Its MLK weekend and that means its time to venture back to The Old Kingdom for the Midwest Players Classic. While it no longer has Pepsi as the title sponsor they still contribute. I took advantage of that and the outstanding Big Boar BBQ. Always great to run into many old friends back home. Then techincal failure as I held down The Emperor's Palace so that pushes the writeup back to now. Then Monday was the Dream Classic with Roosevelt and Washburn running all day. I caught the final 2 at Roosevelt.
Midwest Players Classic
#1AA St. Croix Lutheran survived a 10-0 run from #6 3A Waverly-Shell Rock (IA) in the 1st half to stay within 3. Trenton Krueger would pick up a quick 4th and sit a large chunk of the 2nd half. An 11-0 Crusaders run with 4 Ade Murkey FTs and 5 from Aage Rovney would put SCL up 41-33. The lead would get down to 2 before a Venkat Valluri 3 and a Murkey dunk. UNI commit Austin Phyfe was largely contained inside but he made 1 last burst before fouling out with about 5 minutes left. St. Croix Lutheran closed it out from there for a 69-57 win. Ade Murkey with 26, Trenton Krueger with 11 most late. Austin Phyfe held to 12.
Brad Davison would go off for #3AAAA Maple Grove against #4 D1 Milwaukee Riverside. He goes for 39 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. 24 of those points in the 2nd half to break open a tie game. Reed Nikko chips in with 17 and 7. Nice performance from the Crimson playing without both Pickfords (Tywhon out for the year due to a knee injury). Terrence Lewis 25 and 6 for Riverside but like the Timberwolves Shootout most of those weren't meaningful. Wisconsin assistant Lamont Paris was on hand to watch. Davison's 39 points broke the event record previously held by Matt Thomas.
#5AAAA Champlin Park had their hands full with defending state champ #1 D1 Stevens Point (SPASH). Marquette head coach Steve Wojciechowski on hand to watch his guy Sam Hauser. HSam didn't disappoint as he went bonkers with 35 and 8. It looked for a long while like that 39 point mark would go down. UWGB signee Trev Anderson with 25 points and 7 boards. Soph Joey Hauser adds 22 and 9. The big 3 go for all by 7 of SPASH's points. McKinley Wright would have 22, Aaron Kloeppner 14 for Champlin Park. Too much of the big 3 though as the lead hovered in the 10-15 range most of the 2nd half. SPASH wins 89-73.
#5A Rushford-Peterson and #2AA Caledonia were also very impressive in wins. Caledonia broke open a 6 point game at the half to win 85-45. Owen King with 25 and he sat the last 8 minutes. St. Croix Lutheran hung around to watch and what a matchup that would be at state. Caledonia's deep and athletic. St. Croix Lutheran is bigger and very experienced but lacks depth. Rushford-Peterson held #11 D4 La Crosse Aquinas to 8 field goals with their 1-1-3 zone. Their offense would grind it out with really good motion and finding big body Matt Culhane inside. Culhane's 12 points lead the way for the Trojans as they win 43-22.
Dream Classic
#4AAAA Osseo looked like they wanted to run away from South with a 26-5 first half run. 30-12 Orioles at the 6:29 mark of the 1st half. South would counter with an 11-2 run, then after 5 Osseo points, South would close the half on a 7-0 run. South within 37-30 at the break. Michael Harris hitting from all over in the 2nd half. He hits 2 3s, each bringing South within 3. Osseo would hang on. John Bezdicek for 3, Demario Armstrong with a steal for a dunk, Dontae Jones for 2 more. Harris another bomb before Allan Anderson counters with 5 in a row. Then Jones with a 4 point play chance. Matt Bezdicek then buries a pair of 3s and Osseo is out of danger. Osseo wins 79-67. Allan Anderson and Kameron Bettie 14 each. Matt Bezdicek 10 off the bench. Michael Harris buries 6 treys on his way to 27 points to lead South. Payton Bowdry 15, Johnnie Turner 10.
In the nightcap, a big night for Roosevelt's Elijah Hannah. He scores the 1st 11 Roosevelt points as the Teddies jump out to a 17-6 lead. Mitch Gabrilcik and Dusty Willert for 3 and Buffalo is right back within 3. In the 2nd half, its Willert with back to back 3s and Buffalo has the lead down to 34-33. Elijah Hannah 2 more free throws to push the lead to 5. But its Gabrilcik with a 3 and floater to tie it. Then Brandon Weber with a 3 point play on the BLOB. Buffalo all the way back to take a 46-43 lead with 3:14 left. Then it all falls apart for Buffalo. TaRay Graves with bonus free throws and after a Bison turnover, he puts back a miss. Another turnover for an Elijah Hannah free throw. Devon Hannah takes another turnover for a layup. Roosevelt up 4 inside a minute left. Elijah Hannah misses a front end but Devon Wade-Henderson tips it in. Roosevelt scores the last 11 points of the game to win 54-46. Elijah Hannah goes for 27 points to lead all scorers. TaRay Graves 13. Mitch Gabrilcik with 11 to lead Buffalo.
Hope stays on top of the EMAC
Prologue
Its an EMAC doubleheader with the boys and girls of Community of Peace Academy visiting Hope Academy. Full house on hand so the early arrival was clutch. The boys teams (along with International School) come in 5-0 in EMAC play. Dr. Pepper is a good choice for tonight since the Midwest Players Classic tomorrow is Pepsi sponsored. The officiating crew gets stuck doing both games so earn your pay. Today's tune is courtesy of the PA.
Song of the Day
The Script - Hall of Fame
Number of Teams I've Seen: 118 (43 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 76 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 472 ounces (3610 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
Pizza Ticker: 9
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Community of Peace turns it over 3 times before they can even get it across halfcourt. 8-0 Hope less than 1 minute in. CPA recovers with Edward Milton attacking the rim for 5 points. Tobias Griffin sitting with a pair of fouls for Hope and he doesn't return the rest of the night. He sat out icing his shins. Steven Parker with a runner and a layup. Parker's layup ends a 12-2 and its CPA 24-18 at the 5:15 mark. Hope ice cold from 3. But they counter with their own 11-2 run to end the half. Johnny Erickson for 2 and buries an inside out 3, a great look rather than a quick hit in transition. Nate Elifson's runner finishes it. 29-26 Hope Academy at the break. They were in the neighborhood of 3-22 from 3 in the half.
Johnny Erickson with another 3 and the total run becomes 16-3. But its back to back CPA 3s to hang around. After a turnover for a Derince Melton layup and a blocked shot for a Ethan Reed hoop, its Milton to the rack again and a Ontario Chapman 3 point play for CPA. 38-37 Hope with 14:11 left. But CPA's play is sloppy dribbling into multiple defenders rather than moving the ball. Melton converts another turnover and puts back a miss. Elifson deep and playable, Dashon Holcomb for 2 after a forced shot. 47-38 Hope with 11:25 left. Johnny Erickson drives for 2, then buries a 3 and then 2 assists to Holcomb for layups. 56-40 Hope with the lead after an 18-3 run. Elifson with an offensive board for 2 free throws and he buries a 3. Hope's shooting greatly improved this half. Chapman with his 4th and 5th fouls and he's gone with 5:08 left. Johnny Erickson to the rack for 2 more. Great ball movement finds Melton for a layup and Hope slams the door going up 19. They go on to win 76-60.
Post Game:
Community of Peace falls to 5-1 in the EMAC and 7-7 overall. They visit Charter Stars and host International School next week. CPA does get 4 in double figures Steven Parker 14, Ontario Chapman 13 and double digit boards. I thought they did a decent job, especially early getting to 3 point shooters. Turnovers were an absolute kiler trying to dribble thru the Hope pressure.
Johnny Erickson with a big night of 27 points to lead Hope. He had 4 triples. Nate Elifson chips in with a pair of 3s and 14 points. Dashon Holcomb chips in with 11 off the bench. Hope was very cold in the 1st half from the floor but made 6 of their 9 3s in the 2nd half. They ended up taking 35 or 40 of them total. They also took advantage of all the CPA turnovers. Hope is now 10-4 overall and 6-0 in the EMAC. They host Alden-Conger on Saturday and then a big one at home with International School on Tuesday. Then a trip to Hmong Academy and a very interesting home game vs Spectrum next Friday.
