2024 Border Battle thoughts

The 2024 Border Battle took place at Benilde-St. Margaret's.  A full day of 8 games on the schedule.  Based on my bold Breakdown prediction, I had the full 8 team Minnesota parlay.  Would it pan out?  Here are the days highlights.

Game 1: #1A Cherry 90 #1 D5 Solon Springs (WI) 71
A few minutes into the game, there's a loose ball into the media table and a hustling player blows up the whole thing.  That sends my 1st Pepsi of the day flying.  CLEAN UP ON AISLE 5!!!  Total disaster that gets replaced by a Coke later.  OOF!  

As to the game itself, Cherry would take an 8 point lead mid first half and then blow that open to 23 later in the half.  20 points at halftime explodes to 31 with 14:15 left.  Solon Springs does make it look respectable as they chop the lead to 13 but this one was all Cherry.  The Tigers had 4 starters in double figures led by Soph Noah Asuma.  Gopher commit Issac Asuma close to a triple double in the win.  Bemidji St commit Isaiah Kastern was the early offense for Solon Springs.  He led the Eagles with 24 points and double figure boards.  Dylan Taggert led the 2nd half run with 4 3s and 18 of his 20 in that half.

Game 2: #1AA Breck 94 Heritage Christian (WI) 64
Another small school blowout in this one as Breck had their way.  7 1st half 3s for the Mustangs as they led by 25 at the break.  Wisconsin commit Daniel Freitag led the way with 22 points and close to a triple double as well.  Soph JP Musoke 18, Miles Newton and each with 3 triples.  I liked the game of Heritage point guard Mike Bowen Jr.  The big point guard led the Patriots with 22 points.

Game 3: Edina 84 vs #5 D2 River Falls 63
The Edina defense was a major factor early in the game as they ran River Falls right to the end of the shot clock on 3 straight trips.  River Falls had a lead midway thru the half but then Josiah Coleman finished the half for Edina on a big run.  Its 16-4 to go from 1 down to up 41-30 at the break.  Edina hits 10 3s in the 2nd half and this one is another blowout.  Coleman with 16 of his 26 during that 1st half spurt for the Hornets.  4 others in double figures with Billy DeMars 4 triples giving him 15.  Forward Eli Johnson 14 to lead the Wildcats.

Game 4: #6AAA Orono 78 La Crosse Central (WI) 54
You know you're old when you see your alma mater playing a kid whose parents were your classmates umpteen many years ago.  The methodical Central offense struggled against the shot clock.  But despite having their top guy, wing Henry Meyer, on the bench for the last 6:24 with 2 fouls, the Red Raiders Riverhawks were still within 5 at the half.  The roof caves in during the second half.  The lead quickly grows to 15 and 20 and coasting from there.  Central did throw a bunch of defenses at Orono.  That included a box and 1 on Nolan Groves when Brady Wooley was out of the game.  Groves led Orono with 16 points but no 3s.  3 others in double figures and 2 others with 9.  Henry Meyer with 19, Peyton Strittmater 21 with 5 3s for Central.

Game 5: #3AAAA Minnetonka 86 #9 D2 Grafton 76
At least I got 1 thing right on this day as this game was competitive as expected.  This was the closest game of the day.  Greyson Uelmen 3 first half fouls and 11 points in the limited minutes.  But Minnetonka would still lead by 7, 41-34 at the half.  Grafton with a quick 11-2 run to tie it up and then they push their lead to 58-51 with 11:36 left.  Northern Michigan commit Michael McNabb dominating during that run.  Juan Guerrero Hernandez (sick) decided to play it like a Michael Jordan flu game as Grafton pushed the lead to 69-57 with 7:50 left.  Timeout Grafton there as Hernandez reached 1000 career points.  Shrug the shoulders kid, everything going in for him.  6 3s and 22 points in the 2nd half on his way to a game high 32.

But Grafton fell apart after that 1000 point marker with only 3 FG the remainder of the game.  Minnetonka goes on a 25-4 run to win it.  Isa El-Amin And 1 on a turnover.  Jordan Cain And 1, Greyson Uelmen pull up and bury that 3 to tie it at 71 with 4:55 left.  Andy Stefonowicz high pick and roll and after passing up a 3 on the previous trip, he'll bury this one from the top of the key for the lead with 1:55 left. Kayden Wells 2 FTs on a critical offensive board with 1:04 left when Grafton needed a stop.  Cain dunks a turnover as an exclamation point.  Cain and Stefonowicz 22 points each to lead Minnetonka.

Game 6: #1AAA Totino-Grace 98 Onalaska 66
Onalaska down 1 starters for this one.  Great start for the Hilltoppers as Jack Smith hits 3 triples for an 11-8 lead that draws a Nick Carroll timeout.  TG would go on a 22-5 run but Onalaska would use the foul line to keep the game close at halftime. 47-39 Eagles with the lead.  Miami commit Isaiah Johnson would start the 2nd half after coming off the bench.  Big impact in the half.  In the post for 2, knock down a 3 and run out for a layup as this one got out of hand. 

Isaiah Johnson 16 of his 23 in the 2nd half to lead Totino.  Dothan Ijadimbola adds 18.  Frosh PG Malachi Hill continues to play well off the Eagles bench.  4 triples and 17 points for him.  South Dakota commit Evan Anderson leads Onalaska with 22 points.  Isaac Skemp 4 triples and 18 points. Jack Smith adds 5 triples and 17 points.

Game 7: #2AAAA Park Center 83 Eau Claire Memorial 58
Park Center playing without Chiang Ring and Jackson Fowlkes in this one.  Ari Gooch started hot attacking the rim and never let up.  He had 10 points in a early 15-0 PC run.  The Pirates would open a 22-8 lead and look to run away but the Old Abes kept the margin at 16, 45-29 at halftime of a foul plagued no flow first half.

