- Eastview - 55.87 (54)
- Burnsville - 55.74 (13)
- Tartan - 55.62 (59)
- White Bear Lake - 54.77 (15)
- Maple Grove - 54.66 (25)
- Lakeville South - 54.07 (38)
- Edina - 53.75 (48)
- Champlin Park - 53.51 (46)
- Cretin-Derham Hall - 53.44 (30)
- Forest Lake - 53.16 (47)
- Roseville - 52.69 (52)
- Duluth East - 51.98 (24)
- St. Louis Park - 51.22 (5)
- Blaine - 51.02 (26)
- Spring Lake Park - 50.87 (17)
- St. Michael-Albertville - 50.73 (33)
- Eagan - 50.62 (62)
- Stillwater Area - 49.67 (53)
- Cambridge-Isanti - 49.64 (44)
- Shakopee - 49.51 (7)
- Irondale - 49.39 (37)
- Buffalo - 48.52 (61)
- Rochester Century - 48.34 (60)
- Alexandria - 47.85 (20)
- Apple Valley - 47.74 (14)
- Robbinsdale Cooper - 47.62 (29)
- Duluth Central - 47.48 (65)
- East Ridge - 47 (64)
- Anoka - 47 (34)
- Bloomington Kennedy - 44.94 (56)
- Prior Lake - 44.64 (9)
- Andover - 44.42 (12)
- Chanhassen - 44.22 (32)
- Minneapolis North - 43.23 (31)
- North St. Paul - 42.24 (35)
- Lakeville North - 41.98 (1)
- Bloomington Jefferson - 41 (21)
- St. Cloud Tech - 40.2 (49)
- Minnetonka - 40.18 (8)
- Mounds View - 39.18 (19)
- Minneapolis South - 39.06 (23)
- Rosemount - 38.6 (43)
- Elk River - 38.51 (50)
- Henry Sibley - 37.56 (11)
- St. Francis - 36.39 (42)
- Rochester Mayo - 36.13 (22)
- Centennial - 33.99 (6)
- Woodbury - 33.83 (58)
- Park Center - 33.66 (10)
- Minneapolis Southwest - 29.8 (57)
- Brainerd - 29.29 (3)
- Farmington - 29.18 (63)
- Rochester John Marshall - 28.56 (41)
- Northfield - 28.2 (2)
- Park of Cottage Grove - 24.16 (55)
- Coon Rapids - 0 (4)
- Hastings - 0 (36)
- St. Paul Johnson - 60.4 (23)
- Hutchinson - 56.63 (3)
- Orono - 56.44 (14)
- Minneapolis Washburn - 56.22 (20)
- St. Cloud Apollo - 55.98 (19)
- Marshall - 55.94 (1)
- Delano - 55.75 (32)
- Detroit Lakes - 54.81 (39)
- Totino-Grace - 54.64 (13)
- Benilde-St. Margaret's - 54.54 (10)
- Little Falls - 54.53 (7)
- Bemidji - 54.41 (46)
- Waconia - 54.2 (8)
- DeLaSalle - 54.1 (49)
- Hill-Murray - 53.64 (4)
- Columbia Heights - 53.43 (37)
- New Prague - 52.56 (24)
- Annandale - 52.05 (5)
- Rogers - 51.58 (21)
- Holy Family Catholic - 51.33 (47)
- Richfield - 51.13 (54)
- Willmar - 51.05 (31)
- Winona - 50.85 (25)
- St. Anthony Village - 50.52 (53)
- St. Thomas Academy - 50.08 (44)
- Big Lake - 49.52 (42)
- Rocori - 49.08 (48)
- St. Paul Como Park - 48.66 (35)
- Grand Rapids - 48.29 (30)
- Worthington - 47.91 (33)
- Hermantown - 47.78 (58)
- Mound-Westonka - 47.28 (52)
- Red Wing - 47 (60)
- Mahtomedi - 46.75 (34)
- Austin - 45.83 (36)
- St. Paul Central - 45.78 (6)
- St. Paul Highland Park - 45.49 (50)
- Mankato East - 45.47 (15)
- Monticello - 45.19 (2)
- Minneapolis Henry - 44.11 (28)
- Hibbing - 43.94 (51)
- Holy Angels - 42.82 (11)
- Chisago Lakes Area - 42.64 (45)
- Fergus Falls - 40.92 (16)
- Albert Lea - 40.53 (12)
- St. Paul Harding - 39.88 (59)
- Fridley - 38.79 (29)
- Faribault - 36.44 (38)
- Mankato West - 36.26 (41)
- Sartell-St. Stephen - 36.11 (27)
- North Branch - 34.13 (43)
- New Ulm - 32.62 (9)
- Simley - 32.17 (56)
- Cloquet - 30.34 (22)
- Waseca - 30.16 (26)
- Dassel-Cokato - 29.92 (17)
- Princeton - 28.58 (55)
- Becker - 28.04 (40)
- South St. Paul - 20.63 (57)