Its an EMAC doubleheader with the boys and girls of Community of Peace Academy visiting Hope Academy. Full house on hand so the early arrival was clutch. The boys teams (along with International School) come in 5-0 in EMAC play. Dr. Pepper is a good choice for tonight since the Midwest Players Classic tomorrow is Pepsi sponsored. The officiating crew gets stuck doing both games so earn your pay. Today's tune is courtesy of the PA.
Song of the Day
The Script - Hall of Fame
Number of Teams I've Seen: 118 (43 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 76 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 472 ounces (3610 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
- Pepsi: 204 ounces (2300 Calories) + 1.5 liters (630 Calories)
- Coke: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 60 ounces (750 Calories)
- Sprite: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Water: 3.5 Liters + 160 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 9
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Community of Peace turns it over 3 times before they can even get it across halfcourt. 8-0 Hope less than 1 minute in. CPA recovers with Edward Milton attacking the rim for 5 points. Tobias Griffin sitting with a pair of fouls for Hope and he doesn't return the rest of the night. He sat out icing his shins. Steven Parker with a runner and a layup. Parker's layup ends a 12-2 and its CPA 24-18 at the 5:15 mark. Hope ice cold from 3. But they counter with their own 11-2 run to end the half. Johnny Erickson for 2 and buries an inside out 3, a great look rather than a quick hit in transition. Nate Elifson's runner finishes it. 29-26 Hope Academy at the break. They were in the neighborhood of 3-22 from 3 in the half.
Johnny Erickson with another 3 and the total run becomes 16-3. But its back to back CPA 3s to hang around. After a turnover for a Derince Melton layup and a blocked shot for a Ethan Reed hoop, its Milton to the rack again and a Ontario Chapman 3 point play for CPA. 38-37 Hope with 14:11 left. But CPA's play is sloppy dribbling into multiple defenders rather than moving the ball. Melton converts another turnover and puts back a miss. Elifson deep and playable, Dashon Holcomb for 2 after a forced shot. 47-38 Hope with 11:25 left. Johnny Erickson drives for 2, then buries a 3 and then 2 assists to Holcomb for layups. 56-40 Hope with the lead after an 18-3 run. Elifson with an offensive board for 2 free throws and he buries a 3. Hope's shooting greatly improved this half. Chapman with his 4th and 5th fouls and he's gone with 5:08 left. Johnny Erickson to the rack for 2 more. Great ball movement finds Melton for a layup and Hope slams the door going up 19. They go on to win 76-60.
Post Game:
Community of Peace falls to 5-1 in the EMAC and 7-7 overall. They visit Charter Stars and host International School next week. CPA does get 4 in double figures Steven Parker 14, Ontario Chapman 13 and double digit boards. I thought they did a decent job, especially early getting to 3 point shooters. Turnovers were an absolute kiler trying to dribble thru the Hope pressure.
Johnny Erickson with a big night of 27 points to lead Hope. He had 4 triples. Nate Elifson chips in with a pair of 3s and 14 points. Dashon Holcomb chips in with 11 off the bench. Hope was very cold in the 1st half from the floor but made 6 of their 9 3s in the 2nd half. They ended up taking 35 or 40 of them total. They also took advantage of all the CPA turnovers. Hope is now 10-4 overall and 6-0 in the EMAC. They host Alden-Conger on Saturday and then a big one at home with International School on Tuesday. Then a trip to Hmong Academy and a very interesting home game vs Spectrum next Friday.
Heritage takes control of the MCAA
Prologue
To SW Christian for their MCAA cross-division showdown with Heritage. Both teams entering the night undefeated in MCAA play. Youth night at SW Christian gives us the usual halftime entertainment. PA guy counts down the ending as kid goes full court coast to coast. The kid pulls off a perfect euro step and makes the layup to beat the countdown. Biggest crowd roar of the night. Dordt in the house looking on (likely looking at Jack Jenson). A hot dog and 20 oz of water get added to the concessions counters. The halftime entertainment also gives us today's tune as it was looped throughout the youth game.
Song of the Day
Vince Guaraldi - Linus and Lucy (Peanuts theme)
Number of Teams I've Seen: 115 (43 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 74 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 460 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
Pizza Ticker: 9
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Zach Johansen for 3 and a drive for 2 more for Heritage. Trey Sandness with a pair of triples. Jack Jenson coast to coast for 1 hoop and converts a turnover for another. 14-9 SW Christian at the 11:15 mark. Heritage brings Tim Thurston in and he had on the invisible cloak for 2 layups with nobody around. CJ Woda adds his 2nd 3 and Heritage is up 23-17 at the 6:22 mark (14-3 run). A pair of 3s SW Christian with a pair of 3s to tie it at the 5:40 mark. Then it all falls apart. Johansen with a pair of 3s and a layup, Ben Allen for 3 and 2 Jack VanderTop hoops. SW Christian turnovers fueling that run. Its a 17-2 spurt for a 40-25 Heritage lead at the half.
The 2nd half isn't any better. Woda with a 3 point play, a jumper and bombs away to extend the margin to 50-31. SW Christian getting nothing to fall. The lead hovers around 20 and Heritage ends up winning 65-49.
Post Game:
For SW Christian, Jack Jenson with 12 and Kyle Meinke with 11 points. Jenson had an off night though. I had him 5-18 from the floor. Trey Sandness held to 8 and he was cold as well. The Stars couldn't get out in transition and couldn't finish against the size in the lane. Add in some defensive lapses and this is the type of night you end up with. The Stars fall to 10-3 overall, 5-1 in the MCAA. They play at South division co-leader New Life on Saturday afternoon.
Heritage improves to 10-4 overall and 7-0 in the MCAA. They've now won 4 straight in the new year. That includes back to back wins vs the south division leaders. CJ Woda leads the way with 20 points and 12 rebounds on my sheet. Great night from fellow junior Zach Johansen as well as he also had 20. 3 triples for both players. Forward Jack VanderTop 8 points but his defensive presence was major in discouraging SW Christian from attacking the rim. The Eagles continue a 4 game road swing at Trinity and Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity next week.
To SW Christian for their MCAA cross-division showdown with Heritage. Both teams entering the night undefeated in MCAA play. Youth night at SW Christian gives us the usual halftime entertainment. PA guy counts down the ending as kid goes full court coast to coast. The kid pulls off a perfect euro step and makes the layup to beat the countdown. Biggest crowd roar of the night. Dordt in the house looking on (likely looking at Jack Jenson). A hot dog and 20 oz of water get added to the concessions counters. The halftime entertainment also gives us today's tune as it was looped throughout the youth game.
Song of the Day
Vince Guaraldi - Linus and Lucy (Peanuts theme)
Number of Teams I've Seen: 115 (43 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 74 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 460 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
- Pepsi: 204 ounces (2300 Calories) + 1.5 liters (630 Calories)
- Coke: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 48 ounces (600 Calories)
- Sprite: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Water: 3.5 Liters + 160 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 9
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Zach Johansen for 3 and a drive for 2 more for Heritage. Trey Sandness with a pair of triples. Jack Jenson coast to coast for 1 hoop and converts a turnover for another. 14-9 SW Christian at the 11:15 mark. Heritage brings Tim Thurston in and he had on the invisible cloak for 2 layups with nobody around. CJ Woda adds his 2nd 3 and Heritage is up 23-17 at the 6:22 mark (14-3 run). A pair of 3s SW Christian with a pair of 3s to tie it at the 5:40 mark. Then it all falls apart. Johansen with a pair of 3s and a layup, Ben Allen for 3 and 2 Jack VanderTop hoops. SW Christian turnovers fueling that run. Its a 17-2 spurt for a 40-25 Heritage lead at the half.
The 2nd half isn't any better. Woda with a 3 point play, a jumper and bombs away to extend the margin to 50-31. SW Christian getting nothing to fall. The lead hovers around 20 and Heritage ends up winning 65-49.