A bit of drama in the 2nd half.  Cash Chavis sits at 12:56 with what is said to be his 4th foul, but it looked like the board went from 2 to 4 and the PC book (along with me) had him for 3.  This causes an excessively long discussion and we stay at 4. So the big 3 are out, can Memorial make a run?  No they can't.  Temi Omotoyinbo steps up with a dunk and a layup to keep the Pirates offense going.  Chavis back in with the lead at 19 and 7:56 left is a surprise but doesn't end up being a problem.  Aidan Memene and Gooch with triples and the blowout is on.  Gooch leads Park Center with 29 points, Omotoyinbo with 18, Chavis with a quiet 17.  Julius Clark with 22 to lead Eau Claire Memorial.  Cooper Jesperson adds 15 wtih 3 triples.

Game 8: #9 D1 Homestead 80 Benilde-St. Margaret's 64
A chance for the parlay to make it goes bad here, I should have taken the house offer to cash out.  St. Thomas commit Tim Franks of Homestead playing in front of his future staff.  He didn't disappoint.  He make a living at the charity stripe with 15-20 in this one.  Nice work attacking the lane off of pindowns.  He also added 6 triples so you had to run at him.  39 points for him was the day's best performance.  The game was closer than the final as BSM was within striking distance until the very end.  Franks with a huge 3 with 2:35 as a dagger to go from a 6 point lead to 9.  Jaleel Donley 14 of his 18 in the 1st half to lead Benilde-St. Margaret's.  Abu Keita adds 16.  Jalen Wilson held to 12.  Trevor Polite added 14 for Homestead.

Closing Thoughts
The 8 winning teams made 88 triples, the losers made 55.  Half of those 8 wins showed a major disparity.  As expected we did see a small number of cases where the Wisconsin didn't realize there was a shot clock and it ran out unexpectedly.  This was the largest Border Battle we've played (8 games).  I suppose the 7-1 result shouldn't be totally unexpected as the home state has traditionally dominated.  While last year Wisconsin won the final game to win 4-3, the previous 10 events were blowouts.  You have to go back to 2011 to find a 3-3 tie in St. Cloud.  Minnesota now leads the all-time series 64-42 and 10-7 event wise.   1st win for Minnesota since 2020 at La Crosse Central.

The Czar's All Border Battle team
Josiah Coleman - Edina
Tim Franks - Homestead
Ari Gooch - Park Center
Juan Guerrero Hernandez - Grafton
Isaiah Johnson - Totino-Grace

Posted by Twin Cities Hoops Czar on 1/21/2024 10:15:00 PM
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January 18th, 2024 CzarPI

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Its the first regular season CzarPI of the 2023-24 season (see CzarPI Explained Here). It includes games through Wednesday, January 17th, 2024. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.

CzarPI Record: 2081-369 (84.94%)

Class AAAA

  1. Wayzata - 61.47 (40) 0-0 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
  2. Park Center - 60.71 (23) 0-1 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
  3. Minnetonka - 60.47 (15) 0-1 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  4. Hopkins - 58.64 (7) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  5. Farmington - 57.99 (50) 0-0 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
  6. Lakeville North - 57.6 (1) 0-3 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  7. Minneapolis Washburn - 57.34 (46) 0-0 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
  8. Shakopee - 57.13 (31) 0-2 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  9. Waconia - 57.05 (30) 0-1 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  10. Cretin-Derham Hall - 56.67 (47) 0-1 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  11. Tartan - 56.52 (49) 0-1 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  12. Sauk Rapids-Rice - 55.6 (36) 0-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
  13. Mounds View - 55.18 (48) 0-1 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
  14. Osseo - 54.95 (37) 0-3 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
  15. Eagan - 53.98 (26) 2-2 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
  16. Rogers - 53.33 (59) 0-0 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
  17. Buffalo - 53.06 (14) 1-3 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  18. Moorhead - 52.91 (10) 1-3 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  19. Lakeville South - 52.82 (17) 2-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  20. Roseville - 52.13 (39) 2-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  21. Rochester Century - 52.11 (35) 1-3 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
  22. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 51.33 (6) 2-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  23. Owatonna - 50.92 (55) 1-2 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
  24. St. Michael-Albertville - 50.46 (27) 2-4 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  25. Forest Lake - 50.37 (57) 1-2 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
  26. Minneapolis Southwest - 50.24 (34) 0-4 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  27. Edina - 49.99 (5) 1-6 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  28. Apple Valley - 49.71 (16) 1-4 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
  29. Chanhassen - 49.54 (19) 2-5 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  30. Coon Rapids - 49.5 (12) 0-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  31. St. Louis Park - 49.24 (11) 2-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  32. Cambridge-Isanti - 49.15 (56) 0-5 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  33. Hastings - 49.02 (61) 1-2 vs higher, 5-4 vs lower
  34. St. Paul Central - 49.01 (62) 0-1 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
  35. Maple Grove - 48.9 (9) 3-6 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  36. Eden Prairie - 47.78 (3) 1-9 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  37. Woodbury - 47.36 (54) 3-4 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
  38. Rochester John Marshall - 47.3 (60) 1-2 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
  39. Champlin Park - 46.9 (8) 1-6 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
  40. Rosemount - 46.8 (20) 3-5 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
  41. Park of Cottage Grove - 46.62 (32) 3-5 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
  42. Stillwater Area - 46.58 (58) 1-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  43. Anoka - 46.56 (42) 2-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  44. East Ridge - 46.42 (25) 3-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  45. Prior Lake - 46.3 (43) 3-5 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  46. Chaska - 46.3 (4) 4-9 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  47. Brainerd - 45.31 (45) 2-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  48. Andover - 44.76 (13) 1-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  49. Spring Lake Park - 44.4 (53) 2-6 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  50. Bemidji - 43.54 (51) 2-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  51. Rochester Mayo - 43.34 (24) 1-6 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  52. Duluth East - 41.65 (44) 2-6 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
  53. Blaine - 38.2 (41) 2-9 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  54. Centennial - 38.04 (33) 2-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  55. Elk River - 38.03 (28) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  56. Sartell-St. Stephen - 37.95 (38) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  57. New Prague - 36.95 (29) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  58. Bloomington Jefferson - 35.97 (52) 1-9 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  59. Burnsville - 34.95 (21) 2-10 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
  60. White Bear Lake - 32.7 (18) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  61. Irondale - 32.19 (22) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  62. Eastview - 32.08 (2) 2-9 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class AAA

