Osseo wins big Northwest Suburban battle

Prologue
My week of critical conference matchups continues with a trip to Osseo to see the #4AAAA Orioles host #3AAAA Champlin Park.  Champlin Park won the 1st meeting by 3 and brought a 16 game winning streak.  Osseo trying to get within a game in the conference standings.  Fun student section on hand.  Doug Erlien from Fox Preps working the public address.  Tim Leighton, Josh Thurow (Minnehaha girls coach) and angry Sparty Leno are your officials.  Osseo without Ian Theisen again and according to Ken Lien (Mr Basketball chairman) its possible he's done for the year.
 
Song of the Day
Back in Black - AC/DC

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 980 ounces  (90 games, 71 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite 
• 12 oz 7 Up
• 140 oz Red Powerade
• 120 oz Red Gatorade
• 444 oz Pepsi
• 152 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game Time
Northern St recruit Ian Smith with 7 straight points for Champlin Park and an assist for a 3.  Wheeler Baker countering with a layup and then takes a lob on the break and stuffs that home.  14-10 Champlin Park at 13:35.  Jordan Dembley for 3 and then a post bucket.  Baker 2 buckets in an 8-0 Osseo run for a 21-17 lead at 10:30.  Frosh McKinleyWright with a nice scoop for Champlin Park along with a pair of Brennan Witt post ups.  27 all at the 5:40 mark.  Osseo would spurt away for the rest of the half.  Dembley a crazy tough bucket, Baker runs for a layup and scores inside.  A pair of 3 point plays from the bigs Pastrano and Roberson and Allen Anderson from deep at the halftime buzzer.  Its a 19-6 run over the last 5:30 of the half.  46-33 Osseo at halftime.  JT Gibson 11 points for Champlin.  Baker with 14, Dembley 13 for Osseo.

Osseo continues to expand the lead.  Dembley coast to coast, Baker for 3, Dembley with a sweet slip of a flare screen for a layup.  That pushes the lead to 56-38 with 14:18 left.  Dembley posts for 2 and Baker with a steal for 2 free throws.  Dembley on the offensive glass for 2 free throws and a nice Baker fadeaway in the lane for 2 more.  66-41 Osseo in control with 11:10 to play.  Its a 15-3 run to blow the game open.

Champlin Park too good to not have a run in them and they do have one.  Witt with a reverse layup, Alex Hilley for 2 and a 3.  Wright spins for 2, Alec Leabo with a right wing 3, Jeremy Johnson runs for a layup and Witt another reverse to conclude an 18-1 Rebels run.  Hold the phone as the Osseo lead is down to 67-59 with 5 minutes left.  Osseo hanging on as they go 8 minutes without a field goal.  Elliot Kane with a layup to break that streak and then a strong hang and bang 3 point play from Baker after Champlin Park misses a front end.  The lead is back to 14 and Osseo is out of danger.  Osseo wins 83-74.

Post Game
Champlin Park falls to 17-2, 12-1 in the NW Suburban.  They still lead the league by 1 game in the loss column.  Brennan Witt with 18 of his 24 in the 2nd half.  JT Gibson all 11 of his points in the 1st half.  He had a couple of good looks at 3s when the lead was 8 that didn't fall.  Ian Smith 12 points.   Next big game for the Rebels will likely be the section final as they are done with Osseo and Armstrong.  They visit Elk River next Wednesday.

Osseo improves to 16-3 and after losing 3 of 4 before the holidays, they've now won 10 straight, almost all of that without Ian Theisen.  Who would have thunk that?  Wheeler Baker with another big game performance of 31 points and 9 boards on my sheet.  Jordan Dembley stepped up large with 23 points.  Giovanni Pastrano with 7 points but gave Osseo great interior minutes off the bench.  Osseo made the game a physical battle.  They were the 1st team to the floor and outbattled Champlin Park for everything.  Nice move to have a ton of post up opportunities for Dembley and Baker.  Osseo now tied with Armstrong for 2nd in the league in the loss column and they'll host the Falcons next Wednesday.

Hypothetical Question
Assume for the sake of discussion that Osseo and Champlin Park win out.  That would mean Osseo beats Hopkins in 2 weeks (play along people).  That would give Osseo a home win over Hopkins while Champlin Park lost at Hopkins by 3.  The teams split the season series but Champlin Park won the league by a game.  Same record against 21 like opponents.  CzarPI and QRF basically identical.

You're in the section 5AAAA seediing meeting.  Who do you give the #1 seed to?

Titans topple Hill-Murray

Prologue
Another trip to the east side for another big showdown.  Tonight its Tartan and Hill-Murray in a battle of 2 of the top teams in the Classic Suburban.  Tartan 1 win behind St. Thomas (who beat Hill-Murray last night) for 1st.  Hill-Murray 1 loss back and tied with Henry Sibley.  Its also the varsity return of Marshawn Wilson after playing at Tartan as a freshman.  No food again due to the lengthy trip but 20 more ounces of red Gatorade.  Plenty of quality music on the public address.  Here's one of the hits of the night.

Song of the Day
Tequila - The Champs  (Czar PSA, drink responsibly and don't drink if you're under 21 years old)

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 960 ounces  (89 games, 70 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite 
• 12 oz 7 Up
• 140 oz Red Powerade
• 100 oz Red Gatorade
• 444 oz Pepsi
• 152 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer

Game Time
Tartan's game plan against Wilson becomes immediately obvious.  They take Eric Winter and have him faceguard.  Then on a Wilson touch here comes the double team.  Tartan finds Brody Jackson at the high post for immediate kickouts to Keenan Bellaphant and Winter for 3s.  19-10 Tartan at the 13:22 mark and the Pioneers need a timeout to talk it over.   Wilson gets his 1st bucket of the night on an inbounds lob to cut the lead to 4.  Then Tartan runs away with the rest of the half.  Frosh Emanuel Humphrey 2 inside buckets, Bellaphant a BLOB 3 and coast to coast for 2 more.  A turnover for 2 pushes the lead to 12 at the 8:31 mark.  Tartan not done as Winter drives for a lefty layup and scores another bucket.  Marlon McCoy for 3, Jordan Horn drives for 2 free throws and the lead is 19.  Then the last 9 of the half to Tartan with Humphrey again inside and the foul (no good FT), Jordan Horn fades for 2 and Jake Lyle at the buzzer for 3.  52-26 Tartan at the half.

Tartan largely got away from the strategy on Wilson in the second half.  But their offense went cold and Hill-Murray was able to apply some pressure.  After making 3 of 4 free throws to push the lead to 29 (55-26), it takes Tartan almost 6 minutes to get their first field goal of the second half.  Wilson for 2 and an Eric Weimar 3, then Wilson for 3 and Sam Westby converts a turnover for 2 more.  Now the lead is down to 61-47 with 10:17 left.  That Hill-Murray run amounts to 21-6 over 5 and a half minutes.  The lead is still 14 after the always ridiculous double foul call complicated by a soft T on Tartan.  Hill-Murray makes 1 of the 2 and can't convert the possession.  Winter backcuts for an easy 2 and a Bellaphant jumper help push the lead back to 19 with 6 minutes left.  Tartan never in any serious danger as the lead never gets under 14.  Tartan wins 85-70.

Post Game
Hill-Murray falls to 11-8 overall and 6-4 in the Classic Suburban.  That's tied for 4th in the league with Simley who just beat them last Friday.  Marshawn Wilson a fairly quiet 25 points on 7-18 shooting on my unofficial sheet.  Sam Westby with 10 of his 15 in the second half.  Alex Ogren with 3 3s that threatened to open up the Tartan defense.  But Hill-Murray could never really generate much good offense.  They are at South St. Paul on Friday before the rematch next Wednesday.

Tartan stays a half game back in the league at 7-2, 14-4 overall.  They will host Mahtomedi on Friday.  Eric Winter leads the way with 18 points.  Keenan Bellaphant adds 17.  Frosh Emanuel Humphrey a very nice outing of 12 points inside.  Played with a physical style like a poor man's Reid Travis.  Fellow frosh Jordan Horn with 13 points before fouling out.  Nice game plan from Tartan to keep Wilson somewhat in check.  They were able to get away from it with the big lead.  I was a bit surprised with their experience and a couple of solid guards in Bellaphant and Horn that Hill-Murray had the amount of success they did with pressure.

Woodbury runs away from Mustangs

Prologue
Off to Woodbury for a 3rd place showdown in the Suburban East between Mounds View and the host Royals.  Winner of this game stays 2 games behind Cretin-Derham Hall for 1st and gets a leg up in section 4AAAA seeding.  Concordia St. Paul and St. Mary's looking on for talent.  No food due to a late arrival but we always keep the beverage counter moving.  This weather is absolutely disgusting so we need something warm to help us out.

Song of the Day
Soak up the sun - Sheryl Crow

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 940 ounces  (88 games, 69 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite 
• 12 oz 7 Up
• 140 oz Red Powerade
• 80 oz Red Gatorade
• 444 oz Pepsi
• 152 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game Time
Mounds View keeping the game tight from deep early.  James Van Eps with a pair of 3s, Tim Hanson adds another and Nick Justin bombs away.  Woodbury's offense coming from Reid Peters off the bench with a bomb, a drive and a nice assist to Ben Rizzardi.  18-15 Mounds View lead at the 9:45 mark.  Then Woodbury's sniper Matt Ambriz picks up his 2nd foul at the 9:17 mark and has to sit.  Hanson with a layup to keep the Mounds View lead at 25-23 at the 5:30 mark.  Isaiah Coddon bombs away from the left corner off the extra pass, Peters with a runner and a 3 and Coddon to the rim for 2 more.  10-2 Woodbury run forces a Mounds View timeout and propels the Royals to a 40-34 halftime lead.  Coddon with a pair of nasty lefty dunks on the break in the half on his way to 13 points.

Mounds View comes out of the halftime break with a box and 1 on Ambriz.  I loved the idea, but seriously lacking in execution.  Ambriz gets a 3 when his defender mysteriously leaves him.  The box didn't fare much better as it left gaping holes all over the place.  Ryan Kaczynski with a nice cut for 2 and a putback to get Mounds View within 3 with 14:05 to play.  Hanson has to sit with his 4th foul at the 13:16 mark.  Ambriz makes 1 of the 2 free throws and spins by his defender with ease for 2 more points.  Rizzardi with another layup getting feeds off the drive and kick.  Mounds View back to straight man but no answer for dribble penetration in this one.    Kaczynski dunks a turnover and grabs a miss for 2 free throws as part of a 6-0 run and Mounds View is back within 4.  52-48 Woodbury with 9:14 to play.

Ben Meyer with an easy BLOB 3 from the ballside corner thanks to some Coddon for Ambriz screening action on the lane.  Ambriz with 2 of 4 free throws to push the lead back to 9.  Hanson back in at the 7:17 mark but he's gone less than a minute later on a bad charge call.  Meanwhile Peters from deep again, Coddon for 2 more after the Hanson charge and another Rizzardi layup to extend the lead to 14 inside of 6 to play.   4 in a row countered by 2 more Coddon buckets, 2 Rizzardi free throws and an Ambriz bomb.  77-58 inside of 4 minutes to play after the 21-6 Woodbury run.  Mounds View tries to make a furious comeback.  Kaczynski starts it with the rare 4 point play.  Ben Spencer nails 3 late 3s but the lead never gets under 6.  Woodbury goes on to win 90-81.

Post Game
Mounds View falls to 15-4 with the loss and it breaks their 11 game winning streak.  They hold the 4th spot in the league, 1 win ahead of Roseville (who lost to Stillwater tonight).  Another big game for Ryan Kaczynski.  He finishes with 30 points, 22 of those in the 2nd half.  Ben Spencer nails 4 triples, 3 late, for 12 points.  Nick Justin 10 points, Tim Hanson all 9 of his in the 1st half before fouling out.  Mounds View makes 10 3s but its not enough.   Its not any easier for the Mustangs as they go on the road to Cretin-Derham Hall on Friday.  CDH won the first meeting 106-72.

Woodbury improves to 13-7 overall, 9-3 in the conference.  They are 1 game behind rival East Ridge for second place in the Suburban East.  Great balance from the Royals.  Matt Ambriz with 19 of his 21 in the second half.  Isaiah Coddon matches that total and was a nuisance in the passing lanes.  Ben Rizzardi with 20 inside.  Reid Peters with 15 points off the bench, 12 of those in the 1st half.  Nice compensation for not having guard Nick Yan in the lineup.  The Royals host Hastings on Friday before a week off to prepare for the short trip to East Ridge.