Post Game:
For SW Christian, Jack Jenson with 12 and Kyle Meinke with 11 points. Jenson had an off night though. I had him 5-18 from the floor. Trey Sandness held to 8 and he was cold as well. The Stars couldn't get out in transition and couldn't finish against the size in the lane. Add in some defensive lapses and this is the type of night you end up with. The Stars fall to 10-3 overall, 5-1 in the MCAA. They play at South division co-leader New Life on Saturday afternoon.
Heritage improves to 10-4 overall and 7-0 in the MCAA. They've now won 4 straight in the new year. That includes back to back wins vs the south division leaders. CJ Woda leads the way with 20 points and 12 rebounds on my sheet. Great night from fellow junior Zach Johansen as well as he also had 20. 3 triples for both players. Forward Jack VanderTop 8 points but his defensive presence was major in discouraging SW Christian from attacking the rim. The Eagles continue a 4 game road swing at Trinity and Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity next week.
Knights take it to the limit
Prologue
A quiet Wednesday schedule takes me to Irondale at Anoka. Its pizza on tonight's concessions menu. More water on the beverage counter. Youth night sees 5th and 6th graders on hand to be introduced before the game and then provide the halftime entertainment. Youth games at half are some of the most fun things to see during the season. But above all its the 1st appearance this season of The Reverend. He has a bad pair working with him but he doesn't disappoint. He hands out a T and makes 2 late calls from the other side of half court not to mention a seemingly pointless discussion with the coaches that delayed the final throw in at the end of the game.
Song of the Day
Eagles - Take it to the limit
Number of Teams I've Seen: 115 (42 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 73 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 440 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
Pizza Ticker: 9
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Gunnar Ledin and Jackson Sutton for 3s to push Anoka to a 6-2 lead. Sutton adds another bomb as Anoka extends the lead to 16-10 at 13:40. Irondale counters with a 10-1 run. Sean Sutherlin with 2 drives for hoops and a Kevin Schramm during that spurt. Chase Thomas 5 in a row for Anoka, soph post Jake Phipps scores and Ledin to the rack for 2 more. Timeout Irondale at 7:37 trailing 29-24 after a 12-4 Anoka run. Sam Mueller 2 layups for Anoka countered by a Schramm 3 from pinch post action. 41-38 Anoka at the half. Gunnar Ledin and Sean Sutherlin carrying the offenses with 11 and 14 points respectively.
Irondale comes out hot with a 3, Schramm driving for 2 and a 3 plus a Sutherlin layup. The Knights run is 12-4. That forces an Anoka timeout with 14:38 left and Irondale on top 50-45. Anoka scores and then an Irondale T adds momentum. Ledin 2 free throws off a turnover and another hoop. Sutton adds a hoop as the total Anoka run is 13-3 after their timeout. 58-53 Anoka with 10:50 left and now Irondale needs a timeout. Sutherlin keeping Irondale in it with 2 3s and a cut for a layup.. 62-61 Anoka 7:35 left. Sutherlin to the rack again, Schramm a drive and lefty finish before a Sutherlin putback. Sutherlin adds a layup off a turnover and its 71-68 Knights with 3:21 left. Irondale then misses 2 layups, 2 free throws, makes the front end of a 1 and 1 but misses the next 2 bonus chances. That gives Anoka a chance and its Ledin for 3 after an offensive board. Hand down man down in the words of Mark Jackson as the defender didn't challenge. 73 all with 35 seconds left. Irondale takes a timeout and then goes Sutherlin off the high ball screen horns set but they turn it over with 7.1 left. Anoka takes a timeout. Ledin cuts baseline, makes a great move to shake his defender and then right back out to the same side corner for a wide open look at the horn that just doesn't go in. Can't ask for anything better than that. We'll play overtime.
The overtime is all Irondale. After THE WORLD'S WORST OFFENSE breaks down, Sutherlin drives for the old-fashioned 3 point play. Uwana Etuk-Akpan dunks a turnover. Irondale adds a free throw on another turnover. Etuk-Akpan dunks another turnover Irondale goes on to win 84-76 in OT.
Post Game
Anoka falls to 4-10 overall and they are 1-6 in the NW Suburban. Guard Gunnar Ledin with 4 3s and 24 points to lead the Tornadoes. Josh Larson 15, Jackson Sutton 13, Chase Thomas 13 in supporting roles. Soph post Jake Phipps has come a long way since I watched him in travel ball. I did like their movement in their 4 out and 5 out looks. Anoka hosts Centennial on Friday. Then a brutal week next week with trips to Maple Grove and Armstrong. Then they have to host Champlin Park. Ouch.
Irondale improves to 8-7 overall, 3-5 in the NW Suburban. Sean Sutherlin with the big night of 34 points to lead the Knights. No answer for him off the bounce and he hit 3 triples as well. He carried the offense with clutch hoops when Anoka looked like they might pull away. Kevin Schramm with 18 before fouling out in regulation. Irondale hosts Park Center on Friday. Then its Andover and a trip to Spring Lake Park next week.
A quiet Wednesday schedule takes me to Irondale at Anoka. Its pizza on tonight's concessions menu. More water on the beverage counter. Youth night sees 5th and 6th graders on hand to be introduced before the game and then provide the halftime entertainment. Youth games at half are some of the most fun things to see during the season. But above all its the 1st appearance this season of The Reverend. He has a bad pair working with him but he doesn't disappoint. He hands out a T and makes 2 late calls from the other side of half court not to mention a seemingly pointless discussion with the coaches that delayed the final throw in at the end of the game.
Song of the Day
Eagles - Take it to the limit
Number of Teams I've Seen: 115 (42 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 73 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 440 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
- Pepsi: 204 ounces (2300 Calories) + 1.5 liters (630 Calories)
- Coke: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 48 ounces (600 Calories)
- Sprite: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Water: 3.5 Liters + 140 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 9
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Gunnar Ledin and Jackson Sutton for 3s to push Anoka to a 6-2 lead. Sutton adds another bomb as Anoka extends the lead to 16-10 at 13:40. Irondale counters with a 10-1 run. Sean Sutherlin with 2 drives for hoops and a Kevin Schramm during that spurt. Chase Thomas 5 in a row for Anoka, soph post Jake Phipps scores and Ledin to the rack for 2 more. Timeout Irondale at 7:37 trailing 29-24 after a 12-4 Anoka run. Sam Mueller 2 layups for Anoka countered by a Schramm 3 from pinch post action. 41-38 Anoka at the half. Gunnar Ledin and Sean Sutherlin carrying the offenses with 11 and 14 points respectively.
Irondale comes out hot with a 3, Schramm driving for 2 and a 3 plus a Sutherlin layup. The Knights run is 12-4. That forces an Anoka timeout with 14:38 left and Irondale on top 50-45. Anoka scores and then an Irondale T adds momentum. Ledin 2 free throws off a turnover and another hoop. Sutton adds a hoop as the total Anoka run is 13-3 after their timeout. 58-53 Anoka with 10:50 left and now Irondale needs a timeout. Sutherlin keeping Irondale in it with 2 3s and a cut for a layup.. 62-61 Anoka 7:35 left. Sutherlin to the rack again, Schramm a drive and lefty finish before a Sutherlin putback. Sutherlin adds a layup off a turnover and its 71-68 Knights with 3:21 left. Irondale then misses 2 layups, 2 free throws, makes the front end of a 1 and 1 but misses the next 2 bonus chances. That gives Anoka a chance and its Ledin for 3 after an offensive board. Hand down man down in the words of Mark Jackson as the defender didn't challenge. 73 all with 35 seconds left. Irondale takes a timeout and then goes Sutherlin off the high ball screen horns set but they turn it over with 7.1 left. Anoka takes a timeout. Ledin cuts baseline, makes a great move to shake his defender and then right back out to the same side corner for a wide open look at the horn that just doesn't go in. Can't ask for anything better than that. We'll play overtime.
The overtime is all Irondale. After THE WORLD'S WORST OFFENSE breaks down, Sutherlin drives for the old-fashioned 3 point play. Uwana Etuk-Akpan dunks a turnover. Irondale adds a free throw on another turnover. Etuk-Akpan dunks another turnover Irondale goes on to win 84-76 in OT.