  1. Totino-Grace - 61.28 (2) 0-1 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  2. Mankato East - 61.27 (13) 0-0 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
  3. Detroit Lakes - 58.03 (31) 0-0 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  4. Stewartville - 57.78 (4) 0-1 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
  5. Byron - 57.09 (35) 0-0 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  6. Fridley - 57.04 (43) 0-0 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  7. Mankato West - 55.74 (22) 0-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
  8. Alexandria - 54.8 (9) 2-2 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
  9. Columbia Heights - 54.64 (56) 0-0 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  10. Orono - 53.9 (7) 2-2 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
  11. Minneapolis South - 53.83 (38) 0-2 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  12. Delano - 53.72 (29) 1-3 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  13. Worthington - 52.82 (40) 1-1 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  14. St. Paul Johnson - 52.6 (62) 0-0 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  15. St. Cloud Tech - 52.5 (30) 2-2 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  16. Hutchinson - 51.92 (59) 1-2 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  17. DeLaSalle - 51.37 (28) 1-2 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  18. Little Falls - 50.75 (64) 0-1 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
  19. Becker - 50.55 (52) 0-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  20. Marshall - 50.12 (8) 3-4 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
  21. Benilde-St. Margaret's - 50.05 (1) 2-5 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  22. New Ulm - 50.04 (23) 2-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  23. Hermantown - 50.02 (51) 1-2 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
  24. Big Lake - 49.99 (20) 1-4 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  25. Fergus Falls - 49.92 (10) 2-4 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
  26. St. Paul Harding - 49.85 (48) 2-3 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  27. Richfield - 48.72 (25) 2-4 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  28. Mound Westonka - 48.59 (18) 2-5 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  29. Minneapolis Roosevelt - 48.33 (49) 0-3 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
  30. Duluth Denfeld - 48.2 (46) 2-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  31. St. Peter - 47.86 (6) 2-6 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  32. Chisago Lakes Area - 46.46 (61) 1-4 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  33. Northfield - 46.45 (42) 3-5 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
  34. Rock Ridge - 46.32 (47) 1-4 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  35. St. Thomas Academy - 44.97 (60) 1-4 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  36. Two Rivers - 44.65 (58) 1-3 vs higher, 5-5 vs lower
  37. North St. Paul - 44.46 (45) 1-6 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  38. North Branch - 44.43 (39) 2-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  39. Mahtomedi - 44.15 (21) 2-6 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  40. Faribault - 44.1 (41) 1-5 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  41. St. Francis - 44.07 (33) 2-5 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
  42. Kasson-Mantorville - 43.86 (26) 2-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  43. Cloquet - 43.77 (27) 4-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  44. Hill-Murray - 43.09 (63) 2-5 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  45. Minneapolis Henry - 41.99 (17) 2-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  46. Robbinsdale Cooper - 41.69 (53) 1-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  47. Rocori - 41.55 (32) 2-6 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  48. Red Wing - 40.57 (55) 2-4 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
  49. Austin - 40.48 (36) 3-8 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  50. St. Anthony Village - 39.41 (44) 2-7 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  51. South St. Paul - 39.05 (24) 2-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  52. Grand Rapids - 38.77 (3) 2-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  53. Monticello - 36.63 (11) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  54. Minneapolis Edison - 34.78 (15) 2-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  55. Simley - 33.67 (57) 1-10 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
  56. St. Cloud Apollo - 32 (34) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  57. St. Paul Highland Park - 30.89 (37) 1-8 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
  58. St. Paul Como Park - 30.87 (65) 2-6 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  59. Willmar - 30.42 (5) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  60. Bloomington Kennedy - 29.78 (50) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  61. Winona - 29.69 (19) 1-10 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  62. Zimmerman - 29.3 (16) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  63. Holy Angels - 24.49 (54) 2-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  64. Princeton - 0 (12) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  65. Hibbing - 0 (14) 0-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class AA

