Royals Rule a Return Game

Prologue
A quiet night on the local schedule takes me to #10AA Annandale at #2AAAA Hopkins.  This is a return game from last year.  An emotional night allowed Annandale to be in the game right until the final buzzer last year.  But a very different Annandale team.  Its the usual whole wheat bun for the hot dog.  Not up to the usual standards tonight.  Sprite is the beverage.

Number of Teams I've Seen: 124 (107 games, 61 days, 39 buildings, 20 online)

Beverage Ticker: 814.3 ounces (8980 Calories)

• Pepsi: 263.6 ounces (3290 calories)
• Coke: 149.8 ounces (1780 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 36 ounces (450 calories)
• Sprite Zero: 20 ounces (0 calories) 
• Sprite: 156.9 ounces (1860 calories) 
• 7 Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Red Gatorade: 100 ounces (700 calories)  
• Red Powerade: 40 ounces (260 calories) 
• A&W Root Beer: 24 ounces (340 calories) 
• Mug Root Beer: 12 ounces (160 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 22
• Walking Tacos: 5
• Pizza: 17
• Pulled Pork Sandwich: 1
• Chipotle: 1 (thanks to Bethel staff)

Game Time:
Annandale not intimidated early as they jump out to a 8-0 lead less than 2 minutes in.  That's thanks to a pair of smooth bombs from Nick Bieniek.  Hopkins quickly replies with the next 8 via 3s from Zeke Nnaji and Blaise Beauchamp.  Bieniek with 2 more makes from the deep beyond and Annandale regains the lead 18-13.  Hopkins counters with a 10-2 run to take their first lead of the night.  Dane Zimmer and Joe Hedstrom each with a pair of inside hoops during that run.  Hopkins threatens to pull away late in the half but Bieniek throws in a prayer at the halftime buzzer.  Its his 5th and final 3 of the night.  Hopkins 30-28 at the break.

All Hopkins in the 2nd half.  They start with a 10-1 run with 3 inside hoops and a Beauchamp triple.  AJ Hinz for 3 at the 12:50 mark and that keeps Annandale within 44-35.  Hopkins puts the game away with a 14-0 run.  Akeen Woods and Beauchamp start it with 3s.  Kerwin Walton finishes it with a 3. That run takes just under 4 minutes.  Only 2 field goals for Annandale in the first 10+ minutes of the half as the lead goes from 2 to 23.  Walton and Woods each add another triple to get the margin to 25 with just under 3 minutes left.  The rest is basically garbage time.  Hopkins wins 66-47.


Post Game
Nick Bieniek had the stroke working in the 1st half with 5 bombs.  He finishes with 23 points, 17 of those in the 1st half.  AJ Hinz has 8 of his 12 in the 2nd half.  Hopkins stepped up a level late in the 1st half and especially in the 2nd half and there's no answer for that.  Annandale falls to 12-3 with the loss.  It breaks a 7 game winning streak.  They still have 2 Wright County West home games this week and then a huge 6AA showdown with #4AA St. Cloud Cathedral in the Community Clash in St. Michael on Saturday.

Very good balance for Hopkins.  Zeke Nnaji leads with 14 points.  Blaise Beauchamp adds 11.  Anthony Davis with 9 and 3 others with 8.  Hopkins with 6 3s in the 2nd half after only a couple in the 1st half.  Add that in with much better intensity and that made the game get out of hand quickly.  Hopkins has now won 19 in a row after the disaster that was the opening night loss to Cretin-Derham Hall.  They host rival Minnetonka on Friday.  Then a week off to prepare for a trip to Edina.  That begins a stretch of 4 out of 5 on the road to end the season.

17-18 CzarPI, January 28, 2018

This is the 5th CzarPI of the 2017-18 season (see CzarPI Explained Here).  It includes games through Saturday, January 27th, 2018.  The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.

Class AAAA

1. Hopkins - 64.92 (1) 0-0 vs better, 16-1 vs worse
2. Cretin-Derham Hall - 62.15 (11) 1-0 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
3. Eden Prairie - 61.69 (3) 0-1 vs better, 14-1 vs worse
4. Lakeville North - 59.9 (16) 1-1 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
5. Edina - 58.86 (2) 1-2 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
6. Park Center - 58.45 (15) 1-1 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
7. Rochester John Marshall - 58 (27) 0-2 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
8. Apple Valley - 56.74 (10) 2-4 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
9. North St. Paul - 56.13 (47) 0-1 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
10. Osseo - 55.83 (39) 1-2 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
11. Wayzata - 55.79 (6) 0-4 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
12. Chaska - 55.68 (24) 2-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
13. East Ridge - 55.56 (21) 0-3 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
14. St. Cloud Tech - 54.09 (18) 0-3 vs better, 12-3 vs worse
15. Minnetonka - 53.94 (4) 0-5 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
16. Maple Grove - 53.74 (28) 0-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
17. Woodbury - 52.99 (5) 2-6 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
18. Owatonna - 52.77 (44) 2-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
19. Prior Lake - 52.64 (50) 1-3 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
20. Champlin Park - 52.47 (8) 1-4 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
21. Cambridge-Isanti - 52.37 (51) 0-0 vs better, 11-5 vs worse
22. Tartan - 52.35 (63) 0-1 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
23. Forest Lake - 51.96 (48) 1-4 vs better, 11-0 vs worse
24. Chanhassen - 50.04 (20) 3-5 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
25. Elk River - 49.68 (52) 1-2 vs better, 7-6 vs worse
26. St. Michael-Albertville - 49.36 (41) 3-5 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
27. Blaine - 48.89 (57) 2-4 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
28. Lakeville South - 48.57 (30) 0-6 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
29. Coon Rapids - 48.48 (33) 2-5 vs better, 5-3 vs worse
30. St. Paul Central - 48.42 (56) 3-4 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
31. Anoka - 48.08 (61) 3-5 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
32. Bloomington Jefferson - 47.97 (22) 4-4 vs better, 3-4 vs worse
33. Brainerd - 47.78 (26) 4-6 vs better, 2-3 vs worse
34. Hastings - 47.74 (62) 3-3 vs better, 4-4 vs worse
35. Farmington - 47.55 (53) 2-4 vs better, 6-3 vs worse
36. Andover - 47.52 (58) 2-7 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
37. Minneapolis South - 46.77 (49) 2-6 vs better, 4-4 vs worse
38. Roseville - 46.74 (59) 1-6 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
39. Shakopee - 46.2 (17) 4-8 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
40. Buffalo - 45.72 (42) 3-8 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
41. New Prague - 45.63 (25) 4-10 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
42. Minneapolis Southwest - 45.38 (37) 2-7 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
43. Moorhead - 44.88 (23) 3-8 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
44. White Bear Lake - 44.87 (46) 2-8 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
45. St. Louis Park - 44.26 (32) 3-8 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
46. Park of Cottage Grove - 44.16 (35) 3-9 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
47. Rogers - 44.09 (60) 2-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
48. Spring Lake Park - 43.74 (45) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
49. Rochester Mayo - 43.18 (14) 1-9 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
50. Henry Sibley - 43.04 (55) 2-8 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
51. Eastview - 42.71 (29) 4-8 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
52. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 42.5 (9) 4-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
53. Minneapolis Washburn - 42.15 (54) 3-8 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
54. Duluth East - 37 (7) 3-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
55. Burnsville - 35.79 (13) 2-11 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
56. Centennial - 34.87 (34) 2-11 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
57. Rochester Century - 33.89 (12) 3-12 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
58. Mounds View - 32.47 (38) 2-12 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
59. Irondale - 31.94 (43) 2-12 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
60. Eagan - 30.89 (31) 1-13 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
61. Stillwater Area - 27.89 (19) 1-16 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
62. St. Francis - 27.55 (36) 2-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
63. Rosemount - 27.33 (40) 1-15 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Class AAA

1. Marshall - 61.42 (13) 0-0 vs better, 14-1 vs worse
2. Austin - 60.16 (25) 0-0 vs better, 14-1 vs worse
3. St. Croix Lutheran - 59.02 (37) 0-0 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
4. Columbia Heights - 58.91 (29) 0-1 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
5. Mankato East - 58.75 (20) 1-1 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
6. DeLaSalle - 57.89 (3) 0-2 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
7. Willmar - 57.34 (57) 0-0 vs better, 16-0 vs worse
8. Orono - 57.3 (2) 1-5 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
9. Waseca - 54.75 (42) 2-2 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
10. St. Paul Johnson - 54.71 (33) 1-0 vs better, 10-4 vs worse
11. Delano - 54.6 (12) 1-3 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
12. Bemidji - 53.77 (50) 1-0 vs better, 10-5 vs worse
13. Dassel-Cokato - 52.77 (49) 0-2 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
14. Sauk Rapids-Rice - 52.49 (26) 3-2 vs better, 8-4 vs worse
15. Monticello - 52.45 (58) 1-2 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
16. Hibbing - 52.13 (55) 0-1 vs better, 11-4 vs worse
17. Northfield - 51.77 (41) 1-3 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
18. Worthington - 51.57 (34) 1-3 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
19. Fridley - 51.54 (45) 2-3 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
20. Minneapolis Roosevelt - 51.13 (19) 2-5 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
21. Alexandria - 51.05 (28) 2-3 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
22. Waconia - 51.01 (23) 2-5 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
23. Totino-Grace - 50.98 (7) 2-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
24. Fergus Falls - 50.75 (46) 2-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
25. Duluth Denfeld - 50.49 (30) 1-3 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
26. Princeton - 50.1 (63) 2-2 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
27. Mahtomedi - 50.08 (53) 1-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
28. Minneapolis Henry - 49.82 (31) 1-4 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
29. St. Thomas Academy - 49.62 (11) 1-7 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
30. Grand Rapids - 49.17 (60) 3-2 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
31. Benilde-St. Margaret's - 48.92 (27) 2-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
32. Cloquet - 47.94 (52) 2-5 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
33. Simley - 47.87 (47) 2-6 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
34. Robbinsdale Cooper - 47.75 (51) 2-4 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
35. Mankato West - 47.38 (17) 2-7 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
36. St. Cloud Apollo - 45.04 (24) 3-7 vs better, 4-3 vs worse
37. Kasson-Mantorville - 44.16 (39) 2-8 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
38. St. Paul Harding - 44.15 (62) 0-4 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
39. Becker - 43.98 (15) 2-9 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
40. Detroit Lakes - 43.76 (48) 3-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
41. New Ulm - 43.55 (61) 1-5 vs better, 8-4 vs worse
42. Mound Westonka - 42.69 (59) 1-7 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
43. Rocori - 42.12 (9) 3-12 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
44. St. Paul Como Park - 41.39 (10) 3-10 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
45. South St. Paul - 40.68 (56) 2-8 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
46. Hermantown - 40.65 (36) 3-9 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
47. Zimmerman - 40.15 (22) 3-11 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
48. St. Anthony Village - 39.78 (54) 3-10 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
49. Holy Angels - 39.36 (40) 1-11 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
50. North Branch - 38.83 (21) 2-12 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
51. Little Falls - 38.4 (32) 3-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
52. Winona - 38.17 (4) 2-9 vs better, 1-2 vs worse
53. Bloomington Kennedy - 38.16 (44) 2-11 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
54. Red Wing - 36.99 (16) 1-9 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
55. Chisago Lakes Area - 36.69 (35) 2-11 vs better, 1-2 vs worse
56. St. Paul Highland Park - 36.02 (38) 2-10 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
57. Faribault - 34.73 (18) 2-10 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
58. Big Lake - 34.27 (5) 2-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
59. Hill-Murray - 34.07 (43) 2-12 vs better, 0-2 vs worse
60. Sartell-St. Stephen - 32.85 (1) 1-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
61. Hutchinson - 32.07 (14) 2-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
62. Richfield - 0 (6) 0-15 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
63. Albert Lea - 0 (8) 0-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Class AA