January 27, 2014 CzarPI

This is the 3rd CzarPI of the 2013-14 season (see CzarPI Explained here). It includes games through Saturday January 25th, 2014. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class

Class AAAA

1. Apple Valley - 63.51 (6)
2. Hopkins - 62.98 (5)
3. Champlin Park - 61.2 (22)
4. Shakopee - 59.15 (3)
5. Eden Prairie - 58.7 (2)
6. Lakeville North - 58.67 (7)
7. Cretin-Derham Hall - 57.86 (41)
8. Osseo - 57.29 (35)
9. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 57.22 (27)
10. St. Cloud Tech - 56.34 (50)
11. Chanhassen - 55.29 (25)
12. Rosemount - 54.94 (11)
13. Mounds View - 54.61 (55)
14. Bloomington Kennedy - 54.39 (12)
15. St. Francis - 54.27 (53)
16. Minnetonka - 53.99 (23)
17. Elk River - 53.67 (52)
18. Prior Lake - 53.42 (8)
19. East Ridge - 53.35 (49)
20. Buffalo - 53.01 (43)
21. Bloomington Jefferson - 52.94 (21)
22. Tartan - 52.82 (63)
23. Chaska - 52.82 (39)
24. Farmington - 52.46 (58)
25. Rochester John Marshall - 52.25 (54)
26. Woodbury - 52.15 (31)
27. Maple Grove - 52.13 (24)
28. Edina - 50.63 (14)
29. Park Center - 50.59 (9)
30. Brainerd - 49.2 (60)
31. Burnsville - 48.75 (10)
32. Centennial - 48.38 (33)
33. Eagan - 48.15 (37)
34. St. Michael-Albertville - 48.04 (18)
35. Roseville - 47.61 (16)
36. Lakeville South - 47.17 (1)
37. Minneapolis South - 47.02 (61)
38. Rochester Century - 46.77 (47)
39. Moorhead - 46.37 (19)
40. Cambridge-Isanti - 46.21 (64)
41. Henry Sibley - 46.14 (42)
42. White Bear Lake - 45.53 (32)
43. Andover - 45.27 (4)
44. Wayzata - 44.96 (40)
45. Northfield - 44.43 (38)
46. Mahtomedi - 43.99 (59)
47. Minneapolis Southwest - 43.15 (51)
48. Blaine - 42.91 (46)
49. Stillwater Area - 42.23 (15)
50. Robbinsdale Cooper - 41.13 (13)
51. Rochester Mayo - 39.6 (30)
52. Eastview - 38.57 (26)
53. Owatonna - 38.57 (34)
54. Forest Lake - 37.5 (36)
55. North St. Paul - 37.33 (62)
56. Rogers - 36.89 (57)
57. Bemidji - 33.35 (20)
58. Duluth East - 31.42 (44)
59. Hastings - 31.22 (28)
60. Park of Cottage Grove - 28.66 (56)
61. Coon Rapids - 20.57 (45)
62. Anoka - 19.53 (17)
63. Irondale - 16.65 (48)
64. St. Louis Park - 0 (29)

Class AAA

1. Holy Family Catholic - 59.25 (26)
2. Austin - 57.83 (9)
3. Marshall - 57.21 (18)
4. St. Paul Johnson - 55.75 (47)
5. DeLaSalle - 54.67 (4)
6. Totino-Grace - 54.59 (48)
7. Albany - 53.95 (44)
8. Thief River Falls - 53.94 (60)
9. Cloquet - 53.49 (54)
10. Big Lake - 53.15 (33)
11. Orono - 52.8 (21)
12. Waconia - 52.49 (17)
13. Grand Rapids - 52.3 (25)
14. Willmar - 51.9 (28)
15. Kasson-Mantorville - 51.89 (31)
16. Delano - 51.77 (46)
17. Detroit Lakes - 51.66 (32)
18. St. Cloud Apollo - 51.46 (22)
19. Minneapolis Washburn - 51.44 (19)
20. Red Wing - 51.33 (11)
21. Mankato West - 50.83 (41)
22. St. Paul Central - 50.57 (59)
23. Sartell-St. Stephen - 50.2 (5)
24. Hermantown - 50.1 (14)
25. Columbia Heights - 49.94 (62)
26. St. Thomas Academy - 49.54 (40)
27. Benilde-St. Margaret's - 49.03 (42)
28. Simley - 48.95 (61)
29. Hill-Murray - 48.66 (50)
30. New Prague - 48.62 (1)
31. Winona - 48.52 (37)
32. Stewartville - 48.43 (51)
33. Hibbing - 47.56 (30)
34. Holy Angels - 47.45 (6)
35. Mankato East - 47.02 (13)
36. Fridley - 46.22 (63)
37. Alexandria - 46.13 (35)
38. Monticello - 45.81 (34)
39. Zimmerman - 45.19 (27)
40. Spring Lake Park - 45.04 (24)
41. St. Paul Como Park - 44.53 (12)
42. Hutchinson - 43.8 (3)
43. Fergus Falls - 43.68 (58)
44. Little Falls - 42.56 (57)
45. Becker - 42.55 (56)
46. Chisago Lakes Area - 42.54 (38)
47. Worthington - 41.52 (8)
48. Minneapolis Henry - 39.9 (16)
49. North Branch - 39.64 (36)
50. Blake - 39.18 (49)
51. Albert Lea - 37.92 (20)
52. Princeton - 37.47 (29)
53. St. Paul Highland Park - 35.25 (43)
54. Mound-Westonka - 34.91 (7)
55. St. Paul Harding - 33.52 (52)
56. New Ulm - 33.52 (23)
57. St. Anthony Village - 32.61 (55)
58. Dassel-Cokato - 32.3 (45)
59. Duluth Denfeld - 29.87 (39)
60. South St. Paul - 27.15 (64)
61. Faribault - 26.48 (53)
62. Richfield - 21.84 (15)
63. Rocori - 0 (2)
64. Sauk Rapids-Rice - 0 (10)

Class AA

1. Caledonia - 59.13 (17)
2. Waseca - 57.66 (39)
3. St. Cloud Cathedral - 56.69 (50)
4. Crosby-Ironton - 56.4 (24)
5. Fairmont - 55.68 (46)
6. Perham - 55.55 (12)
7. Barnum - 55.33 (107)
8. Belle Plaine - 54.84 (37)
9. Barnesville - 54.55 (33)
10. Mayer Lutheran - 54.54 (47)
11. East Grand Forks - 54.47 (55)
12. Hayfield - 54.38 (66)
13. Pelican Rapids - 54.07 (14)
14. St. James Area - 53.76 (87)
15. Esko - 53.6 (90)
16. Redwood Valley - 53.39 (67)
17. Annandale - 53.03 (19)
18. New Richland-H-E-G - 52.99 (57)
19. Braham - 52.91 (100)
20. Virginia - 52.68 (97)
21. Jordan - 52.56 (7)
22. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 52.41 (54)
23. Crookston - 52.3 (81)
24. Byron - 52.23 (86)
25. St. Paul Academy - 51.91 (103)
26. Sauk Centre - 51.82 (69)
27. Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 51.7 (74)
28. Eden Valley-Watkins - 51.16 (53)
29. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 50.91 (65)
30. Chatfield - 50.63 (26)
31. Rochester Lourdes - 50.43 (62)
32. Cannon Falls - 50.33 (36)
33. Moose Lake-Willow River - 50.09 (41)
34. New London-Spicer - 50 (18)
35. St. Charles - 49.9 (98)
36. New Life Academy - 49.81 (122)
37. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 49.77 (113)
38. Glencoe-Silver Lake - 49.77 (79)
39. Minnehaha Academy - 49.74 (34)
40. Concordia Academy-Roseville - 49.48 (83)
41. Montevideo - 49.4 (92)
42. St. Peter - 49.02 (5)
43. Providence Academy - 48.83 (76)
44. Park Rapids Area - 48.76 (89)
45. Jackson County Central - 48.48 (32)
46. BOLD - 48.37 (110)
47. Minneota/Lincoln HI - 48.34 (123)
48. St. Croix Lutheran - 47.96 (43)
49. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 47.86 (13)
50. Pipestone Area - 47.67 (6)
51. La Crescent - 47.52 (20)
52. Brooklyn Center - 47.36 (117)
53. LeSueur-Henderson - 47.29 (99)
54. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 47.15 (59)
55. Watertown-Mayer - 47.06 (48)
56. Tri-City United - 46.99 (29)
57. Rockford - 46.68 (52)
58. Staples-Motley - 46.62 (15)
59. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 46.62 (42)
60. Paynesville Area - 46.59 (77)
61. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 46.53 (118)
62. Martin County West - 46.41 (73)
63. International Falls - 46.39 (56)
64. Norwood-Young America - 46.36 (51)
65. Minnewaska Area - 46.21 (30)
66. Hinckley-Finlayson - 45.91 (104)
67. Pine City - 45.85 (106)
68. Maple River - 45.81 (10)
69. Melrose - 45.59 (85)
70. Lake City - 45.47 (70)
71. Dover-Eyota - 45.12 (64)
72. Mora - 45.05 (91)
73. Sibley East - 44.2 (11)
74. Breck - 44.11 (38)
75. Hawley - 44.06 (21)
76. Maple Lake - 43.87 (75)
77. Winona Cotter - 43.7 (84)
78. St. John's Prep - 43.63 (115)
79. St. Croix Prep - 43.6 (125)
80. Minneapolis Edison - 43.11 (88)
81. Two Harbors - 42.16 (120)
82. Frazee - 41.97 (8)
83. Benson - 41.88 (114)
84. Proctor - 41.75 (68)
85. Prairie Seeds Academy - 41.74 (119)
86. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 41.28 (9)
87. Pine Island - 41.18 (80)
88. Windom Area - 40.47 (23)
89. Roseau - 40.45 (108)
90. Aitkin - 40.31 (105)
91. Milaca - 40.21 (112)
92. Eveleth-Gilbert - 40.08 (102)
93. Minneapolis Roosevelt - 39.78 (16)
94. Litchfield - 39.78 (25)
95. Spectrum - 39.62 (121)
96. Trinity School - 39.51 (82)
97. Foley - 39.48 (28)
98. Breckenridge - 39.35 (2)
99. International School of MN - 39.14 (126)
100. St. Paul Washington - 38.71 (127)
101. Pequot Lakes - 38.33 (101)
102. Mesabi East - 38.14 (27)
103. Duluth Marshall - 37.9 (71)
104. Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 37.54 (22)
105. Blue Earth Area - 35.16 (4)
106. Pillager - 34.51 (96)
107. Mounds Park Academy - 34.33 (124)
108. Osakis - 34.22 (40)
109. Pierz - 33.72 (49)
110. Rush City - 32.72 (72)
111. Holdingford - 32.26 (35)
112. Lewiston-Altura - 32.14 (31)
113. Triton - 31.63 (78)
114. Luverne - 31.54 (63)
115. Wadena-Deer Creek - 31.29 (61)
116. St. Agnes - 30.62 (94)
117. St. Paul Humboldt - 29.91 (109)
118. Deer River - 29.67 (58)
119. Lac qui Parle Valley - 29 (45)
120. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 28.05 (111)
121. Great River - 27.33 (130)
122. Medford - 26.63 (60)
123. Bagley - 23.14 (1)
124. Greenway - 21.09 (116)
125. FAIR School - 18.86 (95)
126. Yellow Medicine East - 18.01 (93)
127. Warroad - 0 (3)
128. Kenyon-Wanamingo - 0 (44)
129. St. Paul Prep - 0 (128)
130. Hmong Academy - 0 (129)