- Sauk Rapids-Rice - 0 (18)
- Esko - 60.21 (43)
- Perham - 60.02 (47)
- Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 58.72 (74)
- Windom Area - 58.06 (42)
- Moose Lake-Willow River - 58.02 (21)
- Montevideo - 57.62 (93)
- Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 57.37 (98)
- Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 56.74 (109)
- Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 56.62 (75)
- Redwood Valley - 55.01 (35)
- Minnewaska Area - 54.93 (99)
- Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 54.8 (97)
- Caledonia - 54.7 (111)
- Deer River - 53.53 (71)
- Zimmerman - 53.5 (61)
- Glencoe-Silver Lake - 53.17 (15)
- Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 53.15 (62)
- Thief River Falls - 53.12 (7)
- Bagley - 52.91 (117)
- Kasson-Mantorville - 52.83 (115)
- Mayer Lutheran - 52.82 (72)
- Rochester Lourdes - 52.63 (45)
- Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 52.58 (87)
- Stewartville - 52.5 (81)
- Braham - 52.48 (119)
- Maple River - 52.35 (116)
- New London-Spicer - 52 (19)
- Pequot Lakes - 51.4 (53)
- Murray County Central - 51.35 (48)
- Hawley - 51.17 (10)
- Byron - 51.02 (112)
- Pelican Rapids - 51.02 (28)
- United South Central - 51.01 (50)
- Concordia Academy-Roseville - 50.93 (88)
- Jackson County Central - 50.9 (29)
- Hayfield - 50.25 (110)
- International Falls - 50.01 (124)
- Watertown-Mayer - 49.78 (16)
- Crookston - 49.62 (14)
- Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 49.33 (104)
- Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 48.76 (46)
- Kenyon-Wanamingo - 48.38 (91)
- Litchfield - 48.18 (33)
- St. Peter - 48.16 (64)
- Blake - 48.13 (49)
- East Grand Forks - 48.09 (59)
- Kimball Area - 47.95 (20)
- Pierz - 47.74 (24)
- Virginia - 47.56 (69)
- Maple Lake - 47.56 (101)
- St. Croix Lutheran - 47.54 (79)
- La Crescent - 47.22 (60)
- Albany - 46.51 (123)
- St. Cloud Cathedral - 46.49 (57)
- Trinity School - 46.31 (105)
- Lake City - 46.29 (11)
- St. Charles - 44.67 (68)
- Crosby-Ironton - 44.65 (23)
- Sauk Centre - 44.46 (108)
- Fairmont - 44.43 (8)
- Kingsland - 44.38 (25)
- Southland - 44.25 (92)
- Minnehaha Academy - 44.2 (66)
- Jordan - 43.75 (122)
- Wadena-Deer Creek - 42.87 (73)
- Providence Academy - 42.55 (121)
- Sibley East - 42.46 (82)
- Rush City - 42.4 (85)
- Belle Plaine - 42.34 (83)
- Warroad - 42.19 (95)
- Lac qui Parle Valley - 42.06 (63)
- Norwood-Young America - 41.64 (12)
- Martin County West - 41.38 (113)
- Melrose - 41.13 (67)
- New Richland-H-E-G - 40.69 (27)
- Breckenridge - 40.65 (36)
- West Central Area - 40.3 (51)
- Lewiston-Altura - 40.01 (58)
- Legacy Christian - 39.66 (78)
- Great River - 38.99 (126)
- Mora - 38.48 (13)
- Montgomery-Lonsdale - 37.77 (89)
- St. John's Prep - 37.64 (106)
- Pine City - 37.52 (38)
- Breck - 37.51 (96)
- Benson - 37.47 (34)
- LeSueur-Henderson - 36.92 (32)
- Red Lake - 36.81 (52)
- Pipestone Area - 36.72 (18)
- Roseau - 36.4 (118)
- Pine Island - 36.11 (41)
- Minneapolis Roosevelt - 36.06 (90)
- Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 35.83 (44)
- Triton - 35.64 (120)
- Foley - 35.38 (102)
- Rockford - 35.36 (56)
- Luverne - 35.31 (37)
- Cannon Falls - 35.25 (26)
