Twin Cities Boys Hoops: January 2019

Titans jump back to top of Metro East

Prologue
To Tartan for the rematch between the top 2 teams in the Metro East as #6AAA Mahtomedi comes calling. Mahtomedi won at their place 57-51. Tartan needing to match that to keep pace in the league standings. Good officiating crew works both the JV and Varsity. Crowd ho hum, though the Tartan section next to me was boisterous, but plenty of scouting going on. East Ridge and CDH (hello coach Kline, I see your hat) in the house to see Tartan. De La Salle in to get an early look at Mahtomedi in possible preparation for the state tournament. Even the entire Minnehaha squad (their game with Central was postponed) was in the building looking on.

Game Time
Mahtomedi going zone most of the night and they start 2-3. Cole Chapman 2 early hoops and a later 3 as Tartan chose to take their chances leaving him early on. Antawn Kimmons starts 0-5 but gets it going with an assist to Joe Kearney for 3, then coast to coast for a free throw and he'll add 2 more buckets in the 10-2 Tartan run. That puts Tartan up 16-11 under the 8 minute mark. Mahtomedi star J'Vonne Hadley saddled with his 2nd foul at the 7:34 mark and Zac Centers already has 2 of his own. They will still see minutes but have quiet first halves. Kimmons with a tough finish and 2 free throws off 1 of many 1st half Mahtomedi turnovers. Then a great hustle play by Kimmons to track down an offensive board and that leads to a Dorian Singer 3. Mahtomedi hanging around with 4 free throws from Devin Melzer and 2 from Hadley. But Kimmons finds Solomon Whalen for 3 for the final bucket of the half. 26-22 Tartan at the break

Mahtomedi pulls out a diamond and 1 on Kimmons to start the 2nd half. 6'10 Cole Chapman in the back of that with Sam Bell getting the 1 on 1 defensive assignment. Hadley gets loose for a hoop to force a Tartan timeout. Melzer puts back his own miss and buries a 3 as Tartan was trying to get a matchup switch back to Hadley. 32-30 Mahtomedi inside 15 minutes left. Hadley buries a 3 as he looks to be heating up and Kimmons scores another hoop. Mahtomedi out of the diamond and 1 with about 13 minutes left. Score tied at 35 They'll go back to the regular 2-3 zone.

Singer for 3 off the inside out pass and another Tartan bucket off a turnover finishes an 8-0 run. Titans 40-35 with 10:30 left. Luke Ricker for 3 and Melzer with another bomb after an offensive board. Offensive board of 2 Tartan missed freebies ends up with a long Kimmons 3. After a Tartan timeout, Kimmons then swipes the ball from Hadley after the full court inbound for 2 more. Tartan defensive breakdown on a Centers/Hadley screen the screener leads to a Centers triple. 6:45 left and Mahtomedi down 3. They'll go back to the diamond and 1.

After a stop, its Hadley for 3 and we're 47 all under 6 to play. Kimmons with a nice attacking drive and he glides under Chapman and scoops the finish for a 3 point play. Joe Kearney picking up the defensive assignment on Hadley down the stretch but his offense stays intact. He grabs a board and nobody stops him coast to coast for an easy hoop. Then a right wing rainbow triple and 2 more off a turnover. 10-0 Tartan run for a 57-47 lead with about 3:45 left. Hadley scores on a designed SLOB postup and Mahtomedi has to go man. Kimmons shreds that to keep the lead at 10 with 2 minutes left. He'll close it out with another hoop and a pair of freebies. Tartan wins 63-52.

Post Game
Mahtomedi sees an 8 game winning streak snapped. They fall to 12-4 overall, 7-1 in the Metro East and tied for 1st with Tartan. J'Vonne Hadley with 10 of his 15 points in the 2nd half to lead the Zephyrs offense. I also had him for 10 rebounds. Tartan ran 3 guys at him tonight (Weems, Kimmons and Kearney) and all they were pretty solid. They would also double him in the backcourt to make him give it up. I only had him with 9 shots and 5 makes including 3 bombs. Devin Melzer very nice outing with 14 points and he probably had double digit boards of his own. Rest of the roster was pretty quiet. Zac Centers with 1 triple and nothing else. Cole Chapman 7 points early but nothing after Tartan decided to guard him. Its a brutal 6 day stretch for Mahtomedi as they play #5AAA Mankato East in the Community Clash at St. Michael on Saturday. Then St. Thomas comes calling on Tuesday. That's all with no prep time this week due to the weather. But after that, the only real remaining test in the final 8 games is at North St. Paul in 3 weeks.

Tartan has now won 7 in a row. They improve to 14-2 and also 7-1 in the Metro East. Tartan has 3 winnable league games next week. Then the rivalry game at North and they host St. Thomas Academy the following week. North with home wins vs both these teams during this 2nd rotation could end up making the league race a 3 way tie. Antwan Kimmons 27 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Titans. Kimmons did his usual bit scoring but he was also a major factor on the offensive glass, particularly against the diamond and 1. I counted 8 of his 10 boards on the offensive end, though some of that was of the Moses Malone grab your own miss variety. He also added 3 1st half assists that turned into 8 points. Joe Kearney comes up big down the stretch and finishes with 12 points. Dorian Singer adds a couple of 3s and 10 points and that's enough offense. Tartan's half-court man pressure really made it hard for Mahtomedi to effective run their sets. Plus with it being 2nd time thru league, teams know what you run and the preparation was definitely there.

Conference Icebreaker Review

So with the deep freeze ongoing in the metro at about the midway point of each conference schedule, it gives me time to take a look at the league races and pick out 1 team that sticks out for their positive performance so far. With that in mind, here's a spin thru the 12 metro leagues that I follow.

IMAC
Providence Academy. The Lions returned most of last year's roster so a solid year wasn't unexpected. Seeing them jump into the top 10 with wins over fellow ranked teams Breck and Spectrum was a surprise. They also have a 2 point loss on the road at #5AA Jordan and played #4AA Maranatha to a 10 point loss. Mark Richelsen has been productive as the go to guy. Dylan Servais giving them a nice season from his PG spot. A tough week awaits next week with a rematch at Breck (won 56-47 at home) and their only meeting with Minnehaha. They have a grudge match with SPA before that. SPA pulled a 48-37 upset just 2 weeks ago.

Lake
Minnetonka. Cameron Steele was a known item and he's been outstanding this year. That includes 45 pts in a blowout of Rochester Mayo. They also played Wayzata tough this week on the road. So who has stepped up for Tonka? The season from Gavin Patton has been eye opening on the wing. 21.8 PPG for him was not expected. Lyric Radford has also been solid for the Skippers. A tough home back to back vs #9AAAA Eden Prairie and #4AA Maranatha finishes this week. That starts a stretch of 5 out of 6 at home before a brutal 5 game finish.

Minneapolis City
Minneapolis Edison. I'll acknowledge that the Minneapolis City is way down this year. South, Washburn and Southwest rank as 3 of the worst teams in AAAA. But despite all that, Edison being in a tie for 2nd in the city for where they've been all these years is still a great story. The win over Minneapolis Roosevelt definitely was an eye opener and they only lost by 10 at Henry (who likely finishes 2nd in the league). The Tommies are doing it with balance with veteran leadership in rugged forward Jackson Rusnacko. The home game next Thursday vs Brooklyn Center will be an interesting test for both teams.

MCAA
Maranatha. The Mustangs were the easy pick to win the MCAA but having only 1 loss to date and being ranked 4th in the latest state poll is more than expected. Good home wins over Jordan, Spectrum and St. Croix Prep and a wins at Cristo Rey and Providence stick out. They go 10 deep and get after it all night. PG Justin Mason has been terrific and their best outside shot maker. Christian Davis gives them yet another athletic wing to harass opponents with. Soph Tristan Lee (CDH transfer) is a bull in a china shop type that is a problem as part of the bench mob as well. Plus they are big and deep up front with Hakim and Clarence Daniels on the glass. Travaris Ricks-Wessah and Chase Carter are very good for them too.

Metro East
North St. Paul. Dajuan Carter has arguably the greenest green light in the state (see also Gabe Madsen at Rochester Mayo). Not shocked that he's having a huge season with his ability to hit from deep or attack. Shaheed Muhammed has been the eye opener as the other scorer with 17 PPG. Add in solid play from Brenden Lankford-Johnson and they can plug in role guys from there. They don't have a bad loss on the schedule and have rebounded from a tough 0-3 start. That includes a win on the island at De La Salle which is always a tall task. They stand 3rd in the Metro East right now and have the top 2 at home in the 2nd rotation of league play.

Metro West
St. Louis Park. I had no expectations for the Orioles after losing all their double figure scorers. All they've done is go 5-0 in Metro West play including a home buzzer beater over league favorite Chaska last week. They're on a 6 game winning streak right now. Robbinsdale Cooper and Chanhassen visit next week to finish a 4 games in 7 days stretch. 4 players average double figures. That includes 14.5 PPG from returning F Anthony Rayson. Paris Johnson (15.9 PPG) and Keyshon Howard (10.2 PPG) have stepped up nicely.

Northwest Suburban
Robbinsdale Armstrong. New coach and plenty to replace? No problem for Jon Bryant. The Falcons are 11-4 and in a 2nd place tie in the NW Suburban West. 3 players average double figures. Jake Breitbach (12 PPG) does a bit of everything from a forward spot. Devin Frye has been steady as a point guard. Best win was going on the road and beating Park Center 62-56. They also have road wins over Spring Lake Park, Totino-Grace and St. Louis Park. Next week is a brutal week for the Falcons as they go to Maple Grove, Osseo and #7AAAA Wayzata

St. Paul City
St. Paul Harding. Not much in the way of surprises in the St. Paul City this year. Nothing really special about their wins but they've taken care of the games they need to win in the city. PG Jovan Christian has done his thing with 17.2 PPG. But Simeon Sharp (18.2 PPG) and Tierre Davis (16 PPG) have come on nicely for the Knights. A road, Target Center, home triplet before a big home game with Central next Wednesday.

South Suburban
Eagan. 2nd year coach Josh Peltier is starting to see the fruits of his labor pay off. 2 big section games coming up at Burnsville and home against Apple Valley. Section 3AAAA is really wide open for seeding and those would be 2 huge wins. Then a brutal home back to back next weekend vs Lakeville North and Shakopee. Currently on a 3 game losing streak with a couple of tight losses. That's after a 5-1 start. They have a bunch of interchangeable shooters which leads to 3 double figure scorers. Size and strength are the issue but definitely much improved over a year ago.