Class A

1. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 58.02 (17)
2. Rushford-Peterson - 57.27 (28)
3. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 56.78 (18)
4. Battle Lake - 56.77 (87)
5. Upsala - 55.55 (40)
6. Ely - 54.97 (113)
7. Dawson-Boyd - 54.94 (129)
8. Maranatha Christian - 54.86 (105)
9. Mountain Lake Area - 53.74 (119)
10. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 53.72 (53)
11. Red Lake - 53.46 (2)
12. Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 53.35 (68)
13. Northern Freeze - 53.27 (34)
14. Bigfork - 53.2 (64)
15. Southwest MN Christian - 52.89 (102)
16. United South Central - 52.34 (31)
17. Fertile-Beltrami - 52.32 (70)
18. Canby - 51.91 (49)
19. Heritage Christian - 51.86 (44)
20. Fosston - 51.57 (124)
21. Floodwood - 51.34 (47)
22. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 50.76 (92)
23. Browerville - 50.7 (29)
24. Park Christian - 50.47 (85)
25. Ada-Borup - 50.4 (13)
26. South Ridge - 50.35 (100)
27. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 50.35 (14)
28. St. Clair - 50.13 (96)
29. Northome/Kelliher - 49.73 (121)
30. Spring Grove - 49.72 (125)
31. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 49.71 (71)
32. Central MN Christian - 49.61 (43)
33. Chisholm - 49.34 (46)
34. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 49.09 (38)
35. West Central Area - 48.8 (74)
36. Bethlehem Academy - 48.64 (63)
37. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 48.54 (80)
38. Blackduck - 48.47 (91)
39. Ellsworth - 48.38 (77)
40. Cass Lake-Bena - 48.28 (82)
41. Verndale - 48.22 (148)
42. Menahga - 47.68 (94)
43. Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 47.64 (109)
44. North Woods - 47.5 (6)
45. Goodhue - 47.26 (69)
46. Blooming Prairie - 46.29 (79)
47. Mountain Iron-Buhl - 46.28 (26)
48. Ortonville - 46.13 (106)
49. Kimball Area - 46.1 (112)
50. Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 45.6 (66)
51. Legacy Christian - 45.32 (81)
52. West Lutheran - 44.95 (24)
53. Swanville - 44.79 (101)
54. Stephen-Argyle - 44.75 (143)
55. Henning - 44.7 (117)
56. Kittson County Central - 44.49 (52)
57. Ashby - 44.13 (10)
58. Southwest Christian - 44.09 (9)
59. Minneapolis North - 43.93 (5)
60. Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 43.62 (120)
61. Waubun - 43.49 (123)
62. Mankato Loyola - 43.47 (84)
63. Wabasso - 43.31 (139)
64. Springfield - 42.62 (33)
65. Mabel-Canton - 42.62 (122)
66. Nevis - 42.52 (108)
67. Lake Park-Audubon - 42.48 (42)
68. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 42.38 (56)
69. Christian Life School - 42.3 (156)
70. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 42.3 (89)
71. Lanesboro - 42.27 (149)
72. Win-E-Mac - 42.21 (15)
73. Cristo Rey Jesuit - 41.84 (110)
74. Cherry - 41.55 (25)
75. Goodridge/Grygla - 41.24 (104)
76. Bethany Academy - 41.22 (114)
77. Southwest United - 41.18 (99)
78. Minnesota Transitions Charter - 41.01 (144)
79. Sleepy Eye - 40.56 (83)
80. Hope Lutheran - 40.46 (135)
81. New York Mills - 39.98 (72)
82. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 39.93 (32)
83. Schaeffer Academy - 39.77 (131)
84. Truman/Martin Luther - 39.75 (30)
85. Fillmore Central - 39.44 (27)
86. MACCRAY - 39.1 (12)
87. Wrenshall - 38.49 (116)
88. Kingsland - 38.39 (11)
89. NCE/U-H - 38.2 (75)
90. Hills-Beaver Creek - 38.16 (67)
91. Isle - 37.92 (141)
92. New Ulm Cathedral - 37.69 (93)
93. Randolph - 37.36 (90)
94. Granada-Huntley-East Chain - 37.15 (48)
95. Nicollet - 36.87 (140)
96. Wabasha-Kellogg - 36.83 (36)
97. Houston - 36.72 (111)
98. Madelia - 36.6 (88)
99. Parkers Prairie - 36.43 (19)
100. Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 36.2 (138)
101. CHOF - 35.79 (147)
102. Murray County Central - 35.67 (55)
103. East Central - 35.57 (107)
104. Onamia - 35.5 (115)
105. Glenville-Emmons - 35.49 (150)
106. Lakeview Christian - 35.41 (8)
107. Underwood - 35.21 (7)
108. Mahnomen - 35.2 (136)
109. Liberty Classical Academy - 33.43 (157)
110. Hill City - 33.26 (97)
111. Southland - 32.94 (16)
112. Northland - 32.8 (133)
113. PACT Charter - 32.56 (118)
114. Grand Meadow - 32.3 (134)
115. Nova Classical Academy - 31.42 (146)
116. Red Lake County - 31.4 (86)
117. MN Academy for the Deaf - 31.28 (158)
118. Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 30.85 (145)
119. Nashwauk-Keewatin - 30.82 (137)
120. North Lakes Academy - 30.22 (152)
121. Laporte - 30.04 (39)
122. Littlefork-Big Falls - 29.97 (78)
123. Cromwell - 29.85 (65)
124. Clearbrook-Gonvick - 29.84 (37)
125. Cook County - 29.7 (51)
126. Sacred Heart - 28.75 (57)
127. Sebeka - 28.67 (54)
128. Lakeview - 28.12 (61)
129. Learning for Leadership - 28.06 (23)
130. St. Cloud Christian - 28.06 (159)
131. Calvin Christian - 28.03 (154)
132. McGregor - 27.62 (142)
133. Pine River-Backus - 27.62 (1)
134. Norman County West - 27.24 (98)
135. Cleveland - 26.99 (132)
136. Community of Peace Academy - 26.68 (151)
137. Carlton - 26.46 (58)
138. Adrian - 24.92 (60)
139. Bertha-Hewitt - 24.56 (76)
140. Rothsay - 24.24 (4)
141. Brandon/Evansville - 23.87 (73)
142. Edgerton - 22.17 (103)
143. Royalton - 21.54 (22)
144. Climax/Fisher - 18.65 (50)
145. Fulda - 17.84 (127)
146. Northeast Range - 0 (95)
147. Hancock - 0 (3)
148. Silver Bay - 0 (35)
149. Renville County West - 0 (41)
150. Alden-Conger - 0 (130)
151. Hope Academy - 0 (155)
152. Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig - 0 (160)
153. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 0 (20)
154. Red Rock Central - 0 (21)
155. Ogilvie - 0 (45)
156. Lake of the Woods - 0 (59)
157. Mesabi Academy - 0 (62)
158. LeRoy-Ostrander - 0 (126)
159. New Century Academy - 0 (128)
160. Academy for Sciences & Ag - 0 (153)

2014 Border Battle Thoughts

I made the cold journey to the 2014 Border Battle in Kaukauna, WI.  For the 3rd straight year, the home state destroys the visitors.   Home state teams have won 21 of the last 22 in the series dating back to the 2011 Border Battle at St. Cloud Tech.  Here are some of my thoughts from the day in the home of the Galloping Ghosts.

Game 1: Rockford vs Stevens Point Pacelli
The game was close the entire way.  13 after 1 quarter thanks to 6 points from Brock Deering.  Rockford would lead 32-30 at half and open that lead to 37-30 early in the 3rd.  But Stevens Point Pacelli would get a big quarter from forward Brett O'Sullivan and a Colin Jamison 3 at the 3rd quarter buzzer sent the game to the 4th tied at 42.  James Gollon with a putback to put Pacelli up 49-48 with 1:45 left.  Rockford turns it over on back to back possessions.  Isaac Elliot with a charge between those turnovers but he knocks down 4-4 clutch free throws in the last 36.5 seconds.  Rockford would get 2 looks at the end to tie but no good.  Pacelli wins game 1 53-50.  Brett O'Sullivan with 20 points inside for Pacelli.  Isaac Elliot 2 big 3s and the big late free throws for 16.  Brendon Schumacher with 15 to lead Rockford.  Jeremiah Bingham with 14 and Brock Deering with 11.

Game 2: Byron vs Waupun
A really ugly 1st half with no shots going in and offense that was reminiscent of the movie Hoosiers.  15 all at the half.  Waupun would break away in the 3rd quarter to open a 31-19 lead.  That was thanks to a 22-6 run across halftime.  Waupun's 6'8" center Jack VandeZande too much inside with 7 points in the quarter.  33-23 Waupun after 3.  Byron would claw their way back.  Tyler Coble starts the run with a 3 point play, guard Buster Meyer for 3, Coble a steal for 2 more and another Meyer bomb.  That concludes a 13-3 Byron run to cut the Waupun lead to 41-38 with 2:10 left.  But VandeZande scores inside, Byron misses a front end and VandeZande makes 1 of 2 free throws to keep the game out of reach.  Waupun wins 47-42.  Jack VandeZande 14 points to lead Waupun.  Waupun star Mason Domask 10 points and came back from a nasty fall on a lob early in the 2nd quarter.  Tyler Coble leads Byron with 13 points.  Buster Meyer 3 3s 11 points.

Game 3: Simley vs Milwaukee Pius XI
1st quarter sees Pius guard Donovan Jackson nail 3 3s and go for 13 points.  Mark Della Vedova a quick start with 7 points in the quarter.  19-18 Pius after the 1st quarter.  Della Vedova picks up his 2nd foul 25 seconds into the 2nd quarter and sits most of the rest of the half.  Sam Stensgard would pick up the offense with a pair of bombs.  Then Pius would go on a 12-2 run late in the half to open the lead.  Sam Stensgard with his 3rd bomb of the quarter to keep Simley within 38-30 at half.  After a quiet 3rd quarter, Donovan Jackson makes a living at the line to put the game out of reach.  After 3 of 4 free throws by Jackson, Simley is down 6.  Then Jackson scores the next 8 for Pius (6 FTs) to open the lead to 61-47.  Pius XI wins 65-48.  Donovan Jackson leads Pius with 30 points.  Levi Bradley with 21.  Sam Stensgard leads Simley with 6 3s and 22 points.

Game 4: Lakeville North vs Stevens Point
The top 2 sophs in Wisconsin taking on JP Macura with UW-Green Bay head coach Brian Wardle in attendance.  Macura goes absolutely nuts with the 1st 20 of the game for Lakeville North.  SPASH decides to faceguard him the rest of the way.  That holds him to 24 at halftime and a 31 all tie.  Then SPASH rains in 5 bombs in the 3rd quarter, 3 of them from star soph Sam Hauser.  The other star soph Trevor Anderson adds 8 in the quarter.   Meanwhile Macura continues to get no help so SPASH opens up a 58-45 lead after 3.   Only 3 FGs for Lakeville North from players other than Macura at that point.  Macura cuts for 2 and then a steal for a dunk as he tries to bring Lakeville North back.  But Anderson nails a 3 and drives.  Hauser with another bomb on great ball movement and SPASH puts the game away.  Stevens Point wins 76-58.  Sophs Trevor Anderson and Sam Hauser each go for 23 points.  JP Macura leads Lakeville North with 36 but only a total of 14 from the other 4 starters.

Game 5: Seymour vs Blake
Seymour's 1-3-1 zone just too much in this one.  Blake within 9-7 with just over 2 minutes left in the 1st quarter.  But the Bears would only score 2 buckets in the 2nd quarter.  Seymour would open the lead to 14 at half and then the 1st 6 points of the 3rd push the lead to 20.  John Veil would get his 16 points and 4 3s after that. JR Bascom 8 of his 14 after that.  But a standard problem for Blake as the rest of the roster only scores 8.  Seymour wins 61-38.  Marquette signee Sandy Cohen 14 points, Dakota Oskey a very nice game with 21 points.

Game 6: Centennial at Kaukauna
Kaukauna rains in 4 3s in less than the 1st 2 minutes for a 12-6 lead and a Centennial timeout.  They make 6 in the quarter for a 22-16 lead after 1.  The Centennial defense tightens up and holds Kaukauna to 8 points in the 2nd to close within 30-27 at the half.  3rd quarter also quiet and even.  A pair of free throws right at the end of the quarter give the hosts Ghosts a 40-38 lead going to the final stanza.  Kevin Grow picks up his 4th foul with 7:44 left and has to sit.  Then an 8-1 Kaukauna run allows the Ghosts to put the game out of reach.  6 of those are free throws and the last bucket is off a turnover.   Kaukauna wins 58-52.  Tyler Peterson leads Centennial with 20 points, Kevin Grow with 11.  Kyle Schalow with 17 points (8-8 FTs and 3 bombs) to lead Kaukauna.

After seeing 13 out of 14 games under quarter rules, I'll be happy to go back to 18 minute halves.  The flow is just so much better.