Post Game
Anoka falls to 4-10 overall and they are 1-6 in the NW Suburban. Guard Gunnar Ledin with 4 3s and 24 points to lead the Tornadoes. Josh Larson 15, Jackson Sutton 13, Chase Thomas 13 in supporting roles. Soph post Jake Phipps has come a long way since I watched him in travel ball. I did like their movement in their 4 out and 5 out looks. Anoka hosts Centennial on Friday. Then a brutal week next week with trips to Maple Grove and Armstrong. Then they have to host Champlin Park. Ouch.
Irondale improves to 8-7 overall, 3-5 in the NW Suburban. Sean Sutherlin with the big night of 34 points to lead the Knights. No answer for him off the bounce and he hit 3 triples as well. He carried the offense with clutch hoops when Anoka looked like they might pull away. Kevin Schramm with 18 before fouling out in regulation. Irondale hosts Park Center on Friday. Then its Andover and a trip to Spring Lake Park next week.
North stays on top of the city
Prologue
Off to #8AAA Minneapolis Henry to see the Patriots take on archrival #1A Minneapolis North. Henry comes in 1 game behind North for 1st in the Minneapolis City standings. The Henry pep band is in attendance and that's the only open area of the building as the fans fill up each side. Pat Rock and crew working tonight. If I don't see The Rev doing this game, I may not see him all year. I was trying to remember the last time these teams played when both were ranked. Hamline and Augsburg in the building to watch. Great to see this rivalry start to come back. No concessions so its kick back and enjoy.
Song of the Day
Sugar Hill Gang - Rapper's Delight
Number of Teams I've Seen: 113 (41 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 72 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 420 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Jamil Jackson for 3 to open the scoring and its a track meet. Tyler Johnson with a dunk and a layup. Julian Jackson countering with a layup and a dunk. 19-16 North at the 11:18 mark. Lamar Wood with a strong block and we go the other way only to see a sensational block by Tyler Johnson. He's amped up. Julian Jackson with another dunk, Jordan Lynn with a floater and Wood on the offensive glass. 7-0 Henry run for a 27-24 lead with 7 minutes left in the half. North counters with Pat Dembley for 2, Isaac Johnson coast to coast, Tyler Johnson a 3 point play, post up and a lob dunk. 11-2 North run to put them back up by 6 with 4:30 left in the half. Henry cuts it to 4. Dembley takes a turnover for 2 and an Isaac Johnson hoop in the last minute push the North lead to 49-40 at half.
Tyler Johnson had a big 1st half but picks up his 4th foul less than 2 minutes in and has to sit. North shooting kicks in early in the 2nd half. Dembley for 3 and 2 free throws. Jamil Jackson steps back for 2 and then hits a 3 off a side ball screen. Isaac Johnson then buries a pair of 3s. 69-57 North with 13:10 left. A missed North dunk and a technical give Henry 3 of 4 free throws but they miss a front end on the possession. D. Edwards-Brown with a 3 point play and 2-3 free throws to cut the margin to 8. This is after Tyler Johnson comes back in the game with more than 12 minutes left. Henry won't get any closer. Dembley makes a free throw and eventually converts a hoop off the other miss. Issac Johnson runs for a layup and makes 2 free throws to break the Henry momentum. Another Dembley hoop and 2 more Isaac Johnson free throws push the lead to 88-70 with 6:23 left. North goes on to win 106-91.
Post Game
For Henry, Savion Scott off the bench with 15 of his 21 in the second half. Julian Jackson with 20. All 5 Patriots starters reach double figures. Henry falls to 10-4 overall and 4-2 in the Minneapolis City. They host Hill-Murray in the MLK Classic on Monday. Then league home games vs Roosevelt and Washburn finish the week.
For North, their stars shine. Pat Dembley and Issac Johnson 29 each. Tyler Johnson chips in with 23 despite 2nd half foul trouble. Neither team will be happy with their defensive effort. Kids getting to the rim left and right. Plus easy chances on the offensive glass both ways. Just a matter that North had more firepower tonight. North pulls 2 games ahead in the Minneapolis City at 6-0. They are now 12-2 overall. They host Southwest Friday and then a quick turnaround vs #5AA Minnehaha on Saturday afternoon.
Off to #8AAA Minneapolis Henry to see the Patriots take on archrival #1A Minneapolis North. Henry comes in 1 game behind North for 1st in the Minneapolis City standings. The Henry pep band is in attendance and that's the only open area of the building as the fans fill up each side. Pat Rock and crew working tonight. If I don't see The Rev doing this game, I may not see him all year. I was trying to remember the last time these teams played when both were ranked. Hamline and Augsburg in the building to watch. Great to see this rivalry start to come back. No concessions so its kick back and enjoy.
Song of the Day
Sugar Hill Gang - Rapper's Delight
Number of Teams I've Seen: 113 (41 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 72 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 420 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
- Pepsi: 204 ounces (2300 Calories) + 1.5 liters (630 Calories)
- Coke: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 48 ounces (600 Calories)
- Sprite: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Water: 3.5 Liters + 120 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
Jamil Jackson for 3 to open the scoring and its a track meet. Tyler Johnson with a dunk and a layup. Julian Jackson countering with a layup and a dunk. 19-16 North at the 11:18 mark. Lamar Wood with a strong block and we go the other way only to see a sensational block by Tyler Johnson. He's amped up. Julian Jackson with another dunk, Jordan Lynn with a floater and Wood on the offensive glass. 7-0 Henry run for a 27-24 lead with 7 minutes left in the half. North counters with Pat Dembley for 2, Isaac Johnson coast to coast, Tyler Johnson a 3 point play, post up and a lob dunk. 11-2 North run to put them back up by 6 with 4:30 left in the half. Henry cuts it to 4. Dembley takes a turnover for 2 and an Isaac Johnson hoop in the last minute push the North lead to 49-40 at half.
Tyler Johnson had a big 1st half but picks up his 4th foul less than 2 minutes in and has to sit. North shooting kicks in early in the 2nd half. Dembley for 3 and 2 free throws. Jamil Jackson steps back for 2 and then hits a 3 off a side ball screen. Isaac Johnson then buries a pair of 3s. 69-57 North with 13:10 left. A missed North dunk and a technical give Henry 3 of 4 free throws but they miss a front end on the possession. D. Edwards-Brown with a 3 point play and 2-3 free throws to cut the margin to 8. This is after Tyler Johnson comes back in the game with more than 12 minutes left. Henry won't get any closer. Dembley makes a free throw and eventually converts a hoop off the other miss. Issac Johnson runs for a layup and makes 2 free throws to break the Henry momentum. Another Dembley hoop and 2 more Isaac Johnson free throws push the lead to 88-70 with 6:23 left. North goes on to win 106-91.
Post Game
For Henry, Savion Scott off the bench with 15 of his 21 in the second half. Julian Jackson with 20. All 5 Patriots starters reach double figures. Henry falls to 10-4 overall and 4-2 in the Minneapolis City. They host Hill-Murray in the MLK Classic on Monday. Then league home games vs Roosevelt and Washburn finish the week.
For North, their stars shine. Pat Dembley and Issac Johnson 29 each. Tyler Johnson chips in with 23 despite 2nd half foul trouble. Neither team will be happy with their defensive effort. Kids getting to the rim left and right. Plus easy chances on the offensive glass both ways. Just a matter that North had more firepower tonight. North pulls 2 games ahead in the Minneapolis City at 6-0. They are now 12-2 overall. They host Southwest Friday and then a quick turnaround vs #5AA Minnehaha on Saturday afternoon.
Lions zone out vs Maranatha
Prologue
Its another edition of Monday Night Unwatchable Basketball. Tonight's edition takes me to Providence Academy with the new dome (for football not hoops). They take on former MCAA rival Maranatha. But without a Hanson on the roster its a totally different Maranatha team. I add a hot dog and another 500 ml of water to the tickers. Hollywood, George Clooney and Ken Jeong get the officiating duties. Quality music on the public address. Today's tune is a sampling.