1. Perham - 60.13 (49) 0-0 vs better, 17-0 vs worse
2. Minnehaha Academy - 58.93 (3) 0-2 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
3. Annandale - 58.92 (11) 0-1 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
4. Minneapolis North - 58.22 (7) 1-1 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
5. Caledonia - 58 (23) 0-1 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
6. Holy Family Catholic - 57.54 (24) 1-0 vs better, 12-3 vs worse
7. Melrose - 57.31 (105) 0-0 vs better, 15-0 vs worse
8. Maple Lake - 57.15 (22) 0-2 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
9. St. Charles - 57.13 (57) 1-0 vs better, 15-2 vs worse
10. Virginia - 56.73 (42) 0-1 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
11. Lake City - 55.34 (33) 1-2 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
12. Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 55.34 (29) 0-2 vs better, 13-2 vs worse
13. Byron - 54.93 (25) 1-2 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
14. St. Cloud Cathedral - 54.88 (106) 0-1 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
15. Jordan - 54.84 (39) 1-2 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
16. Cristo Rey Jesuit - 54.63 (104) 0-0 vs better, 13-2 vs worse
17. Brooklyn Center - 54.25 (8) 2-4 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
18. Eden Valley-Watkins - 54.17 (114) 0-1 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
19. Esko - 54.13 (19) 1-4 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
20. Maranatha Christian - 53.75 (26) 1-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
21. New Richland-H-E-G - 53.74 (116) 0-1 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
22. Breckenridge - 53.62 (95) 0-1 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
23. Pipestone Area - 53.24 (10) 0-2 vs better, 10-5 vs worse
24. Fairmont - 52.71 (51) 0-3 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
25. Osakis - 51.93 (46) 0-2 vs better, 11-3 vs worse
26. Pequot Lakes - 51.87 (55) 0-2 vs better, 11-3 vs worse
27. Kimball Area - 51.77 (99) 0-3 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
28. Minnewaska Area - 51.72 (43) 2-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
29. La Crescent - 51.6 (31) 0-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
30. Greenway - 51.52 (122) 0-1 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
31. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 51.41 (5) 1-6 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
32. Windom Area - 51.4 (14) 4-3 vs better, 6-5 vs worse
33. Albany - 51.22 (59) 0-3 vs better, 11-3 vs worse
34. Park Rapids Area - 51.17 (45) 1-2 vs better, 9-5 vs worse
35. Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 50.98 (80) 0-3 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
36. Proctor - 50.82 (92) 1-3 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
37. Hawley - 50.34 (90) 1-2 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
38. Rockford - 50.07 (74) 0-4 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
39. Mesabi East - 50.03 (63) 0-4 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
40. St. Croix Prep - 49.9 (118) 0-1 vs better, 11-3 vs worse
41. Sibley East - 49.68 (65) 1-5 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
42. Pillager - 49.54 (107) 0-2 vs better, 11-5 vs worse
43. Moose Lake-Willow River - 49.46 (48) 1-6 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
44. New Life Academy - 49.42 (81) 0-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
45. Holdingford - 49.04 (35) 1-4 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
46. Sauk Centre - 49.04 (56) 3-5 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
47. Stewartville - 48.92 (109) 2-2 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
48. Providence Academy - 48.63 (53) 1-4 vs better, 6-3 vs worse
49. Bagley - 48.6 (38) 2-6 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
50. Royalton - 48.53 (94) 1-4 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
51. Jackson County Central - 48.49 (84) 2-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
52. Barnum - 48.46 (34) 3-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
53. Trinity School - 48.45 (72) 0-5 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
54. Southwest Christian - 48.3 (91) 1-4 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
55. Litchfield - 47.84 (27) 2-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
56. Maple River - 47.8 (40) 2-6 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
57. Dover-Eyota - 47.57 (44) 2-7 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
58. Wadena-Deer Creek - 47.48 (87) 1-4 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
59. Rochester Lourdes - 47.47 (77) 3-5 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
60. New London-Spicer - 47.31 (21) 1-7 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
61. Redwood Valley - 47.09 (17) 3-9 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
62. Roseau - 47 (117) 0-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
63. Crookston - 46.9 (41) 3-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
64. Breck - 46.43 (15) 1-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
65. Crosby-Ironton - 45.92 (88) 2-5 vs better, 6-5 vs worse
66. Charter Stars - 45.77 (124) 1-2 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
67. Pine City - 45.62 (123) 0-3 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
68. Nova Classical Academy - 45.5 (119) 1-2 vs better, 6-4 vs worse
69. East Grand Forks - 45.31 (112) 1-4 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
70. Blake - 45.21 (121) 0-5 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
71. Belle Plaine - 45.2 (60) 1-6 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
72. Concordia Academy - 44.44 (82) 1-6 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
73. St. Paul Humboldt - 43.01 (115) 2-5 vs better, 5-3 vs worse
74. Watertown-Mayer - 42.9 (6) 3-9 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
75. Foley - 42.87 (18) 1-9 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
76. Mora - 42.84 (102) 1-5 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
77. Glencoe-Silver Lake - 42.69 (62) 1-7 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
78. Norwood-Young America - 42.42 (58) 2-9 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
79. Lewiston-Altura - 42.17 (28) 2-9 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
80. Warroad - 42.16 (98) 2-6 vs better, 4-4 vs worse
81. Barnesville - 41.97 (13) 1-7 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
82. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 41.83 (100) 4-6 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
83. St. Paul Academy - 41.48 (75) 3-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
84. Martin County West - 41.19 (108) 1-7 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
85. St. Agnes - 41.14 (78) 2-9 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
86. Pine Island - 41.03 (32) 2-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
87. Blue Earth Area - 40.6 (73) 1-7 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
88. International Falls - 40.6 (16) 3-11 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
89. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 40.57 (66) 2-8 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
90. Milaca - 40.22 (76) 1-9 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
91. Spectrum - 39.36 (111) 2-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
92. Staples-Motley - 38.57 (71) 3-9 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
93. St. James Area - 38.3 (37) 2-10 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
94. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 38.03 (89) 1-8 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
95. Triton - 37.41 (103) 2-8 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
96. St. Peter - 37.33 (54) 3-11 vs better, 1-2 vs worse
97. Pierz - 37.33 (52) 2-11 vs better, 1-2 vs worse
98. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 37.32 (20) 4-12 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
99. LeSueur-Henderson - 36.69 (110) 2-10 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
100. Eveleth-Gilbert - 36.45 (67) 2-13 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
101. Aitkin - 36.37 (86) 2-13 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
102. St. Paul Prep - 35.92 (120) 2-5 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
103. Minneapolis Edison - 35.75 (113) 1-9 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
104. International School of MN - 34.63 (47) 2-5 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
105. Paynesville Area - 34.06 (12) 2-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
106. Cannon Falls - 33.89 (79) 3-11 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
107. Tri-City United - 33.05 (36) 2-12 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
108. Two Harbors - 32.49 (69) 2-13 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
109. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 31 (97) 1-12 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
110. Rush City - 29.9 (101) 1-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
111. Duluth Marshall - 29.57 (64) 2-9 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
112. PACT Charter - 28.17 (68) 1-13 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
113. St. Paul Washington - 28.08 (93) 2-13 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
114. Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran - 27.11 (50) 1-11 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
115. Luverne - 25.81 (9) 1-14 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
116. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 24.67 (70) 1-15 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
117. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 24.26 (61) 1-14 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
118. Math and Science Academy - 23.61 (96) 0-12 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
119. Chatfield - 23.51 (30) 1-13 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
120. Academy for Sciences & Ag - 19.68 (125) 1-10 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
121. Medford - 18.39 (85) 0-11 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
122. Kenyon-Wanamingo - 15.63 (83) 1-18 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
123. Montevideo - 0 (2) 0-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
124. Benson - 0 (1) 0-16 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
125. Thief River Falls - 0 (4) 0-15 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Class A