  1. Breck - 64.16 (6) 0-0 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
  2. Albany - 61.12 (5) 0-0 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
  3. Annandale - 59.64 (3) 1-0 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
  4. Southwest Christian - 58.86 (28) 0-1 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  5. Eden Valley-Watkins - 57.69 (64) 2-0 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  6. Sauk Centre - 57.07 (39) 0-0 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
  7. Crosby-Ironton - 56.76 (106) 0-0 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
  8. Lake City - 56.09 (29) 1-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  9. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 56.05 (26) 0-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  10. Jackson County Central - 55.64 (93) 0-0 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
  11. Paynesville Area - 55.53 (22) 0-2 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
  12. Pelican Rapids - 55.51 (82) 1-0 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
  13. Belle Plaine - 55.41 (46) 1-0 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
  14. Pequot Lakes - 55.2 (41) 0-2 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  15. Legacy Christian - 54.66 (90) 1-1 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  16. Park Rapids Area - 54.52 (21) 0-3 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  17. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 54.5 (75) 0-1 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  18. Lewiston-Altura - 54.47 (55) 1-1 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
  19. Redwood Valley - 54.24 (59) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  20. Moose Lake-Willow River - 54.11 (76) 0-2 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  21. Melrose - 54.04 (54) 2-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  22. Cannon Falls - 53.97 (44) 0-3 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  23. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 53.76 (47) 1-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  24. Minneapolis North - 53.6 (32) 0-3 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  25. Jordan - 53.55 (62) 1-0 vs higher, 8-4 vs lower
  26. Blake - 53.46 (35) 1-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
  27. Montevideo - 53.27 (18) 2-4 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  28. Osakis - 52.94 (48) 1-3 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  29. Barnesville - 52.93 (36) 1-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  30. Esko - 52.85 (42) 0-2 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  31. La Crescent-Hokah - 52.72 (81) 1-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  32. Spectrum - 52.52 (96) 1-2 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  33. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 52.34 (60) 2-3 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  34. St. Paul Academy - 52.32 (20) 0-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
  35. Dassel-Cokato - 52.25 (14) 2-4 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  36. New London-Spicer - 52.02 (9) 1-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  37. St. Agnes - 52 (83) 1-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
  38. Holy Family Catholic - 51.97 (7) 0-4 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
  39. Pipestone Area - 51.53 (80) 0-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  40. Staples-Motley - 51.48 (43) 0-3 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  41. Caledonia - 51.23 (116) 0-1 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  42. Maranatha Christian - 50.86 (79) 1-2 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  43. Glencoe-Silver Lake - 49.87 (57) 2-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  44. Duluth Marshall - 49.84 (51) 1-2 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
  45. Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran - 49.79 (100) 0-2 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  46. Pine Island - 49.31 (63) 1-3 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  47. Minnehaha Academy - 49.1 (13) 3-8 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  48. Roseau - 48.74 (122) 0-1 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  49. Waseca - 48.72 (38) 2-5 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  50. Barnum - 48.52 (105) 1-2 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
  51. St. Clair - 48.33 (84) 0-3 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
  52. Watertown-Mayer - 48.26 (49) 0-4 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  53. LeSueur-Henderson - 48.04 (108) 0-2 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
  54. Mora - 47.88 (70) 1-4 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  55. Wadena-Deer Creek - 47.85 (107) 0-3 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  56. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 47.81 (72) 0-5 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  57. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 47.6 (15) 1-5 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  58. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 47.37 (118) 1-3 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  59. St. Croix Lutheran - 47.27 (114) 1-2 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  60. Two Harbors - 46.95 (97) 0-3 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
  61. Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 46.72 (61) 0-5 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  62. Greenway - 45.81 (86) 1-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  63. Maple River - 45.25 (27) 3-7 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
  64. Blue Earth Area - 44.86 (111) 0-3 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  65. Randolph - 44.56 (109) 0-2 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
  66. Hiawatha Collegiate - 44.55 (85) 2-7 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  67. St. Charles - 44.07 (103) 1-6 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  68. Hawley - 43.88 (53) 0-6 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  69. East Grand Forks - 43.87 (10) 2-5 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  70. Rockford - 43.55 (89) 1-6 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  71. Mounds Park Academy - 43.52 (88) 0-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  72. Foley - 43.4 (120) 0-2 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  73. Thief River Falls - 42.65 (4) 1-6 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  74. Windom Area - 42.63 (52) 1-7 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
  75. Norwood-Young America - 42.42 (34) 3-8 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  76. Triton - 42.25 (110) 1-5 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  77. Luverne - 41.87 (2) 2-8 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  78. Holdingford - 41.7 (17) 1-7 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
  79. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 41.43 (56) 2-5 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
  80. Tri-City United - 41.27 (102) 3-6 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  81. Pillager - 41.21 (23) 1-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  82. Perham - 41.17 (31) 1-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  83. St. Paul Humboldt - 40.91 (117) 0-5 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  84. Metro Schools College Prep - 40.38 (92) 1-4 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  85. Concordia Academy - 40.34 (101) 0-6 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
  86. Fairmont - 39.94 (30) 2-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  87. Hinckley-Finlayson - 39.14 (71) 1-8 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  88. Warroad - 39.11 (112) 1-7 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  89. Proctor - 39.04 (58) 1-6 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
  90. Pierz - 38.92 (12) 1-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  91. Nova Classical Academy - 38.67 (115) 0-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  92. Dover-Eyota - 37.77 (45) 1-10 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  93. St. Cloud Cathedral - 36.97 (11) 1-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  94. Cristo Rey Jesuit - 36.86 (68) 2-8 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
  95. Providence Academy - 36.83 (19) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  96. Math and Science Academy - 36.76 (123) 0-7 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  97. High School for the Recording Arts - 36.43 (87) 0-3 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  98. Crookston - 36.04 (37) 1-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  99. Menahga - 36.01 (95) 2-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  100. Lakes International Language Academy - 35.86 (119) 1-5 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  101. Mesabi East - 35.76 (91) 1-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  102. Sibley East - 34.27 (66) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  103. St. James Area - 34.25 (33) 2-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  104. Litchfield - 33.88 (8) 2-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  105. St. Croix Prep - 33.75 (77) 2-10 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  106. Aitkin - 33.69 (78) 1-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  107. Rochester Lourdes - 33.5 (67) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  108. Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 33.12 (50) 1-8 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  109. Eagle Ridge Academy - 32.63 (98) 2-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  110. New Richland-H-E-G - 32.06 (73) 1-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  111. Twin Cities Academy/Great River - 31.79 (113) 1-6 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  112. Royalton - 30.44 (74) 1-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  113. Rush City - 28.76 (99) 1-9 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  114. Brooklyn Center - 27.28 (94) 0-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  115. St. Paul Washington - 27.1 (104) 1-12 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  116. Pine City - 26.81 (65) 1-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  117. Albert Lea - 26.62 (69) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  118. Milaca - 26.42 (16) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  119. Kimball Area - 24.57 (24) 1-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  120. International Falls - 23.73 (121) 1-8 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  121. Minnewaska Area - 0 (1) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  122. Chatfield - 0 (25) 0-13 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  123. Medford - 0 (40) 0-4 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class A