All the Lions roar

Prologue
Its another trip to St. Paul to see a battle of Lions as St. Croix Prep makes the trip to The Sal to take on CHOF.  As usual no real concessions but the usual Kit Kat and a 20 oz Red Gatorade keep the beverage counter moving.  St. Croix Prep coach Matt McCollister pulling out the white suit coat for this one.  Idea being if its cold outside trick yourself into thinking its warm.  So let's see, white jacket, I grew up in the 80s, coach McCollister kind of has that Don Johnson look.  So today's song is one of the easiest picks of the year.

Song of the Day
Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 860 ounces  (80 games, 62 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite 
• 12 oz 7 Up
• 120 oz Red Powerade
• 80 oz Red Gatorade
• 384 oz Pepsi
• 152 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer

Game Time
CHOF center Anders Strandlund inside for 2, then a steal and he takes it for a nice dunk and a shot block on the other end.  12-9 CHOF at the 12:19 mark.  Then Strandlund picks up his 2nd foul and it triggers a big SCPA run.  Weston Berg a 3 point play on that 2nd foul.  Chance Fisher for 3, a 3 point play and he ends the run with a steal for 2.  26-14 SCPA at the 5:28 mark.  The run was 17-2 over 6:11.  They carry that to a 34-21 halftime lead.

Strandlund picks up his 4th 10 seconds into the second half.  Kai Ylonen's bucket with 15:39 left puts SCPA up 41-23 and the rout appears to be on.  CHOF comes out in a 3/4 court 1-2-2 trap and SCPA has no good answer for it.  That trap holds SCPA without a field goal for 8 minutes and its with Strandland sitting.  Meanwhile Nate Johnston makes a living at the foul line in the 2nd half.  He makes 4 freebies in a row and scores a bucket.  Tate Piepkorn adds a 3 and Grant Geerdes with a couple buckets in the run as the SCPA lead is down to 43-36. 

SCPA rebounds behind their leader Michael Gutierrez.  He drives for 2 with the right hand and 2 more with the left hand and then gets a steal and reverses that.  Then a comical moment.  Johnston at the top key vs Gutierrez.  Johnston ducks the shoulder, Gutierrez goes down, Johnston rises up and kicks out the legs Reggie Miller style and gets the call.  He makes 2 of those 3 freebies and then 2 more freebies to cut the lead to 5.  49-44 SCPA with 4:57.  Chance Fisher helps SCPA salt it away with 4 points in an 8-2 spurt.  SCPA wins 63-50.

Post Game
For CHOF, Nate Johnston leads the way with 15 of his 17 points in the 2nd half.  He was 11-13 from the charity stripe in the 2nd half.  Grant Geerdes 11 points for the Lions.  CHOF still pretty young so they have a couple of years of improvement ahead.  The Lions fall to 5-7 overall.  They host Bjorn Broman and Lakeview Christian on Friday night with a quick turnaround vs Bethany on Saturday afternoon.

St. Croix Prep gets 21 points from Michael Gutierrez, 15 of those in the 2nd half.  His 6 point spurt after the 8 minute drought got the Lions back on track.  Lefty Chance Fisher with a very productive game of 16 points.  Wes Berg with 12 points, 8 of those from foul line. St. Croix Prep improves to 9-6 overall.  A rematch with FAIR (2 point win in 1st meeting) looms next week after a home game with Spectrum on Friday.  Then tough games with New Life and St .Paul Academy after that.

2014 Midwest Players Classic Thoughts

Prologue
Off to The Old Kingdom for the 4th Annual Midwest Players Classic at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, WI.  Not quite the Minnesota representation of past years but we still get 3 Minnesota teams and 2 from the metro.  Quality games all day with some nice current and future talent on display.  3 20oz bottles of Pepsi get me through the day.

Game Time
I open the day by watching my alma mater (La Crosse Central) take on Wisconsin Rapids.  Rapids down 7 at the half when I arrive thanks to the awful travel conditions.  But freshman Philip Flory has a big 2nd half and Central can't score.  Czar goes -18 on the scoreboard.  Flory goes for 26 and Wisconsin Rapids wins 60-49.  So much for my playing time.  Nice to get a chance to see Wisconsin's top frosh play well.  He's already verbally committed to Marquette.

Game 2 featured Rochester John Marshall taking on Wauwatosa West.  Soph Michael Hurt with a big day for the Rockets.  His 3 at the end of the 1st quarter puts JM up 18-15.  8 more points in the 2nd allows the Rockets to go up 10 at half.  But Tosa West goes on a 16-2 to take the lead midway through the 3rd quarter.  JM would pound the offensive boards and that would be a difference.  Hurt misses a late front end but makes 1 of 2 and that's enough for JM to hold on for the 67-64 win.  Hurt goes for 26 points in the win and had to have double digit boards.

We'll skip ahead to the showcase game De La Salle vs Iowa City West.  West is the 2 time defending state champs in Iowa and just had a 60 game winning streak snapped.  The Trojans knocked off Marquette commit Nick Noskowiak and Sun Prairie in Wisconsin Dells last weekend.  De La Salle without Geno Crandall and James Lawson but Reid Travis back in the starting lineup.

David Dileo knocks down a pair of 3s from UNI commit Wyatt Lohaus to get Iowa City West rolling.  Lohaus and his soph brother Tanner are the sons of former Iowa star big man Brad Lohaus.  Goanar Mar with a 3 point play late in the 1st quarter to keep DLS within 16-11 at the 1st break.  Jarvis Johnson a 3 off the high screen, Sacar Anim a baseline drive for a nasty dunk and a Malcolm Porter putback late in the 2nd give the Islanders a little moment as they stay within 25-20 at half.

Lohaus up and under and frosh Conner McCaffrey (Iowa coach Fran McCaffrey's son) for 3 and the lead is quickly up to 10.  Travis responds with 3 post touches for 2 dunks and a free throw.  Lohaus cuts for 2, then a pair of jumpers and he beats the buzzer with a tough 2 as he scores 10 in the quarter, including the last 8 for the Trojans.  40-31 West after 3.

De La Salle has the proverbial run in them and its right out of the gate.  Jarvis Johnson jumper, Travis with another dunk, Anim for 3, Travis inside for 2 more after a West timeout.  We're back to even at 40 with 4:50 to play.  Dileo cold after the 1st 2 3s knocks down back to back bombs and McCaffrey from deep with 2:30 left.  49-44 West appears in control.  Lohaus another bucket with 2 minutes left to push the lead to 6.  Josh Collins with a layup with 1:20 left to cut the lead to 3.  But De La Salle has only 1 team foul.  In the process of trying to get it in, De La Salle pushes West backwards down the court.  Jarvis Johnson gets the eventual turnover and scores with 29.7 left to cut the lead to 1.  De La Salle still with 3 fouls to give.  Finally with 16.6 seconds left they send Lohaus to the line and he misses the front end.  De La Salle sets up 1 final play and West uses their foul to give with 7.7 left.  Collins fouled with 2.2 left down 1.  He makes the 1st, misses the 2nd but somehow gets it back and has a great look at a 14 footer at the horn to win it.  But that's no good and we'll have overtime tied at 51.

Anim converts a turnover for 2 and makes 2 free throws for a 56-54 DLS lead with 2:19 left in the OT.  Travis grabs a miss but misses 2 free throws with 1:42 left.  Lohaus misses another front end with 45 seconds left.  Jeffrey Daubanton scores with 20 seconds left to push the lead to 4 and Anim adds the final bucket for a 60-54 De La Salle win in overtime.  Sacar Anim 13 of his 15 in the 4th quarter and OT.  Reid Travis 11 of his 15 in the 2nd half. Jarvis Johnson 13.  Wyatt Lohaus finishes with 23 and despite the 2 missed front ends was outstanding.  David Dileo 4 3s for 12 points.

The nightcap was East Ridge taking Middleton, WI.  East Ridge is a total MASH unit right now with their entire frontline sitting out.  Ryan Keenan and Ryan Mathis out due to injury and Brian Ishola out for the year with an ACL injury.  But the guards are still plenty talented.  Jake Knupp with 10 points in the 1st quarter to lead the Raptors to a 3 point lead at the 1st break.  Seth Green with a 3 point play to end a 10-0 play across the quarter.  21-13 Raptors at the 5:09 mark of the 2nd.  UW-Milwaukee walkon Derek Rongstad knocks down a 3 to break that streak and then buries 2 late 3s to keep Middleton close at the half.  26-22 East Ridge at halftime.

Luke Schafer and Jake Knupp carry their team's offense in the 3rd quarter.  Both score 7 points in the quarter.  37-35 East Ridge after 3.  Sid Tomes for 3 and a Knupp drive to push the lead to 6.  Schafer for 3 and he takes a turnover for 2 more to cut the East Ridge lead to 45-43 with 3 minutes left.  Green with back to back buckets around a Middleton turnover to extend the lead to 6.  Middleton on the offensive board for a 3 point play.  East Ridge misses a front end but Middleton can't convert.  Sid Tomes makes 4 straight freebies.  Schafer with an offensive board for 2 free throws to cut the lead to 2.  Knupp makes 1 last free throw and Rongstad's 3 at the horn is short.  East Ridge wins 54-51.  Jake Knupp with 10 of his 22 in the 1st quarter.

Only 1 game out of the 6 wasn't right down to the wire.   While there wasn't the high profile local talent of years past (Matt Thomas, Bronson Koenig), still plenty of outstanding players and games to see.  Once again, great to see the hometown put on a quality showcase.

Neumann torches the nets again

Prologue
I continue this week's tour of St. Paul with a visit to #8AAAA Cretin-Derham Hall for a big Suburban East showdown with Roseville.  Roseville undefeated in league play, CDH 1 game back.  The usual quality hot dog on the menu.  Whoever invented the pull tab to squeeze or pull all the way off to dip packaging for the ketchup should be canonized immediately.  That's a quality piece of work.  Another short night of beverage with a 12 oz Coke.  Great work by the CDH band with Lady Gaga's Poker Face to start the night and then Bad Romance later.  But we have to acknowledge a big game with today's tune.

Song of the Day
When you're hot you're hot - Jerry Reed

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 780 ounces  (73 games, 58 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite 
• 12 oz 7 Up
• 120 oz Red Powerade
• 60 oz Red Gatorade
• 324 oz Pepsi
• 152 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer

Game Time
Early on its a surprise to see a slow pace.  Jesper Horsted with a tough 2 for a 6-5 Roseville lead at the 13:50 mark.  Sam Neumann coast to coast for a 3 point play after burying a 3.  18-10 CDH immediately countered by 8 in a row from Roseville.  Then 24-20 CDH before a 11-0 Roseville run triggered by Kyler Briggity with 8 in a row via drive, 3 and a reverse layup for a 3 point play.  31-24 Roseville takes over the lead at the 4:30 mark.  Neumann keeping his offense going with a pair of free throws, a putback, a nice cut for 1 of 2 freebies and 2 more free throws in the last minute.  39-38 Roseville at the half.  Sam Neumann with 22, Kyler Briggity with 16.

Roseville comes out with a 1-3-1 zone and immediately converts a pair of turnovers into Lance Gardner layups.  Horsted with a layup and Jake Geyen driving for a free throw and then a power 2.  Horsted adds a 3 point play for a 53-45 Roseville lead with 11:52 left.  Donnell Gresham for 3 before Neumann goes off  Bombs away, a steal for 2 free throws, another bomb, a post up for the reverse layup and foul, another post up for 2, an offensive board for 2 free throws, another bucket and foul and then he caps it off with a chance at a 4 point play.  He scores 19 straight CDH points over 5 minutes.  Not to mention he missed all 3 free throws on the And 1 chances thanks to a nasty hitch at the top of his free throw.  That gets all 3 Roseville bigs with 4 fouls with 7:41 left.  Neumann's personal run takes CDH from down 5 to up 4.  67-63 CDH with 5:50 left.  Roseville misses 4 straight chances at the line to hang around near the end of that run.  They can't hit anything from the field and do take some quick shots as they go 6 minutes without a field goal starting at the 8 minute mark.   CDH spreads the floor with the lead and not much to do about it.  CDH wins 86-73.