1. Springfield - 59.1 (35) 0-0 vs better, 15-1 vs worse
2. Cass Lake-Bena - 58.31 (44) 0-0 vs better, 18-1 vs worse
3. NCE/U-H - 58.07 (61) 0-0 vs better, 15-1 vs worse
4. Mayer Lutheran - 57.44 (11) 1-1 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
5. North Woods - 57.41 (103) 0-0 vs better, 16-0 vs worse
6. Hancock - 57.37 (70) 0-0 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
7. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 56.7 (121) 0-0 vs better, 16-0 vs worse
8. Parkers Prairie - 56.34 (75) 0-1 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
9. Ada-Borup - 55.06 (49) 0-1 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
10. Hinckley-Finlayson - 54.91 (125) 0-0 vs better, 15-1 vs worse
11. Sacred Heart - 54.85 (144) 0-0 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
12. Wrenshall - 54.78 (131) 0-0 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
13. Nevis - 54.22 (73) 0-2 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
14. Ortonville - 54.09 (120) 0-1 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
15. Fosston - 53.21 (16) 0-4 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
16. Minneota - 52.91 (142) 0-0 vs better, 14-1 vs worse
17. Southwest MN Christian - 52.74 (108) 0-2 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
18. BOLD - 52.69 (50) 0-2 vs better, 14-2 vs worse
19. Dawson-Boyd - 52.02 (62) 1-2 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
20. Fertile-Beltrami - 51.9 (25) 0-4 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
21. Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 51.88 (111) 0-1 vs better, 14-2 vs worse
22. New Ulm Cathedral - 51.65 (65) 0-3 vs better, 13-2 vs worse
23. Cleveland - 51.21 (136) 0-2 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
24. Murray County Central - 51.15 (58) 0-3 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
25. Rushford-Peterson - 50.99 (39) 1-3 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
26. Lakeview - 50.84 (28) 1-5 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
27. LeRoy-Ostrander - 50.78 (99) 0-0 vs better, 11-4 vs worse
28. Kittson County Central - 50.72 (59) 0-2 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
29. Cromwell-Wright - 49.96 (54) 1-2 vs better, 8-4 vs worse
30. Mountain Lake Area - 49.65 (100) 2-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
31. Bethlehem Academy - 49.59 (43) 0-3 vs better, 9-5 vs worse
32. Schaeffer Academy - 49.34 (117) 1-2 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
33. Randolph - 49.29 (133) 2-4 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
34. Battle Lake - 49.03 (26) 0-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
35. Win-E-Mac - 48.98 (22) 0-6 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
36. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 48.9 (24) 1-2 vs better, 5-4 vs worse
37. Red Rock Central - 48.86 (69) 2-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
38. Henning - 48.76 (114) 0-3 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
39. Kingsland - 48.71 (107) 2-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
40. Wabasha-Kellogg - 48.66 (33) 3-5 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
41. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 48.51 (102) 0-2 vs better, 9-4 vs worse
42. CHOF - 48.21 (124) 1-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
43. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 48.2 (112) 1-3 vs better, 10-3 vs worse
44. St. Clair - 48.06 (51) 1-5 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
45. Ely - 47.96 (149) 0-3 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
46. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 47.96 (82) 1-4 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
47. Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 47.95 (60) 2-6 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
48. Chisholm - 47.68 (80) 0-4 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
49. West Central Area - 47.56 (23) 1-6 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
50. Pelican Rapids - 47.1 (4) 2-9 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
51. Christian Life Academy - 46.88 (138) 0-1 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
52. Spring Grove - 46.72 (141) 0-2 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
53. Lakeview Christian - 46.15 (91) 0-5 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
54. Sebeka - 46.14 (86) 1-5 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
55. Brandon/Evansville - 45.67 (37) 1-6 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
56. Park Christian - 45.44 (18) 2-6 vs better, 5-3 vs worse
57. Prairie Seeds Academy - 45.11 (147) 1-3 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
58. Pine River-Backus - 44.73 (45) 1-7 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
59. Browerville/Eagle Valley - 44.67 (57) 2-6 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
60. Nicollet - 44.67 (135) 1-4 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
61. Deer River - 44.66 (47) 0-6 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
62. Mahnomen/Waubun - 44.54 (20) 2-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
63. Northern Freeze - 44.5 (85) 1-5 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
64. Learning for Leadership - 44.21 (162) 0-2 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
65. Blooming Prairie - 44.07 (122) 1-5 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
66. Renville County West - 43.75 (27) 2-6 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
67. Lac qui Parle Valley - 43.75 (17) 1-10 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
68. Goodhue - 43.74 (92) 2-7 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
69. Red Lake - 43.24 (87) 1-6 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
70. Minnesota Transitions Charter - 43.2 (156) 0-0 vs better, 3-3 vs worse
71. Carlton - 43.01 (137) 0-5 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
72. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 42.71 (81) 2-6 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
73. Nashwauk-Keewatin - 42.69 (38) 0-8 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
74. Bigfork - 42.61 (145) 0-5 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
75. Menahga - 42.6 (78) 2-8 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
76. Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 42.51 (67) 2-7 vs better, 3-3 vs worse
77. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 42.49 (8) 2-8 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
78. Swanville - 42.28 (104) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
79. Grand Meadow - 42.06 (118) 0-7 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
80. Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 42.03 (143) 2-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
81. Stephen-Argyle - 42.02 (21) 2-8 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
82. Silver Bay - 41.95 (130) 1-7 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
83. Fulda - 41.82 (79) 0-7 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
84. MN Academy for the Deaf - 41.81 (105) 0-3 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
85. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 41.38 (55) 3-7 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
86. Blackduck - 41.24 (77) 2-9 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
87. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 41.22 (72) 2-8 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
88. Underwood - 41.18 (48) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
89. Adrian - 41.09 (66) 1-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
90. Sleepy Eye - 41.08 (71) 1-8 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
91. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 40.88 (115) 2-9 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
92. Braham - 40.83 (83) 0-8 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
93. West Lutheran - 40.81 (113) 2-6 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
94. Bertha-Hewitt - 40.65 (31) 3-8 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
95. Floodwood - 39.76 (110) 1-8 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
96. Verndale - 39.69 (34) 2-8 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
97. Liberty Classical Academy - 39.26 (159) 1-6 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
98. Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 38.93 (88) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
99. Southland - 38.86 (15) 2-9 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
100. Mountain Iron-Buhl - 38.49 (74) 2-10 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
101. Clearbrook-Gonvick - 38.22 (128) 2-6 vs better, 2-4 vs worse
102. Heritage Christian - 38.21 (36) 2-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
103. Lincoln International - 37.84 (157) 0-2 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
104. Calvin Christian - 37.53 (161) 1-5 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
105. Central MN Christian - 37.51 (10) 2-11 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
106. United South Central - 37.17 (90) 1-9 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
107. Goodridge/Grygla - 37.04 (132) 2-11 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
108. South Ridge - 36.81 (116) 1-8 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
109. McGregor - 36.66 (64) 2-10 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
110. Rothsay - 36.08 (56) 1-8 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
111. MACCRAY - 36.07 (5) 2-12 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
112. Groves Academy - 35.77 (163) 0-6 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
113. Mankato Loyola - 35.39 (29) 1-13 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
114. Isle - 35.26 (155) 1-7 vs better, 5-3 vs worse
115. Hope Academy - 35.08 (101) 2-9 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
116. Hmong Academy - 34.92 (154) 0-4 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
117. Cook County - 34.84 (127) 1-6 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
118. T/ML/GHEC - 34.65 (129) 2-9 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
119. East Central - 34.47 (106) 2-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
120. Houston - 34.32 (98) 0-8 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
121. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 34.09 (3) 1-8 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
122. Mounds Park Academy - 33.78 (95) 3-12 vs better, 0-2 vs worse
123. St. John's Prep - 33.69 (76) 1-8 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
124. Lake Park-Audubon - 33.56 (19) 1-11 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
125. Red Lake County - 33.43 (93) 2-9 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
126. Canby - 33.41 (46) 2-10 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
127. Northome/Kelliher - 33.35 (89) 2-13 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
128. Mabel-Canton - 33.25 (150) 1-7 vs better, 3-3 vs worse
129. Norman County West - 33.16 (9) 2-9 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
130. Fillmore Central - 32.83 (40) 2-13 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
131. North Lakes Academy - 32.73 (158) 1-8 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
132. New York Mills - 32.23 (42) 2-13 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
133. Hills-Beaver Creek - 31.36 (32) 0-7 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
134. Onamia - 31.36 (97) 0-9 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
135. Ashby - 31.32 (6) 1-11 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
136. Heron Lake-Okabena - 30.93 (41) 1-11 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
137. Alden-Conger - 30.62 (126) 2-12 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
138. Laporte - 27.52 (148) 1-11 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
139. Upsala - 26.73 (52) 1-15 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
140. Chesterton Academy - 26.66 (151) 0-6 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
141. Hill City - 26.07 (109) 0-12 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
142. Frazee - 26.04 (30) 1-12 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
143. Ogilvie - 25.59 (140) 1-16 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
144. Climax/Fisher - 25.49 (12) 1-13 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
145. Hayfield - 24.68 (14) 1-14 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
146. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 22.17 (1) 1-10 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
147. Northland - 21.47 (123) 0-13 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
148. Yellow Medicine East - 21.37 (2) 1-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
149. Northeast Range - 21.03 (153) 0-9 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
150. Lake of the Woods - 19.74 (146) 0-8 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
151. Littlefork-Big Falls - 18.95 (152) 1-12 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
152. Glenville-Emmons - 18.85 (134) 0-11 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
153. Lanesboro - 18.61 (139) 1-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
154. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 18.5 (53) 1-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
155. Cherry - 17.67 (94) 1-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
156. Ellsworth - 0 (63) 0-10 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
157. Wabasso - 0 (7) 0-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
158. Edgerton - 0 (13) 0-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
159. Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 0 (68) 0-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
160. Madelia - 0 (84) 0-16 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
161. Legacy Christian - 0 (96) 0-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
162. Community of Peace Academy - 0 (119) 0-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
163. Hiawatha Collegiate - 0 (160) 0-6 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Gold Plated Blowouts

With no trip to the 12th annual Border Battle (my 1st Border Battle miss in 8 yearsa) or the South Metro Showcase (I'll watch Park vs Simley later), its a pair of hosts with gold in their colors for my 2 games of the day.  From the big in #1AAAA Cretin-Derham Hall to the small in TCAC Division 3 leader Calvin Christian.  Both hosts win big to stay on top of their leagues.  You can never pass on the hot dogs at CDH but why not add one at Calvin Christian as well.  Coke and Pepsi for the day's beverages.  Kid pulls out an electric guitar and jams for the last 10 minutes of warmups at Calvin Christian.  That'll work.  But he didn't get a chance to bust out the Jimi Hendrix Woodstock National Anthem which was disappointing.

Game 1: #1AAAA Cretin-Derham Hall 69 Roseville 42
Gary Smith no longer on the Roseville roster.  CDH would sleep walk thru the 1st half but still hold a 9 point lead.  Jaeden King with 7 early points as CDH built a 10 point lead but didn't extend it.  Then the defensive intensity picked up in the 2nd half and the bigs Sy Chatman and Daniel Oturu totally dominated the paint.  Sy Chatman with 14 of his 19 in the 2nd half.  Ryan Larson and Jaeden King with 12 points each.  Roseville effectively doubled Daniel Oturu inside all day.  He was held to 9 points with at least 6 turnovers.  But he still contributed with rebounding and a couple of big blocks to go along with 3 assists to Chatman in the 2nd half.  Roseville held to only 4 field goals for the entire 2nd half as a 9 point halftime margin got out of hand.  Camryn Walker and Nolan Wald with 9 points each to lead Roseville.

Game 2: Calvin Christian 77 AFSA 47
Not much in the way of Seniors in this game with only 3 impact seniors between the rosters.  But Calvin Christian senior Jaedan Schaap is one of them.  He was honored before the game for reaching 1000 career points.  He reached that on Thursday at Hiawatha Collegiate.  The game was out of hand quickly as Calvin jumped out to a 19-3 lead at 10:20.  Too much everything for the Cougars.  42-13 Calvin at the half with 6 of those 13 points coming on banked in triples.  The big front line for Calvin Christian leads the way.  Hans Dykstra leads all scorers with 23 points in the middle, power forward Kaleb Swenson with 16.  Freshman PG Adam Labrie leads AFSA with 20 points.  Calvin Christian loses leader Jaeden Schaap but returns the rest of the rotation.  That includes his 8th grade brother Josiah who looks like he'll have a very good TCAC career.  4 other underclassmen also in the Cougars rotation.

Pirates get revenge

Prologue
To another big game.  This is the 2nd meeting of the season between visiting #6AAAA Osseo and district archrival #7AAAA Park Center.  Osseo won the 1st game by a point.  The expected full house on hand.  A nice grease ratio on the Jet's Pizza tonight with the 500 ml bottle of Pepsi go with it.  I was surprised we didn't get the usually quality Pirate Pep Band.  Great moment at halftime with the leaders of the student sections coming together halfway for a rock, paper, scissors challenge.  The Park Center leader won it to one of the loudest cheers of the night.

Number of Teams I've Seen: 118 (102 games, 58 days, 37 buildings, 18 online)

Beverage Ticker: 754.3 ounces (8250 Calories)

• Pepsi: 243.6 ounces (3040 calories)
• Coke: 129.8 ounces (1540 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 36 ounces (450 calories)
• Sprite Zero: 20 ounces (0 calories) 
• Sprite: 136.9 ounces (1620 calories) 
• 7 Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Red Gatorade: 1000 ounces (700 calories)  
• Red Powerade: 40 ounces (260 calories) 
• A&W Root Beer: 24 ounces (340 calories) 
• Mug Root Beer: 12 ounces (160 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 19
• Walking Tacos: 5
• Pizza: 17
• Pulled Pork Sandwich: 1
• Chipotle: 1 (thanks to Bethel staff)

Game Time:
Dain Dainja not in the starting lineup but he's in at the 14:59 mark.  Levonte Parker with a steal and dunk and a couple Tommy Chatman hoops.  12-5 Park Center just over 7 minutes into the game.  The offenses taking time to figure things out.  Zach Theisen for 3 to cut the lead to 1 before Dainja scores.  Dainja will sit with a 2nd foul at the 7:57 minute mark.  But he's back at 6:11 as Osseo hits a couple freebies to break an 8-0 Pirates run.  Dainja with a whirling move for a short jumper then 2 strong moves in the post as he scores 3 straight hoops.  26-17 Park Center in control at the 4:35 mark.  But he's out of control on the break and picks up a charge for his 3rd at the 2:54 mark.  That's after Jarius Cook gets his 2nd on charge.  With Dainja sitting, Osseo pounds the ball inside to Anthony Williams.  He gets a 3 point play on a set high low look plus a couple more inside hoops.  Park Center tries to hold for the final shot but a turnover results in a Williams tip that just beats the buzzer. 32-30 Osseo at the half thanks to a 15-4 run to close it out.

Osseo keeps the momentum going to start the 2nd half.  Theisen scores on a pretty Iverson look into a backdoor cut.  Emmette Page adds a hoop and his only 3 of the night. That helps get the Osseo lead to 43-37 with under 13 minutes to play.  Park Center's defense takes over from there.  Chatman 2 hoops after Osseo turnovers.  Khari Broadway bonus free throws and a rim attack for 2 more.  Emmanuel Tamba runs for a layup and that forces an Osseo timeout as the score flips from up 6 to down 6.  Jarius Cook with a stick back and runs for a layup plus a Tamba steal and finish.  A blocked shot on the defensive end leads to a Broadway free throw.  Tamba with another layup and Chatman finishes the run by fittingly converting a turnover.  The Pirates run is 25-5 in just over 8 minutes.  62-48 with 4:25 left.  Zach Theisen with a couple late 3s but Osseo never gets closer than 9 the rest of the way.  Park Center wins 72-58.


Post Game
Osseo was totally taken out of their offense in the middle of the 2nd half.  Park Center's man pressure just got up in them and took them out of anything they wanted to do.  That allowed the Pirates to get out and run either off of turnovers or misses and generate easy offense.  Zach Theisen leads the Orioles with 21 points and 5 3s.  Emmette Page with 15 points, Anthony Williams adds 11.  The loss stops a 10 game Osseo winning streak.  The Orioles fall to 12-3 overall and 8-1 in the NW Suburban.  Osseo does have a schedule edge as they have already beaten fellow division leader Champlin Park and Park Center hasn't played them yet.  Osseo hosts Spring Lake Park and visits Irondale next week as they begin a soft part of their schedule.