- Duluth Marshall - 35.24 (76)
- Eden Valley-Watkins - 35.21 (100)
- Winona Cotter - 34.79 (114)
- Holdingford - 34.44 (103)
- Yellow Medicine East - 34.44 (5)
- Dover-Eyota - 34.18 (65)
- BOLD - 33.84 (77)
- St. Paul Academy - 33.71 (107)
- Aitkin - 33.06 (39)
- Chatfield - 32.98 (54)
- International School of MN - 31.57 (127)
- St. James - 31.57 (31)
- Osakis - 30.86 (4)
- Proctor - 30.4 (94)
- Milaca - 28.08 (40)
- Blue Earth Area - 27.99 (55)
- Hinckley-Finlayson - 27.89 (30)
- Minneapolis Edison - 27.16 (125)
- Brooklyn Center - 25.58 (70)
- Staples-Motley - 24.3 (3)
- Frazee - 22.17 (22)
- Park Rapids Area - 20.87 (17)
- Mounds Park Academy - 20.57 (84)
- Greenway - 19.33 (6)
- Eveleth-Gilbert - 19.02 (86)
- Paynesville Area - 0 (1)
- Two Harbors - 0 (2)
- Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 0 (9)
- Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 0 (80)
- Sebeka - 58.48 (63)
- Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 57.32 (93)
- Ellsworth - 56.55 (34)
- Springfield - 55.96 (116)
- Upsala - 55.52 (40)
- Southwest MN Christian - 55.33 (123)
- Orr - 55.07 (33)
- Ada-Borup - 54.79 (97)
- Maranatha Christian - 54.7 (100)
- Ulen-Hitterdal - 54.07 (42)
- Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 54.04 (16)
- Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 53.65 (119)
- Ely - 53.33 (143)
- Sleepy Eye - 52.5 (53)
- Battle Lake - 52.16 (149)
- Hills-Beaver Creek - 52.06 (27)
- Glenville-Emmons - 51.35 (157)
- MACCRAY - 51.29 (83)
- Eagle Valley - 50.81 (60)
- Mankato Loyola - 50.72 (55)
- Minnesota Transitions Charter - 50.63 (43)
- Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 50.63 (81)
- Cass Lake-Bena - 50.63 (121)
- Lakeview Christian - 50.6 (160)
- East Central - 50.49 (96)
- McGregor - 50.33 (107)
- Rushford-Peterson - 50.29 (67)
- Mt. Lake/Butterfield-Odin - 49.46 (44)
- Barnesville - 49.45 (49)
- Bertha-Hewitt - 49.36 (79)
- Nevis - 48.94 (92)
- Prairie Seeds Academy - 48.89 (103)
- Cook County - 48.68 (19)
- Fosston - 48.44 (75)
- Bigfork - 48.27 (110)
- Brandon-Evansville - 48.14 (128)
- Goodhue - 48.13 (148)
- Stephen-Argyle - 47.68 (102)
- Truman - 47.67 (106)
- Northern Freeze - 47.32 (95)
- Browerville - 47.2 (144)
- Chisholm - 47.02 (147)
- Barnum - 46.99 (152)
- New York Mills - 46.84 (22)
- FAIR Downtown - 46.66 (136)
- Bethany Academy - 46.25 (28)
- Heritage Christian - 46.22 (101)
- Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 46.2 (72)
- Hill City - 45.64 (6)
- Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 45.6 (25)
- Spring Grove - 45.26 (118)
- Blackduck - 45.18 (111)
- Floodwood - 45.17 (14)
- Houston - 45.13 (163)
- Southwest Star Concept - 45.09 (114)
- Isle - 44.98 (120)
- Norman County East - 44.78 (91)
- Mahnomen - 44.59 (104)
- Round Lake-Brewster - 44.46 (68)
- Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 44.41 (18)
- Bethlehem Academy - 44.39 (105)
- Kittson County Central - 44.39 (66)
- New Ulm Cathedral - 44.01 (73)
- Pine River-Backus - 43.93 (30)
- Red Lake County - 43.88 (153)
- Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 43.64 (142)
- Fulda - 43.59 (13)
- Littlefork-Big Falls - 43.38 (51)
- Minneota - 43.29 (125)