  1. Cherry - 60.44 (1) 0-1 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
  2. Dawson-Boyd - 58.93 (26) 0-0 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
  3. Fertile-Beltrami - 58.35 (39) 0-0 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  4. Red Lake County - 58.16 (81) 0-0 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
  5. Nevis - 56.95 (48) 0-1 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  6. West Central Area - 56.7 (6) 1-1 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
  7. Spring Grove - 56.4 (64) 0-0 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  8. Sleepy Eye - 56.19 (98) 0-0 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
  9. Henning - 55.99 (47) 0-1 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
  10. Mountain Iron-Buhl - 55.86 (21) 0-1 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  11. Ada-Borup-West - 55.85 (74) 0-1 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  12. Blooming Prairie - 55.73 (130) 0-0 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
  13. CHOF - 55.01 (2) 0-0 vs higher, 5-4 vs lower
  14. Kingsland - 53.92 (84) 0-1 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  15. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 53.6 (86) 0-1 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  16. Brandon/Evansville - 53.57 (60) 0-1 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  17. Goodridge/Grygla - 53.53 (52) 0-1 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  18. Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 52.75 (31) 0-2 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
  19. Heritage Christian - 52.74 (120) 0-1 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  20. MACCRAY - 52.08 (67) 0-3 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
  21. Hills-Beaver Creek - 51.92 (136) 0-0 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  22. Southland - 51.66 (110) 1-1 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  23. Mountain Lake Area/Comfrey - 51.53 (155) 0-0 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  24. Southwest MN Christian - 50.84 (13) 1-3 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  25. Minneota - 50.7 (90) 1-3 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  26. Upsala - 50.3 (104) 1-2 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
  27. Springfield - 50.18 (12) 1-3 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
  28. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 50.16 (33) 0-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  29. East Central - 49.85 (76) 0-2 vs higher, 11-4 vs lower
  30. Northern Freeze - 49.83 (43) 1-2 vs higher, 8-4 vs lower
  31. Avail Academy - 49.68 (96) 0-2 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
  32. West Lutheran - 49.67 (71) 0-3 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
  33. North Woods - 49.61 (91) 1-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  34. Red Lake - 49.61 (108) 2-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  35. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 49.59 (8) 2-5 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  36. Rushford-Peterson - 49.38 (92) 1-4 vs higher, 11-0 vs lower
  37. Sacred Heart - 49.35 (56) 1-4 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  38. Win-E-Mac - 49.3 (70) 0-3 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  39. Carlton/Wrenshall - 49.26 (99) 1-2 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  40. Chisholm - 48.4 (69) 1-5 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  41. Park Christian - 48.29 (19) 1-4 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
  42. BOLD - 48.14 (38) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  43. Cass Lake-Bena - 47.83 (7) 1-6 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  44. New Life Academy - 47.12 (102) 2-4 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  45. Higher Ground Academy - 46.79 (153) 0-2 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  46. Hill City - 46.6 (117) 0-1 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  47. Cromwell-Wright - 46.55 (95) 1-4 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
  48. Goodhue - 46.52 (89) 1-5 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
  49. United South Central - 46.07 (149) 0-1 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
  50. NCE/U-H - 46.05 (41) 1-4 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  51. New Ulm Cathedral - 45.84 (105) 0-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  52. MN Academy for the Deaf - 45.83 (145) 0-0 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  53. St. Paul City - 45.83 (163) 0-0 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  54. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 45.8 (80) 0-4 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
  55. Canby - 45.74 (114) 1-4 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  56. Deer River - 45.71 (87) 2-5 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  57. Fillmore Central - 45.69 (45) 0-5 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  58. Lester Prairie - 45.65 (10) 2-9 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  59. Braham - 45.09 (150) 0-4 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
  60. Red Rock Central - 45.04 (28) 2-6 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  61. Underwood - 45.03 (113) 0-2 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
  62. Bertha-Hewitt - 45.01 (156) 1-2 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
  63. Kittson County Central - 44.78 (42) 1-5 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  64. Murray County Central - 44.75 (15) 2-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  65. United Christian Academy - 44.49 (126) 0-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  66. Liberty Classical Academy - 44.46 (160) 0-2 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
  67. Hancock - 44.41 (107) 0-5 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  68. Wabasha-Kellogg - 44.16 (18) 1-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  69. PACT Charter - 43.96 (23) 1-7 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  70. Central MN Christian - 43.9 (65) 1-5 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  71. Mabel-Canton - 43 (78) 0-4 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
  72. Northland - 42.96 (122) 0-3 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  73. Browerville-Eagle Valley - 42.96 (77) 1-5 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  74. Cedar Mountain - 42.85 (101) 0-5 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
  75. Mayer Lutheran - 42.82 (59) 1-5 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
  76. LeRoy-Ostrander - 42.78 (24) 0-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  77. Ubah Medical Academy - 41.99 (159) 0-1 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  78. Ashby - 41.84 (68) 1-6 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
  79. Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 41.6 (40) 1-5 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
  80. Madelia - 41.48 (121) 0-5 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  81. Fosston - 41.47 (127) 0-4 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
  82. Ogilvie - 41.4 (157) 1-3 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
  83. Ely - 41.23 (154) 1-4 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
  84. Mankato Loyola - 41.14 (141) 1-7 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
  85. Kenyon-Wanamingo - 40.14 (147) 3-6 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
  86. Lake Park-Audubon - 39.81 (16) 2-8 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  87. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 39.74 (34) 0-8 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  88. Littlefork-Big Falls - 39.57 (158) 1-4 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
  89. Border West - 39.51 (103) 2-5 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
  90. Schaeffer Academy - 39.35 (51) 1-6 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
  91. Cleveland - 39.34 (106) 1-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  92. Trinity School - 39.27 (118) 0-6 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  93. Sebeka - 39.14 (116) 1-5 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
  94. Frazee - 39.13 (17) 1-7 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  95. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 38.98 (57) 1-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  96. Parkers Prairie - 38.91 (115) 1-6 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  97. Battle Lake - 38.54 (85) 3-7 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
  98. Lanesboro - 38.08 (55) 2-6 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
  99. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 37.67 (88) 1-6 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
  100. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 37.4 (46) 1-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  101. Glenville-Emmons - 37.38 (82) 2-5 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
  102. Alden-Conger - 36.73 (152) 1-8 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  103. Houston - 36.28 (97) 2-6 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  104. T/ML/GHEC - 36.04 (73) 2-8 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  105. North Lakes Academy - 35.78 (119) 1-6 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
  106. Edgerton - 35.43 (83) 0-7 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
  107. International School of MN - 35.18 (137) 1-4 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  108. Hope Academy - 34.68 (75) 1-8 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
  109. Lakeview - 34.42 (125) 1-7 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
  110. Exploration - 34.42 (151) 0-4 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  111. Benson - 34.38 (109) 0-7 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
  112. Prairie Seeds Academy - 34.03 (124) 1-5 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
  113. Breckenridge - 33.21 (58) 2-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  114. Parnassus Prep - 33.15 (123) 1-4 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
  115. Bagley - 32 (142) 0-6 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  116. Mahnomen/Waubun - 31.46 (11) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  117. Lac qui Parle Valley - 31.29 (66) 1-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  118. Rothsay - 30.85 (44) 1-7 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  119. McGregor - 30.15 (139) 0-7 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
  120. Blackduck - 29.87 (128) 0-7 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  121. Wabasso - 29.75 (29) 1-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  122. Minnesota Transitions Charter - 29.73 (164) 1-1 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  123. Clearbrook-Gonvick - 29.7 (3) 1-8 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
  124. Swanville - 29.65 (49) 0-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  125. Hayfield - 29.17 (94) 1-12 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
  126. Pine River-Backus - 29.16 (54) 0-8 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  127. Chesterton Academy - 28.69 (161) 1-6 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
  128. St. John's Prep - 28.42 (143) 1-6 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  129. Cook County - 28.1 (138) 0-6 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
  130. Adrian/Ellsworth - 28.05 (148) 0-4 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  131. Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 27.69 (37) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  132. Grand Meadow - 27.61 (14) 1-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  133. Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 27.49 (5) 1-9 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  134. Stephen-Argyle - 27.31 (50) 1-9 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
  135. Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda - 27.09 (22) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  136. Bethlehem Academy - 26.81 (20) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  137. Bigfork - 26.73 (133) 0-6 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
  138. Northome/Kelliher - 24.95 (112) 1-6 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  139. Climax/Fisher - 24.34 (61) 1-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  140. South Ridge - 23.89 (35) 1-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  141. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 23.67 (93) 0-10 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  142. Nashwauk-Keewatin - 23.22 (25) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  143. Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 23.2 (30) 0-11 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
  144. Renville County West - 22.63 (131) 0-11 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
  145. Verndale - 19.45 (36) 0-10 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  146. Yellow Medicine East - 19.01 (72) 1-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  147. Community of Peace Academy - 18.62 (144) 1-11 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
  148. Venture Academy - 0 (4) 0-2 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  149. Laporte - 0 (9) 0-8 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  150. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 0 (27) 0-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  151. Rochester STEM Academy - 0 (32) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  152. New York Mills - 0 (53) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  153. Lincoln International - 0 (62) 0-2 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  154. Martin County West - 0 (63) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  155. Nicollet - 0 (79) 0-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  156. Academy for Sciences & Ag - 0 (100) 0-5 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  157. Ortonville - 0 (111) 0-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  158. Hmong Academy - 0 (129) 0-6 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  159. Lake of the Woods - 0 (132) 0-9 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  160. Maple Lake - 0 (134) 0-10 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  161. Floodwood - 0 (135) 0-8 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  162. Mille Lacs - 0 (140) 0-12 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  163. New Century Academy - 0 (145) 0-1 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  164. Immanuel Lutheran - 0 (162) 0-5 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
  165. Community Christian - 0 (165) 0-0 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower  