For Park Center, a very balanced scoring night.  Emmanuel Tamba leads with 15 points.  Tommy Chatman with 14, Khari Broadway 12 and Dain Dainja 10.  No outside shooting with no triples on the night for the Pirates.  Jarius Cook quiet with 8 points is an explanation.  Very surprised that Park Center didn't try to pound the ball into Dainja in the 2nd half after the success he had inside in the 1st half.  But the story here was the Pirates defense.  Not only was Tamba the leading scorer but he was the catalyst on defense as he was all over causing havoc.   The athletic advantage of Park Center at almost every position was a major factor.  Park Center moves into a 1st place tie with Osseo at 8-1 in the NW Suburban and 13-3 overall.  They have a big week ahead with a trip to Totino-Grace on Tuesday and a visit from North division leader Champlin Park on Friday.  Beyond that, they should have clear sailing except for a trip to Maple Grove.

Class AA Business Picks Up

Prologue
Its the biggest game in the history of the Lansing Sports Center at Mounds Park Academy.  Ok I'm cheating as its #2AA Minneapolis North taking on #1AA Minnehaha Academy.  Full house on hand as expected.  The always terrific concession stand does not disappoint with a pulled pork meal deal.  Extra 160 calories of Lays chips thanks to the deal.  Most of the local basketball nuts in attendance tonight.  Multiple reps from the Mr Basketball Committee watching.  Plus a couple of football coaches from Northern Iowa looking at Tayler Johnson.  No officiating comments here and no music on the PA so we go silent today.

Number of Teams I've Seen: 118 (101 games, 57 days, 37 buildings, 18 online)

Beverage Ticker: 737.4 ounces (8040 Calories)

• Pepsi: 226.7 ounces (2830 calories)
• Coke: 129.8 ounces (1540 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 36 ounces (450 calories)
• Sprite Zero: 20 ounces (0 calories) 
• Sprite: 136.9 ounces (1620 calories) 
• 7 Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Red Gatorade: 1000 ounces (700 calories)  
• Red Powerade: 40 ounces (260 calories) 
• A&W Root Beer: 24 ounces (340 calories) 
• Mug Root Beer: 12 ounces (160 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 19
• Walking Tacos: 5
• Pizza: 16
• Pulled Pork Sandwich: 1
• Chipotle: 1 (thanks to Bethel staff)

Game Time:
Its a hot start for Tayler Johnson.  He scores 8 of the 1st 10 points for North getting to the rack.  Polars open up a 10-3 lead at 13:25.  8th grader Prince Aligbe off the Minnehaha bench and immediately productive with a putback and a triple off a turnover.  Chet Holmgren adds a layup to complete a quick 7-0 run.  Minnehaha right back to within 12-11 at 10:25.  Odell Wilson jumper and a Zion Sanford finish stretch the North lead to 8.  Minnehaha unphased with JaVonni Bickham and Aligbe bookending a 8-0 run with triples.  That ties the game at 21 all inside of the 4 minute mark.  JaVonni Bickham leaves with a right ankle injury with 2:39 left in the half and doesn't return for the rest of the night.  Odell Wilson with the only other bucket of the half.  North leads 23-22 at the half.  Minnehaha ice cold shooting 7-28 from the floor.  Jalen Suggs 0 points and 0-4 FGs.

But Suggs immediately comes out at a higher level.  He swats a shot, runs down the miss and then fires ahead to a teammate who gets fouled attacking the rim.  8th grader Tre Holloman knocks down a 3 on a Wilson kickout from the post and adds a layup.  30-24 North leading with 14:25 left.  Kaden Johnson with a putback, Suggs and Aligbe both with 2 free throw.  Then its Aligbe scoring and 2 more Suggs freebies attacking.  Minnehaha takes their 1st lead 34-32 (10-2 run) with 11:41 left.

Terry Lockett runs for a layup and Suggs with a floater.  But Odell Wilson has the answers for those with a 3 point play and another post bucket.  38-37 Minnehaha with 9:23 left.  Then a stretch where North misses 7 straight attempts at the charity stripe.  Terry Lockett with a couple of hoops along with another Suggs bucket.  Plus Wilson picks up his 4th foul with 5:56 left.  Minnehaha gets the lead to 46-40 on that foul.  Minnehaha tries to kill a little clock and that doesn't go well.  Tayler Johnson scoops and scores but North then misses a dunk.  Suggs with a free throw and hoop around a Wilson putback.  49-45 Minnehaha with 3:43 left.

Out of a timeout, Suggs picks up a silly 5th foul on a loose ball with 3:20 left.  Oh my (RIP Dick Enberg).  The rest of the way its a free throw parade.  Eli Campbell makes 4-4 around a Holmgren dunk.  Lockett goes lefty but Tayler Johnson makes 2-2.  53-51 Minnehaha with the ball and 1:47 left.  Then the implosion begins.  Minnehaha misses both ends of a double bonus.  Holloman makes 2-2 FTs  to tie it with 1:29 left. A turnover becomes a Nasir El-Amin 3 point play with 1:01 to play and North takes the lead.  Minnehaha turns it over on the inbounds and Tayler Johnson makes 2 more freebies.  He'll make another one after a forced 3 by Minnehaha is no good.  That pushes the lead to 6.  Another Minnehaha miss but instead of holding the ball, Tayler Johnson is going straight to the rack to dunk on Chet Holmgren.  Its a foul on the dunk attempt and a T on Holmgren after the play.  That adds 3 more to the final margin.  North wins 62-53.


Post Game
Minnehaha falls to 13-3 with the loss.  They will play hosts Stevens Point (WI) in the Border Battle on Saturday night.  But no Joey Hauser for the 3 time defending D1 champs.  Prince Aligbe leads the Redhawks with 13 points.  Terry Lockett adds 12.  Jalen Suggs with all 11 of his points in the 2nd half after a very quiet 1st half.  The late game meltdown was very surprising as we've seen Suggs foul out before and Minnehaha still able to close games out.  Turnovers and bad shots during the final minute had it all panic and that's not what we've seen from Minnehaha.  They get outscored 17-4 in the final 3:20 without Suggs including 13-0 over the final 1:47.  They didn't hit shots (no 3s in the 2nd half) and they weren't able to consistently attack the paint vs a squad that can match the athleticism.

North improves to 11-3 overall.  They will also play in the Border Battle in Stevens Point on Saturday afternoon.  They get Wisconsin's top ranked D2 team Kaukauna and West Virginia PG commit Jordan McCabe.  Tayler Johnson was terrific for North with 24 points in the win . Odell Wilson solid with 16 points.  The foul shooting story in the 2nd half was very interesting.  After looking in trouble after missing 7 straight, the Polars made 15-17 free throws in the last 3:20 with only 1 field goal.  They end up 20-32 in the 2nd half after 0-3 in the 1st half.  Minnehaha was 4-8 in the 1st half and 9-18 in the 2nd half.  So 50 total free throws in the 2nd half after 11 in the 1st half.  Give North credit for making the plays.  But what a story line we have should they meet again in the state tournament (still have to have them as the top 2 seeds but Caledonia visits Minnehaha next month with a chance to have a say in that).  No Bickham in the 2nd half, Suggs fouling out late and an unlikely implosion give a defending state champ a reason to look for redemption vs a 2 time defending champ.  How delicious!

Terry Goes Off

Prologue
Thanks to Mother Nature, we get a swap of off days this week.  Monday is off but replaced with a small Wednesday night schedule of makeup games.  So it off to Fridley to see the Tigers host #1AAA De La Salle.  Its a boys and girls early doubleheader.  We get Lithgow and Lou Smith working both games.  Lithgow and Lou, sounds like an Odd Couple type sitcom.  Lithgow could be Abbott and Lou could be Lou Costello.  Hot dog and red gatorade for a back to back night (no report on Hastings at Hill-Murray last night).  Quality tunes with The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Billy Idol, Survivor (Burning Heart, not Eye of the Tiger ironically) all on the playlist.  But also from tonight's playlist we get a response to Mother Nature.

Song of the Day: Pat Benetar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Number of Teams I've Seen: 118 (100 games, 56 days, 37 buildings, 18 online)

Beverage Ticker: 717.4 ounces (7910 Calories)

• Pepsi: 226.7 ounces (2830 calories)
• Coke: 129.8 ounces (1540 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 36 ounces (450 calories)
• Sprite Zero: 20 ounces (0 calories) 
• Sprite: 136.9 ounces (1620 calories) 
• 7 Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Red Gatorade: 1000 ounces (700 calories)  
• Red Powerade: 20 ounces (130 calories) 
• A&W Root Beer: 24 ounces (340 calories) 
• Mug Root Beer: 12 ounces (160 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 19
• Walking Tacos: 5
• Pizza: 16
• Chipotle: 1 (thanks to Bethel staff)

Game Time:
No Malik Lamin, Rayquan Moore or Gabe Kalscheur (foot injury) for De La Salle.  This one was the Tyrell Terry show for De La Salle, particularly in the 1st half.  He starts the game with a 3 point play.  Then a short jumper and 3 layups.  2 of those layups vs the matchup zone.  Then a triple on an extra pass vs the zone for 11 in a row.  Jamison Battle carrying the rest of the offense.  Its a 15-4 run for De La Salle for a 25-14 lead to break a 10-10 tie.  Terry and Battle with 23 of those 25.  But Terry is just getting started.  A layup, a triple and assist to Jalen Travis.  Let's go with another short jumper and triple.  Then 2 more hoops and a pullup after a turnover for 3 and the crowd loves it.  That's involvement in the last 19 points of the half, 17 of those scored by him.  That expands the lead to 48-25 in the last 2 minutes.  But Battle has 2 fouls and Terry charges for his 2nd.  Coach Bledsoe empties his bench and Fridley scores the last 6 to close within 48-31 at the half.

Terry also scores the 1st 2 hoops of the 2nd half for De La Salle before the streak ends.  But Fridley keeps the little momentum they had at the end of the 1st half.  They get 4 buckets from 4 guys, 3 of them easy.  The total run across the half is 14-4 and the lead is down to 13 just over 2 minutes into the half.  Jerome Cunningham with a couple of buckets and a Nate Soto triple and the lead is down to 12 with over 13 minutes left.  Battle for 3 countered by Cunningham going backdoor for 1-2 FTs and he scores another bucket.  Soto and soph Isaac Burns score and Fridley continues to chip away down 63-53 with 8:35 left.  De La Salle misses a layup but Fridley misses 2 free throws.

Jamison Battle then makes a living at the charity stripe as he makes 8-8 free throws over a 3 minute stretch.  That pushes the lead back to 16 with 4:26 left.  Evan Nelsen with a 3 point play, another Fridley hoop and then Nelsen has a 3 go in and out that would have cut it to 8.    A T on De La Salle with 2:06 left and Burns will drain a 3 to cut the lead to 8.  He adds a floater with a minute left to cut the margin to 7.  But Terry seals it with 6 of 6 free throws in the last 90 seconds.  De La Salle wins 89-76

Post Game
For Fridley, soph wing Isaac Burns leads with 17 points.  Seniors Jerome Cunningham and Nate Soto each with 16 before they fouled out.  8th grader Hassan Kamara with 11 off the bench.  Fridley with 5 of their 6 scorers in double figures.  They tried some matchup zone and some man to man but no answers.  Fouls were a problem all night as Cunningham missed a good chunk of the 1st half after 2 fouls in the 1st 2:20.  After a 10-1 start, Fridley has now lost back to back big games in conference play at home.  But no shame in that as both are ranked in the top 3 in class AAA.  Fridley is 10-3 overall and 1-2 in the Tri-Metro.  Next up is a 3 game road trip.  They continue league play at Holy Angels on Friday. Then a trip to #6AA Brooklyn Center next week and a non-conference game at Highland Park next Friday.