Suburban East
Park of Cottage Grove. Would would have thought Park would be in the middle of the Suburban East pack at 4-4? Coach Mike Weah almost had it at 5-3 as the Wolfpack gave CDH a whale of a game last week. They have 5 winnable games coming up before they see the heavy hitters in the Suburban East again. That should dampen the current 4 out of 5 losses streak. Domenick Block and Charlie Gorres leading the way as expected on the wings. Jeremiah Smith inside has given them a nice post presence as well.

Tri-Metro
Holy Angels. The Johnson brothers (Emmett and Charles) have been more than advertised coming over from Washburn. That has nailed down the guard spots. Matt Banovetz and Max Gerstner are making shots and they have Thor Holien inside to finish it off. They've beaten Providence and won at Holy Family along with a 2 point loss to Waconia. They have a big one at Tri-Metro East leader St. Croix Lutheran next Tuesday. That's the only road game in a 3 week stretch.

TCAC D1
Nova Classical Academy. After starting 0-6 in largely ugly fashion, the Knights have now won 8 out of 9. They stand 2nd in TCAC D1 with a record of 5-1 after the 1st rotation. Big league rematch at home with Cristo Rey on Friday. A must win to stay in the league race but Cristo Rey won the 1st meeting 73-38. Mathieu LaFrambois has stepped up his scoring this year with 21.5 PPG. Shea Nelson adds 19.2 PPG at a forward spot but there's very little other scoring behind them.

TCAC D2
Hiawatha. The Wolves after really struggling last year all of a sudden find themselves on top of TCAC D2 with only 1 loss. They host fellow league leader Avail Academy on Tuesday to break that tie. After that, they could run the table into the TCAC D2 tournament. 8th grade PG Jessye Lewis has been terrific averaging 24.5 PPG. Fellow 8th grader Jaheim Houts (Nuah?) 2nd on the team at 16.1 PPG from his wing spot. Plus a couple of other double figure scorers.

Independents
Minnesota Transitions. Granted the schedule has been tissue paper soft. The loss in the Avail tourney to West Lutheran looms large for section evaluation. But then again wins are wins. They have a big 3 of Lashone Patterson, Michael Emery-Minor and Kyrian Christian who combine for over 45 points a night. The game on Monday Feb 11th at Hope Academy will be a major marker for them.

2019 Deep Freeze CzarPI

Labels: 18-19 CzarPI

This is the 3rd CzarPI of the 2018-19 season (see CzarPI Explained Here). It includes games through Monday, January 28th, 2019. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.

Class AAAA

Park Center - 63.71 (3) 0-0 vs higher, 15-1 vs lower
Hopkins - 61.44 (6) 0-0 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
Prior Lake - 59.88 (11) 0-1 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Wayzata - 59.16 (5) 0-2 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
Eden Prairie - 58.44 (1) 0-3 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
Lakeville North - 58.15 (8) 2-2 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
East Ridge - 57.82 (31) 1-2 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
Shakopee - 57.41 (22) 1-2 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Maple Grove - 56.67 (16) 0-1 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
Edina - 56.61 (2) 1-5 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Buffalo - 56.21 (15) 1-1 vs higher, 10-5 vs lower
Champlin Park - 56.01 (21) 1-3 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
White Bear Lake - 55.6 (57) 0-1 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Robbinsdale Armstrong - 55.31 (41) 1-2 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
Tartan - 55.05 (59) 0-1 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Moorhead - 55.05 (46) 1-1 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Osseo - 54.49 (4) 4-2 vs higher, 4-4 vs lower
Minnetonka - 53.88 (7) 1-4 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
St. Michael-Albertville - 53.79 (43) 1-4 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Chaska - 53.78 (26) 3-3 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Duluth East - 53.63 (48) 1-1 vs higher, 11-5 vs lower
Cretin-Derham Hall - 53.16 (42) 0-4 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
St. Louis Park - 51.97 (19) 2-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Rochester Mayo - 51.89 (53) 1-3 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Cambridge-Isanti - 51.58 (38) 1-3 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
Chanhassen - 51.54 (10) 3-7 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Eastview - 51.47 (12) 2-5 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
New Prague - 51.34 (9) 2-6 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
North St. Paul - 51.13 (14) 2-7 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
St. Paul Central - 50.68 (52) 2-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Blaine - 50.52 (56) 1-3 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Spring Lake Park - 50.06 (28) 2-6 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Centennial - 49.48 (33) 1-6 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Rochester John Marshall - 49.28 (27) 1-5 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Brainerd - 47.87 (58) 4-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Farmington - 47.62 (30) 1-6 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Rochester Century - 46.35 (50) 1-6 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Coon Rapids - 46.35 (51) 1-6 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Anoka - 46.23 (61) 2-4 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Lakeville South - 45.91 (34) 2-7 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Burnsville - 45.02 (18) 2-9 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Bloomington Jefferson - 44.79 (37) 3-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Eagan - 44.74 (49) 2-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
St. Cloud Tech - 44.26 (39) 4-8 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
Rogers - 44.05 (29) 3-9 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Andover - 43.8 (17) 3-9 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Apple Valley - 43.13 (23) 2-10 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Stillwater Area - 42.62 (62) 1-4 vs higher, 6-4 vs lower
Park of Cottage Grove - 42.39 (44) 1-8 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Irondale - 41.08 (32) 2-9 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Forest Lake - 40.77 (24) 2-11 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Hastings - 40.47 (63) 2-7 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Woodbury - 40.36 (35) 2-12 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
St. Francis - 39.89 (60) 2-11 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Roseville - 39.25 (20) 4-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Mounds View - 37.8 (55) 4-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Minneapolis Washburn - 37.54 (47) 3-12 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
Elk River - 36.92 (13) 3-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Henry Sibley - 36.87 (45) 3-12 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Minneapolis South - 36.86 (36) 3-10 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Owatonna - 36.74 (25) 2-11 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Minneapolis Southwest - 33.09 (40) 3-12 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Rosemount - 33.02 (54) 3-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class AAA

Waseca - 61.71 (22) 0-0 vs higher, 17-0 vs lower
DeLaSalle - 60.86 (11) 0-0 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Mankato East - 58.32 (30) 0-1 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
Marshall - 57.03 (9) 0-2 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Bemidji - 56.64 (53) 0-0 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Sartell-St. Stephen - 55.47 (56) 0-0 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
Austin - 54.89 (48) 0-1 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Princeton - 54.8 (57) 0-1 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
Mahtomedi - 54.69 (46) 1-2 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Waconia - 54.46 (4) 2-3 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
Hermantown - 54.12 (37) 0-1 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
Northfield - 53.95 (39) 0-2 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Alexandria - 53.1 (28) 1-2 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Holy Angels - 52.38 (59) 2-2 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
St. Paul Johnson - 52.24 (27) 3-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
St. Cloud Apollo - 51.9 (8) 2-5 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Fergus Falls - 51.47 (3) 3-5 vs higher, 4-4 vs lower
Cloquet - 50.85 (5) 3-7 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Mound Westonka - 50.81 (29) 1-5 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Totino-Grace - 50.69 (2) 2-7 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Robbinsdale Cooper - 50.63 (18) 3-4 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Delano - 49.7 (44) 1-5 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Duluth Denfeld - 49.16 (12) 3-5 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
Hibbing - 48.87 (55) 3-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Willmar - 48.53 (20) 2-6 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
St. Thomas Academy - 48.28 (19) 1-7 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Minneapolis Henry - 47.86 (60) 1-3 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Detroit Lakes - 47.54 (23) 2-6 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Little Falls - 47.44 (34) 4-6 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
St. Paul Harding - 47.16 (63) 1-2 vs higher, 6-4 vs lower
Worthington - 46.84 (43) 3-5 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Minneapolis Roosevelt - 46.6 (49) 2-6 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Columbia Heights - 46.3 (7) 3-8 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Monticello - 45.45 (54) 2-5 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
St. Croix Lutheran - 45.36 (52) 1-4 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
St. Anthony Village - 44.66 (62) 2-4 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
Grand Rapids - 44.44 (6) 4-9 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
Simley - 44.12 (61) 1-5 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
Fridley - 43.87 (17) 3-8 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
Bloomington Kennedy - 43 (36) 3-8 vs higher, 1-4 vs lower
Benilde-St. Margaret's - 42.79 (16) 3-10 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Big Lake - 42.17 (45) 1-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Winona - 42.16 (41) 0-6 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Becker - 41.68 (32) 3-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Chisago Lakes Area - 40.97 (51) 4-8 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
Richfield - 40.54 (40) 2-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Orono - 40.48 (1) 3-12 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Zimmerman - 39.67 (21) 4-11 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
St. Paul Highland Park - 39.55 (24) 2-10 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
St. Paul Como Park - 39.15 (31) 2-12 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
South St. Paul - 38.94 (58) 2-9 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Rocori - 38.49 (15) 4-13 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
North Branch - 38.38 (26) 4-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Hutchinson - 37.56 (47) 1-10 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Faribault - 36.74 (42) 0-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Dassel-Cokato - 36.41 (50) 2-11 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Mankato West - 36.23 (10) 2-11 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Sauk Rapids-Rice - 33.75 (14) 2-14 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
New Ulm - 33.47 (13) 2-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Kasson-Mantorville - 32.7 (35) 2-11 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
Hill-Murray - 28.06 (33) 1-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Red Wing - 24.06 (25) 1-13 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Albert Lea - 21.8 (38) 1-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class AA