Song of the Day
Heavy D and the Boyz - Now That We Found Love
Number of Teams I've Seen: 111 (39 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 70 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 420 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
I show up at Providence and a Jefferson game breaks out. Its understandable with Matt Richelsen out for the season with a knee injury. Providence 2-3 zone like the old days. Dominic Miller with a 3 point play off pick and roll for a 9-3 lead at 12:27 . The zone not doing a good job defending the high post. 8th grade forward Austin Andrews exploiting that catching and attacking. Jackson Baird off the bench for 3 to put Providence up 16-10 at the 5:15 mark. Frosh Justin Mason counters with a floater and another hoop, Andrews puts back a miss. 21 all at the half.
The second half is all Providence. Maranatha can't do anything against the 2-3 zone. Drew Lahr all over the offensive glass and too big for the young Mustangs lineup. Providence does a better job defending the middle of the zone, but Maranatha got away from looking for Andrews there. Early in the game they got really good inside/out action from it. The offense struggled so much, coach Jeff Wall decided to just run his Euro ball screen man offense against the zone. Hey why not, try anything. Maranatha only 2 2nd half field goals. They get outscored 29-5 in the 2nd half. Providence wins 50-26.
Post Game:
Maranatha's 2 game winning streak is snapped. They fall to 3-9 overall and stand 2-3 in the MCAA. They play 2 juniors with 1 soph, 3 freshman and their top kid is an 8th grader. All the seniors play JV. It will pay dividends long term but makes for a very rough season this year. They avoided chances to penetrate the zone and couldn't make outside shots. Frosh Justin Mason leads MCA with 12 points. 8th grade forward Austin Andrews with 8 points. Kind of reminds me of Wayzata senior Austin Slater. Maranatha hosts Trinity on Thursday.
Providence improves to 6-7 overall. They are 1-1 in IMAC play. Coach Lamar Detert keeps an incredibly tight leash on his squad. So many instances where he held his team back in transition, even after the game was out of hand. For a team that doesn't have much firepower, you might think he'd want to run when the opportunity appears. Not so here as they play as slow as anybody you'll see, including Jefferson. They only play 6 guys (7th in an emergency, even in this blowout). Forward Drew Lahr with 13 of his 19 in the 2nd half. He was too big in the lane and showed a nice short jumper. He was used with their main weapon PG Dominic Miller in high pick and roll a ton. Miller finished with 16 points. The Lions host Breck on Friday.
Its another edition of Monday Night Unwatchable Basketball. Tonight's edition takes me to Providence Academy with the new dome (for football not hoops). They take on former MCAA rival Maranatha. But without a Hanson on the roster its a totally different Maranatha team. I add a hot dog and another 500 ml of water to the tickers. Hollywood, George Clooney and Ken Jeong get the officiating duties. Quality music on the public address. Today's tune is a sampling.
Song of the Day
Heavy D and the Boyz - Now That We Found Love
Number of Teams I've Seen: 111 (39 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 70 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 420 ounces (3460 calories) + 5.5 liters (670 calories)
- Pepsi: 204 ounces (2300 Calories) + 1.5 liters (630 Calories)
- Coke: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 48 ounces (600 Calories)
- Sprite: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Water: 3.5 Liters + 120 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game Time:
I show up at Providence and a Jefferson game breaks out. Its understandable with Matt Richelsen out for the season with a knee injury. Providence 2-3 zone like the old days. Dominic Miller with a 3 point play off pick and roll for a 9-3 lead at 12:27 . The zone not doing a good job defending the high post. 8th grade forward Austin Andrews exploiting that catching and attacking. Jackson Baird off the bench for 3 to put Providence up 16-10 at the 5:15 mark. Frosh Justin Mason counters with a floater and another hoop, Andrews puts back a miss. 21 all at the half.
The second half is all Providence. Maranatha can't do anything against the 2-3 zone. Drew Lahr all over the offensive glass and too big for the young Mustangs lineup. Providence does a better job defending the middle of the zone, but Maranatha got away from looking for Andrews there. Early in the game they got really good inside/out action from it. The offense struggled so much, coach Jeff Wall decided to just run his Euro ball screen man offense against the zone. Hey why not, try anything. Maranatha only 2 2nd half field goals. They get outscored 29-5 in the 2nd half. Providence wins 50-26.
Post Game:
Maranatha's 2 game winning streak is snapped. They fall to 3-9 overall and stand 2-3 in the MCAA. They play 2 juniors with 1 soph, 3 freshman and their top kid is an 8th grader. All the seniors play JV. It will pay dividends long term but makes for a very rough season this year. They avoided chances to penetrate the zone and couldn't make outside shots. Frosh Justin Mason leads MCA with 12 points. 8th grade forward Austin Andrews with 8 points. Kind of reminds me of Wayzata senior Austin Slater. Maranatha hosts Trinity on Thursday.
Providence improves to 6-7 overall. They are 1-1 in IMAC play. Coach Lamar Detert keeps an incredibly tight leash on his squad. So many instances where he held his team back in transition, even after the game was out of hand. For a team that doesn't have much firepower, you might think he'd want to run when the opportunity appears. Not so here as they play as slow as anybody you'll see, including Jefferson. They only play 6 guys (7th in an emergency, even in this blowout). Forward Drew Lahr with 13 of his 19 in the 2nd half. He was too big in the lane and showed a nice short jumper. He was used with their main weapon PG Dominic Miller in high pick and roll a ton. Miller finished with 16 points. The Lions host Breck on Friday.
Weekly 360 Windmill - Jan 10 2016
We're at the midpoint of the 2015-16 season. Seems far too soon. This edition of the Weekly 360 Windmill takes a look at another loaded Tuesday on the schedule and the Czar's hometown event
Week 8 Review
Here's 6 teams that have a tough week ahead
Friday's schedule doesn't disappoint
The event of note Saturday is the Midwest Players Classic down in La Crosse, WI. Its the 6th annual edition and its the deepest schedule they've ever had with 6 solid boys games.
Week 8 Review
- 2 losses by a total of 3 points for Eden Prairie last week to high quality opponents De La Salle and Wayzata. Eagles are now 6-8.
- Totino-Grace loses 3 in a row last week. That included a home loss to Park Center and a Saturday afternoon upset at White Bear Lake. Eagles reeling right now and they go to Osseo and Elk River this week. Ouch
- Great week for Benilde-St. Margaret's coming from 17 down to beat Chaska and then winning a 1 point game at Jefferson.
- Great statement week for Osseo with a big comeback at Armstrong and then beating Champlin Park on the road. 2 totally different games within the Champlin Park game with Kameron Bettie dominating during Theo John's foul trouble. They will likely be #4 in this week's poll.
- Interesting week for Shakopee going into Lakeville South and losing by 18, but they get 30 from Steffon Mitchell to win a thriller at Lakeville North on Friday.
- Mounds View loses at CDH and then Woodbury takes it to them by 26. Just wondering if Mounds View can get enough offense from people other than Nate Albers. That win puts Woodbury solidly in 2nd in the Suburban East.
- Jimmy Vollbrecht with a school record 47 for Jordan in their win over SW Christian.
- Minneapolis South is that team that jumps up and bites you. They beat Edina by 7 on Tuesday. The Tigers have 10 of their 14 games decided by 8 points or less.
Here's 6 teams that have a tough week ahead
- #3AAAA Maple Grove
- Heritage
- St. Louis Park
- #1AAAA Apple Valley
- Brooklyn Center
- Totino-Grace
- #1A North at #8AAA Henry in a battle of the 2 top teams in the Minneapolis City. No love lost there either.
- #3AAAA Maple Grove at #8AAAA Armstrong. Big game for Armstrong in the NW Suburban - West where they are 2 back.
- Totino-Grace at #5AAAA Osseo
- Lakeville North at Apple Valley. North 1 game back in the South Suburban after losing to Shakopee on Friday.
- New Life at Heritage in a matchup of MCAA division leaders.
- St. Louis Park at Benilde-St. Margaret's. Rivalry game with both teams 1 game back in the Metro West.
- #1AAA De La Salle at Brooklyn Center in the 1st of 2 tough ones this week for Brooklyn Center
Friday's schedule doesn't disappoint
- Tartan at N. St. Paul. District rivals and both are undefeated in the Metro East.