For De La Salle, Tyrell Terry makes something like his first 15 shots.  He scores 31 of his 47 in the 1st half.  All 4 of his triples were in the 1st half.  Great movement without the ball to get great looks vs the zone too.  Jamison Battle adds 24 points, 15 of those coming in the 2nd half.  He sat the last 7 minutes of the 1st half with 2 fouls.  He finishes 11-11 at the foul line.  But not much offense outside of that.  If Kalscheur is out for any length of time, you have to wonder if teams may try some triangle and 2.  Yes the bench was thin tonight but you would have liked to see De La Salle stomp on Fridley's throat and blow the game open when it got to 23 late in the 1st half.  De La Salle improves to 12-2 overall, 4-0 in the Tri-Metro.  The Islanders stay on the road at #4AAAA Eden Prairie on Friday and at St. Croix Lutheran to start February next Thursday.

17-18 CzarPI, January 21, 2018

This is the 4th CzarPI of the 2017-18 season (see CzarPI Explained Here).  It includes games through Saturday, January 20th, 2018.  The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.

Class AAAA

1. Hopkins - 64.55 (1) 0-0 vs better, 14-1 vs worse
2. Cretin-Derham Hall - 62.17 (12) 1-0 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
3. Eden Prairie - 61.43 (3) 0-1 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
4. Lakeville North - 59.21 (20) 1-1 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
5. Edina - 59.18 (2) 1-2 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
6. Rochester John Marshall - 58.16 (29) 0-2 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
7. Park Center - 56.68 (23) 1-1 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
8. Osseo - 55.93 (49) 1-1 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
9. East Ridge - 55.57 (14) 1-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
10. Chaska - 55.52 (25) 2-2 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
11. Minnetonka - 55.07 (10) 0-3 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
12. Woodbury - 54.87 (7) 1-4 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
13. Apple Valley - 54.87 (16) 2-4 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
14. Wayzata - 54.81 (13) 1-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
15. North St. Paul - 54.8 (53) 1-2 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
16. Maple Grove - 53.71 (34) 0-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
17. Cambridge-Isanti - 53.64 (35) 0-0 vs better, 9-5 vs worse
18. Prior Lake - 53.13 (24) 1-3 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
19. St. Cloud Tech - 52.54 (22) 0-4 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
20. Owatonna - 52.43 (37) 2-3 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
21. Forest Lake - 51.65 (44) 1-4 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
22. Tartan - 51.42 (63) 0-1 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
23. Champlin Park - 51.35 (5) 1-4 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
24. Lakeville South - 51.2 (28) 0-5 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
25. Chanhassen - 51.1 (26) 3-4 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
26. Coon Rapids - 50.5 (47) 0-3 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
27. Farmington - 49.83 (62) 1-2 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
28. Blaine - 49.11 (58) 1-4 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
29. Elk River - 49.08 (45) 1-4 vs better, 5-3 vs worse
30. St. Paul Central - 48.06 (42) 2-4 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
31. Shakopee - 48.01 (11) 3-7 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
32. Anoka - 47.58 (59) 3-4 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
33. New Prague - 47.52 (19) 3-8 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
34. St. Michael-Albertville - 47.49 (51) 2-5 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
35. Hastings - 47.31 (55) 2-3 vs better, 3-4 vs worse
36. Minneapolis South - 47.2 (50) 2-6 vs better, 4-3 vs worse
37. Moorhead - 46.8 (21) 2-6 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
38. Roseville - 46.65 (61) 1-5 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
39. Minneapolis Southwest - 46.51 (36) 3-6 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
40. White Bear Lake - 46.5 (54) 2-6 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
41. Park of Cottage Grove - 46.38 (43) 3-7 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
42. Andover - 46.32 (57) 2-6 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
43. Bloomington Jefferson - 46.22 (32) 3-7 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
44. Brainerd - 45.92 (31) 3-8 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
45. Henry Sibley - 44.44 (56) 1-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
46. Buffalo - 44.05 (46) 3-8 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
47. Rogers - 43.98 (60) 2-6 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
48. Rochester Mayo - 43.39 (15) 1-8 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
49. Eastview - 43.34 (39) 4-7 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
50. Spring Lake Park - 43.2 (40) 2-6 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
51. Minneapolis Washburn - 42.92 (52) 3-7 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
52. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 40.44 (9) 3-9 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
53. St. Louis Park - 40.14 (18) 3-8 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
54. Burnsville - 35.89 (6) 1-11 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
55. Centennial - 35.38 (30) 1-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
56. Rochester Century - 31.48 (8) 2-12 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
57. Eagan - 30.6 (27) 1-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
58. Irondale - 29.29 (41) 1-10 vs better, 0-2 vs worse
59. Mounds View - 28.9 (38) 2-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
60. Rosemount - 28.84 (48) 1-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
61. Stillwater Area - 28.82 (17) 1-14 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
62. Duluth East - 28.27 (4) 1-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
63. St. Francis - 19.33 (33) 1-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Class AAA

1. Marshall - 62.38 (5) 0-0 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
2. Austin - 60.89 (19) 0-0 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
3. Columbia Heights - 60.31 (44) 0-0 vs better, 11-0 vs worse
4. St. Croix Lutheran - 59.03 (31) 0-0 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
5. DeLaSalle - 58.48 (10) 0-1 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
6. Mankato East - 58.3 (25) 1-1 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
7. Willmar - 57.17 (56) 0-0 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
8. Orono - 56.35 (1) 1-5 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
9. Bemidji - 55.88 (36) 0-0 vs better, 9-4 vs worse
10. Delano - 55.45 (16) 0-2 vs better, 10-3 vs worse
11. Waseca - 54.79 (40) 2-3 vs better, 11-0 vs worse
12. St. Paul Johnson - 54.51 (26) 1-2 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
13. Fridley - 53.5 (47) 2-2 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
14. Sauk Rapids-Rice - 53.23 (21) 2-2 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
15. Dassel-Cokato - 53.12 (51) 0-2 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
16. Hibbing - 52.61 (55) 0-1 vs better, 11-3 vs worse
17. Monticello - 52.24 (60) 1-2 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
18. Minneapolis Roosevelt - 51.65 (32) 2-4 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
19. Duluth Denfeld - 51.45 (46) 1-2 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
20. Alexandria - 51.42 (50) 1-1 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
21. Northfield - 51.29 (33) 1-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
22. Waconia - 51.26 (20) 2-4 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
23. Minneapolis Henry - 51.03 (34) 1-3 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
24. Worthington - 50.88 (30) 1-4 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
25. Fergus Falls - 50.85 (41) 2-4 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
26. Mahtomedi - 50.33 (53) 1-2 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
27. Benilde-St. Margaret's - 49.71 (23) 1-6 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
28. Mankato West - 49.32 (28) 2-5 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
29. Totino-Grace - 49.22 (9) 1-6 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
30. Princeton - 49.19 (63) 1-2 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
31. St. Thomas Academy - 48.88 (3) 1-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
32. Simley - 48.72 (45) 1-5 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
33. Cloquet - 48.72 (42) 1-5 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
34. Grand Rapids - 47.71 (58) 3-3 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
35. Robbinsdale Cooper - 47.47 (52) 0-3 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
36. Kasson-Mantorville - 45.87 (29) 2-6 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
37. St. Cloud Apollo - 44.1 (24) 2-7 vs better, 4-3 vs worse
38. St. Paul Como Park - 43.85 (13) 1-8 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
39. Mound Westonka - 43.64 (62) 0-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
40. St. Paul Harding - 43.58 (61) 0-6 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
41. Becker - 43.51 (17) 2-8 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
42. New Ulm - 43.34 (57) 1-6 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
43. St. Anthony Village - 42.59 (54) 2-8 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
44. Hermantown - 42.52 (27) 3-8 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
45. Zimmerman - 41.71 (18) 2-9 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
46. Rocori - 41.57 (6) 3-11 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
47. South St. Paul - 41.26 (59) 2-7 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
48. Detroit Lakes - 41.25 (49) 2-8 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
49. Bloomington Kennedy - 40.97 (37) 2-8 vs better, 1-2 vs worse
50. Little Falls - 39.92 (48) 1-8 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
51. North Branch - 39.48 (15) 1-11 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
52. Winona - 38.53 (7) 2-8 vs better, 1-2 vs worse
53. St. Paul Highland Park - 37.78 (39) 2-8 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
54. Red Wing - 36.84 (14) 1-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
55. Faribault - 35.97 (22) 2-8 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
56. Hill-Murray - 35.87 (35) 2-9 vs better, 0-3 vs worse
57. Big Lake - 34.67 (4) 2-10 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
58. Holy Angels - 33.92 (38) 2-10 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
59. Sartell-St. Stephen - 33.39 (2) 1-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
60. Hutchinson - 32.49 (11) 2-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
61. Chisago Lakes Area - 30.01 (43) 2-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
62. Richfield - 0 (8) 0-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
63. Albert Lea - 0 (12) 0-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Class AA