Post Game
Roseville falls into a 3 way tie in the loss column for 1st in the Suburban East at 7-1.  They are now 9-6 overall.  The 6 losses are all quality losses but they've given up an average of 88.5 points in those losses.  There's much work to be done on the defensive end.  They tried zone, they tried Gardner and Horsted on Neumann, no good answers.  Kyler Briggity leads the way with 22 points.  16 of those in the 1st half.  Jake Geyen with 11 off the bench.  A pair of tough conference rematches next week against Mounds View (1 point buzzer beater win) and at White Bear Lake (4 point OT win after 2 late free throws to force OT). 

Cretin-Derham Hall takes over the top spot in the league by an extra win.  They've finished the 1st rotation of Suburban East play at 8-1 and are now 12-3 overall.  Sam Neumann goes off again for 45 points.  5 3s in that and 12-15 from the foul line.  He got great looks and wasn't looking at the really deep 3 like we saw at the TWolves Shootout.  This was more attacking the basket, either off the bounce or from the post where he was willing to bang.  That's great to see.  Donnell Gresham adds late free throws to get to 11 points.  They play Grand Rapids in the MLK Classic at UMD on Monday.  Then its back to Suburban East play at Stillwater and home against Forest Lake.

Minutemen answer the call again

Prologue
Its a pair of new teams on the schedule tonight.  Wayzata makes their usual non-conference game against the St. Paul City as they visit newly ranked Central.  Central comes in at #7 in this week's AAA poll.  Are they the next team in the bottom half of that poll to jump in and then get bounced out?  Expensive but good hot dog to go with 12 ounces of 7 Up. 

Song of the Day
You Belong to the City - Glenn Frey

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 768 ounces  (72 games, 57 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite 
• 12 oz 7 Up
• 120 oz Red Powerade
• 60 oz Red Gatorade
• 324 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game Time
Kalu Abosi off to a good start inside for Central with 6 points.  Rayeon Williams with 7 in a row ending with an NBA 3.  That counters 6 early points from Wayzata's Ty Gelinske.  15-9 Central at the 10:22 mark.  Abosi with a putback and then ends an 8-0 Central run with a 3 out of THE WORLD'S WORST OFFENSE.  That gives Central a 10 point lead but Will Beeninga counters with 2 quick bombs.  Central ends the half with 8 of the last 10 as Wayzata only gets 1 more FG in the half.  35-25 Central at the break.  As much as I talk about poor free throw shooting, nice to see these teams combine for a perfect 18 for 18 in the half.

Williams and Abosi continuing to carry the offense for Central.  A Williams 3 and Abosi bucket push the lead to 15.  Abosi with a pair of buckets to sandwich another Gelinske hoop.  Then Jakobi Jackson with back to back hoops and the lead is 57-40 with 7:07 left.  Central spreads in the last 5 minutes.  That leads to a Sam Gubbrud layup and 2 free throws from Williams.  63-44 Central in control with 3:17 left.  Wayzata would score the last 12 points to make this game look much closer than the final score indicates.  Johnny Beeninga with 8 of those 12.  Central wins 63-56.

Post Game
Wayzata falls to 7-9 on the season but they don't have a marquee win.  Ty Gelinske leads the Trojans with 10 of his 16 in the 1st half.  Johnny Beeninga finishes with 14 but he was largely a non-factor.  Wayzata needs his offense.  The Trojans are taking their lumps this year with 4 sophomore starters and the first 3 reserves are juniors.  They host Elk River on Tuesday before jumping into the Lake Conference schedule against Minnetonka next Friday.

#7AAA Central improves to 9-3 with the win.  Kalu Abosi with 20 points inside.  Rayeon Williams 20 points outside, 15 of those in the 1st half.  He was able to get to foul line for 8-8.  The Minutemen return to St. Paul City play at Washington on Friday.  They have good wins over Cloquet and Hermantown from section 7AAA.  The real barometer will be the 2 games against Johnson in the last 3 weeks of the season.

Rebels continue to rumble

Prologue
Off to #3AAAA Champlin Park for a non-conference game with Spring Lake Park.  Surprised I didn't see more notables in the building.  But we did have former Minnesota assistant Ron Jirsa in the building.  Nice hot dog and 20 oz of Red Powerade on the concessions menu. 

Song of the Day
Somebody that I used to know - Gotye featuring Kimbra

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 756 ounces  (71 games, 56 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite
• 120 oz Red Powerade
• 60 oz Red Gatorade
• 324 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game Time
The threes are flying early.  Collin Price countered by Ian Smith.  TC Robinson off the screen and roll countered by Jeremy Johnson from the left corner.  Its Johnson again to end an 8-0 Champlin Park run that gives them their first lead.  Eric Curran on the high low feed for a 3 point play at 13:02.  That brings Spring Lake Park back to a 13 all tie.  Then the Rebels start to pull away.  Brennan Witt with a layup, JT Gibson drives the zone for a 3 point play, Smith to the reverse and a floater and Johnson takes a turnover for 2.  That's an 11-2 Champlin Park run.  24-15 Rebels inside of the 11 minute mark.  Price fouled on a 3 and makes all 3 free throws at 8:20.  30-22 Champlin Park before they blow the game open.  Marty Hill and Gibson for 3, Jack Darnell 2 inside buckets off the bench, Smith and Gibson with 2 more bombs.  Its a 16-4 run in 3 and a half minutes and the lead is up to 20.  Witt with a pair of late layups and the lead stays at 20, 56-36 at the half.  More of the same in the 2nd half with lots of bench minutes.  Champlin Park wins 95-72.

Post Game
Spring Lake Park falls to 7-7 overall with the loss.  Collin Price with 20 to lead the Panthers.  Devonte Skrebes and TC Robinson with 13 each.  No success with the 1-3-1 zone as Champlin Park just sliced it up.  But not enough firepower either to keep up on the scoreboard.  They host Fridley on Friday as they attempt to stay tied in the loss column in the North Suburban race.

Champlin Park is now 15-1 overall and 10-0 in the Northwest Suburban.  They've won 14 straight since the close loss at Hopkins over Thanksgiving.  The Rebels are off until next Tuesday when they start the 2nd rotation of league play against Maple Grove before a dandy at Armstrong next Friday. Jeremy Johnson outstanding as he leads all scorers with 24 points.  Ian Smith and Brennan Witt with 16 each and both not only scored but had plenty of assists as well.  Great team ball movement and great offensive balance.

Tyus dominates South Suburban Showdown

Prologue
Off to the 1st big showdown of the season in the South Suburban.  Its #3AAAA Lakeville North visiting #1AAAA Apple Valley.  A late arriving crowd almost fills the building.  All the usual notables on hand like Mr. Basketball chairman Ken Lien and John Millea of the MSHSL.  Not to mention our good friends at the Red Star.  St. Olaf and Augsburg just a couple of the schools looking on. 

Song of the Day
Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 736 ounces  (70 games, 55 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite
• 100 oz Red Powerade
• 60 oz Red Gatorade
• 324 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game Time
Apple Valley gives Robert Tobroxen the task of guarding JP Macura.  Alex Reiland with a pair of quick Panthers 3s and 1 from Connor Flack for an 11-4 Lakeville North lead.  Tobroxen for 2 on a turnover, Tyus to Brock Bertram for a layup and Tyus with a steal for 2 free throws to cut the Lakeville North lead to 17-16 at the 11:59.  A fast pace in this one especially in the 1st 4 minutes.  Jordan Bolton for 3, Tyus dunks a turnover and buries a 3, Tobroxon with a putback, Dennis Austin 2 free throws out of the post for a 12-3 Apple Valley run to take the lead.  After a Drew Stewart 3, Tyus with the putback, Austin slips to the rim for 2 free throws, Bertram tips in a miss and Tyus goes glass.  The 20-6 Apple Valley run over 4:15 puts them up 36-25.  Macura makes a pair of 3s to keep Lakeville North within striking distance while Bertram and Austin work inside.  46-37 Apple Valley at the break.

Apple Valley just pounded Lakeville North on the boards.  Austin with a putback and then a sequence that saw about 5 Eagles offensive boards before Bertram stuck it back.  That counters 3s from Flack and Stewart.  Macura with another bomb as Lakeville North is within 54-46 inside of 15 to play.  Then its the Tyus Jones show.  He scores 2 buckets and then buries a 3 off the screen and roll.  4 more Apple Valley points makes the run 11-3 and the lead is 16.  Macura with a drive and then he posts Tyus for 2.  Stewart with a layup and Lakeville North is back within 10 with 9:22 left.

Tyus with the 3 point play.  Flack for 3 to counter.  Tyus for 3 and then he takes a steal for 2 free throws.  Then a pretty underhand assist to Tobroxen for a layup.  Tyus with a steal and dunk with 6 to play and another bucket to push the lead to 20.  That's all coach Oxton needs to see as he sits Macura with 5:02 to play.  Tyus just adds to the effortless show with a floater, a pullup for 3 and he converts a turnover into a bucket.  He sits with 2:58 left.  Apple Valley rolls to a 102-74 win.

Post Game
Lakeville North falls to 11-3 overall, 6-1 in the South Suburban.  They've now lost 2 straight after an 8 game winning streak.  Connor Flack leads the Panthers with 17 points including 4 3s.  JP Macura 16 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 7 turnovers.  3 others in double figures for the Panthers.  They make 15-30 from behind the 3 point line.  But a lack of size was an absolute killer.  They get outrebounded 42-22 and give up 14 2nd chance points along with 24 points off of 16 turnovers.  Next up is a trip to Rosemount on Friday.

Apple Valley takes sole possession of 1st in the South Suburban at 7-0.  They are 14-1 overall.  Tyus Jones absolutely electric.  41 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 16-21 FGs (4-5 from 3) and 3 turnovers.  He made it look ridiculously easy.  Smooth drives, knocking down open 3s etc etc.  Brock Bertram pounds away inside for a double double of 14 points and 15 boards, 7 of those on the offensive end.  Dennis Austin 14 points working inside as well.  Man to man or against the 2-3 zone, the Eagles were not going to be slowed.  These teams will meet again in Lakeville the last Tuesday of the regular season (2/18) with the league crown likely on the line.

Lions tame the Aggies

Prologue
I trek to St. Agnes for their Tri-Metro game with Providence.  It won't be the last trip of the week over to the east side either.  Small but quality hot dog is the usual standard at St. Agnes.  I go light on the beverage side with just 12 oz of Sprite.  St. Agnes a very depleted roster from what I recall from last season.

Song of the Day
Best Day of My Life - American Authors

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 724 ounces  (69 games, 54 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 36 oz Sprite
• 100 oz Red Powerade
• 60 oz Red Gatorade
• 312 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer

Game Time
Ben Ratliff 6 quick points and Riley Loew for 3 as Providence pounces on the Aggies for a 12-2 lead at the 13:45 mark.  Nick Turch for 3 and then fouled on the inbounds for 2 of 3 free throws to pull St. Agnes within 14-10.  Providence scores 15 of the next 19  Ratliff with a pair buckets in the run, then frost Gavin Blomberg and soph Dominic Miller finish the run with 3 point plays.  Loew with another 3 at the halftime buzzer for a 38-17 halftime lead.

Miller with another bucket and Sean Healy for 2 to push the lead to 25.  But don't count on running time just yet.  Jake Gutzmann for 3 for the 1st bucket by an Aggie not named Turch in over 14 minutes.  Then he drives for 2 and Turch takes a turnover for a 3 point play.   Gutzmann adds another bomb to cut the lead to 45-35 with 7:15 left.  That's a 13-0 St. Agnes run.  Providence stops the bleeding with buckets from Healy and Loew.  Gutzmann's 3rd bomb cuts the lead to 10 with 3:15 left.  St. Agnes gets no closer.  Providence wins 57-47.

Post Game
For St. Agnes, Nick Turch scores 27 to keep his season average at 26.3.  Jake Gutzmann with 11 of the other 20 for the Aggies.  They're hard pressed to find any offense outside of Turch.  But they did pull out the same nice inbounds play that they used last year which is fun to see.  St. Agnes falls to 3-10 overall, 0-2 in the Tri-Metro. They host Blake on Wednesday before a trip to St. Anthony on Friday.

Providence continues to be a nice story as they improve to 9-4 overall, 3-2 in the Tri-Metro.  Ben Ratliff scores 10 of his 15 in the 1st half to lead the Lions.  Riley Loew with a pair of 3s on the way to 10 points.  10 players score.  Providence extremely patient on offense not settling for jump shots.  That leads to plenty of long possessions looking for their 2 bigs inside which is rare to see.  The Lions are off until Saturday when they visit Watertown-Mayer in an important section 5AA game.