Posted by Twin Cities Hoops Czar on 1/18/2024 06:37:00 PM
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2024 Southside Showcase II Review

Minnehaha hosted the later season edition of the 2023-24 Southside Showcase.  6 games on a frigid day didn't keep things from warming up inside.  Plus walking tacos on the menu.  You know I'm not missing that.  It was worth every penny.  Here's a review

Game 1: Mahtomedi 55 Burnsville 52
Burnsville would hold Mahtomedi at bay in the 1st half thanks to 9 makes from the deep beyond.  Leul Samuel and Soren Leafblad with 3 each in that spurt.  13 point 1st half lead for the Blaze is 10 at the break.  Its still a 48-40 point lead for Burnsville with under 12 minutes left but the Blaze won't make another field goal.  Mahtomedi with their 3 triples in the 2nd half to get back to even.  Then its Ben Carlson clutch for Mahtomedi late.  An offensive rebound for 1 free throw, a drive for 2 more to take the lead and 2 free throws off a Blaze turnover for the final score.  Teams trade turnovers and Burnsville can't get a good look on the final possession to tie.  Carlson leads all scorers with 25 points.  Jeremy Sherlock and Luel Samuel lead Burnsville with 12 each.

Game 2: Roseville 79 St. Paul Highland Park 58
A sleepy start from Roseville gets coach Jamin Cook's attention for a timeout less than 2 minutes in.  Roseville goes on a 28-8 run from there for a 32-14 first half lead.  34-21 Roseville at the break.  Highland Park fights back behind wing Quintice Combs.  A 3 point play and 2 triples to start a big 2nd half.  Then a Roseville double technical ejection ends with 2 of the 12 Combs FTs in the half.  All of a sudden the Roseville lead is down to 40-37 and still over 14 minutes left. The Scots run is 16-2.

But its all Roseville after that.  An 11-0 run pushes the lead back to 14.  Then run away in the last 7 minutes to win big.  Noah George and Kellen Little 18 each to lead 10 Roseville scorers.  Quintice Combs 24 of his 25 points in the 2nd half including 12 of 13 FTs to lead Highland Park.  For Highland Park, there's an old saying that you are what your record is.  In this case, a surprising 1-9.  After seeing them in person for the 1st time this season, I now see that.  This is not the team I had high hopes for when I mentioned them in my 1 month review a couple weeks ago and in my season previews.  Now I don't see a path to the top 4 in the St. Paul City.  Very porous defensively, especially in transition and help.  If you've followed me this season, bad transition defense has been a theme in general.