- #1AAAA Apple Valley at Shakopee. Shakopee also 1 game back. With 2 wins this week, Apple Valley would be 2 games clear in the top spot.
- #5AAAA Osseo at #3AAAA Maple Grove. Big rivalry game here and both are undefeated in the Northwest Suburban -West.
- Community of Peace at Hope Academy. This is a possible EMAC title game preview. Both undefeated in league play so far.
- Totino-Grace at #10AAAA Elk River. Elk River keeping pace with Champlin Park on top of the NW Suburban - North.
- Cooper at St. Louis Park. Cooper leads Metro West currently. This starts a tough 5 game stretch for Cooper where they play the other 4 league contenders and Hopkins.
The event of note Saturday is the Midwest Players Classic down in La Crosse, WI. Its the 6th annual edition and its the deepest schedule they've ever had with 6 solid boys games.
- #1AA St. Croix Lutheran takes on Waverly-Shell Rock (IA) and UNI commit Austin Phyfe. Great test for UMD commit Trenton Krueger there. Crusaders have a battle with Brooklyn Center the night before and then the early tip after the long trip Saturday morning.
- Then #2AA Caledonia and #5A Rushford-Peterson take the court for the next 2 games against Wisconsin opponents. Rushford-Peterson has a tough test against #7AA St. Charles the night before.
- #3AAAA Maple Grove takes on #6 D1 Milwaukee Riverside. These teams had a chance to see each other play at the Timberwolves Shootout. Tough turnaround for Maple Grove after the rivalry game with Osseo the night before.
- #4AAAA Champlin Park takes on #1 D1 Stevens Point (defending WI state champ with Marquette commit Sam Hauser and UWGB commit Trev Anderson). McKinley Wright vs Trev Anderson is an outstanding matchup.
- The day ends with #1 D2 Kaukauna and high-major PG Jordan McCabe taking on #2 D2 La Crosse Central and Wisconsin commit Kobe King.
Second half rallies and a Class A showdown
Prologue
Its a no event Saturday which means its time to tour the metro. The day started with a another metro west look. A cold walking taco still manages to supply calories there. Coke washes that down. Then its off to the northside for a class A showdown. Then its always a pleasure to catch an outstate game here and there. The Target Center supplies that with prep legend Joel McDonald on the bench.
Song of the Day
Garth Brooks - Thunder Rolls
Number of Teams I've Seen: 111 (39 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 70 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 420 ounces (3460 calories) + 5 liters (670 calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game 1: Minneapolis Roosevelt at Robbinsdale Cooper
The surprising Hawks come in on a 9 game winning streak. They flipped the benches to the other side of the court which makes for a weird look. Cooper jumps out to a 10-3 lead with a couple of Nate Hill hoops. Roosevelt counters with an 18-2 run thanks to 10 from guard Martez Rodgers. That helps the Teddies to a 30-21 halftime lead. But their offense disappears in the 2nd half. After an opening 3 from Devon Hannah pushes the lead to 12, Cooper scores 25 of the next 29 points. Melvin Newbern was all over the offensive board. He scores 7 in a row early in the run. Then after Hill scores to put the Hawks back on top, its Newbern with the clutch putback for the 3 point play. That was right after Elijah Hannah fouled out for Roosevelt with 6:11 left. Newburn hits his free throws down the stretch to put it away. Cooper wins their 10th straight 53-41. Melvin Newburn with 28 points, 19 after halftime. Martez Rodgers 15 of his 19 in the 1st half for Roosevelt. 5 field goals was all the offense the Teddies could muster in the 2nd half.
Game 2: #3A Central MN Christian at #1A Minneapolis North
The Central Minnesota Christian fans turned out in force for this one. They ended up outnumbering the North fans and taking over the North student section. Impressive for a 2 hour trip on a cold weekend. The story of this one was turnovers. Jamil Jackson and Tyler Johnson running and dunking. Central Minnesota Christian would be within 23-20 at the 7:30 mark. But North would go on a 17-4 run thanks to a Tyler Johnson dunk and Isaac Johnson knocking down a pair of 3s. The lead was 20 at half and more of the same in the 2nd half. North wins 79-49. Tyler Johnson with 20 points, Jamil Jackson 15. Isaac Johnson 4 3s for 12. Ethan Brouwer leads CMCS with 14. Don't sleep on CMCS. They run really good halfcourt motion offense and will be a very tough out in section 3A. Plus they have 3 starters and 2 reserves coming back next year.
Game 3: Hibbing vs Zimmerman (at Target Center)
Its late night at Target Center with games running an hour behind for the last tip. Hibbing coach Joel McDonald is 1 only 9 players to score more than 3000 career points. He has the Bluejackets at 7-2 and fighting for a top seed in 7AAA. The Zimmerman Thunder have Thunder Heyer on the roster. You can't make this stuff up, how perfect. Now all we need is a tourney with the Chanhassen Storm, Eastview Lightning, Houston Hurricanes and Zimmerman and we have that element of the weather completely covered. This was one was very even throughout. Hibbing up 3 with about 4 minutes to go but Hibbing wouldn't score another field goal. Zimmerman finishes the game on a 14-1 run. Thunder Heyer leads all scorers with 17. Minot St commit Kody Dwyer 13 points and 8 boards on my sheet. Taylor McEachern adds 14. Not a good loss for Hibbing in terms of section seeding. Travis Carruth leads them with 13 points. But besides point guard Nate Stark who runs a good show for them, they have 4 starters coming back next year so the Bluejackets have plenty to look forward to.
Its a no event Saturday which means its time to tour the metro. The day started with a another metro west look. A cold walking taco still manages to supply calories there. Coke washes that down. Then its off to the northside for a class A showdown. Then its always a pleasure to catch an outstate game here and there. The Target Center supplies that with prep legend Joel McDonald on the bench.
Song of the Day
Garth Brooks - Thunder Rolls
Number of Teams I've Seen: 111 (39 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 70 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 420 ounces (3460 calories) + 5 liters (670 calories)
- Pepsi: 204 ounces (2300 Calories) + 1.5 liters (630 Calories)
- Coke: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 48 ounces (600 Calories)
- Sprite: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Water: 3 Liters + 120 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 7
Game 1: Minneapolis Roosevelt at Robbinsdale Cooper
The surprising Hawks come in on a 9 game winning streak. They flipped the benches to the other side of the court which makes for a weird look. Cooper jumps out to a 10-3 lead with a couple of Nate Hill hoops. Roosevelt counters with an 18-2 run thanks to 10 from guard Martez Rodgers. That helps the Teddies to a 30-21 halftime lead. But their offense disappears in the 2nd half. After an opening 3 from Devon Hannah pushes the lead to 12, Cooper scores 25 of the next 29 points. Melvin Newbern was all over the offensive board. He scores 7 in a row early in the run. Then after Hill scores to put the Hawks back on top, its Newbern with the clutch putback for the 3 point play. That was right after Elijah Hannah fouled out for Roosevelt with 6:11 left. Newburn hits his free throws down the stretch to put it away. Cooper wins their 10th straight 53-41. Melvin Newburn with 28 points, 19 after halftime. Martez Rodgers 15 of his 19 in the 1st half for Roosevelt. 5 field goals was all the offense the Teddies could muster in the 2nd half.
Game 2: #3A Central MN Christian at #1A Minneapolis North
The Central Minnesota Christian fans turned out in force for this one. They ended up outnumbering the North fans and taking over the North student section. Impressive for a 2 hour trip on a cold weekend. The story of this one was turnovers. Jamil Jackson and Tyler Johnson running and dunking. Central Minnesota Christian would be within 23-20 at the 7:30 mark. But North would go on a 17-4 run thanks to a Tyler Johnson dunk and Isaac Johnson knocking down a pair of 3s. The lead was 20 at half and more of the same in the 2nd half. North wins 79-49. Tyler Johnson with 20 points, Jamil Jackson 15. Isaac Johnson 4 3s for 12. Ethan Brouwer leads CMCS with 14. Don't sleep on CMCS. They run really good halfcourt motion offense and will be a very tough out in section 3A. Plus they have 3 starters and 2 reserves coming back next year.