Perham - 60.35 (13) 0-0 vs higher, 14-1 vs lower
Osakis - 58.87 (89) 0-0 vs higher, 15-0 vs lower
Maranatha Christian - 58.53 (65) 0-0 vs higher, 16-1 vs lower
Minnehaha Academy - 57.75 (6) 2-2 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Lake City - 57.55 (39) 0-0 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
Breck - 56.46 (63) 1-0 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
Litchfield - 55.87 (40) 0-0 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
Jordan - 55.76 (80) 0-1 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Greenway - 55.74 (111) 0-0 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Jackson County Central - 55.49 (1) 0-4 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Spectrum - 55.44 (90) 0-1 vs higher, 15-1 vs lower
East Grand Forks - 55.43 (50) 0-2 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
St. Cloud Cathedral - 55.42 (12) 1-1 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
Hawley - 54.75 (94) 0-1 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Albany - 54.68 (21) 1-1 vs higher, 11-4 vs lower
Melrose - 54.34 (35) 3-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Pequot Lakes - 54.31 (71) 1-2 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Crosby-Ironton - 54.3 (87) 0-1 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
New London-Spicer - 54.22 (74) 1-1 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
Holy Family Catholic - 54.12 (11) 1-3 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Caledonia - 53.63 (44) 0-1 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
Roseau - 53.61 (115) 0-1 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
Esko - 53.36 (42) 1-2 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
Minneapolis North - 53.35 (31) 1-2 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
St. James Area - 53.24 (96) 0-1 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
St. Croix Prep - 53.21 (41) 1-3 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Providence Academy - 53.2 (30) 2-2 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Virginia - 52.86 (77) 0-2 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
St. Charles - 52.81 (95) 0-1 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
Moose Lake-Willow River - 52.64 (104) 1-2 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
St. Peter - 52.27 (93) 1-3 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
Redwood Valley - 51.87 (4) 1-4 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Stewartville - 51.46 (46) 1-3 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
La Crescent-Hokah - 51.11 (88) 1-2 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Dover-Eyota - 50.88 (75) 1-5 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
Minnewaska Area - 50.82 (19) 3-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Royalton - 50.82 (98) 0-1 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
Breckenridge - 49.9 (66) 0-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
St. Paul Academy - 49.86 (103) 2-3 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Proctor - 49.48 (70) 1-4 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Cristo Rey Jesuit - 49.43 (83) 1-2 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 49.38 (91) 1-3 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Martin County West - 49.34 (72) 0-3 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Trinity School - 49.31 (112) 0-3 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
Eden Valley-Watkins - 49.16 (10) 2-4 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Foley - 49.05 (68) 1-4 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 48.97 (25) 1-7 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Rochester Lourdes - 48.71 (17) 2-7 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 48.44 (9) 2-6 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Rockford - 48.23 (97) 0-5 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Pine City - 48 (125) 1-2 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Mora - 47.86 (79) 1-3 vs higher, 5-5 vs lower
Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 47.81 (27) 1-6 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Annandale - 47.77 (15) 1-7 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Barnesville - 47.76 (32) 1-5 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
High School for the Recording Arts - 47.61 (118) 0-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Pillager - 47.43 (92) 1-5 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 47.25 (82) 2-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Glencoe-Silver Lake - 47.23 (61) 2-7 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Maple Lake - 47.19 (99) 1-6 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Luverne - 47.19 (67) 1-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Mesabi East - 47.13 (78) 2-5 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Pipestone Area - 46.86 (34) 2-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Paynesville Area - 46.75 (51) 1-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Brooklyn Center - 46.63 (8) 2-7 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Cannon Falls - 46.4 (49) 2-7 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 46.39 (22) 2-7 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Blue Earth Area - 46.27 (48) 2-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Duluth Marshall - 45.73 (85) 2-5 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Watertown-Mayer - 45.39 (56) 1-7 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Pierz - 45.37 (62) 3-5 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
Pine Island - 45.16 (69) 2-7 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Rush City - 45.04 (106) 0-4 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Blake - 44.6 (26) 2-8 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
New Life Academy - 43.91 (64) 2-5 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Belle Plaine - 43.86 (109) 2-6 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Kimball Area - 43.57 (107) 3-6 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Milaca - 43.36 (43) 3-7 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
Nova Classical Academy - 43.19 (114) 0-5 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Lewiston-Altura - 42.9 (53) 2-8 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
Fairmont - 42.41 (37) 2-8 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Chatfield - 42.11 (59) 1-8 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
St. Agnes - 42.05 (108) 2-7 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Minneapolis Edison - 42.03 (122) 1-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 41.95 (116) 3-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Southwest Christian - 41.64 (29) 2-10 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
New Richland-H-E-G - 41.46 (3) 1-10 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Concordia Academy - 41.36 (28) 3-12 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Barnum - 41.03 (54) 2-9 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Sauk Centre - 40.73 (20) 2-9 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Crookston - 40.69 (45) 0-8 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 40.12 (36) 1-8 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Warroad - 39.78 (117) 1-8 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
St. Paul Humboldt - 39.43 (121) 2-8 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Thief River Falls - 39.15 (2) 3-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
LeSueur-Henderson - 38.77 (84) 1-8 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
International Falls - 38.67 (101) 2-8 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Maple River - 38.5 (38) 2-12 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Park Rapids Area - 38.39 (57) 2-8 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Bagley - 38.04 (52) 1-8 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Wadena-Deer Creek - 36.19 (100) 1-10 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
Two Harbors - 35.7 (76) 1-10 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Byron - 35.46 (55) 1-11 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Triton - 34.35 (119) 1-10 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Twin Cities Academy/Great River - 34.26 (120) 2-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 33.55 (86) 1-7 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Math and Science Academy - 33.42 (124) 0-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
St. Paul Washington - 32.54 (81) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Aitkin - 31.81 (14) 1-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Benson - 31.8 (18) 1-12 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
International School of MN/Eagle Ridge - 31.75 (105) 1-12 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
Windom Area - 31.7 (7) 1-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Holdingford - 31.35 (5) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Montevideo - 29.52 (16) 1-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
PACT Charter - 29.18 (60) 2-15 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Norwood-Young America - 27.66 (102) 1-13 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran - 26.88 (58) 1-10 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Kenyon-Wanamingo - 26.63 (24) 1-12 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Sibley East - 25.96 (110) 1-13 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Tri-City United - 25.09 (113) 1-14 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Staples-Motley - 24.22 (47) 1-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Medford - 21.43 (33) 2-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Academy for Sciences & Ag - 20.73 (123) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Eveleth-Gilbert - 0 (23) 0-17 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 0 (73) 0-17 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class A

BOLD - 59.58 (46) 0-0 vs higher, 17-0 vs lower
Cass Lake-Bena - 58.83 (71) 0-0 vs higher, 18-0 vs lower
Henning - 58.45 (78) 0-0 vs higher, 16-0 vs lower
Minneota - 58.29 (83) 0-0 vs higher, 17-0 vs lower
Spring Grove - 58.04 (92) 0-0 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
Ada-Borup West - 57.67 (99) 0-0 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
Springfield - 56.64 (26) 0-1 vs higher, 14-1 vs lower
Ortonville - 56.25 (86) 0-0 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 56.22 (106) 1-0 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Hayfield - 55.48 (75) 0-0 vs higher, 15-2 vs lower
Randolph - 54.86 (116) 0-1 vs higher, 16-0 vs lower
North Woods - 54.29 (63) 0-2 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
Hancock - 53.3 (77) 0-1 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
Parkers Prairie - 53.02 (48) 0-2 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Southwest MN Christian - 53.01 (85) 0-0 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
Mountain Lake Area/Comfrey - 53 (112) 0-2 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
CHOF - 52.62 (60) 0-1 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 52.34 (144) 0-1 vs higher, 15-0 vs lower
Ashby - 52.29 (52) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 51.96 (93) 0-1 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 51.9 (41) 0-2 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
Rushford-Peterson - 51.89 (19) 1-4 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Renville County West - 51.81 (22) 1-3 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
Pine River-Backus - 51.47 (90) 0-3 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 51.26 (20) 1-2 vs higher, 8-4 vs lower
Lac qui Parle Valley - 51.22 (12) 1-4 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
Mahnomen/Waubun - 51.21 (40) 0-2 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
Lakeview Christian - 50.88 (100) 1-2 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
Murray County Central - 50.87 (102) 2-1 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
Grand Meadow - 50.82 (141) 1-1 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Chisholm - 50.39 (120) 0-1 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
New Ulm Cathedral - 50.06 (109) 0-3 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
Cedar Mountain - 49.89 (89) 0-3 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Blooming Prairie - 49.83 (125) 0-2 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 49.8 (87) 2-1 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
Avail Academy - 49.67 (143) 0-0 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 49.63 (57) 0-2 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 49.49 (103) 2-3 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
West Central Area - 49.48 (67) 2-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Win-E-Mac - 49.46 (82) 0-3 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Cromwell-Wright - 49.32 (149) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Hinckley-Finlayson - 48.94 (97) 1-2 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
Dawson-Boyd - 48.64 (13) 2-3 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Hiawatha Collegiate - 48.59 (160) 0-0 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Mayer Lutheran - 48.37 (56) 1-5 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
New York Mills - 47.91 (129) 0-3 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Kingsland - 47.8 (9) 1-7 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Fertile-Beltrami - 47.72 (140) 2-2 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
Nevis - 47.61 (33) 1-6 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Minnesota Transitions Charter - 47.58 (161) 0-1 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
United South Central - 47.24 (88) 0-3 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
Red Lake - 47.22 (38) 2-6 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
NCE/U-H - 47.11 (23) 2-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Ely - 46.89 (114) 0-2 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
Clearbrook-Gonvick - 46.74 (151) 0-3 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Cook County - 46.52 (101) 1-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
West Lutheran - 46.34 (39) 3-5 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Central MN Christian - 46.15 (6) 3-7 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Nashwauk-Keewatin - 46.13 (95) 2-4 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Sacred Heart - 45.62 (153) 0-3 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Brandon/Evansville - 45.01 (10) 2-7 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Browerville/Eagle Valley - 44.95 (47) 1-7 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Hills-Beaver Creek - 44.54 (74) 0-5 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Nicollet - 44.4 (113) 0-4 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 44.24 (108) 2-5 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
Deer River - 44.2 (45) 2-6 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
Floodwood - 43.47 (134) 0-4 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
Houston - 43.19 (24) 2-6 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Mankato Loyola - 43.14 (76) 1-7 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Braham - 42.78 (155) 2-6 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Liberty Classical Academy - 42.75 (157) 1-5 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Hope Academy - 42.6 (131) 1-5 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
Kittson County Central - 42.57 (51) 1-4 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
Pelican Rapids - 42.53 (2) 1-8 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Bigfork - 42.5 (132) 2-5 vs higher, 6-4 vs lower
Chesterton Academy - 42.41 (162) 0-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
T/ML/GHEC - 42.38 (137) 1-6 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
Northome/Kelliher - 42.26 (55) 3-8 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Mountain Iron-Buhl - 42.1 (117) 2-6 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 41.37 (69) 2-7 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
Upsala - 41.24 (127) 1-7 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
McGregor - 41.2 (104) 2-6 vs higher, 3-4 vs lower
Fosston - 41.07 (27) 0-8 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Schaeffer Academy - 41.05 (123) 1-3 vs higher, 6-6 vs lower
Bethlehem Academy - 40.4 (49) 0-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Christian Life Academy - 40.28 (121) 1-8 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Northern Freeze - 40.25 (98) 2-6 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Red Lake County - 40.19 (36) 2-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Bethany Academy - 39.69 (136) 0-7 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 39.53 (17) 1-8 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Canby - 39.46 (44) 2-6 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
Silver Bay - 39.41 (128) 2-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Red Rock Central - 38.91 (64) 0-7 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
LeRoy-Ostrander - 38.88 (122) 2-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Legacy Christian - 38.79 (30) 2-11 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
St. John's Prep - 38.74 (50) 1-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Frazee - 38.58 (14) 1-7 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
MACCRAY - 38.35 (84) 2-9 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 38.2 (53) 2-9 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
Park Christian - 38.01 (1) 2-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Goodhue - 37.99 (107) 1-8 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Lincoln International - 37.8 (148) 0-2 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Metro Schools College Prep - 37.68 (159) 1-3 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Battle Lake - 37.27 (5) 1-9 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Adrian - 37.2 (118) 1-7 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
North Lakes Academy - 36.89 (163) 0-6 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Menahga - 36.76 (65) 2-8 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Mabel-Canton - 36.73 (72) 2-8 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Stephen-Argyle - 36.37 (29) 3-12 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 36.23 (96) 0-9 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
South Ridge - 35.47 (110) 2-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Sleepy Eye - 35.07 (80) 0-8 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Blackduck - 34.65 (70) 2-11 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Swanville - 34.52 (59) 2-10 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
Isle - 34.43 (138) 2-9 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Heritage Christian - 34.15 (28) 2-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Southland - 33.95 (58) 2-11 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Verndale - 33.88 (133) 2-7 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 33.71 (21) 2-7 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Madelia - 33.69 (145) 1-6 vs higher, 3-4 vs lower
Cleveland - 33.47 (37) 2-11 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Lakeview - 32.67 (15) 1-11 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Wabasha-Kellogg - 32.23 (62) 2-13 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Goodridge/Grygla - 32.06 (81) 2-12 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Mounds Park Academy - 31.98 (31) 1-10 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 31.91 (16) 2-12 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Kaleidoscope Charter - 31.91 (147) 2-7 vs higher, 0-3 vs lower
Lakes International Language Academy - 31.8 (139) 1-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
St. Clair - 31.64 (94) 1-11 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Onamia - 31.49 (135) 1-9 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Yellow Medicine East - 30.44 (3) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Northland - 30.39 (150) 0-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Lanesboro - 30.12 (91) 1-11 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Sebeka - 29.85 (42) 1-12 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Hill City - 29.8 (66) 1-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Heron Lake-Okabena - 29.21 (73) 1-12 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Groves Academy - 28.77 (158) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Rothsay - 28.34 (11) 1-11 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Ellsworth - 27.54 (43) 0-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Alden-Conger - 27.49 (124) 1-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Carlton - 27.12 (142) 0-11 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Climax/Fisher - 27.02 (54) 1-12 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Bertha-Hewitt - 26.91 (25) 1-12 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 26.83 (105) 0-11 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Wrenshall - 26.51 (111) 1-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Fulda - 26.48 (35) 1-15 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Hmong Academy - 26.44 (156) 1-10 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
MN Academy for the Deaf - 25.97 (154) 1-7 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Edgerton - 25.67 (8) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Underwood - 25.32 (4) 2-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 24.08 (115) 1-13 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Lake Park-Audubon - 23.66 (7) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Littlefork-Big Falls - 22.41 (152) 0-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Wabasso - 22.38 (61) 1-14 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Community of Peace Academy - 20 (126) 1-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Lake of the Woods - 18.3 (146) 1-12 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Laporte - 17.93 (34) 1-14 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
East Central - 0 (68) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 0 (18) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Glenville-Emmons - 0 (32) 0-14 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Fillmore Central - 0 (79) 0-16 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Cherry - 0 (119) 0-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Ogilvie - 0 (130) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

