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.