1. Perham - 60.35 (46) 0-0 vs better, 15-0 vs worse
2. Minnehaha Academy - 59.46 (5) 0-2 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
3. Holy Family Catholic - 58 (23) 0-0 vs better, 12-3 vs worse
4. Caledonia - 57.96 (18) 0-0 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
5. St. Charles - 57.62 (66) 1-0 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
6. Melrose - 57.62 (101) 0-0 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
7. Annandale - 57.42 (19) 0-2 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
8. Minneapolis North - 57.04 (9) 1-1 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
9. Maple Lake - 56.39 (22) 0-2 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
10. Virginia - 56.23 (45) 0-1 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
11. Byron - 55.89 (15) 0-1 vs better, 11-3 vs worse
12. Lake City - 55.61 (32) 1-3 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
13. Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 55.52 (38) 0-2 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
14. St. Cloud Cathedral - 55.33 (94) 0-1 vs better, 11-0 vs worse
15. Cristo Rey Jesuit - 55.22 (81) 0-0 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
16. Brooklyn Center - 54.73 (1) 1-4 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
17. Jordan - 54.55 (41) 1-2 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
18. New Richland-H-E-G - 54.47 (108) 0-1 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
19. Pipestone Area - 54.38 (4) 2-2 vs better, 7-4 vs worse
20. Eden Valley-Watkins - 54.03 (112) 0-1 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
21. Esko - 53.81 (10) 0-4 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
22. Pequot Lakes - 53.48 (40) 0-2 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
23. Windom Area - 53.04 (20) 2-2 vs better, 8-4 vs worse
24. Maranatha Christian - 52.92 (33) 1-3 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
25. Fairmont - 52.88 (43) 0-3 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
26. Breckenridge - 52.83 (89) 0-1 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
27. Kimball Area - 51.92 (72) 0-3 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
28. Proctor - 51.89 (60) 1-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
29. Minnewaska Area - 51.71 (29) 2-3 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
30. La Crescent - 51.52 (13) 0-3 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
31. Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 51.09 (70) 0-3 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
32. Greenway - 50.85 (121) 0-1 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
33. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 50.41 (3) 1-6 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
34. Sauk Centre - 50.21 (69) 1-3 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
35. Mesabi East - 50.19 (78) 0-3 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
36. Hawley - 50.12 (93) 1-2 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
37. Osakis - 50.08 (48) 0-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
38. Park Rapids Area - 50.06 (49) 0-2 vs better, 9-4 vs worse
39. Sibley East - 49.92 (44) 1-5 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
40. Albany - 49.8 (59) 1-3 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
41. New Life Academy - 49.56 (83) 0-2 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
42. Rockford - 49.39 (80) 0-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
43. Trinity School - 49.38 (92) 0-3 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
44. Moose Lake-Willow River - 49.37 (35) 1-5 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
45. Barnum - 49.25 (30) 2-6 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
46. Holdingford - 49.21 (28) 1-5 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
47. Bagley - 49.07 (67) 2-3 vs better, 6-3 vs worse
48. Southwest Christian - 48.9 (61) 1-4 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
49. St. Croix Prep - 48.82 (116) 1-1 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
50. Royalton - 48.73 (103) 0-3 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
51. Maple River - 48.63 (56) 0-5 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
52. Dover-Eyota - 48.56 (62) 1-5 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
53. East Grand Forks - 48.1 (96) 0-2 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
54. Blake - 47.85 (119) 0-0 vs better, 8-4 vs worse
55. Jackson County Central - 47.82 (77) 1-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
56. Crookston - 47.51 (25) 3-5 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
57. Wadena-Deer Creek - 47.48 (104) 1-3 vs better, 6-3 vs worse
58. Pillager - 47.37 (109) 2-4 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
59. Rochester Lourdes - 47.33 (75) 2-4 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
60. Crosby-Ironton - 47.06 (97) 2-4 vs better, 6-4 vs worse
61. Providence Academy - 46.97 (55) 2-4 vs better, 4-3 vs worse
62. Redwood Valley - 46.86 (34) 2-7 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
63. Pine City - 46.68 (123) 1-2 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
64. Roseau - 46.57 (117) 1-4 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
65. Litchfield - 45.98 (47) 1-6 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
66. Stewartville - 45.83 (114) 2-4 vs better, 7-1 vs worse
67. Nova Classical Academy - 45.24 (118) 1-1 vs better, 6-5 vs worse
68. Belle Plaine - 45.17 (57) 1-5 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
69. Charter Stars - 44.72 (122) 1-2 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
70. Mora - 44.63 (113) 0-3 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
71. Watertown-Mayer - 44.28 (6) 3-7 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
72. Concordia Academy - 43.83 (105) 1-5 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
73. Pine Island - 43.45 (37) 2-7 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
74. Barnesville - 43.41 (24) 1-5 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
75. Foley - 43.36 (14) 1-9 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
76. New London-Spicer - 43.14 (16) 1-7 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
77. St. Paul Humboldt - 43.05 (111) 2-5 vs better, 4-3 vs worse
78. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 42.86 (120) 3-4 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
79. Breck - 42.42 (12) 1-7 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
80. St. Agnes - 42.32 (106) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
81. Glencoe-Silver Lake - 42.13 (68) 2-6 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
82. Lewiston-Altura - 42.02 (26) 2-8 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
83. Blue Earth Area - 41.59 (79) 1-6 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
84. Spectrum - 41.51 (110) 1-6 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
85. St. Paul Academy - 41.27 (50) 3-8 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
86. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 40.9 (51) 2-7 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
87. International Falls - 40.79 (11) 2-10 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
88. Martin County West - 40.57 (95) 1-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
89. St. James Area - 39.68 (36) 2-9 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
90. Warroad - 38.91 (98) 2-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
91. Norwood-Young America - 38.79 (42) 1-9 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
92. Eveleth-Gilbert - 38.27 (74) 2-10 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
93. Aitkin - 38.22 (88) 2-8 vs better, 1-3 vs worse
94. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 38.21 (86) 0-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
95. St. Peter - 38.17 (64) 3-8 vs better, 1-3 vs worse
96. Triton - 38.03 (107) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
97. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 37.92 (31) 3-11 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
98. LeSueur-Henderson - 37.14 (115) 2-9 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
99. International School of MN - 36.82 (58) 1-4 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
100. Staples-Motley - 35.81 (63) 3-9 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
101. Cannon Falls - 35.61 (76) 3-9 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
102. Minneapolis Edison - 35.22 (102) 1-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
103. Two Harbors - 35.18 (71) 2-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
104. St. Paul Prep - 34.91 (124) 2-4 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
105. Pierz - 34.35 (84) 2-10 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
106. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 33.4 (82) 1-11 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
107. Milaca - 32.33 (52) 2-10 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
108. Tri-City United - 32.03 (39) 2-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
109. Paynesville Area - 31.42 (21) 2-9 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
110. Duluth Marshall - 30.61 (65) 1-7 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
111. St. Paul Washington - 30.1 (99) 2-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
112. Rush City - 28.97 (100) 1-9 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
113. PACT Charter - 28.47 (91) 1-11 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
114. Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran - 28.14 (53) 1-10 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
115. Luverne - 27.52 (17) 1-12 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
116. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 25.1 (54) 1-13 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
117. Math and Science Academy - 25.03 (85) 0-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
118. Chatfield - 24.69 (27) 1-11 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
119. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 22.85 (73) 1-14 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
120. Academy for Sciences & Ag - 20.38 (125) 1-8 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
121. Medford - 19.69 (87) 0-10 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
122. Kenyon-Wanamingo - 15.79 (90) 1-16 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
123. Montevideo - 0 (7) 0-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
124. Thief River Falls - 0 (2) 0-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
125. Benson - 0 (8) 0-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Class A

1. North Woods - 58.84 (70) 0-0 vs better, 14-0 vs worse
2. Hancock - 58.26 (43) 0-0 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
3. NCE/U-H - 58.11 (60) 0-0 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
4. Cass Lake-Bena - 58.02 (51) 0-0 vs better, 15-1 vs worse
5. Parkers Prairie - 57.49 (49) 0-1 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
6. Springfield - 57.14 (77) 0-0 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
7. Mayer Lutheran - 56.53 (17) 1-1 vs better, 11-2 vs worse
8. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 56.1 (127) 0-0 vs better, 15-0 vs worse
9. Ada-Borup - 55.37 (37) 0-1 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
10. Southwest MN Christian - 54.79 (94) 0-0 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
11. Sacred Heart - 54.54 (148) 0-0 vs better, 10-0 vs worse
12. Ortonville - 54.46 (101) 0-1 vs better, 11-0 vs worse
13. Nevis - 54.28 (113) 0-1 vs better, 12-0 vs worse
14. Hinckley-Finlayson - 53.72 (134) 0-1 vs better, 13-0 vs worse
15. Wrenshall - 53.69 (136) 0-0 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
16. Minneota - 53.67 (132) 0-0 vs better, 13-1 vs worse
17. BOLD - 53 (33) 0-2 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
18. Fosston - 52.45 (20) 0-4 vs better, 11-0 vs worse
19. New Ulm Cathedral - 52.34 (76) 0-2 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
20. Cleveland - 52.32 (145) 0-1 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
21. Lakeview - 52.21 (36) 0-2 vs better, 12-2 vs worse
22. Dawson-Boyd - 51.73 (44) 1-3 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
23. LeRoy-Ostrander - 51.18 (100) 0-0 vs better, 9-3 vs worse
24. Cromwell-Wright - 50.97 (68) 1-1 vs better, 8-4 vs worse
25. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 50.64 (35) 0-2 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
26. Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 50.61 (109) 1-2 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
27. Red Rock Central - 50.52 (91) 1-2 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
28. Fertile-Beltrami - 49.87 (28) 0-4 vs better, 10-1 vs worse
29. Murray County Central - 49.87 (50) 0-4 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
30. Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 49.62 (86) 1-3 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
31. Kittson County Central - 49.6 (54) 0-2 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
32. Bethlehem Academy - 49.58 (40) 0-3 vs better, 8-4 vs worse
33. Battle Lake - 49.37 (16) 0-5 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
34. Randolph - 49.21 (98) 1-4 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
35. Ely - 48.63 (135) 0-2 vs better, 12-1 vs worse
36. Rushford-Peterson - 48.57 (55) 1-3 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
37. Wabasha-Kellogg - 48.46 (67) 2-3 vs better, 5-3 vs worse
38. Henning - 48.43 (125) 0-2 vs better, 11-1 vs worse
39. Schaeffer Academy - 48.25 (112) 2-3 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
40. Win-E-Mac - 48.24 (8) 2-6 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
41. Kingsland - 48.2 (103) 2-5 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
42. Mountain Lake Area - 48.19 (110) 2-4 vs better, 9-1 vs worse
43. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 48.05 (114) 1-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
44. St. Clair - 47.47 (64) 1-6 vs better, 9-0 vs worse
45. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 47.06 (61) 1-5 vs better, 8-0 vs worse
46. Sebeka - 47.05 (97) 0-3 vs better, 7-3 vs worse
47. Spring Grove - 46.74 (133) 0-2 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
48. CHOF - 46.44 (123) 1-4 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
49. Lakeview Christian - 46.09 (53) 0-4 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
50. Pelican Rapids - 46.06 (2) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
51. West Central Area - 46 (25) 2-6 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
52. Prairie Seeds Academy - 45.76 (141) 1-3 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
53. Mahnomen/Waubun - 45.71 (42) 1-5 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
54. Nicollet - 45.66 (152) 1-2 vs better, 8-3 vs worse
55. Brandon/Evansville - 45.53 (23) 0-6 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
56. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 45.43 (105) 1-3 vs better, 6-3 vs worse
57. Chisholm - 45.33 (73) 1-4 vs better, 6-3 vs worse
58. Goodhue - 45.16 (111) 1-5 vs better, 8-2 vs worse
59. Learning for Leadership - 44.91 (163) 0-1 vs better, 9-2 vs worse
60. Swanville - 44.71 (124) 0-4 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
61. Christian Life Academy - 44.55 (143) 0-2 vs better, 7-2 vs worse
62. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 43.86 (63) 1-4 vs better, 6-3 vs worse
63. Bigfork - 43.6 (144) 0-3 vs better, 10-2 vs worse
64. Deer River - 43.51 (27) 0-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
65. Renville County West - 43.51 (22) 2-7 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
66. Nashwauk-Keewatin - 43.37 (47) 1-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
67. Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 43.28 (150) 2-3 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
68. Underwood - 43.23 (79) 1-5 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
69. Grand Meadow - 43.2 (96) 2-6 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
70. Park Christian - 43.16 (19) 2-6 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
71. Browerville/Eagle Valley - 43.02 (90) 0-5 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
72. Menahga - 42.95 (31) 2-7 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
73. Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 42.76 (81) 2-6 vs better, 3-3 vs worse
74. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 42.63 (78) 2-5 vs better, 3-3 vs worse
75. Pine River-Backus - 42.55 (39) 2-7 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
76. Blooming Prairie - 42.54 (102) 1-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
77. Red Lake - 42.4 (82) 2-6 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
78. Stephen-Argyle - 42.37 (66) 1-5 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
79. Sleepy Eye - 42.2 (41) 1-8 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
80. Minnesota Transitions Charter - 42.17 (151) 0-0 vs better, 2-3 vs worse
81. Northern Freeze - 42.13 (80) 1-5 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
82. Lac qui Parle Valley - 42.13 (29) 2-9 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
83. Silver Bay - 42.1 (121) 0-6 vs better, 8-1 vs worse
84. Blackduck - 41.75 (87) 2-7 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
85. Carlton - 41.72 (120) 1-6 vs better, 6-1 vs worse
86. Floodwood - 41.5 (117) 1-6 vs better, 6-2 vs worse
87. West Lutheran - 41.45 (130) 2-6 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
88. MN Academy for the Deaf - 41.07 (104) 0-3 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
89. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 41.06 (15) 2-7 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
90. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 41.04 (115) 2-7 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
91. Verndale - 40.49 (26) 1-7 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
92. Fulda - 40.26 (89) 0-6 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
93. Southland - 40 (4) 2-8 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
94. Bertha-Hewitt - 39.92 (21) 2-8 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
95. Mountain Iron-Buhl - 39.31 (74) 2-9 vs better, 5-0 vs worse
96. Liberty Classical Academy - 38.78 (160) 1-6 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
97. Central MN Christian - 38.75 (10) 2-9 vs better, 2-3 vs worse
98. Braham - 38.57 (62) 0-9 vs better, 7-0 vs worse
99. McGregor - 38.3 (118) 2-7 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
100. St. John's Prep - 38.12 (56) 1-5 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
101. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 37.93 (58) 2-7 vs better, 3-2 vs worse
102. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 37.93 (7) 1-5 vs better, 0-2 vs worse
103. South Ridge - 37.38 (99) 2-7 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
104. Lincoln International - 37.31 (154) 0-2 vs better, 2-2 vs worse
105. Goodridge/Grygla - 37.27 (142) 1-8 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
106. Heritage Christian - 36.79 (24) 3-9 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
107. United South Central - 36.64 (108) 1-8 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
108. MACCRAY - 36.6 (14) 2-11 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
109. Mankato Loyola - 36.52 (32) 1-11 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
110. Clearbrook-Gonvick - 36.43 (122) 2-7 vs better, 1-3 vs worse
111. Adrian - 36.38 (71) 0-7 vs better, 6-0 vs worse
112. Hope Academy - 36.35 (116) 1-8 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
113. Cook County - 36.28 (146) 1-5 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
114. Rothsay - 36.16 (75) 2-7 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
115. Calvin Christian - 35.92 (156) 1-5 vs better, 5-2 vs worse
116. Houston - 35.75 (126) 0-6 vs better, 4-2 vs worse
117. Groves Academy - 35.73 (162) 0-7 vs better, 5-1 vs worse
118. Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 35.64 (57) 1-8 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
119. Hmong Academy - 34.81 (159) 0-4 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
120. Isle - 34.35 (137) 1-6 vs better, 2-4 vs worse
121. East Central - 34.24 (85) 2-8 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
122. Canby - 34.08 (46) 2-9 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
123. Lake Park-Audubon - 33.97 (9) 1-10 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
124. Mounds Park Academy - 33.79 (92) 3-11 vs better, 0-2 vs worse
125. Red Lake County - 33.52 (95) 2-8 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
126. Onamia - 33.5 (119) 0-7 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
127. Fillmore Central - 33.45 (69) 1-11 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
128. New York Mills - 33.4 (65) 2-9 vs better, 0-2 vs worse
129. Northome/Kelliher - 32.3 (84) 2-12 vs better, 2-0 vs worse
130. Ashby - 31.85 (3) 1-10 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
131. Alden-Conger - 30.98 (72) 0-11 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
132. Hills-Beaver Creek - 30.8 (59) 0-6 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
133. North Lakes Academy - 30.4 (155) 1-9 vs better, 2-1 vs worse
134. Heron Lake-Okabena - 30.36 (45) 0-10 vs better, 4-1 vs worse
135. Norman County West - 29.89 (5) 2-7 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
136. Laporte - 29.22 (157) 1-9 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
137. T/ML/GHEC - 28.83 (129) 1-10 vs better, 4-0 vs worse
138. Chesterton Academy - 27.7 (147) 0-6 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
139. Climax/Fisher - 27.56 (48) 1-10 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
140. Mabel-Canton - 26.51 (158) 0-7 vs better, 3-1 vs worse
141. Hill City - 25.61 (93) 0-10 vs better, 3-0 vs worse
142. Hayfield - 24.7 (18) 1-13 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
143. Upsala - 24.6 (34) 1-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
144. Ogilvie - 24.5 (140) 1-14 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
145. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 23.88 (1) 1-8 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
146. Northeast Range - 23.51 (149) 0-7 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
147. Lake of the Woods - 23.02 (131) 0-6 vs better, 1-0 vs worse
148. Yellow Medicine East - 22.64 (6) 1-11 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
149. Littlefork-Big Falls - 22.24 (153) 1-8 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
150. Frazee - 22.2 (11) 1-11 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
151. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 20.48 (106) 1-10 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
152. Lanesboro - 19.85 (138) 0-10 vs better, 1-1 vs worse
153. Glenville-Emmons - 19.85 (139) 1-10 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
154. Cherry - 19.72 (128) 1-11 vs better, 0-1 vs worse
155. Northland - 18.37 (88) 1-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
156. Wabasso - 0 (13) 0-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
157. Ellsworth - 0 (30) 0-10 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
158. Edgerton - 0 (12) 0-11 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
159. Madelia - 0 (38) 0-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
160. Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 0 (52) 0-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
161. Legacy Christian - 0 (83) 0-13 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
162. Community of Peace Academy - 0 (107) 0-12 vs better, 0-0 vs worse
163. Hiawatha Collegiate - 0 (161) 0-5 vs better, 0-0 vs worse