No Poaching The Rhino

Prologue
Thanks to the snow (though not as much as expected), its a very quiet night on the metro schedule. But that doesn't stop our Monday Night TCAC theme for the season. A different game than planned but a good one none the less with Avail Academy taking on Liberty Classical Academy in a girls/boys doubleheader at the Target Center. Considering how bad the roads were, I was impressed with the crowd turnover for the small schools. Always fun to see the young kids get to take the court at halftime and between games. More impressive was the Avail Valor mascot, a rhinoceros, big horn included. The twitter discussion put him right up there with Hans of Melrose and the Johnson Governor.

Game Time
Offense was a struggle early on in this one. Liberty with 2 early hoops to take a 5-2 lead. Then the Lions would go 8:35 until their next field goal. Avail scores 9 in a row during that time to take the lead. Liberty would rally with Tom Conroy putting back a miss for a 3 point play and running for another bucket. Liberty takes the lead 18-17 inside the 2 minute mark of the 1st half. A couple of turnovers for Avail buckets to end the half. Valor lead at the break 23-20.

Liberty starts the 2nd half on an 11-4 run. That includes a Dan Drechsel runner in the middle of the Avail 2-3 and a triple. 31-27 Lions at the 14:39 mark. A funny lane violation saves a free throw and a couple of Avail buckets tie it at 35. Then its America's favorite BLOB for a corner 3 for Conroy, Avail with a 3 of their own and the teams trade buckets after that. 40 all with under 10 minutes to play.

Avail goes on a 9-0 run from there with frosh Josiah Loge off the bench for 3 and 1 of 2 free throws. Joey Ritzema adds the final bucket of the run for a 49-40 Avail lead with 7:15 left. Avail adds 8 of 10 free throws to push the lead to 57-44 with 4:28 left. The rest is elementary and the teams even empty the benches in a 10 point game with a minute left. Something you won't see in other games locally. Avail wins 63-51

Post Game
For Liberty Classical Academy, junior forward Tom Conroy was outstanding with 26 points. He knocked down a couple of 3s to go along with tough inside play. Dan Drechsel adds 12 points, Ben Horn with 10. Liberty falls to 7-2 vs league teams (not including the loss at Avail in their holiday tourney). They also lost their last game at the other league leader Hiawatha last week. Now they need help as they're done with both. Assuming tomorrow is cancelled and Thursday is played, they have a home test with Shattuck St.-Mary's next.

Avail Academy remains tied with Hiawatha in the loss column in league games. The Valor are now 7-1. Junior wing Joey Ritzema with 16 points. Frosh Josiah Schaap with 12 of his 14 in the 2nd half. Hans Dykstra with a quiet 12 but 4-4 big free throws during the stretch run. They were mostly able to handle the extended 2-3 and 1-2-2 zones that Liberty threw at them. Only 1 3 all night for the Valor. They continue league play at Groves on Thursday night weather willing. Otherwise they'll host the team I originally planned to see tonight, Christian Life, on Friday. Then the big game to break the tie on top at Hiawatha next Tuesday.

2019 Border Battle Thoughts

One of the high profile events on my schedule every year is the Border Battle. This year Minnesota hosted at East Ridge. All but 1 of the 7 games featuring a ranked team and 9 of the teams being ranked. Concessions right inside of the gym instead of the usual hike across the cafeteria. Only Coke products but that's a minor hardship.

Game 1: #4A Minnesota Valley Lutheran 58 Thorp 45
I only saw the last couple minutes of this. Notable day in front of the Mr Basketball Committee for MVL's Jake Kettner with 33 points. 22 points for junior forward Isaac Soumis to lead Thorp.

Game 2: #7AA Lake City 73 #3 D4 Clear Lake 54
Clear Lake played without star forward Bailey Blanchard due to a sprained MCL. But the way the game played out I don't think it would have mattered much. Lake City buries 8 of their 12 3s in the 1st half to break the game open and they cruise. Reid Gastner doing it inside and out for Lake City. I totally agree with Ryan James that he's a small school matchup nightmare. He had 27 points with 3 bombs, 8 free throws and a handful of quality post moves. He added 7 boards and 4 assists. Nate Heise 23 points with 5 bombs, 5 boards and 5 assists.

Game 3: St. Croix Lutheran 82 Whitefish Bay 74
St. Croix Lutheran gets all of but 5 their points from 4 guys. But with their small lineup the Crusaders bury 15 of 31 triples. SCL goes the last 9:05 of the 1st half without Zach Longueville due to 3 fouls but they only trail by 4 at the break. Longueville goes for 17 of his 26 in the 2nd half.. Xavier Garcia with 13 of his 14 in the 2nd half thanks to clutch shooting (3 3s). Ezra Blumer adds 5 bombs and 20 points plus his defensive role. Owen Bushaw adds 17. Soph Jayden Jackson impressive for Whitefish Bay with 21 points and a couple of 3s. Demetrius Johnson adds 15, Cullen Starker with 16.

Game 4: #2 D3 Waupun 94 Rochester Mayo 68
Waupun shoots a thoroughly ridiculous 40 of 57 for the game. Northern Kentucky signee Marcus Domask (#1 ranked senior in WI) with a triple double of 19 pts, 14 rbs and 11 assists. MN-Crookston signee Quintin Winterfeldt 22 pts, 8 rbs and 6 ast in a terrific outing. Mayo's Gabe Madsen showing that he's one of the elite scorers in the state. He made a bunch of tough shots on his way to 31 points on 12 of 25 shooting. Mason Madsen 17 points and 8 rebounds in a day where he struggled to 6 of 19 FGs. But he also had the tough task of guarding Domask all day.

Game 5: #8 D1 Brookfield Central 91 Apple Valley 59
Apple Valley would hang around in the 1st half to trail by 8 at the break. They experimented with multiple lineups by playing 11 guys. But in the 2nd half it got totally out of hand. Post Riley LeTourneau goes for 20 of his 34 in the 1st half for Brookfield Central. Michael Poker 5 3s and 17 points in the fantastic Joe Rux motion offense. Soph Monty Williams with 13 points off the bench to lead Apple Valley. Mark Possis all 12 of his points for Apple Valley in the 1st half.

Game 6: #1AA Minnehaha 76 #6 D2 Onalaska 60
4 straight buckets off turnovers for Minnehaha would be an omen for the game. The pressure that Minnehaha can put on with their athletic guards and know that they have a big time shotblocker in the back is scary. 20-4 run for the Redhawks over the last 7:08 of the 1st half would mean a 38-18 lead at the break. Onalaska 6 of 32 FG shooting in the half. Some of that was missed open looks, much of it was the impact of Chet Holmgren. But Onalaska would go on a 12-0 2nd half run and cut the lead to 7 with over 6 minutes left. Then a 3 to get closer with 5:25 left goes in and out. Jalen Suggs takes over from there with 6 free throws. Suggs with another outstanding outing of 27 pts, 7 rbs, 8 ast. Chet Holmgren 18 points, 15 boards and 7 blocks. Carson Arenz 17 points to lead the Hilltoppers.