Game 3: Hibbing vs Zimmerman (at Target Center)
Its late night at Target Center with games running an hour behind for the last tip. Hibbing coach Joel McDonald is 1 only 9 players to score more than 3000 career points. He has the Bluejackets at 7-2 and fighting for a top seed in 7AAA. The Zimmerman Thunder have Thunder Heyer on the roster. You can't make this stuff up, how perfect. Now all we need is a tourney with the Chanhassen Storm, Eastview Lightning, Houston Hurricanes and Zimmerman and we have that element of the weather completely covered. This was one was very even throughout. Hibbing up 3 with about 4 minutes to go but Hibbing wouldn't score another field goal. Zimmerman finishes the game on a 14-1 run. Thunder Heyer leads all scorers with 17. Minot St commit Kody Dwyer 13 points and 8 boards on my sheet. Taylor McEachern adds 14. Not a good loss for Hibbing in terms of section seeding. Travis Carruth leads them with 13 points. But besides point guard Nate Stark who runs a good show for them, they have 4 starters coming back next year so the Bluejackets have plenty to look forward to.
Orioles keep rolling
Prologue
Off to the house that Jim Petersen built. Its another tour of the Metro West as St. Louis Park hosts Bloomington Kennedy. St. Louis Park's last conference title was 30 years ago in 1986 and its their only title since the days of Petersen. Always good to catch up with Kennedy coach Willie Braziel to catch up on high school and AAU happenings. 1 can of Dr Pepper supplies tonight's concessions (can't resist the McDonald's across the street).
Song of the Day
Willie and the Hand Jive - Eric Clapton
Number of Teams I've Seen: 106 (37 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 67 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 396 ounces (3170 calories) + 5 liters (670 calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 6
Game Time:
Soph PG Cire Mayfield opens the scoring for St. Louis Park with a layup, Mykal Howard converts a turnover for a layup. 6-0 Orioles lead 2 minutes in. Howard takes another turnover for a layup and 2 more Mayfield layups. 15-5 St. Louis Park at 11:35 and Kennedy takes a timeout. Kennedy comes out of their 2-3 and goes man. Jack Lynch off the bench and nails a BLOB 3 and another hoop. Mayfield with another layup and 2 free throws. 34-8 St. Louis Park with 5 minutes left in the half. Kennedy soph PG Markel Aune goes for 13 points from there until halftime to keep the margin from getting any bigger. 51-23 St. Louis Park at the half. 20 Kennedy turnovers leading to all kinds of easy hoops for St. Louis Park.
Kennedy leaves Aune in but swaps in 3 sophs and a junior to start the 2nd half. That doesn't help all that much as the lead gets to 35 on another Mayfield layup with 13:43 left. St. Louis Park starts to empty the bench at the 10 minute mark. Its 45 when we get to the 9 minute mark. The rest is running time. St. Louis Park rolls 90-45.
Post Game
As Hubie Brown once said, if you haven't been 1-21, stick around long enough, you'll get there. Kennedy falls to 0-15 for the season, 0-3 in the Metro West. A very long season of blowouts. The schedule has given some nasty games too. Hopkins, Mounds View, Woodbury, at Wayzata, Edina, Lake City some of the tough teams they've played. Hope may be on the distant horizon with a nice group of sophs and a couple nice youth teams. Remember Braziel had Jacob Thomas at Columbia Heights and after a so so soph year, they put it all together 2 years later. Markel Aune scored 16 of his 21 in the 1st half to lead the Eagles. Kennedy hosts Cooper on Tuesday and goes to Chaska on Friday.
St. Louis Park rebounds after 2 tough losses to Edina and Jefferson. They are now 10-4 overall and 2-1 in the Metro West. Soph PG Cire Mayfield leads the Orioles with 17. 5 in double figures overall. They did a nice job of getting out and running for a ton of easy hoops. They have a big rivalry game at Benilde-St. Margaret's on Tuesday to stay 1 game back. Then they host league leader Cooper on Friday.
Off to the house that Jim Petersen built. Its another tour of the Metro West as St. Louis Park hosts Bloomington Kennedy. St. Louis Park's last conference title was 30 years ago in 1986 and its their only title since the days of Petersen. Always good to catch up with Kennedy coach Willie Braziel to catch up on high school and AAU happenings. 1 can of Dr Pepper supplies tonight's concessions (can't resist the McDonald's across the street).
Song of the Day
Willie and the Hand Jive - Eric Clapton
Number of Teams I've Seen: 106 (37 courts, 2 new, 2 TV games, 67 varsity games)
Beverage Ticker: 396 ounces (3170 calories) + 5 liters (670 calories)
- Pepsi: 192 ounces (2150 Calories) + 1.5 liters (630 Calories)
- Coke: 12 ounces (140 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 48 ounces (600 Calories)
- Sprite: 24 ounces (280 Calories)
- Water: 3 Liters + 120 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 6
Game Time:
Soph PG Cire Mayfield opens the scoring for St. Louis Park with a layup, Mykal Howard converts a turnover for a layup. 6-0 Orioles lead 2 minutes in. Howard takes another turnover for a layup and 2 more Mayfield layups. 15-5 St. Louis Park at 11:35 and Kennedy takes a timeout. Kennedy comes out of their 2-3 and goes man. Jack Lynch off the bench and nails a BLOB 3 and another hoop. Mayfield with another layup and 2 free throws. 34-8 St. Louis Park with 5 minutes left in the half. Kennedy soph PG Markel Aune goes for 13 points from there until halftime to keep the margin from getting any bigger. 51-23 St. Louis Park at the half. 20 Kennedy turnovers leading to all kinds of easy hoops for St. Louis Park.
Kennedy leaves Aune in but swaps in 3 sophs and a junior to start the 2nd half. That doesn't help all that much as the lead gets to 35 on another Mayfield layup with 13:43 left. St. Louis Park starts to empty the bench at the 10 minute mark. Its 45 when we get to the 9 minute mark. The rest is running time. St. Louis Park rolls 90-45.
Post Game
As Hubie Brown once said, if you haven't been 1-21, stick around long enough, you'll get there. Kennedy falls to 0-15 for the season, 0-3 in the Metro West. A very long season of blowouts. The schedule has given some nasty games too. Hopkins, Mounds View, Woodbury, at Wayzata, Edina, Lake City some of the tough teams they've played. Hope may be on the distant horizon with a nice group of sophs and a couple nice youth teams. Remember Braziel had Jacob Thomas at Columbia Heights and after a so so soph year, they put it all together 2 years later. Markel Aune scored 16 of his 21 in the 1st half to lead the Eagles. Kennedy hosts Cooper on Tuesday and goes to Chaska on Friday.
St. Louis Park rebounds after 2 tough losses to Edina and Jefferson. They are now 10-4 overall and 2-1 in the Metro West. Soph PG Cire Mayfield leads the Orioles with 17. 5 in double figures overall. They did a nice job of getting out and running for a ton of easy hoops. They have a big rivalry game at Benilde-St. Margaret's on Tuesday to stay 1 game back. Then they host league leader Cooper on Friday.
Raptors and Raiders in Roseville
Prologue
To Roseville for what seems to be an annual trip for their Suburban East game with East Ridge. No concessions except a 20 oz bottle of water. Outstanding work from the Roseville pep band. Have to like the fact that they perform all game and after the game. That compares to the usual pregame and halftime only performances you see.
Song of the Day
Crazy Train - Ozzy Ozbourne (courtesy of Roseville Pep Band)
Number of Teams I've Seen: 103 (36 courts, 2 new, 1 TV game)
Tickers are on hold to update with holiday concessions.
Game Time:
Aleksa Ognjanovic for 3 and a Terrell James hoop for a 5-2 Roseville lead at 14:40. From there, this one is all East Ridge. Nick Christensen a pull up and a triple in an 15-2 run. 17-7 Raptors at 9:26. Zach Bennett off the bench with 2 jumpers in the run. Roseville cuts it to 8 then the Raptors pull away with a 13-0 run. Christensen with another bomb and a lefty finish off a turnover. 3 post ups from Kyle Junker including a pretty up and under. Star frosh Courtney Brown takes another turnover for 2 to finish it. 32-11 East Ridge at 4:05. Henry Bensen (recent Carleton signee) triggers an 8-2 Roseville spurt to end the half with a 3 point play. 34-19 East Ridge at the break.