Bearish defensive wins the day

A combined Friday and Saturday post here.  We hit each side of the metro with this.  Quality hot dog on 1 side and a good walking taco on the other.  Schools from all 4 classes included in the viewing party.  Great music as well.

Friday: Blake 65 Mounds Park Academy 52
Story here was Mounds Park Academy's Yahya Madar off the bench.  He comes in and promptly banks 2 triples and converts a 3 point play.  Panthers up 12-8.  Blake does lock down and they add the last 4 of the half for a 6 point halftime lead.  Madar with 2 quick hoops early in the 2nd half to keep the margin at 36-33.  But Blake holds the Panthers to 1 FG over the next 12+ minutes.  The freshman backcourt gets hot with a couple of 3s.  Then that leads to a couple of dump offs for layups inside.  No drama at the end.  Freshmen Gabe Ganz with 18 and Jasper Liu with 17 lead the Blake scoring.  Yahya Madar with 24 points to lead Mounds Park.  Nick Guiang with 10 was the only other help. A quality bit of music with Purple Rain, Love Shack, No Diggity, Happy and a double dose of Michael Jackson.  Once solo and with the Jackson 5.  But the best moment was during a 2nd half time out, when the PA played the Vikings radio call of the Diggs game winner last week.  Then the Blake students lead the entire crowd in a Skol cheer.

Saturday
Game 1: St. Paul Johnson 69 St. Croix Prep 59
To the east side for the always quality walking taco.  A good challenge here for St. Croix Prep (one of the 4AA teams looking to be the 2 seed) against a more athletic Johnson team.  Story here was soph guard Daniel McCarrell for St. Croix Prep.  He knocked down 10 3s and the Lions had Johnson in their sights.  47-40 St. Croix Prep leading with 9:35 left after their 13th 3 of the afternoon.  Their 2-3 zone and Euro ballscreen offense really keeping the pace of this one slow.  But Johnson's pressure just wears on teams and it did here.  The Governors go on a 21-2 run in 6 minutes.  2 Keylon Jackson buckets inside and 2 Kyle Lee hoops get it going.  Lamont White also controlling the paint for Johnson.  A very thin bench for St. Croix Prep and no Jayton Metcalf in the lineup.  2 freshman guards off the bench also played 1 half of JV.    The 3s stop falling until a meaningless one late and Johnson found McCarrell and took him out of it.  He went scoreless for the last 11:55.  Lamont White with 17 points to lead Johnson.  Guards Kyle Lee and Shemar Tucker-Adams add 14 and 13 points for the Govs.  Johnson has won 5 out of 6 and has 3 winnable conference games before the big rematch with Central in 2 weeks.  After the game a youngster breaks out in song on the piano in the Johnson lobby.  Excellent pop music choices plus he threw in some Beethoven

Game 2: Edina 75 Minneapolis Washburn 47
With 2 previous starters out of the Washburn lineup, this had trouble written all over it.  Edina jumps out to a 21-4 lead.  Anders Nelson with 15 of those points and and assist for 2 more.  He ends up with 22 points in the 1st half as Edina builds a 24 point halftime lead.  Washburn starts the 2nd half strong as they do manage to cut the lead to 17.  But Nelson with 3 assists and a tough bucket of his own and Washburn never gets any closer.  Anders Nelson finishes with 28 points.  None of the other 9 scorers for Edina in double figures.  Luke Glenna with a couple of 3s ends up with 9 points.  Jack Middleton with 8.  Terrell Adams leads Washburn with 22 points. Charles Cook-Gordon adds 11.  Edina has now won 7 in a row.  Now they get Orono, at Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Hopkins and at Prior Lake after a 10 day break. Washburn has lost 6 out of 8.

Stars in the corral

Prologue
Trying to get in the small schools is always fun.  Also fun to visit Maranatha and their large concessions setup for a MCAA showdown with Southwest Christian.  Great to catch up with Stars coach (and all time leading scorer) Kit Avery and talk about the old days of the MCAA.  Its fitting with Bethany not having a varsity team this year and SW Christian leaving the league after this season for the Minnesota River.  Its cheese pizza and Sprite on the menu but the meal deal means the Fritos are free.  That's not a bad thing.  Today's song is a random selection as I can't quite get there cause they've all forsaken me.

Song of the Day: KT Tunstall - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
Number of Teams I've Seen: 113 (94 games, 50 days, 34 buildings, 16 online)

Beverage Ticker: 653.4 ounces (7320 Calories)

• Pepsi: 214.7 ounces (2680 calories)
• Coke: 129.8 ounces (1540 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 36 ounces (450 calories)
• Sprite Zero: 20 ounces (0 calories) 
• Sprite: 136.9 ounces (1620 calories) 
• 7 Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Red Gatorade: 60 ounces (420 calories)  
• Red Powerade: 20 ounces (130 calories) 
• A&W Root Beer: 24 ounces (340 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 16
• Walking Tacos: 4
• Pizza: 16
• Chipotle: 1 (thanks to Bethel staff)

Game Time:
Maranatha jumps out to a lead and keeps it there.  They are all over the offensive glass for a couple of early putback and an 8-0 lead just over 2 minutes in.  Double figure scorer Hunter Wight with an early 2nd foul and has to sit for the Stars.  But there's still firepower left and Max Steensland with a long 2 and a floater to pull Southwest Christian within 15-12 at the 12:23 mark.  Beijan Newbern with a couple of hoops and the lead expands to 26-16 at the 9:15 mark.  Southwest Christian digs out their trusty matchup zone and that slows the pace.  Anders Olson comes off the bench with a couple of hoops and a block on Newbern.  Stars within 29-26 with just over 5 minutes left in the half.  Newbern steals and scores but Steensland counters with a freebie and a deep triple.  3 free throws to end the half put Maranatha up 38-31 at the break.

Newbern getting it going in the 2nd half with a hoop and then a 3 point play after a blocked shot.  That quickly pushes the lead to 12.  But the Stars won't go away.  Nathan Schwarz cleans up a mess with a 3 and drives for 2 free throws to keep the margin at 8.  Olson adds 2 bunnies around 2 missed Maranatha free throws.  55-51 Maranatha leads inside of 10 minutes left.  But Newbern knocks down a 3 via a quality possession and extra pass to find him in the left corner.  Then he steals a pass on the other ends and takes that for a dunk.  The Stars turn it over and its Newbern with the assist on the finish.  That pushes the lead back to 11 and happened in about 45 seconds so blink and you miss it.  The Stars hit a couple of 3s and are within 10 with 2 minutes left.  But the Stars ending is sloppy and the Mustangs clown around to push the final margin to 78-61.

Post Game
For Southwest Christian, Max Steensland finishes with 2 triples and 15 points.  Jalen and Hunter Wight combine for 15 so they were held down.  Anders Olson limited but effective minutes and 8 points inside.  Similar to what we saw from Cossy Kowoutu of South last night.  The Stars did have moments were they had difficulty keeping Maranatha off the glass.  But particularly later in the 1st half, they had that fixed and gobbled up the Maranatha missed jumpers or inside forces.  But they ran out of gas down the stretch.  The Stars fall to 7-6 overall, 3-2 in MCAA play.  They visit PACT and host Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity next week as league play continues.

Beijan Newbern leads Maranatha with 26 points.  He scored 14 of those in the 2nd half.  He had a couple of dangerous moments on the break where he was almost under cut (had 1 hard landing) but was OK and did make both hoops.  His shot wasn't there (4-10 FTs) but his open 3 when the game got down to 4 was clutch.  Hakim Daniels as always was active inside.  He had 11 of his 19 points in the 1st half.  Clarence Daniels adds 11.  They go as their activity level goes but the SW Christian zone showed that a half court game is not the way they want to play.  Maranatha improves to 10-5 and they remained undefeated in league play at 5-0.  But a tough stretch awaits in the 2nd half of the league schedule.  They are at Lester Prairie on Tuesday and then host the next 2 teams in the MCAA standings, New Life and St. Croix Prep.

Seeing Orange in the City

Prologue
A light schedule on a Wednesday night takes me to a Minneapolis City game between Washburn and South.  South once upon a time had walking tacos but not tonight.  But the hot dog was solid to go with a full dose of Sprite.  Light crowd on hand.  The Rev saunters in just before the 20 minutes go up on the clock.  Today's tune has to go with our color.