Single Digit Day

Prologue
No major local event on Saturday so that means I get to run around to do some 8th grade recruiting in addition to seeing 3 single digit level games.

Song of the Day
Panama - Van Halen

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 712 ounces  (68 games, 52 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 24 oz Sprite
• 100 oz Red Powerade
• 60 oz Red Gatorade
• 312 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game 1: #8AAA Washburn at #7A Maranatha
Quinton Garvis and Jeremiah Hanson carry the offense for their teams in the 1st half.  Back and forth game in the half.  Washburn would come back to tie or take a brief lead and Maranatha would counter.  41-36 Maranatha at the break.  Jeff Jones heating up from deep.  He buries a 3 to end a 10-2 run to reclaim the lead at 50-48 with 11:14 left.  Josh Goldschmidt ends a 7-0 run with a transition 3 with 7:05 left and its 61-56 MCA.  Washburn right back with their own 7-0 run.  Jones having made 2 3s against the 3-2 zone from the left slot, puts Goldschmidt in the popcorn machine and makes the 1 bounce pullup.  63-61 Washburn with 4:14 left.  Goldschmidt with a steal and assist to put MCA up 67-64 with 2:45 left.  Jones converts a turnover to cut the lead to 1.  Hanson misses an open 3 with a minute left and a 1 point lead.  Garvis makes 1 of 2 to tie.  Goldschmidt gets a good look in the lane late but can't get it to fall.  67 all and we'll play overtime.  Washburn up 1 in the OT with a minute left.  MCA looks to foul and just as they give it, they get a steal that would have been a layup.  Tough break for the Mustangs.  Kevin Gleason makes both ends of the bonus with 45 seconds left.  After 2 Hanson free throws, Gleason makes 1 of 2 with 8.7 left for a 2 point Washburn lead.  Goldschmidt pushes and Washburn backs off.  He gets a great look at the arc on the pullup that goes in and out.  Garvis makes 1 free throw to seal it.  Washburn gets a nice road win 74-71.  Jeremiah Hanson with 29 points to lead all scorers.  Jeff Jones and Quinton Garvis each with 23 for Washburn.

SEC/Lake Showdown at Roseville
Game 2: Edina vs Mounds View
A great analogy was made during the game.  Mounds View is like that over 30 team you play in men's league that you think you should destroy and they go out and win all the time.  Mahad Haji hot early with a couple of 3s as Edina opens a 14-7 lead.  Ryan Kaczynski with a pair of hoops to cut the lead to 5 before Ben Boone's 3 expands the lead to 23-13.  Kaczynski 2 more buckets and post Tim Hanson scoring off a screen and roll feed and adding a pair of free throws.  Kaczynski why not for 2 more baskets and its a 15-0 Mounds View run.  Walt McGrory for 3, Boone runs for a 3 point play as Edina comes back with 8 straight.  34-31 Edina at the half.

Hanson with a pair of quick 3s along with one from shooter Ben Spencer.  40-39 Mounds View with 13:30 left.  Boone and McGrory with 3s for Edina as they open a 50-46 lead with 9:50 left.  Then Edina's zone defense falls apart.  Kaczynski with 2 free throws.  Hanson 2 easy buckets, James Van Eps with a putback and Kaczynski to the reverse.  Edina tries to get out of it and gives up a Henry Morris backdoor layup.  58-52 Mounds View with 6:30 left after the 12-2 run.  Edina would get the next 4 to close to within 2.  But 7 in a row thanks to a Kaczynski hoop and 5 team free throws would extend the lead to 9.  McGrory would bury a 3 and add another quick bucket to cut the lead to 4 with 50 tickets left.  A couple of late turnovers make the final look worse than it really was.  Mounds View wins 74-63.  Ryan Kaczynski outstanding with 27 points for Mounds View.  Ben Boone leads Edina with 19, but was scoreless in the last 8 minutes.

Game 3: Minnetonka vs #8AAAA Roseville
The Nutty Professor leading the officiating crew for this one.  Lance Gardner for 3 and another bucket for a 7-0 Roseville lead.  Kobe Critchley with the drive and one at the 14:45 mark for a 12-9 Roseville lead.  Then its a 23-4 Minnetonka run to take a 32-16 lead at the 7:47 mark.  Delshon Strickland with 6 points late in that run.  Minnetonka doesn't put the game away though.  Gardner with another 3 and the Dirk Nowitzki fade to cut the lead to 9.  Derek Magnuson with 7 late points despite 2 fouls.  Minnetonka would keep the lead at 46-34 at the half. 

Roseville did have another run in them.  Down 13 early in the 2nd half, its a 9-0 Raiders run with 4 from Critchley.  Kyler Briggity with a layup to tie and then a Gardner 3 to bring Roseville all the way back.  62-61 Raiders with 8 minutes left. Carieno Gurley going to work on the right block. 6 points in a short time inside for him as Tonka clings to a 72-71 lead inside of 5 to play.  Gardner to the rack, pushed early but zebras totally blow the call and make it a 3 point play.  Strickland counters with a free throw and a 3 point play.  80-78 Tonka with 2:24 left.  Critchley pulls out an offensive rebound and finds reserve Mitch Poss for a big 3 with 1:45 left.  Soph PG Amar Miller into the trees and a ridiculous 3 point play with 1:36 left.  83-81 Tonka.  Miller drives for 2 more after a Critchley free throw but there's Poss again from 3.  85 all with a minute left.  Tonka takes timeout and holds.  Poss faceguards Strickland.  Tonka goes a bit early misses their shot and the rebound but Mitch Felknor is on the glass for the putback with 5 seconds left.  Roseville gets 1 last heave at the buzzer but its no good.  Minnetonka wins 87-85.  Delshon Strickland 24 points, Careino Gurley and Seth Coatta 13.  Lance Gardner 22 points, Derek Magnuson 13 of his 17 in 1st half for Roseville.

The North Side Rivalry Renewed

Prologue
Off to Minneapolis Henry to see their rivalry game against Minneapolis North.  The buzz definitely in effect for this game as we end up with pretty close to a full house.  A very vocal crowd at that.  Certainly a much different feel for this game than recent games in this storied rivalry.  Remember this game used to be played at Target Center once upon a time.  The Henry pep band makes an appearance.  We don't see enough pep bands in the metro.  The game also with impact in the Minneapolis City standings.  No concessions for me due to the full house.
 
Song of the Day
Back in Black - AC/DC

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 672 ounces  (65 games, 51 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 24 oz Sprite
• 100 oz Red Powerade
• 40 oz Red Gatorade
• 292 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer

Game Time
Soph Jamil Jackson carrying the North offense while Junior Julian Jackson carrying the Henry offense.  Julian's 3 point play on a putback ties the game at 16 at the 11:24 mark.  Jamil for 3 to push the lead to 7.  Then down the lane, into traffic and thunders home the 2 handed smash at the 7:15 mark.  The lead holds in the 6-8 range for the rest of the half.  42-34 North at the break.  Jamil Jackson with 16 while Julian Jackson has 13.

Tyler Johnson with a steal for 2 and then up high to throw down a lob for a 10 point North lead.  Jermal Davis giving Henry great minutes off the bench.  He makes a great hustle play to save a ball on the sideline and gets it back for layup.  Jovahn Jefferson with a pair of buckets and Henry has moment.  Patriots have the North lead down to 58-54 outside of 8 minutes to play.  Then Randy Matthews with a pair of lefty finishes inside.  JaQuan Sanders with a pair of free throws and a 3 point play to finish a Polars run of 11-2.  69-56 North leads with 6:16 left.  No danger the rest of the way.  Larry McKenzie gets his fan base fired up in the final minutes as North celebrates the 85-70 victory.

Post Game
For Henry, Jovahn Jefferson scores 14 of his 19 in the 2nd half to lead the Patriots.  9 points from Jermal Davis off the bench in the 2nd half.  Quality minutes  there.  Julian Jackson 13 of his 17 in the 1st half.  Henry with only 2 timeouts left during the run so they didn't have a chance to take one during the 11-2 run that ultimately put the game away.  Henry 3-7 overall and now 2-2 in the Minneapolis City.  The next 3 games are on the road against Totino-Grace, Wayzata and Blake before hosting the MLK Classic.

For North, they improve to 7-7 overall.  They remain on top of the Minneapolis City at 4-0.  Jamil Jackson with another big game of 25 points.  He had 3 dunks in the 1st half with the big one in traffic included.  Tyler Johnson scored 17 points despite foul trouble.  North gets a another big league test at home against Washburn on Thursday.  Then the Polars have 4 in a row on the road.  Give North's top 2 credit for stepping up with critical plays.

Red Knights jump to top of North Suburban

Prologue
After a down year last year, Benilde-St. Margaret's is much improved so its an opportunity to see them host North Suburban leader Spring Lake Park.  Early meal means I stay away from the usually quality hot dog but I add 20 ounces of Red Powerade to the beverage tally to hit the century mark there.  Hamline head coach Jim Hayes enjoys the hot dog while he's in to watch Spring Lake Park's TC Robinson.  I can't stand today's tune but since it seems to be in every pregame mix, I had to look up who wrote the garbage.

Song of the Day
Jay-Z, Kanye and who ever else - Clique (clean version)

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 672 ounces  (64 games, 50 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 24 oz Sprite
• 100 oz Red Powerade
• 40 oz Red Gatorade
• 292 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game Time
Benilde-St. Margaret's controls this one from the start.  Sam Lynch flares for 3 out of classic Princeton chin and knocks down a jumper.  9-2 BSM at the 14:39 mark.  Lynch rolling with a layup, the sweet kiss off the glass on the short jumper and a nice UCLA cut for a free throw.  Lynch deep and playable at 9:05.  22-11 BSM at that point.  Spring Lake Park sticking around as they pull out THE WORLD'S WORST OFFENSE and that nets shooter Collin Price a pair of 3s.  TC Robinson sits out the last 3 minutes after a quick pair of fouls gives him 3.  A turnover sees soph Sam Baker go behind the back to Colin Polarek for a layup late in the half.  36-24 Benilde-St. Margaret's leads at the half.

Benilde breaks the Panthers pressure for a second layup in the game and the lead is 15 early in the 2nd half.  TC Robinson makes his 1st field goal at the 13:10 mark, its a 3 that cuts the lead to 11.  But he picks up a cheap 4th foul in the backcourt with 10:56 to play and has to sit.  Forward Eji Ejiya picks up his 4th at the 9:58 mark and he'll sit too.  2 major weapons on the bench for Spring Lake Park.  Lynch breaks an 8 minute drought from the field with a bucket at the 7:45 mark.  But Spring Lake Park's offense only generates 5 points during that stretch.  So the lead is still 9 when Lynch scores.  Sam Baker adds a 3 with 6:10 to push the lead to 53-39.  TC Robinson scores 14 points in just under 3 minutes but Spring Lake Park gets no closer than 9.  Benilde-St. Margaret's wins 65-53.

Post Game
For Spring Lake Park, TC Robinson leads the Panthers with 19 points.  He scored 14 of those inside of 4 minutes to play after the Panthers were down 16.  Collin Price with 16 points, 13 in the 1st half.  He knocked down 4 threes.  All 5 starters score but they get absolutely nothing from the bench.  I like their high low entry into their offense.  But I was surprised to not see a bigger emphasis on pounding the ball inside, especially when the Red Knights went man.  As much as it pains me to say it, I was surprised to not see more flex in the 2nd half.  Spring Lake Park falls to 6-5 and 2-1 in the North Suburban.  A win would have kept them in sole possession of first.  They go on the road to St. Louis Park and Champlin Park (a game I'll be at) before a big game with Fridley on Friday.  Then a trip to Farmington looms.  Tough stretch for the Panthers. 

For Benilde-St. Margaret's, lefty Sam Lynch with a crafty 24 points to lead all scorers.  13 of those in the 1st 9 minutes.  Colin Polarek with 12.  Soph Sam Baker adds 10 off the bench.  I loved the 2-3 high offense.  4 out with a screener in the middle to get some shuffle and UCLA cuts.  Add in some Princeton chin action and space to go back door and it was fun to watch.  Coach Moore switching between man and 1-3-1 for much of the night.  You could argue this is his best coaching job since the 2008 state championship team with Mr. Basketball winner Jordan Taylor.  The Red Knights get the 1st shot against Fridley next week before visiting Totino-Grace on Friday.  Those are big games in the standings.  But before that there's the battle for the Christian Brothers Cup at De La Salle on Saturday.  The Red Knights are now 8-5 and move into 1st place at 3-1 in the league.  4 other teams trail them at 2-1.  Fridley 1 game back in the loss column.  Wouldn't be crazy to see as many as 6 of the 8 teams beat each other up and stay in contention for the last North Suburban title.