- AlBrook/Cotton - 43.23 (139)
- St. Clair - 43.02 (65)
- Henning - 42.97 (127)
- West Lutheran - 42.91 (150)
- Cherry - 42.64 (88)
- Nashwauk-Keewatin - 42.59 (87)
- Academy for Sciences & Ag - 42.52 (165)
- St. Paul Humboldt - 42.47 (78)
- Silver Bay - 42.45 (20)
- Clearbrook-Gonvick - 42.3 (109)
- St. Agnes - 41.73 (37)
- Granada-Huntley-East Chain - 41.43 (89)
- Dawson-Boyd - 41.36 (135)
- Lanesboro - 41.05 (145)
- Goodridge-Grygla - 40.86 (47)
- Tower-Soudan - 40.54 (54)
- Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 40.22 (26)
- Nicollet - 40.18 (98)
- Ashby - 40.17 (80)
- Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 39.58 (57)
- Carlton - 38.88 (5)
- Southwest Christian - 38.8 (90)
- Menahga - 38.78 (61)
- Lincoln HI - 38.35 (64)
- Community of Peace Academy - 37.74 (168)
- Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 37.37 (21)
- Blooming Prairie - 36.88 (38)
- Edgerton - 35.45 (10)
- Randolph - 35.3 (86)
- Cromwell - 34.88 (62)
- Onamia - 34.84 (74)
- PACT Charter - 34.8 (70)
- Kelliher/Northome - 34.58 (141)
- LeRoy-Ostrander - 34.44 (129)
- Win-E-Mac - 34.32 (32)
- Canby - 34.31 (50)
- Fillmore Central - 34.19 (41)
- Cook - 33.93 (8)
- Royalton - 33.69 (23)
- Four Directions Charter - 33.5 (154)
- Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 33.48 (59)
- Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 33.44 (46)
- Wabasha-Kellogg - 32.71 (82)
- Hope Lutheran - 32.69 (124)
- Le Center - 32.66 (56)
- Alden-Conger - 32.62 (159)
- Central MN Christian - 31.86 (112)
- Medford - 31.72 (122)
- Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 31.68 (35)
- New Life Academy - 31.59 (12)
- Mesabi East - 31.15 (126)
- Mabel-Canton - 31 (158)
- Mountain Iron-Buhl - 30.94 (85)
- Fertile-Beltrami - 30.75 (52)
- Lake Park-Audubon - 30.64 (140)
- Parkers Prairie - 30.01 (58)
- Liberty Classical Academy - 29.99 (166)
- Calvin Christian - 29.33 (164)
- Ortonville - 28.56 (115)
- Lakeview - 27.73 (71)
- Madelia - 27.58 (94)
- Red Rock Central - 27.25 (9)
- Verndale - 27.09 (4)
- Park Christian - 27.06 (137)
- CHOF - 26.87 (45)
- Grand Meadow - 26.51 (108)
- Cannon Valley Lutheran - 26.41 (162)
- Adrian - 26.31 (11)
- Sacred Heart - 25.93 (77)
- MN Academy for the Deaf - 25.22 (167)
- Cleveland - 24.66 (132)
- Lake of the Woods - 24.59 (134)
- Wabasso - 24.36 (69)
- Babbitt-Embarrass - 24.09 (29)
- Mesabi Academy - 0 (1)
- Pillager - 0 (2)
- Wrenshall - 0 (3)
- Martin Luther - 0 (7)
- Ogilvie - 0 (15)
- Waubun - 0 (17)
- Climax/Fisher - 0 (24)
- Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig - 0 (31)
- Hancock - 0 (36)
- Rothsay - 0 (39)
- Schaeffer Academy - 0 (48)
- E.C.H.O. Charter - 0 (76)
- Renville County West - 0 (84)
- Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 0 (99)
- Norman County West - 0 (113)
- North Lakes Academy - 0 (117)
- Swanville - 0 (130)
- Learning for Leadership - 0 (131)
- Northland - 0 (133)
- Hmong Academy - 0 (138)
- Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 0 (146)
- Underwood - 0 (151)
- Spectrum - 0 (155)
- St. Paul Prep - 0 (156)
- Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 0 (169)
- Metro Deaf School - 0 (161)
- Math & Science Academy - 0 (170)