2014 Cretin-Derham Hall Jamboree notes

Its the start of the scrimmage and jamboree season for 2014-15.  One of the top jamborees is the old St. Thomas Academy/Howard Pulley/now Cretin-Derham Hall jamboree.  This year is the 1st year it moves to Cretin-Derham Hall.  The format moves to a shorter time frame with 4 sessions of 2 gyms going at once.  I took in the 4 sessions in the main gym with concessions.   CDH with the usual high quality hot dogs and the unexpected addition of Pepsi.  Usually its a Coke shop.

Beverage Count: 12 ounces
Hot Dogs: 1

Here's what I noticed

Tony Rodriguez, Todd Klingsporn and The Reverend working the games with another official (1 ref resting each game).  The Rev in rare midseason form with a handful of crazy late NBA like whistles.  The classic if it goes in I won't blow the whistle otherwise it must have been a foul syndrome.  

Main thing of note from the night was the missing kids and kids in unexpected spots.

No Brad Davison or Kayode Awosika for Maple Grove.  Kevin McKiernan out for Prior Lake with an injured shoulder.  Josh Collins getting the DNP CD for De La Salle.  Tyler Johnson and Odell Wilson out for Minneapolis North.  Amir Coffey sat out a large chunk of the time for Hopkins.  No Ishmael El-Amin either for the Royals.

Session 1: Prior Lake vs Minnetonka
Justin Moes came off the bench for the Skippers.  Heck of a bench weapon to have.  Seth Coatta and Evan Altenburg doing their usual thing.  As mentioned, Kevin McKiernan out with a shoulder injury for Prior Lake.  That meant that De La Salle transfer Isaiah Sims (played JV late last year for the Lakers) had to spend time at the point.  Connor Bair was able to poach a couple of passing lanes for bunnies but he looks like he's still getting his wind for the season.  Minnetonka won both sessions by a point.

Session 2: Apple Valley vs Minneapolis North
Some fun moments in this one with Cam Kirksey guarding Jamil Jackson.  Kirksey was long and athletic enough to really bother Jackson's game.  Gary Trent Jr put up big numbers while handling the ball much more than expected.  During fall ball, you'd see the inbounds to Tre Jones and then a quick kick ahead up the sideline.  Didn't see any of that tonight which was mind-boggling.  The Eagles jumped out quickly in the 1st half before a North run brought them back.  Apple Valley pulled away late to win that half and then ran away in the 2nd half.

Session 3: Maple Grove vs Cretin-Derham Hall
Reed Nikko with an impressive night.  Have to like how Maple Grove really looks to pound the ball inside.  Beyond Brad Davison, they'll need to find a shooter to open things up to make the next highest level.  Frosh Daniel Oturo with a productive night for Cretin-Derham Hall.  Both halves close

Session 4: Hopkins vs De La Salle
The marquee match-up we all expected really didn't evolve into much.  Lots of run and gun, not pretty from either end in that scenario.  The Hopkins pressure really took De La Salle out of anything offensively.  Not really a surprise as the Islanders will be about their defense and let the offense figure itself out.  Amir Coffey sat for a big chunk of this one which only allowed a couple of possessions where he went at Sacar Anim.  John Warren was impressive on both ends.  He had the dunk of the night and knocked down shots.  But it was really nice to see guard Jarvis Johnson full court.  Very effective there with his length.  Hopkins won the first half easily while De La Salle won the 2nd half easily.