Game 7: #4AAAA East Ridge 80 #1 D1 Brookfield Central 62
Gage Malensek has mastered the left side right hand scoop. That move was unstoppable all night as he scored a team high 21 for the Lancers. Star soph David Joplin started slow but had a nice 2nd half to finish with 13 points. No other offense for the Lancers though. Zach Zebrowski was the big story for East Ridge. 16 of his 18 points in the 1st half. That included a crazy behind the back finish to beat the buzzer after a Ben Carlson block. He also had 5 assists. Kendall Brown with 16 of his 20 points in the 2nd half. Ben Carlson with 18 points and 15 rebounds as he too stepped up in the 2nd half. Patrick Lynott with 4 big 3s for 12 points on the night.

The Wrap
Minnesota wins the Border Battle for the 4th time in 5 years. The 5-2 record improves Minnesota's all time margin over 13 years to 48-31. Next year the Border Battle visits the Czar's alma mater La Crosse Central. Onalaska will also participate again. Kaukauna will also return to the event after participating the last 2 years and hosting in 2014.

Seeing all the shades of red

A busy week on the road with a trip to North St. Paul last week. Then back to God's Country and The Old Kingdom for the Midwest Players Classic. Change colors for a 1st viewing this year of Holy Angels and then its all red tonight for Benilde-St. Margaret's at Richfield in the Metro West. Plenty of Pepsi and unfortunately some Coke too during the week. Pizza and BBQ definitely keep the waistline happy. North St. Paul with a quality home W over STA. Minnehaha with a quality if not sad win for me over La Crosse Central (my alma mater). Sun Prairie with a rock solid defensive outing and took care of it to upset De La Salle. Minneapolis North with a tight loss over the #1 team in Wisconsin D3. Another nice outing from Eli Campbell for the Polars.

The stat of the weekend back home, Caledonia's bench outscored Mineral Point 36-0 in their blowout win. Holy Angels blew out Brooklyn Center 81-66 on Tuesday. The Centaurs down to a depleted 6 man rotation for that one while Holy Angels played without forward Thor Holien. Frosh Emmett Johnson impressive for the Stars.

As to tonight, a nice preview of next year. Richfield playing 3 sophs and 2 freshmen with 1 junior and senior in a 7 man rotation. Benilde-St. Margaret's playing 5 juniors and a sophomore in their 8 man rotation. Ugly offensive game early but BSM uses a 13-2 run to break out to a 28-21 lead at the break.

Great sequence in the 2nd half for soph post Isaiah Casey Hammond. He scores in the post. Then on the next possession Richfield turns it over, he hustles back and forces a travel rather than recklessly trying to put the shot 8 rows up and likely fouling. Then after another Spartans turnover, he denies the 6'9" Dylan Drees dunk attempt. Frosh PG Mitchell January makes it pay off on the other end to pull Richfield back to even at 38 after being down by 10.

BSM counters that with a 7-0 run of their own. BSM taking advantage of the bonus with 4 of 4 on the early bonus. Meanwhile Richfield missed 5 freebies early in the half and then didn't get to the line despite being in the bonus early themselves. Ryan Miles keeps Richfield close with a bomb and then a nice give and go in transition to cut the lead to 48-46 with 3:15 left.

But Walker Johnson scores to stop the bleedi4ng. Drees stuffs Isaiah Casey Hammond in the post and Nick Peterson banks in a dagger 3 on the other end. Drees and soph Derric Standifer convert Richfield turnovers and its over from there. Benilde-St. Margaret's wins 59-54.

Benilde-St. Margaret's improves to 6-10 overall, 2-3 in the Metro East. Then host Edina and Bloomington Jefferson next week. Walker Johnson 12 points to lead the Red Knights off the bench. Nels Birkeland with 8 of his 10 early and then the rotation just didn't allow him to get back on the floor. Soph PG Derric Standifer with 10 points off the bench. The BSM bench with a 24-6 edge in the game. BSM also with 8 more makes at the charity stripe.

Richfield falls to 5-11 overall, 1-4 in the Metro West. The Spartans have now lost 5 in a row. They visit Highland Park on Monday night and then host Chaska on Friday. Jeff Moore, Ryan Miles and Mitchell January all with 13 points for the Spartans. The rest of the roster combines for 15. The offense just never really looked in sync. 6 of the 7 rotation members are back next year with 5 of the 6 being underclassmen. That includes the starting backcourt of January and Miles along with 2 young solid bigs inside. It'll be fun to follow the progress.

January 20th, 2019 CzarPI

Labels: 18-19 CzarPI

This is the 2nd CzarPI of the 2018-19 season (see CzarPI Explained Here). It includes games through Saturday, January 19th, 2019. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.

Class AAAA

Park Center - 63.67 (3) 0-0 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Prior Lake - 61.68 (6) 0-1 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
Hopkins - 60.78 (7) 0-0 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
Lakeville North - 58.03 (11) 0-1 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
Wayzata - 57.99 (4) 0-3 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Eden Prairie - 57.89 (1) 1-3 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
White Bear Lake - 57.5 (56) 0-0 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Edina - 57.45 (2) 1-3 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Shakopee - 56.83 (18) 2-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
East Ridge - 56.8 (37) 1-2 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Maple Grove - 56.03 (9) 0-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Buffalo - 55.89 (17) 1-1 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
St. Michael-Albertville - 55.36 (41) 1-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Moorhead - 55.03 (40) 1-1 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Robbinsdale Armstrong - 54.92 (38) 1-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Tartan - 54.9 (58) 0-1 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Champlin Park - 54.89 (21) 1-3 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Cambridge-Isanti - 54.5 (26) 1-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Osseo - 54.49 (5) 4-1 vs higher, 3-4 vs lower
Chaska - 54.11 (22) 3-3 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Minnetonka - 53.81 (10) 2-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Cretin-Derham Hall - 53.15 (34) 0-4 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
North St. Paul - 52.84 (8) 2-5 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Chanhassen - 52.73 (13) 2-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Blaine - 52.62 (59) 1-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Duluth East - 52.31 (54) 1-2 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Rochester Mayo - 52.17 (45) 1-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Eastview - 51.26 (19) 2-4 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
St. Paul Central - 50.85 (50) 2-2 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Rochester John Marshall - 50.69 (42) 1-4 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Spring Lake Park - 50.38 (32) 2-5 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Centennial - 50.37 (35) 1-4 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
St. Louis Park - 50.37 (15) 2-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Anoka - 48.27 (63) 1-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Coon Rapids - 47.15 (43) 1-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
New Prague - 47.01 (14) 2-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Brainerd - 46.54 (60) 3-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Burnsville - 46.36 (16) 1-7 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
St. Cloud Tech - 45.74 (47) 4-6 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
Rochester Century - 45.72 (46) 2-5 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Farmington - 45.25 (30) 2-6 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Eagan - 45.05 (52) 0-6 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Andover - 43.2 (27) 2-6 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
Park of Cottage Grove - 42.85 (53) 1-5 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Bloomington Jefferson - 42.74 (23) 3-8 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Apple Valley - 42.69 (25) 2-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Stillwater Area - 42.68 (57) 2-4 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Hastings - 42.26 (48) 2-6 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Irondale - 42.2 (33) 3-7 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Forest Lake - 41.07 (20) 1-9 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Roseville - 40.7 (28) 3-9 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Lakeville South - 40.53 (36) 3-8 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Mounds View - 39.34 (55) 3-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Owatonna - 39.13 (44) 2-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Rogers - 38.9 (39) 3-10 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Woodbury - 38.82 (29) 2-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Minneapolis Washburn - 38.48 (49) 3-11 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Elk River - 37.79 (12) 3-9 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Minneapolis South - 36.84 (31) 3-9 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
St. Francis - 36.68 (61) 2-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Henry Sibley - 36.31 (51) 2-10 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Rosemount - 32.81 (62) 2-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Minneapolis Southwest - 32.64 (24) 2-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class AAA

Waseca - 62.19 (16) 0-0 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
DeLaSalle - 61.29 (7) 0-0 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Mankato East - 57.86 (28) 0-1 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
Marshall - 56.57 (9) 0-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Sartell-St. Stephen - 55.9 (50) 0-0 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
Waconia - 55.83 (5) 1-2 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Princeton - 55.44 (56) 0-1 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
Bemidji - 55.32 (54) 0-0 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Austin - 55.29 (36) 0-1 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Northfield - 55.07 (25) 0-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Mahtomedi - 54.24 (43) 1-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Fergus Falls - 53.81 (4) 2-3 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Totino-Grace - 53.57 (10) 2-4 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Hermantown - 52.84 (41) 1-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
St. Paul Johnson - 52.62 (21) 2-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Alexandria - 52.42 (27) 2-2 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
St. Cloud Apollo - 52.24 (6) 2-6 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Holy Angels - 52.1 (57) 2-2 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Delano - 51.23 (51) 1-3 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
Robbinsdale Cooper - 50.65 (13) 2-3 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Hibbing - 48.97 (48) 2-2 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
Duluth Denfeld - 48.77 (29) 2-3 vs higher, 3-4 vs lower
Cloquet - 48.37 (2) 3-7 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Worthington - 47.84 (39) 2-4 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Willmar - 47.6 (22) 1-5 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
St. Thomas Academy - 47.39 (14) 1-7 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Columbia Heights - 47.15 (3) 1-5 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Minneapolis Roosevelt - 47.15 (42) 2-4 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
Mound Westonka - 46.8 (32) 0-5 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Simley - 46.64 (58) 0-3 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
Grand Rapids - 45.64 (8) 4-7 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
St. Paul Harding - 45.28 (59) 2-3 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
Detroit Lakes - 45.2 (52) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Minneapolis Henry - 45.11 (62) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Fridley - 44.85 (35) 2-6 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Winona - 44.68 (55) 0-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Bloomington Kennedy - 44.06 (38) 2-4 vs higher, 2-6 vs lower
St. Anthony Village - 43.98 (60) 3-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Richfield - 42.61 (40) 1-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Becker - 42.58 (24) 2-6 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Benilde-St. Margaret's - 42.43 (11) 2-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Monticello - 41.95 (61) 2-5 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Little Falls - 41.83 (37) 2-7 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Big Lake - 41.83 (34) 2-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
St. Croix Lutheran - 41.42 (49) 3-5 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
St. Paul Como Park - 40.67 (31) 2-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
St. Paul Highland Park - 40.18 (19) 3-9 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
South St. Paul - 39.88 (63) 2-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Orono - 39.74 (1) 3-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Chisago Lakes Area - 39.64 (53) 3-8 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
Rocori - 39.22 (12) 3-11 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
North Branch - 39.05 (33) 3-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Faribault - 38.59 (46) 1-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Hutchinson - 38.3 (47) 2-8 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Mankato West - 37.59 (18) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Zimmerman - 37.51 (20) 3-9 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Dassel-Cokato - 36.9 (45) 2-9 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
New Ulm - 35 (15) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Sauk Rapids-Rice - 34.72 (17) 2-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Kasson-Mantorville - 33.28 (26) 2-10 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
Hill-Murray - 28.72 (23) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Red Wing - 25.74 (30) 1-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Albert Lea - 23.07 (44) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class AA

