Govs reclaim Twin Cities Crown

Prologue
Its the final Saturday of the regular season and that means its time for the annual Twin Cities Series.  This year its Minneapolis hosting and Minneapolis Southwest gets the honor.  Its their 2nd appearance in the game and their 1st since 1983.  St. Paul Johnson making their 5th straight appearance in the game.  They're 0-3 vs Washburn during that span but they beat North back in 2010.  A nice small slice of 3 meat pizza to go along with 20 oz of Coke on the concessions menu.   UW-Platteville, Dakota County, Itasca and Hibbing CC all taking in the game.

The Lower Level Championships
In the freshman championship game, Southwest hosted Central.  Southwest opens a 15 point first half lead that Central cuts to 10 at half.  But Southwest keeps it double digits for a 67-52 win.  Southwest with 10 players scoring including 3 with 11 each and another with 3 3s for 9.  Great balance for the Lakers.  Abdikalak Muse with 16 points for Central to lead all scorers.

In the JV game, Central took on Washburn.  Central opened this one up fairly quick and was never really challenged.  32-17 Minutemen at half and they go on to win 51-26.  Central freshman lefty Sam Gubbrud with 3 triples and 17 points to lead Central.  Varsity reserve Kalu Abosi also a major factor inside.

Game Time
The drama went out of the building right from the opening tip.  Johnson scores the 1st 8 of the game off of 4 Southwest turnovers.  Southwest takes a timeout just 1:35 into the game.  That doesn't help much as the turnovers keep coming.  Kantrelle Kirk 3 hoops and a Peirre Conwell putback.  23-3 Johnson 6 minutes in and Southwest needs another timeout.  Cam Ross trying to keep the Lakers close as he knocks down a pair of 3s.  27-18 Johnson at the 8:42 mark.  37-25 Govs inside of 5 minutes left in the half when they bust it open for good.  Conwell back to back buckets, Jalen Mobley for 3, Conwell 2 freebies, Quashingm Smith-Pugh with a steal for a dunk. Conwell and Mobley add buckets to finish a 15-2 run.  52-27 Johnson at the 2:15 mark.  57-34 Johnson at half.  The lead hovers around that until we get running time for the last 4 minutes.  Johnson wins 99-72.  Peirre Conwell with 16 of his 28 in the 1st half.  Quashingm Smith-Pugh chips in with 21.  Demetrius Cady leads Southwest with 20.  Southwest opens the playoffs at Minnetonka on Tuesday.  Johnson will host South St. Paul on Friday.