Game 3: #5AAA Minneapolis South 89 Park 68
Park head coach Mike Weah laid up with a torn achilles. Park kept this one tight in the 1st half with AJ Kennedy knocking down 3 triples.  Jumarion Weh with 2 late 3s to help South open a 6 point halftime lead.  South would pull away in the 2nd half.  Poet Davis with 12 of his 15 points in the half.  James Underwood adds a couple of 3s and Romero Walker picks it up inside.  42-36 at half becomes 65-46 with 9 minutes left.  Weh leads South with 22 points.  Kaeden Callais 15 of his 21 in the 2nd half to lead the Wolfpack.  Anthony Giadyu adds 15.

Game 4: #8AAAA Minneapolis Washburn 73 #3AA Holy Family 41
Holy Family should have just stayed over after playing at Minnehaha the previous night.  Washburn jumps out to a 12-0 lead behind a pair of Kyle Jorgensen 3s and bucket.  Holy Family gets out of their man to man and does see a little success with their usual 1-2-2 trapping the corners.  But Washburn picks that apart too.  On the other end, stellar defense from the Millers and nothing from Holy Family's role guys.  Coach Joe Burger went to just about anybody he could find to try and find a spark and nothing there.  The lead was 20 at half and 40 at running time. Washburn impressive in all aspects moving the ball, tough defense and knocking down shots.  Kyle Jorgensen 25 points and 9 boards on my sheet and he sat the last 10+ minutes.  That was largely stationed on the perimeter as he had 4 3s on the scoresheet.  Kole Hanson 11 to lead Holy Family.

Game 5: Osseo 57 Minneapolis Southwest 56
Southwest would make a couple of runs to take 1 point leads in this one, but Osseo had an answer each time.  A 10-1 run  to end the 1st half after a 23-22 SW lead.  Then Mason Dean with a SW bucket to put them up 53-51 with 4:10 left.  Dean too quick off the dribble as he took advantage of the Osseo bigs in the 2nd half for 7 buckets and 19 points overall.  De'Mari Larkins carried the 1st half offense then quiet until the stretch run.  But after SW took the lead, he was back.  Hanging jumper to tie it and 2 free throws for the lead.  Dean counters to tie it at 55 with 1:45 left.  Larkins another jumper, 1 SW free throw.  SW then gets a stop to get them 1 final chance with 8 seconds left.  Osseo gets the stop to hang on.  Dean leads SW with 19 points.  Liam Farniok 15, Dejaun Jones with 13 and 3 triples off the bench.  Abe Anderson out of the Southwest lineup for the day.  Larkins leads Osseo with 22 points, 16 in the 1st half.

Game 6: Minnehaha 74 St. Cloud Tech 68
Early 3 point play for Tameron Ferguson is a 10-9 Tech lead.  18-5 Minnehaha run with a George Norsman 3 pt play and layup included.  Tech would respond with their own 9-0 run before a Norsmann bucket broke that.  34-32 Minnehaha at the break.  Ferguson a steal for a dunk, a layup and 2 free throws to tie the game at 40.  Norsman 6 buckets in the 2nd half and then he adds 2 clutch 3s for a 10 point Minnehaha lead with 6 minutes left. Ferguson with his only 3 of the night and scores off a turnover to cut the margin to 2 with 1:05 left.  Lorenzo Levy with the dagger 3 with 50 seconds left seals it.  George Norsman leads Minnehaha with 18 of his 25 in the 2nd half.  Lorenzo Levy adds 21.  Tameron Ferguson played the best game I've seen him play over the last 2 years.  35 points on 12-24 shooting on my sheet (1-6 from 3, 10-15 FTs) with a handful of assists and rebounds.  Made his first 7 2 point attempts before finishing 4-11 from 2.  Tech was missing an important piece in shooter Palmer Baynes.  He was out sick.

All Showcase Team
Tameron Ferguson - St. Cloud Tech
Kyle Jorgensen - Minneapolis Washburn
De'Mari Larkins - Osseo
George Norsman - Minnehaha
Mason Dean - Minneapolis Southwest

Honorable Mentions
Kaeden Callais -Park
Ben Carlson - Mahtomedi
Quintice Combs - St. Paul Highland Park
Jumarion Weh - Minneapolis South

Posted by Twin Cities Hoops Czar on 1/14/2024 02:03:00 PM
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Power up the AAA Batteries

I mentioned in my season previews that January 6th would be a fun day of hoops and it did not disappoint.  I took in 5 games from the day including 7 of the top teams in the state in class AAA.  Here's what I saw.

Game  1: #3AAAA Minnetonka 77 #9AAA De La Salle 71
Saturday games on the island never get old.  This game was a shooting gallery early as De La Salle's motion offense got them great looks from 3 that they knocked down.  Freshman Jaeden Udean with 3 of those off the bench.  DLS would open a 13 point lead that would be 10 at the half.  De'Von Irvin hot shooting with 14 points in the half for DLS.  Then a quick start to the 2nd half would see the Islanders push that lead to 16 in the first few minutes.  Minnetonka would storm back with a 23-3 run.  Kayden Wells with a putback and a 3 point play.  Greyson Uelmen buries a 3 and Tonka reclaims the lead 58-54 with 9 minutes left after trailing 51-35.  Intensity went up to another level at this point.  Turnovers costly for De La Salle late.  Andy Stefonowicz turns 1 into an assist.  Isa El-Amin 1-2 FTs off a turnover after he buried a clutch 3.  Jordan Cain was a major mismatch problem especially late after Ray James fouled out at the 4:12 mark.  Greyson Uelmen continues to play very well with 6 more triples and 27 points to lead Minnetonka.  Jordan Cain and Kayden Wells each with 11 in the 2nd half to finish with 16 and 14 points respectively.  Normally they're the ones at a size disadvantage inside, but the script was flipped today.  DeLaSalle had major problems with both of them.  De'Von Irvin 14 of his 16 in the 1st half to lead DeLaSalle.  Jaeden Udean 4 triples 13 points off the bench.  3 other starters in double figures for the Islanders as well.