Perham - 60.69 (8) 0-0 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Maranatha Christian - 59.5 (37) 0-0 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
Osakis - 59.09 (83) 0-0 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
Lake City - 57.3 (45) 0-0 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
Minnehaha Academy - 56.76 (24) 2-2 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Breck - 56.4 (40) 1-0 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Jackson County Central - 56.03 (5) 0-3 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
Spectrum - 55.95 (64) 0-1 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Litchfield - 55.66 (71) 0-0 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
Jordan - 55.57 (63) 0-2 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
Crosby-Ironton - 55.46 (100) 0-0 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Pequot Lakes - 55.02 (36) 1-1 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
St. James Area - 54.89 (92) 0-1 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
St. Cloud Cathedral - 54.87 (14) 2-1 vs higher, 8-4 vs lower
Minneapolis North - 54.7 (52) 0-1 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Albany - 54.67 (28) 1-2 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Greenway - 54.64 (117) 0-0 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
East Grand Forks - 54.6 (44) 0-2 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
Holy Family Catholic - 54.23 (17) 1-2 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
Hawley - 54.15 (88) 0-1 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Esko - 54.04 (54) 0-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
New London-Spicer - 54.02 (95) 0-1 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Caledonia - 53.77 (32) 0-2 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
St. Croix Prep - 53.4 (73) 1-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Providence Academy - 53.19 (25) 2-2 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
Roseau - 52.82 (118) 0-1 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
Melrose - 52.76 (43) 2-3 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
La Crescent-Hokah - 52.48 (50) 0-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
St. Peter - 52.36 (62) 0-3 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Virginia - 52.35 (49) 0-2 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
St. Charles - 52.34 (102) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Redwood Valley - 51.97 (2) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Moose Lake-Willow River - 51.75 (107) 0-2 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
Eden Valley-Watkins - 51.64 (7) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Dover-Eyota - 51.42 (82) 1-4 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Minnewaska Area - 51.17 (15) 2-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Rochester Lourdes - 50.61 (41) 0-5 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
St. Paul Academy - 50.19 (103) 1-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Foley - 50.15 (65) 0-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Stewartville - 50.07 (26) 2-4 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Mesabi East - 49.79 (80) 2-2 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 49.77 (39) 1-3 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Royalton - 49.67 (89) 0-2 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Breckenridge - 49.66 (48) 1-4 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 49.62 (93) 1-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Rockford - 49.61 (109) 0-3 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Barnesville - 49.3 (69) 1-3 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 48.94 (21) 1-7 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Maple Lake - 48.69 (77) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Proctor - 48.47 (56) 4-6 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 48.2 (1) 2-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 48.15 (76) 2-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Luverne - 48.15 (61) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Trinity School - 47.79 (108) 0-3 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
Pine City - 47.65 (124) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
High School for the Recording Arts - 47.39 (110) 0-2 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Pine Island - 47.33 (67) 2-5 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Mora - 47.23 (90) 1-2 vs higher, 4-4 vs lower
Pillager - 47.08 (104) 1-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Paynesville Area - 47 (51) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Duluth Marshall - 47 (35) 2-4 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Martin County West - 46.97 (58) 0-3 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Pipestone Area - 46.83 (23) 2-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Brooklyn Center - 46.71 (12) 1-8 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Annandale - 46.67 (4) 2-7 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Cannon Falls - 46.4 (34) 2-7 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Pierz - 46.32 (31) 2-5 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Blake - 46.07 (55) 2-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Watertown-Mayer - 45.71 (38) 1-6 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Milaca - 45.37 (87) 2-3 vs higher, 2-4 vs lower
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 45.31 (20) 3-6 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
Blue Earth Area - 45.3 (47) 1-5 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
Cristo Rey Jesuit - 44.94 (101) 2-4 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Glencoe-Silver Lake - 44.66 (74) 2-6 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Rush City - 44.35 (105) 0-4 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Belle Plaine - 43.98 (91) 2-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
New Richland-H-E-G - 43.63 (19) 0-8 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Southwest Christian - 43.17 (84) 2-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Chatfield - 42.92 (60) 1-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Minneapolis Edison - 42.85 (121) 1-4 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
St. Agnes - 42.83 (106) 0-5 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Kimball Area - 42.78 (96) 2-7 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Lewiston-Altura - 42.51 (53) 2-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Fairmont - 41.9 (59) 1-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Concordia Academy - 41.73 (27) 2-9 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Crookston - 41.71 (46) 0-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
International Falls - 41.54 (116) 2-5 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Nova Classical Academy - 41.28 (113) 1-5 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
St. Paul Humboldt - 41.2 (123) 1-5 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Barnum - 40.53 (16) 2-8 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Thief River Falls - 40.06 (3) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Warroad - 39.26 (120) 1-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 39.22 (115) 2-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
New Life Academy - 39.15 (85) 1-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Bagley - 39.07 (42) 1-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Two Harbors - 38.63 (99) 1-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Sauk Centre - 38.32 (22) 1-8 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Maple River - 38.21 (75) 2-10 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 37.12 (57) 0-6 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Byron - 37.02 (81) 1-9 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Wadena-Deer Creek - 35.48 (98) 0-7 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Park Rapids Area - 34.84 (68) 1-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 34.76 (79) 1-5 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
LeSueur-Henderson - 34.63 (97) 1-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
St. Paul Washington - 34.1 (86) 1-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Math and Science Academy - 33.71 (125) 0-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
International School of MN/Eagle Ridge - 33.5 (112) 1-8 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
Benson - 32.72 (11) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Windom Area - 32.66 (10) 1-10 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Holdingford - 32.41 (9) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Triton - 32.18 (119) 1-10 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
Aitkin - 31.37 (6) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Montevideo - 30.38 (13) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Twin Cities Academy/Great River - 29.85 (114) 2-8 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
PACT Charter - 28.83 (72) 2-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran - 27.77 (66) 1-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Kenyon-Wanamingo - 26.34 (18) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Staples-Motley - 25.91 (29) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Tri-City United - 24.9 (111) 1-10 vs higher, 0-3 vs lower
Norwood-Young America - 24.3 (78) 2-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Academy for Sciences & Ag - 21.78 (122) 1-8 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Medford - 19.71 (33) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Sibley East - 18.9 (94) 1-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Eveleth-Gilbert - 0 (30) 0-15 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 0 (70) 0-14 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class A