A technical city showdown

Prologue
The cold weather pushes a St. Paul City showdown back a day.  Its off to Arlington Washington Technology Magnet to see them take on Highland Park.  Very strange to come in on the bottom level and only have half of 1 side of bleachers open.  No concessions at all which gives my waistline a night off.  Really good young official and his partner get to work both the JV and Varsity games.  Today's music selection is a random selection that has the word cold in it.

Song of the Day
Cold Hearted Snake - Paula Abdul

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 652 ounces  (63 games, 49 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 24 oz Sprite
• 80 oz Red Powerade
• 40 oz Red Gatorade
• 292 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 

Game Time
Both teams come out zone (Washington 2-3, Highland 3-2) and neither team executes well against it.  Robby Sanders 4 of 6 straight Eagles (don't call us Presidents) points to put Washington up 8-6 at the 12:30 mark.  Highland Park holds down the Eagles offense for the 8 minutes.  Scots guard Isaiah Brower with a triple and a pair of free throws in the 16-4 run that results.  Washington frosh Curtis Bell with a pair of late buckets to keep Washington close.  30-21 Highland Park at half despite missing 10 free throws.

Da'Vonte Adams with a couple of quick Washington buckets and then he banks home a 3 as Washington tries to mount a comeback.  35-30 Highland Park at the 14:37 mark.  Highland Park never really pulls away but Washington never gets any closer.  The 2nd half is a foul shooting contest with 37 total free throw attempts between the teams in the half.  Highland Park goes on to win 69-57.

Post Game
Washington falls to 7-3 overall, 0-2 in the St. Paul City.  In the last CzarPI their schedule strength was 128 out of 130 teams in class AA.  You could make the case they don't have a notable win yet.  Senior guard Da'Vonte Adams leads the Eagles with 16 points.  Junior Robby Sanders with 14.  Soph Xavier Walden with some nice 2nd half minutes inside.  Frosh Curtis Bell with 10 points.  They'll host Humboldt on Friday.

Highland Park gets their 1st win of the year to improve to 1-9, 1-1.  I was surprised when I saw they were dead last in the last class AAA CzarPI.  Dion Bradley was a huge loss but I didn't expect this.  Guard Isaiah Brower with 18 points.  Junior Kwashon Collins-Westlund 16 points, 10 of those at the charity stripe.  Highland Park wins the free throw war by making 24-40 compared to 9-19 for Washington.    Highland Park visits Central on Friday night and then a quick turnaround at home vs Hill-Murray on Saturday afternoon.

Apple Valley continues to roll

Prologue
Due to all of the school closings again its an abbreviated Tuesday night schedule in the metro.  But the South Suburban Conference plays on with all of their games still on the docket.  With that as the option, it makes sense to take a look at Eagan as they host #1AAAA Apple Valley.  A late arrival just before tip means no concessions and no real good music choice.  Pretty nice crowd for a cold Tuesday night game.  It was one of those days today (you'll see that on Twitter, and if you don't follow me, why not?  Start Now!).  That gives us today's ...

Song of the Day
Prelude/Angry Young Man - Billy Joel

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 652 ounces  (62 games, 48 days)

• 36 oz Dr Pepper
• 24 oz Sprite
• 80 oz Red Powerade
• 40 oz Red Gatorade
• 292 oz Pepsi
• 140 oz Coke
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer

Game Time
Its a quick start for Apple Valley.  Gary Trent for 2, Tyus pulls up with a jumper and pulls up for another 3.  Dennis Austin puts back a miss and its 9-2 Eagles not even 2 minutes in.  Eagan gets a 9-0 run of their own thanks to 3s from Chase Seiberlich and Cole Hibbard.  That gives Eagan a 15-13 at the 11:06 mark and Apple Valley needs a timeout.  Tyus to Trey Pipkins for a 3 point play and Apple Valley is back on top.  Michael Gorder working the post and his bucket at the 8 minute mark pulls Eagan within 25-22.  The big fellas Brock Bertam and Pipkins with buckets to push the lead to 6.  Then Tyus to soph Jordan Bolton for a pair of bombs and the lead quickly is 11.  Gorder a couple of more inside hoops to keep Eagan within 43-34 at the break.

Bertram screen and roll from Tyus, Trent outside for 3.  Seiberlich counters with a pair of 3s to sandwich a Bertram putback.  50-40 Eagan hanging around with 14:45 left.  Then the Eagles put the game out of reach.  Tyus to Robert Tobroxen for a layup, Austin and Bertram stick backs, Tyus 2 freebies, Pipkins a layup, Cam Kirksey with the reverse and a Tyus 3 point play to end the run.  Its a 15-0 run for Apple Valley over 5:36. 65-40 Apple Valley with the lead just inside of 9 minutes left.  The rest is cruise control.  Apple Valley wins 87-51.

Post Game
For Eagan, Michael Gorder leads the Wildcats with all 12 of his points in the 1st half.  The nice junior guard duo of Chase Seiberlich and Bryndan Matthews with 9 each.  Junior forward GT Johnson left the game with a right knee injury with 15:24 left.  That's a big loss for the Wildcats if he misses extended time.  Eagan is now 7-5 overall, 3-2 in the South Suburban (back to back losses to powers Apple Valley and Lakeville North).  They have a tough turnaround at home against Rosemount on Thursday before road games next week against a pair of tough guards, Jon Sobaski and Jack Sorenson.  Transition defense was an issue tonight for Eagan and against those 2 guards it can be exposed too.

Apple Valley improves to 12-1 overall, 5-0 in the South Suburban.  They have a trap game at Burnsville on Friday before a big home showdown with Lakeville North.  Burnsville has already beaten Farmington and gave Lakeville North all they wanted in Lakeville tonight.  Tyus Jones leads the way with 22 points and 8 assists on the Apple Valley stat sheet.  Gary Trent 14 points, Brock Bertram 10, Dennis Austin 11.  Nice move by the Eagles to go with their 1-2-2 3/4 court trap to speed Eagan up and force some turnovers for easy buckets.  Dennis Austin doing a nice job holding down Michael Gorder in the 2nd half. 

January 6, 2014 CzarPI

Here is the 2nd CzarPI of the 2013-14 season (see CzarPI Explained here). It includes games through January 4th, 2014. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class

Class AAAA

1. Apple Valley - 63.02 (9)
2. Hopkins - 62.25 (6)
3. Lakeville North - 61.03 (15)
4. Champlin Park - 60.82 (21)
5. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 60.49 (20)
6. Eden Prairie - 58.72 (10)
7. Cretin-Derham Hall - 57.45 (39)
8. Osseo - 56.94 (25)
9. Rosemount - 56.35 (31)
10. Shakopee - 56.13 (2)
11. Elk River - 55.34 (52)
12. Bloomington Kennedy - 55.16 (3)
13. East Ridge - 54.63 (57)
14. St. Cloud Tech - 54.48 (51)
15. Prior Lake - 54.13 (14)
16. St. Francis - 54.06 (59)
17. Bloomington Jefferson - 54.05 (33)
18. Chaska - 53.87 (38)
19. Chanhassen - 53.35 (36)
20. Tartan - 53.24 (58)
21. Park Center - 52.77 (27)
22. Woodbury - 52.53 (24)
23. Edina - 52.15 (35)
24. Rochester John Marshall - 52.03 (55)
25. Farmington - 51.3 (62)
26. Burnsville - 51.01 (13)
27. Mounds View - 50.7 (48)
28. Maple Grove - 50.08 (11)
29. Eagan - 49.6 (34)
30. Henry Sibley - 49.26 (32)
31. Centennial - 49.11 (7)
32. Minnetonka - 49.11 (22)
33. Buffalo - 48.66 (30)
34. Roseville - 48.45 (28)
35. Cambridge-Isanti - 48.12 (64)
36. Andover - 47.45 (17)
37. Moorhead - 46.63 (49)
38. Blaine - 46.3 (54)
39. White Bear Lake - 46.15 (4)
40. Stillwater Area - 45.55 (19)
41. Wayzata - 45.5 (60)
42. Robbinsdale Cooper - 45.39 (5)
43. Rochester Century - 45.38 (46)
44. Lakeville South - 45.15 (1)
45. St. Michael-Albertville - 44.15 (12)
46. Northfield - 44.03 (45)
47. Brainerd - 43.21 (56)
48. Mahtomedi - 42.49 (47)
49. Forest Lake - 40.95 (37)
50. Owatonna - 40.58 (43)
51. Eastview - 40.46 (23)
52. Minneapolis South - 39.65 (63)
53. Rochester Mayo - 37.25 (40)
54. Park of Cottage Grove - 36.22 (53)
55. Hastings - 35.62 (8)
56. Minneapolis Southwest - 35.34 (26)
57. Rogers - 31.77 (61)
58. North St. Paul - 30.36 (50)
59. Bemidji - 27.42 (29)
60. Anoka - 20.39 (18)
61. Irondale - 0 (41)
62. Coon Rapids - 0 (42)
63. Duluth East - 0 (44)
64. St. Louis Park - 0 (16)

Class AAA

1. Austin - 59.19 (11)
2. St. Paul Johnson - 58.41 (9)
3. Holy Family Catholic - 57.6 (46)
4. Marshall - 57.54 (16)
5. Cloquet - 56.54 (50)
6. Totino-Grace - 55.62 (38)
7. Grand Rapids - 55.3 (14)
8. Red Wing - 55.03 (26)
9. Delano - 54.11 (49)
10. Orono - 53.51 (21)
11. Albany - 53.34 (36)
12. Big Lake - 52.94 (45)
13. St. Paul Central - 52.36 (30)
14. New Prague - 52.34 (4)
15. Minneapolis Washburn - 52.24 (24)
16. Thief River Falls - 52.24 (59)
17. Mankato West - 52.21 (29)
18. DeLaSalle - 51.58 (1)
19. Hibbing - 51.41 (20)
20. Detroit Lakes - 51.15 (34)
21. Kasson-Mantorville - 50.67 (48)
22. Simley - 50.49 (61)
23. Spring Lake Park - 49.5 (27)
24. Sartell-St. Stephen - 49.34 (5)
25. Willmar - 48.8 (47)
26. Monticello - 48.77 (54)
27. Stewartville - 48.77 (57)
28. Hermantown - 48.41 (32)
29. St. Cloud Apollo - 47.77 (44)
30. Alexandria - 47.42 (28)
31. Holy Angels - 47.41 (6)
32. Zimmerman - 47.21 (23)
33. St. Thomas Academy - 47.09 (35)
34. Columbia Heights - 46.65 (62)
35. St. Paul Como Park - 46.05 (13)
36. Hill-Murray - 45.45 (39)
37. Little Falls - 44.89 (60)
38. Mankato East - 44.78 (17)
39. Becker - 44.45 (37)
40. Fridley - 43.85 (64)
41. Waconia - 43.03 (31)
42. Fergus Falls - 42.31 (56)
43. Winona - 41.89 (3)
44. Benilde-St. Margaret's - 41.88 (55)
45. Chisago Lakes Area - 41.29 (43)
46. Albert Lea - 38.46 (19)
47. Worthington - 37.76 (25)
48. Blake - 36.88 (41)
49. Minneapolis Henry - 35.72 (33)
50. Princeton - 33.72 (58)
51. New Ulm - 33.48 (22)
52. North Branch - 32.85 (51)
53. Mound-Westonka - 32.61 (8)
54. St. Paul Harding - 32.6 (52)
55. South St. Paul - 30.15 (63)
56. Hutchinson - 26.9 (2)
57. St. Anthony Village - 22.71 (53)
58. Rocori - 0 (12)
59. Faribault - 0 (42)
60. Richfield - 0 (7)
61. Dassel-Cokato - 0 (10)
62. Sauk Rapids-Rice - 0 (15)
63. Duluth Denfeld - 0 (18)
64. St. Paul Highland Park - 0 (40)