Game 2: Chanhassen 74 Lakeville South 69
This one was tightly contested the whole way.  Riley Johnson had it going for Chanhassen as he scored the 1st 11 Storm points and 33 overall with 4 3s.  Max Woods with a double double and maybe a triple double if you're really generous on assists.  I had him for 21, 13 and 10 with the stretch to get the assists.  Keaton Ressler with the torch brightly burning for Lakeville South.  7 triples and 27 points to lead the Cougars attack.  Not much help though as only 1 other Cougar in double figures with DaMarcus Burks scoring a quiet 10. Lakeville South did have 1 final chance to tie it at the end with a 3 falling short.

Game 3: #1AAA Totino-Grace 72 Benilde-St. Margaret's 68
This was one of the games of the year on paper coming into the season.  While some may have thought the shine was off this game (cough cough), they were sadly mistaken.  Jayden Daisy had an electric 1st half with 18 points and 4 3s. That helped offset Jalen Wilson having to sit the last 5:17 for BSM with 2 fouls.  Red Knights take a 32-26 lead to halftime.  Tian Chatman had to sit the last 9 minutes with 2 fouls for TG.

TG immediately ties it and take takes the lead on a Tian Chatman 3 point play.  33-32 TG just over a minute in.  Then a 16-2 BSM run as Jaleel Donley and Jalen Wilson bury triples in the run.  48-35 BSM 13:44 as TG calls timeout to talk it over.  Tyler Wagner a bucket and a triple as TG came right back with an 11-1 run to cut the lead to 3 with 11:11 left.  BSM still in control though as Wilson makes bonus FTs with 6:53 left for a 59-50 lead.  He has to sit with his 4th foul at the 6:04 mark.  TG scores 6 straight and Wilson is right back in with 5:10 left. 

Isaiah Johnson came up big down the stretch for TG.  He makes 2 free throws and scores for a 63-61 TG lead with 3:49 left.  13-2 Eagles run.  Wilson 2 buckets sandwiched around 2 Johnson FTs.  68-67 BSM and they'll have it with 1:22 left but not convert.  Will Brands off an offensive rebound with the corner triple for the 70-68 TG lead with 42.1 left.  Wilson gets it inside on the right block vs Johnson but Chatman digs down and strips it away with 22 seconds left.  TG moves it and Johnson finds Brands full court for a layup to seal it.  

BSM made all 8 of their 3s to get the 13 point lead but didn't hit one the rest of the way.  Isaiah Johnson 20 points to lead TG.  Tyler Wagner 16 points with 3 triples. Chace Watley 13 points and not afraid to go in amongst the trees.  Jaleel Donley 23 points with 3 treys.  Jayden Daisy 18 of his 22 in the 1st half.  Jalen Wilson 17 (15 in the 2nd half) despite some foul trouble.  Will Brands very effective off the bench with 9 points including the final 5 of the game.

BSM's offense caught my eye in a positive way.  The offensive set they ran with a handback entry and then options for a lob, post or pick and roll action caught my attention.  Putting Donley, Wilson and Daisy in that action was effective.

Game 4: #5AAA Orono 77 #3AAA Alexandria 68
No Grayson Grove for Alexandria is a huge loss.  The Gopher commit has been out of the Cardinal lineup due to injury.  But you still had a trio of the state's top 2025s on display.  Brady Wooley takes advantage as dominates inside early forcing Alex out of their usually nasty 1-2-2 and into man.  Orono builds an 11 point 1st half lead but its down to 1 at the break.  Nolan Groves with a breakout 2nd half would push the lead to 13 with a 3 before Chase Thompson with a triple and bucket to cut it to 67-63 with 6:07 left.  But Groves wouldn't be denied.  1 bounce jumper on the left baseline, drive for a 3 point play and an offensive board for another hard-way 3 pointer.  That 8-2 spurt pushes the lead back to 10 and Orono is out of danger.  Brady Wooley 19 of his 21 points in the 1st half.  Per Orono stats he added 13 boards and 8 assists.  Many of those assists were to Groves, who would curl off him to the rim after refusing a handoff.  Pretty basketball.  Groves with 22 of his 29 points in the 2nd half.  Chase Thompson tried to do his part for Alexandria leading the Cardinals with 29 points and 4 3s.  But nobody else in double figures for Alexandria.

Game 5: #2AAA Mankato East 64 #7AAA Stewartville 63
Stewartville ran their way to an 8-0 start.  Then a 20-3 Mankato East run put the Cougars up by 9.  Still close at half with it being a 4 point East lead.  15-4 Mankato East run out of halftime game them a 15 point lead with 14:35 left.  Carson Schweim with a triple and then a block that led to a MJ Omot 3.  60-41 East rolling with 6:57 left. But hold the phone, Stewartville goes on a 20-2 run behind Henry Tschetter.  Tschetter a bucket and 4 FTs cut the lead to 3 with 44 seconds left.  The Tigers could play it out (thank you shot clock) but it looks like they chose a particular guy to foul.  That pays off as East misses the front end and Stewartville gets a putback with 8.8 left.  Schweim with 2 critical free throws to push the margin to 3.  Stewartville 3 is not good, putback that was counted at the buzzer ends up being meaningless.  Brogan Madson with another star game for East. He leads the way with 19 points.  Carson Schweim adds 4 triples and 18 points.  Henry Tschetter leads Stewartville with 25 points. Tegan Malone adds 10 for the Tigers.  East now with wins over #3, #5 and #7 in AAAA.  Stewartville with the win over #4 Delano but now losses to #2,#3 and #5 with 2 of those 3 losses by a total of 4 points.  If they make state, those results will loom large for seeding.  They still have 2 league games vs Byron plus Lake City (who they've already beaten by 23 on the road) and Benilde-St. Margaret's on the schedule.

Posted by Twin Cities Hoops Czar on 1/07/2024 02:06:00 AM
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