Cass Lake-Bena - 60.64 (23) 0-0 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
BOLD - 59.47 (56) 0-0 vs higher, 16-0 vs lower
Minneota - 58.45 (74) 0-0 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
Spring Grove - 57.95 (82) 0-0 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Henning - 57.86 (86) 0-0 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
Ada-Borup - 57.38 (103) 0-0 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Springfield - 57.14 (9) 0-1 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 56.82 (84) 1-0 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
North Woods - 56.38 (11) 0-2 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Ortonville - 56.38 (81) 0-0 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Hayfield - 55.79 (62) 0-0 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
Randolph - 54.88 (105) 0-1 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
Mountain Lake Area/Comfrey - 54.71 (110) 0-1 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
Lac qui Parle Valley - 52.78 (42) 0-1 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 52.73 (32) 1-1 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 52.26 (49) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Pine River-Backus - 52.15 (98) 0-2 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
Parkers Prairie - 52.14 (47) 0-1 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Hancock - 51.95 (94) 1-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Ashby - 51.78 (40) 0-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
New Ulm Cathedral - 51.3 (116) 0-2 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
Lakeview Christian - 51.27 (109) 0-1 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
Rushford-Peterson - 51.02 (17) 1-5 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 50.97 (151) 0-1 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
Grand Meadow - 50.87 (134) 1-1 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
Chisholm - 50.55 (85) 0-1 vs higher, 8-4 vs lower
Cromwell-Wright - 50.43 (152) 0-0 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Cedar Mountain - 50.39 (54) 0-3 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
CHOF - 50.14 (78) 0-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
West Central Area - 50.12 (39) 1-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Avail Academy - 50 (147) 0-0 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 49.99 (73) 1-2 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Murray County Central - 49.95 (91) 1-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 49.81 (27) 0-2 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Southwest MN Christian - 49.71 (115) 0-1 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 49.64 (71) 2-3 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Win-E-Mac - 49.43 (59) 0-2 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
Hinckley-Finlayson - 49.15 (99) 0-2 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
Mahnomen/Waubun - 49.15 (46) 1-3 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 49.03 (121) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
Renville County West - 48.9 (24) 0-4 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Fertile-Beltrami - 48.57 (146) 2-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
Blooming Prairie - 48.43 (127) 0-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
Dawson-Boyd - 48.39 (6) 2-3 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
Mayer Lutheran - 48.31 (48) 1-4 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Kingsland - 48.03 (8) 1-6 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
West Lutheran - 47.58 (53) 1-4 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Red Lake - 47.14 (36) 2-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
New York Mills - 47.13 (129) 0-3 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
Nevis - 47.11 (67) 1-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Minnesota Transitions Charter - 47.05 (157) 0-2 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Nashwauk-Keewatin - 46.86 (90) 1-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
United South Central - 46.77 (60) 0-3 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
Clearbrook-Gonvick - 46.48 (141) 0-3 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
NCE/U-H - 46.14 (20) 2-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
Ely - 46.08 (100) 1-3 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
Central MN Christian - 45.73 (2) 3-5 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
Sacred Heart - 45.17 (144) 0-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 45.12 (125) 2-3 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
Cook County - 44.82 (80) 0-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Pelican Rapids - 44.41 (7) 1-6 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Hiawatha Collegiate - 44.25 (161) 0-1 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Chesterton Academy - 43.67 (159) 0-1 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
Mankato Loyola - 43.48 (72) 0-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Floodwood - 43.32 (113) 0-4 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
Fosston - 43.27 (45) 0-5 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Hills-Beaver Creek - 43.13 (92) 0-4 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Deer River - 42.97 (38) 2-6 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Northome/Kelliher - 42.8 (44) 3-7 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Brandon/Evansville - 42.74 (30) 1-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
T/ML/GHEC - 42.58 (137) 1-5 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
Bigfork - 42.51 (130) 2-5 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
McGregor - 42.47 (96) 2-5 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
Houston - 42.4 (52) 1-5 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Hope Academy - 42.33 (128) 1-4 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
Kittson County Central - 42.17 (28) 1-4 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Liberty Classical Academy - 42.05 (163) 1-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
Northern Freeze - 41.78 (132) 2-4 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Canby - 41.54 (41) 2-5 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
Browerville/Eagle Valley - 41.47 (64) 0-6 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Bethlehem Academy - 41.29 (89) 0-6 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 41.12 (77) 2-6 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Upsala - 41.01 (126) 1-6 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Nicollet - 40.78 (111) 0-4 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
Bethany Academy - 40.31 (142) 0-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
Mountain Iron-Buhl - 40.21 (117) 1-6 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Christian Life Academy - 40.1 (108) 2-6 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Braham - 40.05 (153) 1-6 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
LeRoy-Ostrander - 39.59 (140) 1-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
Red Lake County - 39.5 (58) 1-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 39.31 (16) 1-8 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Metro Schools College Prep - 39.27 (162) 0-1 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Legacy Christian - 39.04 (14) 2-10 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Battle Lake - 38.85 (5) 1-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Silver Bay - 38.84 (122) 2-7 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
MACCRAY - 38.68 (97) 2-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Schaeffer Academy - 38.37 (124) 2-5 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Lincoln International - 38.26 (136) 1-3 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Stephen-Argyle - 38.1 (25) 3-9 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Red Rock Central - 38.1 (61) 0-6 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
Park Christian - 37.97 (3) 1-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Adrian - 37.6 (104) 1-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 37.45 (69) 2-8 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
Blackduck - 36.04 (88) 2-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Swanville - 35.93 (120) 2-7 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
Sleepy Eye - 35.74 (70) 0-6 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
Mabel-Canton - 35.65 (87) 2-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Goodhue - 35.33 (101) 0-8 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 35.33 (75) 0-8 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
Menahga - 35.07 (51) 0-8 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
North Lakes Academy - 35.01 (160) 0-6 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
Madelia - 34.85 (133) 1-7 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
Southland - 34.34 (68) 2-10 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Verndale - 34.02 (118) 2-7 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
Isle - 33.83 (139) 1-8 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Lakeview - 33.81 (4) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 33.79 (18) 2-9 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Goodridge/Grygla - 33.71 (65) 2-11 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Heritage Christian - 33.57 (76) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 33.18 (33) 1-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Mounds Park Academy - 32.98 (37) 1-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Wabasha-Kellogg - 32.63 (57) 2-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Kaleidoscope Charter - 32.53 (150) 2-6 vs higher, 0-3 vs lower
St. Clair - 32.32 (93) 0-10 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
Yellow Medicine East - 32.24 (1) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Onamia - 32.19 (145) 1-6 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Frazee - 31.9 (34) 1-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Northland - 31.85 (149) 0-7 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
Lakes International Language Academy - 31.56 (148) 1-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Cleveland - 31.28 (26) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Heron Lake-Okabena - 31.03 (112) 1-9 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Lanesboro - 30.22 (131) 1-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Carlton - 30.11 (154) 0-8 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
Alden-Conger - 29.84 (102) 1-7 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Rothsay - 29.4 (22) 1-9 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Wrenshall - 29.34 (106) 1-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
South Ridge - 28.73 (107) 1-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
Climax/Fisher - 28.64 (63) 1-10 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
Fulda - 28.45 (29) 1-12 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Bertha-Hewitt - 28.13 (21) 1-9 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
St. John's Prep - 27.84 (35) 1-8 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Hill City - 27.18 (31) 1-9 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Underwood - 26.86 (13) 2-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Hmong Academy - 26.54 (156) 1-8 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
Groves Academy - 26.46 (158) 1-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Littlefork-Big Falls - 25.37 (135) 0-5 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
Lake Park-Audubon - 24.98 (12) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 24.84 (55) 0-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
Wabasso - 24.82 (66) 1-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
MN Academy for the Deaf - 24.67 (155) 1-7 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Ellsworth - 24.1 (15) 1-7 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 23.51 (123) 1-12 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Edgerton - 23.18 (10) 1-9 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Community of Peace Academy - 21.85 (119) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Lake of the Woods - 19.92 (143) 1-9 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
Laporte - 19.62 (83) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Sebeka - 19.59 (43) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
East Central - 0 (79) 0-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 0 (19) 0-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Glenville-Emmons - 0 (50) 0-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Fillmore Central - 0 (95) 0-15 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Ogilvie - 0 (114) 0-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
Cherry - 0 (138) 0-9 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Third Annual White Jacket Game

Prologue
To Brooklyn Center for the 3rd Annual White Jacket game. Its a tradition that Brooklyn Center coach Matt McCollister digs out the white suit jacket when I show up so we might just as well formalize the thing. Construction at yet another school, things getting torn up everywhere. Weeknight game means a pretty calm crowd. The opponent tonight is St. Croix Lutheran who's coming off of an impressive thrashing of Concordia earlier in the week.

Song of the Day: Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit

Number of Teams I've Seen: 108 (79 games, 50 days, 38 buildings, 11 online)

Beverage Ticker: 562.3 ounces (6090 calories)

A&W Root Beer: 12 ounces (170 calories)
Barq's Root Beer: 12 ounces (160 calories)
Coke: 28.9 ounces (340 calories)
Dr. Pepper: 12 ounces (150 calories)
Fruit Punch Gatorade: 165.8 ounces (1160 calories)
Mug Root Beer: 12 ounces (170 calories)
Pepsi: 246.7 ounces (3080 calories)
Sprite: 72.9 ounces (860 calories)

Food Ticker:

Hot Dogs: 16
Pizza: 6
Walking Tacos: 3
Extras

French Onion Sun Chips (210 calories)
3 Lays Chips (480 calories)
Kit Kat (210 calories)
4 Snickers (1000 calories)

Game Time:
Brooklyn Center with 9 of their 1st 11 points off of Crusaders turnovers. They tack on a 6-0 run after that for a 20-11 lead under the 9 minute mark. But St. Croix Lutheran settles down and finally starts to see the ball go thru the hoop. Xavier Garcia with a 3 point play to cut the margin to 4. Then 2 triples from Zach Longueville and 1 from Owen Bushaw. Mert Cula adds a couple of hoops as well in the run. The run is 20-5 for the Crusaders over the last 8+ of the half. They lead 31-25 at the break.

Bushaw with another triple and a Longueville 3 point play push the lead to 12 with 12:36 to play. Brooklyn Center counters with 3 Roland Russ buckets inside to cut the St Croix Lutheran lead to 3 with 7:21 left. The Centaurs leaving points on the board with 5 straight missed freebies in this stretch. Bushaw 2 free throws and a kickout bomb and the Crusaders lead is 8 with under 5 to play.

Then the real fun begins.as Brooklyn Center goes on a 11-0 run as the rim gets tight on the St. Croix Lutheran end. Ben Wehyee with a 3 point play, Maxsamus Wilson with a steal for the lead and Danny Yates running for 2 after an in and out triple. 59-56 Brooklyn Center back on top with 1:14 left.

Longueville then with 1 of 2 free throws and after a Brooklyn Center turnover he buries a 3 with just over 30 seconds left. That puts the Crusaders back on top. But before you can blink, its Yates running the other way and he scores with the foul. That 3 point play with 28 seconds left flips the lead back to Brooklyn Center 62-60.

Bushaw attacks on the other end and gets fouled. He makes the 1st, misses the 2nd and it ends up with Longueville for a big time 3. Brooklyn Center pushes off as they rush the ball back the other way. After a timeout, Brooklyn Center doesn't immediately foul and it pays off. St. Croix Lutheran misses both free throws with 10 seconds left and the Centaurs have a chance. They'll drive and be fouled with 3 seconds left down 2. But the 1st FT is not good and the 2nd miss is intentional. Bushaw grabs that and makes 2 free throws to seal it. St. Croix Lutheran wins a wild ending 66-62.

Post Game
Brooklyn Center falls to 6-9 overall and 0-3 in the Tri-Metro. They've now lost 5 out of 6. The schedule doesn't get easier as I'll be back to see them against Holy Angels on Tuesday. 8th grader Maxsamus Wilson leads the Centaurs with 11 of his 16 points in the 2nd half. Danny Yates with 11, Roland Russ with 10. Lots of settling for 3s in this one which was a bit surprising considering the dribble drive stuff that coach McCollister has run for a while now. Free throws were a killer as the Centaurs missed 11 FTs in the 2nd half and finished just 6-19 from the charity stripe. St. Croix Lutheran left some points on the board in the 2nd half too but finished 17-26 from the line. Coach McCollister falls to 2-2 all time in official White Jacket games.

St. Croix Lutheran improves to 5-7 overall and 2-0 in the Tri-Metro. 3 of those losses are by 5 points or less though. They'll continue league play next week vs St. Agnes and at St. Anthony. Soph guards Owen Bushaw and Zach Longueville each with 19 points to lead the Crusaders. Longueville with 4 triples including 2 in the last 35 seconds. Bushaw with 4 triples of his own to go with the clinching free throws. Quiet night for soph forward Xavier Garcia with all 5 of his points in the 1st half. Coach Wendland rolled the dice with 2 of his starters having 4 fouls with almost 8 minutes left (Ezra Blumer and Longueville). Neither fouled out.

The Pirate Ship keeps Sailing

To Park Center to see the 3rd ranked Pirates host 8th ranked Wayzata in a high quality non-conference showdown. The way sections have played over the last couple of years, its a possible state preview. Long time no see Hollywood but he's on duty (sleeves part of the new ref unis of course) with The Old Spice Guy. I'm seeing The Old Spice Guy more in person than in commercials these days. The ref shortage is real folks.

Nice to see a meal deal for the Jet's Pizza so that means free Lays chips for the meal. Also fun to see the JV game where both programs are loaded with youngsters. Wayzata's 2022 class and Park Center's 2023 class both showing well in that game. Plenty to look forward to for both teams even with current teams being very good.

As to the varsity game, Park Center with a 9-0 run midway thru the 1st half to give them a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Jacob Beeninga carrying the 1st half offense for Wayzata. Great balance from Park Center. Their quickness advantage was a major factor on the defensive end as they kept the Trojans from getting many good looks. But Wayzata's patience would be rewarded and they were able to convert dribble handoffs into drives.