Song of the Day: Johnny Cash - Orange Blossom Special
Number of Teams I've Seen: 112 (93 games, 49 days, 33 buildings, 16 online)

Beverage Ticker: 641.4 ounces (7180 Calories)

• Pepsi: 214.7 ounces (2680 calories)
• Coke: 129.8 ounces (1540 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 36 ounces (450 calories)
• Sprite Zero: 20 ounces (0 calories) 
• Sprite: 124.9 ounces (1480 calories) 
• 7 Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Red Gatorade: 60 ounces (420 calories)  
• Red Powerade: 20 ounces (130 calories) 
• A&W Root Beer: 24 ounces (340 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 16
• Walking Tacos: 4
• Pizza: 15
• Chipotle: 1 (thanks to Bethel staff)

Game Time:
South jumps on the Millers quickly.  Suldan Omar with a triple and a reverse layup.  He'll also add a layup.  That's part of a 17-4 run to start the game.  Charles Johnson trying to keep Washburn close with 4 buckets.  South still up 11 at the 5 minute mark.  Josiah Lossow with the last 2 hoops of the half.  That sends South to the break up 39-26.

South center Cossy Kowoutu sat much of the 1st half with fouls and most of the 2nd half due to the score but he made an impact in minimal time.  He makes a free throw and blocks a shot and that turns into a Curtis Jones layup.  Then he sticks back his own miss to push the lead to 19.  He scores again and adds another block that becomes a South triple.  Then a run out for a layup and an extra pass triple.  62-36 South rolling with 8 minutes left after a 10-0 run.  South very sloppy late but the outcome is never in doubt.  Tigers win 84-64.

Post Game
For Washburn, they played without center Gavin Years.  Plus they lost freshman forward Cade Haskins to transfer at the semester break.  Shots didn't go in and that included open layups and South made them pay.  8th grade Emmett Johnson with 18 points of his 21 points in the 2nd half to lead the Millers.  Terrell Adams with 18 and Charles Johnson 14 (10 1st half).  Washburn falls to 6-7 overall, 2-2 in the Minneapolis City.  This is a rough stretch for the Millers as they've now lost 5 out of 6.  They visit Edison on Friday and then host Edina on Saturday night.

Junior guard Suldan Omar leads South with 18 points.  Soph PG Curtis Jones adds 17, 13 in the 1st half.  Demetrius Gladney with 11.  Cossy Kowoutu with 7 points, a bunch of rebounds and some blocks.  No big body to match him.  He outplayed Andrew Niebuhr on Monday and played well again here.  He's still limited but has to be one of most improved players in the league.  Frosh Damarion Bradley gave good 2nd half minutes in that spot as well.  South improves to 6-8 overall, 2-1 in the Minneapolis City.  2 good back to back wins this week.  They host Henry on Friday which is after Henry plays North tomorrow.  Then tough road games at Roosevelt and St. Louis Park next week.

Orioles shoot down the Eagles

Prologue
All my games.  Are changing every day. In every possible way.  That means I'm off to Totino-Grace for a NW Suburban West division showdown with #6AAAA Osseo.  Its part of a tough schedule stretch for Totino-Grace as this is a back to back (granted at home) after playing Hopkins yesterday.  I was surprised at the sparse crowd on hand for both sides.  A hot dog and more of the delicacy known as A&W Root Beer on tonight's menu.  The JMOA represented along with Lou Smith (rare form tonight) and a surfer guy.  As to today's tune, No Need to Argue.  After all its a tribute, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?

Song of the Day: The Cranberries - Dreams
Number of Teams I've Seen: 112 (92 games, 48 days, 32 buildings, 16 online)

Beverage Ticker: 621.4 ounces (6940 Calories)

• Pepsi: 214.7 ounces (2680 calories)
• Coke: 129.8 ounces (1540 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 36 ounces (450 calories)
• Sprite Zero: 20 ounces (0 calories) 
• Sprite: 104.9 ounces (1240 calories) 
• 7 Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Red Gatorade: 60 ounces (420 calories)  
• Red Powerade: 20 ounces (130 calories) 
• A&W Root Beer: 24 ounces (340 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 15
• Walking Tacos: 4
• Pizza: 15
• Chipotle: 1 (thanks to Bethel staff)

Game Time:
The 1st half was a grind it out affair.  Totino-Grace's switching defense slowed Osseo down but also very patient.  Osseo solid on their end as well but the Eagles also patient on offense.  Zach Theisen with a pair of early 3s in a 9-1 run and Osseo takes a 10-5 lead 6 minutes in.  Theisen another bomb and then he'll convert a turnover to push the lead to 9.  Charlie Jacob with a pair of hoops and Will Schmidt back in with 2 fouls for a 3 point play. That cuts the Osseo lead to 22-19 at the 3:30 mark.  Emmette Paige off a set play high flare screen for 3 and Johnson Fallah knocks down a kickout 3.  Then Theisen flops in front of the Totino bench at the buzzer and Lou Smith gives the call.  TG coach Nick Carroll questions it and Lou goes all Ted Valentine and points at him and then barks at an assistant.  So incredibly out of line.  Plus he had 3 very questionable offensive foul calls on players posting up.  Not necessarily bad, but calls you just don't see.  30-21 Osseo at the half as they score 8 of the last 10.

Theisen and Paige from deep and then a big block by Osseo.  But that momentum is killed by a technical on the way back down the floor.  Jacob makes the 2 techincal free throws and the Eagles score on the possession.  MoKiller timeout by Totino-Grace down 11 with 15:13 left.  Flottmeier posts Paige for a 3 point play.  That cuts the lead to 10 and sends Paige to the bench with 4 fouls and 14 minutes left.  Jacob for 3 and the lead is down to 9 and you like Totino's momentum.

But Osseo's shooting takes over.  Cornell Richardson for 3.  Theisen inside out is wide open for 3 and then why not in transition for 3 more.  That's all part of an 11-0 run and the lead is 20 with 11:32 left.  Theisen 2 more bombs as he scores 5 straight Osseo buckets, all from deep.  That counters a putback, 2 free throws and a 3 from Jacob.  The outcome never in doubt.  Osseo wins 70-50

Post Game
For Totino-Grace, Charlie Jacob with 12 of his 16 in the 2nd half to lead the Eagles.  Will Schmidt 11 of his 13 in the 1st half.  Osseo's defense was very strong and they kept Totino mostly off the offensive board.  Schmidt never got going in the 2nd half and with the hot shooting, there's your result.  The Eagles fall to 6-6 overall and 3-3 in the NW Suburban.  They've now lost 4 in a row in the last week but those are to Maple Grove (top computer ranked team in section 8AAAA), #7 Park Center, #2 Hopkins and #6 Osseo.  They visit Irondale on Friday, then Champlin Park comes in and the return match at Maple Grove next week.  That's followed by a trip to Park Center to end the month.

Zach Theisen goes absolutely nuts for Osseo.  He finishes with 9 3s and 35 points to lead all scorers.  22 of those points and 6 3s in the 2nd half.  Totino-Grace doing a terrible job of finding him and recognizing him.  Prime example was on the 1st trip down the floor, Osseo gets a corner screen the screener look that they've run for years.  That was also true for Emmette Paige who had 15 points and 3 bombs of his own.  While I liked the switching and it was effective early.  Giving up 50 to the top 2 scorers is just unacceptable defensive execution.  Osseo improves to 10-2 overall and remains on top of the west division of the NW Suburban at 6-0.  They finish the 1st rotation thru the division on Friday in a rivalry game vs Maple Grove.  Then on the road to Coon Rapids and the other big rival Park Center next week.

Strategy Session
So the idea of having the ball in the corner and then throwing back to the wing for a shot has become more noticeable in recent years.  Osseo has a couple of sets where they'll do exactly this. If you see high post, wing and corner all filled and the ball goes corner, you can bet its a set.  Osseo will take a hard dribble or 2 baseline but then have the wing guy go off the high post and come back for a look.  They'll also run an NBA curl set where the wing screens away, player curls and the wing comes back off the high post for a look.  It fits well with the euro ball screen stuff they run too.

2018 Dream Classic Night Session

Off to Roosevelt for the 4th annual Dream Classic.  As in past years, I take in the late 2 games.  We get the Roosevelt drum line.  Nothing like a drum line in a small loud city gym.  But not quite like the old drum line in the MTS gym.  Excellent choice to get food ahead of time and how sad that the main beverage choice was Pepsi.  More for me.

Game 1: Minneapolis Roosevelt 80 Simley 49
I was looking forward to the Jake Binley vs Deszi Sims scoring battle in this one.  It certainly did not disappoint.  Binley opens the scoring with a post up out of the Swing Offense.  Sims gets it going right away too.  A steal for a dunk and he converts another turnover.  He adds a triple and then a nice spin and he's off to the races for a coast to coast bucket.  Those end an 18-2 Roosevelt run and the Teddies lead 18-4 7 minutes in.  Sims takes another turnover for a dunk to push the lead to 20.  Binley with a BLOB finish and bonus free throws.  Sims with a triple and an assist on another Teddies 3.  41-17 Roosevelt at the break.

The 2nd half was more interesting than expected.  Binley fouled on a 3 and make all the freebies.  Sam Vujovich with 3 triples and an assist to Binley for another.  Binley also has a putback of his own miss for a 3 point play during the run.  Its 5 triples during the run plus a 3 point play and 3 free throws being fouled on a 3.  That result is a Simley 21-6 run in under 6 minutes.  That cuts the Roosevelt lead to 49-38 with over 11 minutes left.  But its all Roosevelt from there.  Sims dunks a turnover, puts back a miss for a 3 point play, makes 2 free throws on an intentional foul (turnover), spins for a 3 point play and scores again.  That's 12 points in a 17-0 run over the next 4 minutes.  That pushes the lead back to 28, 66-48 inside of 7:30 to play.  The rest is garbage time.  Deszi Sims scores 39 points to lead Roosevelt.  Eric Atson adds 11 for the Teddies.  Jake Binley leads Simley with 22 points.  Tyler Walker with a pair of 3s and 10 points off the Simley bench.  A very lethargic SImley performance on both ends.

Game 2: Minneapolis South 66 Jordan 65
South's quickness was a problem all night long for Jordan.  Add in some timely first half 3s, 5 of them to be exact and South goes to the break with a 37-35 lead. Very balanced South offense.  Jordan's Eric Tiedman (Augustana commit) had 7 quick points but only 1 bucket in the last 12:40 of the half.  Ryan Samuelson with 3 triples in the half to help Jordan hang around.

Back and forth early in the 2nd half.  Tiedman on the elbow iso for a 3 point play to break a tie.  South counters with the next 4 to regain the lead.  Then Josiah Lossow with a long 2 and then a South hustle play gets him a layup.  Jordan takes timeout with 8:55 left down 5 and their staff is not happy with the energy level.  They claw their way back to the lead with Tiedman picking up his play.  South responds and pushes the lead back to 5 with post Cossy Kowouto making a pair of freebies and tipping in a miss.  Jordan not going away.  Big center Andrew Niebuhr runs the floor for a 3 point play.  Then a set side elevator play for Samuelson is a long 2 (thought it was 3) and we're tied at 61 with 2:45 left.  Then he finds Tiedman for 2 free throws.  7-0 Hubmen run and South needs a timeout down 2 with 2:05 left.

Set play for Curtis Jones in the left corner for 3 and South goes up 1.  Time Jordan and Tiedman grabs a miss and feeds Niebuhr for 2 free throws to put Jordan up 1.  Niebuhr with a clutch block but Jordan turns it over. South misses a layup on that turnover but Jordan throws it away trying to save the rebound.  South takes another timeout.  Kowouto scores on Niebuhr with about 20 seconds left to put South up 1.  Jordan takes timeout.  The play breaks down and Samuelson's fade away from the left baseline is no good.  South pulls off the upset.  Cossy Kowouto with 16 points inside.  Josiah Lossow adds 12.  4 others combine for 34.  Ryan Samuelson with 19 points and 3 triples to lead the Hubmen.  Eric Tiedman with 18 points and a bunch of little plays down the stretch to help the cause.  Andrew Niebuhr with 11 points.