Class AA

1. Fairmont - 58.86 (40)
2. St. Cloud Cathedral - 57.95 (39)
3. Pelican Rapids - 57.95 (51)
4. New London-Spicer - 57.13 (99)
5. Caledonia - 56.34 (61)
6. Barnum - 55.84 (68)
7. Hayfield - 55.55 (106)
8. New Richland-H-E-G - 55.2 (58)
9. Mayer Lutheran - 55.16 (54)
10. Perham - 55.03 (9)
11. Esko - 54.53 (100)
12. St. James Area - 54.49 (86)
13. Redwood Valley - 54.42 (36)
14. Annandale - 54.38 (62)
15. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 53.9 (11)
16. Waseca - 53.86 (71)
17. Belle Plaine - 53.73 (31)
18. Crosby-Ironton - 53.41 (59)
19. Concordia Academy-Roseville - 53.23 (38)
20. Providence Academy - 52.9 (65)
21. Chatfield - 52.78 (8)
22. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 52.64 (28)
23. St. Charles - 52.17 (113)
24. Sauk Centre - 51.98 (44)
25. Jordan - 51.84 (16)
26. Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 51.83 (64)
27. Crookston - 51.28 (85)
28. St. Paul Academy - 51.24 (97)
29. Barnesville - 51.09 (10)
30. Minneota/Lincoln HI - 51.07 (84)
31. Moose Lake-Willow River - 50.99 (14)
32. Park Rapids Area - 50.93 (76)
33. St. Croix Lutheran - 50.89 (34)
34. Byron - 50.2 (98)
35. Martin County West - 50.17 (90)
36. Braham - 50.12 (81)
37. Virginia - 50.1 (109)
38. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 49.63 (57)
39. Pipestone Area - 49.49 (88)
40. Staples-Motley - 49.15 (48)
41. BOLD - 48.95 (110)
42. Eden Valley-Watkins - 48.87 (66)
43. New Life Academy - 48.77 (124)
44. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 48.76 (42)
45. Pine City - 48.54 (46)
46. Jackson County Central - 48.19 (55)
47. Rockford - 48.18 (77)
48. Montevideo - 48.12 (74)
49. East Grand Forks - 47.76 (103)
50. Cannon Falls - 47.54 (26)
51. Frazee - 47.42 (25)
52. Maple River - 46.53 (5)
53. Melrose - 46.36 (37)
54. Glencoe-Silver Lake - 46.32 (73)
55. Winona Cotter - 46.13 (50)
56. St. Paul Washington - 46.09 (128)
57. Rochester Lourdes - 45.85 (95)
58. St. Peter - 45.83 (23)
59. Watertown-Mayer - 45.76 (75)
60. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 45.69 (17)
61. Paynesville Area - 45.14 (56)
62. LeSueur-Henderson - 44.94 (123)
63. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 44.82 (108)
64. Minnehaha Academy - 44.66 (47)
65. Pine Island - 44.63 (30)
66. Litchfield - 44.39 (45)
67. Sibley East - 44.35 (32)
68. Lake City - 44.23 (41)
69. Dover-Eyota - 44.21 (72)
70. Minnewaska Area - 44.08 (27)
71. International Falls - 44.06 (12)
72. Norwood-Young America - 43.74 (94)
73. Brooklyn Center - 43.44 (104)
74. Mesabi East - 42.11 (19)
75. International School of MN - 42.07 (105)
76. La Crescent - 41.99 (82)
77. Maple Lake - 41.93 (29)
78. Breckenridge - 41.77 (7)
79. Benson - 41.64 (91)
80. Proctor - 41.34 (63)
81. Mora - 41.21 (53)
82. St. Croix Prep - 41.01 (125)
83. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 40.99 (119)
84. Pequot Lakes - 40.92 (116)
85. Aitkin - 40.84 (114)
86. Milaca - 40.83 (115)
87. Hawley - 40.72 (49)
88. Minneapolis Edison - 39.75 (60)
89. Hinckley-Finlayson - 39.69 (126)
90. Foley - 39.04 (52)
91. Breck - 38.24 (67)
92. Blue Earth Area - 37.98 (2)
93. Tri-City United - 37.95 (21)
94. Minneapolis Roosevelt - 37.89 (69)
95. Roseau - 37.86 (117)
96. Trinity School - 37.4 (102)
97. Spectrum - 37.39 (120)
98. Windom Area - 36.73 (4)
99. Osakis - 36.46 (22)
100. Eveleth-Gilbert - 36.4 (93)
101. Duluth Marshall - 36.22 (87)
102. Pierz - 36.13 (24)
103. Luverne - 36.02 (33)
104. Two Harbors - 35.59 (122)
105. Holdingford - 35.57 (83)
106. St. John's Prep - 34.69 (112)
107. Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 33.84 (6)
108. Deer River - 33.19 (101)
109. Lewiston-Altura - 32.74 (18)
110. Wadena-Deer Creek - 32.5 (79)
111. Prairie Seeds Academy - 32.47 (129)
112. St. Agnes - 32.11 (96)
113. Triton - 32.04 (35)
114. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 30.66 (1)
115. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 30.54 (107)
116. Medford - 29.92 (111)
117. Great River - 28.79 (130)
118. St. Paul Humboldt - 28.41 (70)
119. Pillager - 27.84 (80)
120. Rush City - 24.97 (118)
121. Greenway - 23.83 (121)
122. Lac qui Parle Valley - 23.7 (78)
123. Bagley - 22.3 (3)
124. Warroad - 0 (13)
125. Kenyon-Wanamingo - 0 (15)
126. FAIR School - 0 (20)
127. St. Paul Prep - 0 (43)
128. Yellow Medicine East - 0 (89)
129. Mounds Park Academy - 0 (92)
130. Hmong Academy - 0 (127)

Class A

1. Rushford-Peterson - 57.8 (71)
2. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 56.54 (34)
3. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 55.46 (108)
4. Fertile-Beltrami - 55.32 (85)
5. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 54.99 (46)
6. Upsala - 54.93 (75)
7. Dawson-Boyd - 54.88 (115)
8. Maranatha Christian - 54.72 (120)
9. Bigfork - 54.31 (57)
10. Canby - 53.66 (69)
11. Floodwood - 53.66 (58)
12. Battle Lake - 53.3 (135)
13. Mountain Lake Area - 53.09 (136)
14. United South Central - 53.05 (28)
15. Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 52.45 (119)
16. Ada-Borup - 52.14 (31)
17. Fosston - 52.01 (90)
18. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 51.94 (43)
19. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 51.92 (82)
20. Ellsworth - 51.54 (55)
21. Park Christian - 51.44 (79)
22. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 51.4 (65)
23. Verndale - 51.19 (134)
24. St. Clair - 51.16 (40)
25. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 50.99 (83)
26. Ely - 50.8 (148)
27. Southwest MN Christian - 50.62 (52)
28. Northern Freeze - 50.13 (47)
29. Chisholm - 49.92 (97)
30. Browerville - 49.71 (10)
31. Goodhue - 49.53 (26)
32. Spring Grove - 49.27 (94)
33. Cass Lake-Bena - 49.16 (140)
34. Red Lake - 49.07 (9)
35. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 48.84 (101)
36. Southwest Christian - 48.32 (24)
37. Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 48.12 (121)
38. Northome/Kelliher - 48.11 (92)
39. Blackduck - 48.09 (67)
40. Heritage Christian - 47.99 (70)
41. North Woods - 47.21 (2)
42. Swanville - 47.18 (87)
43. Legacy Christian - 47.05 (102)
44. Ashby - 47.04 (4)
45. West Central Area - 46.95 (138)
46. South Ridge - 46.18 (95)
47. Menahga - 45.85 (66)
48. Mountain Iron-Buhl - 45.79 (53)
49. MACCRAY - 45.68 (112)
50. Cherry - 45.51 (27)
51. Kimball Area - 45.2 (131)
52. Ortonville - 45.18 (41)
53. West Lutheran - 44.91 (16)
54. Nevis - 44.74 (150)
55. Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 43.95 (81)
56. Goodridge/Grygla - 43.74 (106)
57. Stephen-Argyle - 43.56 (146)
58. Minnesota Transitions Charter - 43.48 (129)
59. Cristo Rey Jesuit - 42.89 (60)
60. Hills-Beaver Creek - 42.84 (50)
61. Minneapolis North - 42.81 (25)
62. Kittson County Central - 42.75 (30)
63. New York Mills - 42.62 (63)
64. Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 42.53 (91)
65. Wabasso - 42.25 (110)
66. Sleepy Eye - 41.97 (124)
67. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 41.91 (142)
68. Blooming Prairie - 41.83 (154)
69. Lanesboro - 41.64 (127)
70. Bethlehem Academy - 41.59 (77)
71. Hope Lutheran - 41.45 (137)
72. Christian Life School - 41.18 (141)
73. Southwest United - 41.12 (151)
74. Henning - 41.11 (132)
75. Springfield - 40.86 (37)
76. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 40.81 (54)
77. Mankato Loyola - 40.63 (68)
78. Isle - 40.43 (133)
79. Central MN Christian - 40.18 (51)
80. Lake Park-Audubon - 39.29 (45)
81. Randolph - 39.19 (64)
82. Wrenshall - 39.16 (107)
83. Bethany Academy - 38.8 (139)
84. Wabasha-Kellogg - 38.61 (23)
85. East Central - 38.58 (145)
86. NCE/U-H - 38.34 (56)
87. Fillmore Central - 37.67 (19)
88. Mahnomen - 37.46 (144)
89. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 37.41 (100)
90. Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 37.28 (126)
91. Truman/Martin Luther - 36.89 (13)
92. Win-E-Mac - 36.65 (15)
93. Houston - 36.36 (111)
94. Onamia - 36.24 (109)
95. Grand Meadow - 35.83 (76)
96. Mabel-Canton - 35.17 (61)
97. Lakeview Christian - 33.38 (5)
98. Red Lake County - 33.36 (78)
99. Sacred Heart - 33.23 (74)
100. Parkers Prairie - 33.09 (8)
101. Hill City - 32.94 (98)
102. Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 32.71 (105)
103. Waubun - 32.64 (118)
104. Nicollet - 32.45 (14)
105. Glenville-Emmons - 32.38 (152)
106. New Ulm Cathedral - 31.54 (99)
107. Kingsland - 31.5 (11)
108. Madelia - 31.28 (73)
109. Granada-Huntley-East Chain - 31.2 (33)
110. Learning for Leadership - 31.19 (35)
111. St. Cloud Christian - 31.19 (159)
112. Cook County - 30.44 (84)
113. Schaeffer Academy - 30.36 (86)
114. CHOF - 30.04 (130)
115. PACT Charter - 29.35 (155)
116. Carlton - 29.33 (103)
117. Murray County Central - 29.12 (39)
118. MN Academy for the Deaf - 28.68 (157)
119. McGregor - 28.16 (143)
120. Liberty Classical Academy - 28.09 (156)
121. Nova Classical Academy - 27.95 (29)
122. Underwood - 27.95 (21)
123. Nashwauk-Keewatin - 27.91 (149)
124. Adrian - 27.69 (36)
125. Cleveland - 27.43 (88)
126. Lakeview - 27.26 (72)
127. Bertha-Hewitt - 26.6 (44)
128. Clearbrook-Gonvick - 26.58 (62)
129. Littlefork-Big Falls - 25.67 (117)
130. Cromwell - 25.59 (18)
131. Edgerton - 25.07 (80)
132. Sebeka - 25.07 (96)
133. Southland - 24.62 (17)
134. Royalton - 23.62 (49)
135. Brandon/Evansville - 22.75 (20)
136. Community of Peace Academy - 0 (153)
137. Rothsay - 0 (6)
138. Northeast Range - 0 (22)
139. Renville County West - 0 (38)
140. Silver Bay - 0 (42)
141. Laporte - 0 (48)
142. Fulda - 0 (114)
143. Alden-Conger - 0 (116)
144. Climax/Fisher - 0 (125)
145. Calvin Christian - 0 (158)
146. Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig - 0 (160)
147. Hancock - 0 (1)
148. Pine River-Backus - 0 (3)
149. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 0 (7)
150. New Century Academy - 0 (12)
151. Mesabi Academy - 0 (32)
152. Ogilvie - 0 (59)
153. Northland - 0 (89)
154. Red Rock Central - 0 (93)
155. Lake of the Woods - 0 (104)
156. LeRoy-Ostrander - 0 (113)
157. Hope Academy - 0 (122)
158. North Lakes Academy - 0 (123)
159. Norman County West - 0 (128)
160. Academy for Sciences & Ag - 0 (147)