Park Center would lead by 12 with just over 5 minutes left but a quick Wayzata 7-0 run would make it interesting as the lead got to 4 with 4 minutes left. Detavious Frierson with a putback for a 3 point play on a missed Pirates free throw would finally be the dagger. Park Center wins 72-64 in a sleepy and sloppy game.

Wayzata falls to 12-4 overall and 1-0 in the Lake Conference. They go on the road to current conference foe Edina on Friday. Then they visit next year's new conference foe St. Michael-Albertville next Tuesday. Jacob Beeninga with 20 points to lead Wayzata. Camden Heide with 14, Kody Williams with 13. Only 2 points from the bench though. Shots not falling on this night and that meant 1 and done possessions as Park Center dominated the defensive board.

Park Center improves to 12-1 overall and they are 5-1 in the NW Suburban. That gives them 1st place in the west division via head to head tiebreaker over district rival Maple Grove. Dain Dainja with 15 of his 19 in the 2nd half to lead the Pirates. Detavious Frierson and David Ijadimbola each add 13. This game finishes the Pirates non-conference schedule. Its back to league play with home games against Spring Lake Park and Blaine before visiting rival Osseo next Friday.

Another Mustang Stampede

Prologue
Back to #8AA Maranatha for another showdown in the MCAA. This time division foe #6AA St. Croix Prep comes calling. The concessions always high level and Godfather's Pizza is an outstanding reason why. Thankfully I arrive early as they run out of sausage and Ryan James scarfs up any remaining Pepperoni. He needed a forklift to get all of his pizza to the top of the bleachers. But at least he didn't get lost (once upon a time he was so lost he made it with 2 minutes to go in a game). In fairness, MCA is in a strange location. No notable officials for tonight. We get a buzzer beater to avoid the dreaded JV overtime.

Song of the Day: Jethro Tull - Heavy Horses

Number of Teams I've Seen: 107 (77 games, 48 days, 36 buildings, 11 online)

Beverage Ticker: 542.3 ounces (5950 calories)

A&W Root Beer: 12 ounces (170 calories)
Barq's Root Beer: 12 ounces (160 calories)
Coke: 28.9 ounces (340 calories)
Dr. Pepper: 12 ounces (150 calories)
Fruit Punch Gatorade: 145.8 ounces (1020 calories)
Mug Root Beer: 12 ounces (170 calories)
Pepsi: 246.7 ounces (3080 calories)
Sprite: 72.9 ounces (860 calories)

Food Ticker:

Hot Dogs: 16
Pizza: 5
Walking Tacos: 3
Extras

French Onion Sun Chips (210 calories)
2 Lays Chips (320 calories)
Kit Kat (210 calories)
4 Snickers (1000 calories)

Game Time:
Nolan Grubisch 2 early 3s for SCPA. Tristan Lee off the MCA bench with a couple of hoops for a 15-12 Mustangs lead at the 12:36 mark. Forward Zach Doely off the SCPA bench with 4 buckets of his own in quality minutes. That keeps SCPA within 20-18 at 8:25. Hakim Daniels 3 buckets and a couple of MCA triples to expand the lead to 32-21. Addison Metcalf with a couple late hoops as SCPA cuts the margin to 40-33 at the break.

4 different Lions score in a 9-3 SCPA spurt. That ends with a Daniel McCarrell 3, his only bomb of the night. 47-46 Maranatha with under 11:30 to play. But SCPA was cold to begin with and then they went ice cold. Add in crushing offensive board and turnovers and it caves in from there. Clarence and Hakim Daniels with putbacks after what felt like a thousand offensive boards. Clarence Daniels 2 more hoops and a spin by Hakim Daniels. Then Clarence Daniels with a big block to deny Doely and that turns into points at the other end. Hakim Daniels with yet another hoop. Its a 15-4 MCA run as SCPA goes without a FG for 6 and a half minutes. Christian Davis runs for a layup and cuts for a free throw. Then its Hakim Daniels to seal it. He drives for 2 and then scores again with an intentional foul. That will push the lead to 20 and its over. Maranatha wins big again over another ranked opponent. Final score 79-58 Maranatha wins. Unlike Friday's end to end blowout, this one was tight with under 12 left.

Post Game
St. Croix Prep sees a 4 game winning streak snapped. They fall to 10-3 overall and 3-1 in the MCAA. Nolan Grubisch with 3 of his 4 3s in the 1st half. He leads the Lions with 16 points. Addison Metcalf 12 points as he carried the 2nd half offense. Junior forward Zach Doely nice minutes off the bench with 10 points. Quiet night for Daniel McCarrell with only 9 points. Lots of similarities to Friday's game vs Spectrum. Cold shooting night all the way around and getting beat on the offensive glass. SCPA has another long trip this week to PACT. Then they'll visit Spectrum next Tuesday.

Maranatha remains undefeated in the MCAA at 5-0 as they try to take home their final MCAA title. They are now 12-1 overall. Hakim Daniels leads the way with 26 points. Everything at the rim for him. Christian Davis with 11 points off the bench. Tristan Lee also productive off the bench with 7 points. Clarence Daniels adds 12 points. These teams will meet again in Stillwater on Jan 31st. Before that, MCA has short cross division trips to West Lutheran and Heritage next. Then a fun old MCAA game vs SW Christian at home next Thursday. Big win for SW Christian tonight over Holy Family.

A weekend six-pack

A busy Friday and Saturday with 6 games on my schedule in 4 different places. Here are the sights and sounds of a 6 pack of Pepsi to get thru the schedule.

Friday: #8AA Maranatha 72 #11AA Spectrum 47
3 quick MCA bombs for a 9-0 lead. Spectrum with 4 turnovers in the 1st 2 minutes leading to points. Cole Elrod sits most of the half with 2 fouls. Spectrum shoots it as poorly as they will all year with many good looks not going in. The lead grows to 25 in the 1st half and its cruise control from there. Maranatha with another big ranked game at home against #6AA St. Croix Prep on Tuesday. I'll see that one as well. Frosh Chase Carter 14 points off the bench as the big front line was a factor for MCA. Justin Mason 3 1st half 3s on his way to 13 points. Matt Kruse 15, Max Lawrence 14 for Spectrum. Cole Elrod 10 points but was limited due to fouls.

Saturday:
St. Anthony 59 Trinity 56
This one was pretty tight the entire way. St. Anthony would open a 50-39 lead with under 7 minutes left. The lead is still 9 with 4:28 to play after a Joe Flett 3. But Trinity would rally with triples from Ben Maslow and Anthony Rumpza. Michael Ennis with a big 2nd half and he scores 3 straight hoops to tie the game at 56 with 32.6 left. St. Anthony sets up a final play. Its Tait Nelson driving left baseline. Drift pass and the extra pass to the right wing finds Derek Hergenrader for 3 with 1.1 left to win it. Hergenrader 3 of his 4 3s in the 2nd half on the way to 12 points. Tait Nelson 13, Joe Flett 12 for St. Anthony. Anthony Rumpza and Michael Ennis with 20 each for Trinity. Ennis with 18 of those in the 2nd half.

#2AA Minneapolis North 79 #9AA Caledonia 74 OT
Then its the rest of the day on the northside. Ice cold 1st half for the King brothers of Caledonia but they're still within 6 at the break. Caledonia then goes on a 14-0 run early in the 2nd half thanks to 7 points from frosh Eli King. Noah King with a putback and a drive plus Eli King with a dunk as Caledonia expands the lead to 61-49 under 5 minutes to play. The lead is 65-56 after 2 FTs with 2:35 left. But Caledonia can't close it out as 2 turnovers cost points plus taking and missing an open 3 with just over 20 seconds left. That not only allows North to tie it on a Willie Wilson layup with 17 seconds left, but they'll get a look to win it at the horn that is no good. Eli Campbell then scores the 1st 8 points of OT (2 bombs) for North to complete the 17-0 Polars run. North goes on to win from there. Eli Campbell finishes with 18 points. Davon Townley adds 16 for the Polars. Eli King 19 points to lead Caledonia. Noah King with 16 of his 17 points after halftime. Really productive inside game of 15 points from Riley Gavin for the Warriors as well.

Super Showcase at Minneapolis Henry
Moorhead 67 Fridley 66
I missed most of the 1st half of this one thanks to the overtime at North. But I arrive to a ton of foul trouble as Hassan Kamara and Isaac Burns were sitting with 2 fouls as well as Moorhead star Maleeck Harden-Hayes. Moorhead up 38-27 at the break. Burns would have a big 2nd half as Kamara ended up sitting with 4 fouls for a large stretch. That would allow Fridley to take a 54-52 lead before Harden-Hayes and Kamara would return with 4 fouls with 7 minutes left. Kamara with a 3 off the famous Tom Izzo Chips inbounds and its 62-54 Fridley with 3:45 left. Burns fouls out and Moorhead claws their way back. Drew Hagen floater countered by a Fridley putback to keep Fridley up 5. Then its Hagen for 3 and Fridley misses 2 freebies with 28 seconds left. Then Hagen with the putback and foul with 8 seconds left. He makes the free throw to give the Spuds the win. Hagen finishes with 25 points including the last 8. Maleeck Harden-Hayes with 14. Isaac Burns with 23 to lead Fridley.

#1AAAA Hopkins 92 St. Paul Central 75
Hopkins opens up a 10-0 lead thanks to 2 Kerwin Walton bombs and 2 Dane Zimmer hoops. Central will cut that to 5 before Jalen Dearring and Andy Stafford help push the lead to 50-26 with 3 minutes left in the half. But Central would finish the half on a 12-0 run to cut it in half. Ronnell Porter and Luke McElroy with triples and the lead is down to 9 with under 12 left. Central would get no closer. Dane Zimmer steps up with Zeke Nnaji missing most of the game due to injury. Zimmer finishes with 24 points as he dominated inside. Kerwin Walton 4 triples and 24 points. Andy Stafford gets the defensive stopper role but added 19 points. Ronnell Porter terrific at the PG spot for Central with 23 points and they moved him to defend Walton later in the game. Daveonte Davis added 18 points for the Minutemen.

Minneapolis Henry 82 Cristo Rey Jesuit 69
CRJ coach Stan Clay sitting this one out after getting the thumb on Friday night. Close game early until Henry's pressure breaks the game open. They finish the 1st half on a 15-0 run to open a 14 point halftime lead. Henry would have the lead at 18 at the 7 minute mark before the Pumas cut it to 6 inside of 3. But Henry would close it out from there. Henry's pressure forced a ton of turnovers and sped the pace up. Glentrell Carter leads Henry with 18 points. PG James Sommer 29 points to lead Cristo Rey.

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