The 2nd half is insomnia theater. Alek Ognjanovic for 3 to start this half as well. Roseville adds a free throw and they are within 11, 34-23 16:48 left. But they score only 7 points the rest of the way. Brown to the rack for 2 and a putback, Junker another post move and a Luke Coquyt adds 2 more. 42-23 East Ridge 11:50 left. They go 5 out and kill the clock for most of the rest of the way. East Ridge wins 52-30
Post Game
For Roseville, Henry Benson and Alexsa Ognjanovic with 8 each. 4 second half hoops for the Raiders. They're playing a lot of guys for next year. The cupboard is fairly bare though. They have major problems generating offense. Roseville falls to 4-10 overall and have lost 7 of their last 8. In the Suburban East they are 2-5. Next up is a trip to St. Paul Central on Saturday and then they host Eden Prairie and Forest Lake next week.
East Ridge ends up with 3 in double figures. Junior SG Nick Christensen with all 12 of his points in the first half. That included a pair of 3s. Zach Bennett with 11 points off the Raptors bench knocking down shots as well. Senior center Kyle Junker has definitely improved his game. Great footwork inside from the big fella on his way to 10 points. The Raptors aren't terribly athletic outside of Courtney Brown. Roseville was able to get some dribble penetration. The Raptors improve to 6-7 overall, 2-4 in the Suburban East. They've now won 4 out of 5. Next week they host White Bear Lake and travel to Park and Owatonna.
To Roseville for what seems to be an annual trip for their Suburban East game with East Ridge. No concessions except a 20 oz bottle of water. Outstanding work from the Roseville pep band. Have to like the fact that they perform all game and after the game. That compares to the usual pregame and halftime only performances you see.
Song of the Day
Crazy Train - Ozzy Ozbourne (courtesy of Roseville Pep Band)
Number of Teams I've Seen: 103 (36 courts, 2 new, 1 TV game)
Tickers are on hold to update with holiday concessions.
Game Time:
Aleksa Ognjanovic for 3 and a Terrell James hoop for a 5-2 Roseville lead at 14:40. From there, this one is all East Ridge. Nick Christensen a pull up and a triple in an 15-2 run. 17-7 Raptors at 9:26. Zach Bennett off the bench with 2 jumpers in the run. Roseville cuts it to 8 then the Raptors pull away with a 13-0 run. Christensen with another bomb and a lefty finish off a turnover. 3 post ups from Kyle Junker including a pretty up and under. Star frosh Courtney Brown takes another turnover for 2 to finish it. 32-11 East Ridge at 4:05. Henry Bensen (recent Carleton signee) triggers an 8-2 Roseville spurt to end the half with a 3 point play. 34-19 East Ridge at the break.
The 2nd half is insomnia theater. Alek Ognjanovic for 3 to start this half as well. Roseville adds a free throw and they are within 11, 34-23 16:48 left. But they score only 7 points the rest of the way. Brown to the rack for 2 and a putback, Junker another post move and a Luke Coquyt adds 2 more. 42-23 East Ridge 11:50 left. They go 5 out and kill the clock for most of the rest of the way. East Ridge wins 52-30
Post Game
For Roseville, Henry Benson and Alexsa Ognjanovic with 8 each. 4 second half hoops for the Raiders. They're playing a lot of guys for next year. The cupboard is fairly bare though. They have major problems generating offense. Roseville falls to 4-10 overall and have lost 7 of their last 8. In the Suburban East they are 2-5. Next up is a trip to St. Paul Central on Saturday and then they host Eden Prairie and Forest Lake next week.
East Ridge ends up with 3 in double figures. Junior SG Nick Christensen with all 12 of his points in the first half. That included a pair of 3s. Zach Bennett with 11 points off the Raptors bench knocking down shots as well. Senior center Kyle Junker has definitely improved his game. Great footwork inside from the big fella on his way to 10 points. The Raptors aren't terribly athletic outside of Courtney Brown. Roseville was able to get some dribble penetration. The Raptors improve to 6-7 overall, 2-4 in the Suburban East. They've now won 4 out of 5. Next week they host White Bear Lake and travel to Park and Owatonna.
A big comeback in the Metro West
Prologue
Back to the day to day grind now that January is here. Its game 64 of my season and its takes me to the Haben Center for my 1st look at Benilde-St. Margaret's. The Red Knights hosting Chaska in a battle of 2 of the best in the Metro West. A quick night for the BSM pep band and they are most of the student crowd. Surprising as the Red Knight students usually turn out well. Back to water as well and nothing else for concessions. Though I did miss out on what looked like good pizza.
Song of the Day
Love Yourself - Justin Bieber
Number of Teams I've Seen: 101 (35 courts, 2 new, 1 TV game)
Tickers are on hold to update with holiday concessions.
Game Time:
The 1st half belongs to Myles Hanson and Chaska. Hanson with a dunk, a jumper off a screen and roll and a 3 point play via the offensive glass. Add in another putback and bucket. He scores the 1st 11 Hawks points. Meanwhile, Benilde's Swing Offense is generating absolutely nothing (why not last year's 2-3 high with many of the same guys). Michael Wexler finally breaks the ice for BSM at the 9:50 mark. So its 1 FG in the 1st 11:10 for the Red Knights. But despite Hanson playing well with 21 points, Chaska only takes a 28-21 lead to halftime. Nobody besides Hanson able to throw it in the ocean.
Luke Hennen 2 quick hoops to start the 2nd half for Chaska. Luke Roskam (who we liked so much in the Eastview game) with a putback and Hanson to the rack for 2 more to end the 10-0 Chaska run. 38-21 Hawks with 13:43 left. Then Eli Cave goes nuts for BSM. 2 hoops and he takes a charge on Hanson. He follows that with another drive and a pretty screen and roll hoop and then he goes bombs away for 3. Another pick and roll hoop and he has 13 in a row. Payton Miller for 3 and a Will Whitmore free throw to end the 21-3 BSM run in 8:43. 42-41 Benilde-St. Margaret's leads with 4:52 left. The first BSM lead since 5-4 5 minutes into the game. Hanson with a steal for 2 to break the run and a field goal drought of over 8 minutes. Then Sam Baker with a big 3 with 4:10 left to put BSM on top for good. While they wouldn't make another field goal, 9-10 FTs down the stretch was enough. A pair of late 3s give Chaska a chance but Hanson's 3 at the buzzer is just off. Benilde-St. Margaret's comes from 17 down in the 2nd half to win 54-51.
Post Game
For Chaska, Myles Hanson with 21 of his 28 points in the 1st half to go with 10 rebounds on my sheet. Chaska's man defense in the 1st half totally befuddled the Swing Offense. Chaska falls to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in the Metro West. Tough loss for the Hawks as this one was in hand being up 17. A win here would have been big in the league standings. Road wins will be tough to come by against the top teams. They host arch rival Chanhassen on Friday.
For Benilde-St. Margaret's, Eli Cave scores 15 of his 19 in the 2nd half. His energy on both ends in the 2nd half totally changed the game. Off night for Sam Baker with 14 points on 4-14 FGs on my sheet. But he made the big 3 that put them on top for good. Winona State coach Zach Malvik in the house watching their recruit. The Red Knights shoot 17-19 from the charity stripe compared to 3-5 for Chaska. Benilde-St. Margaret's is now 8-4 overall, 1-1 in the Metro West. They host neighborhood rival St. Louis Park and Chanhassen next week.
Back to the day to day grind now that January is here. Its game 64 of my season and its takes me to the Haben Center for my 1st look at Benilde-St. Margaret's. The Red Knights hosting Chaska in a battle of 2 of the best in the Metro West. A quick night for the BSM pep band and they are most of the student crowd. Surprising as the Red Knight students usually turn out well. Back to water as well and nothing else for concessions. Though I did miss out on what looked like good pizza.
Song of the Day
Love Yourself - Justin Bieber
Number of Teams I've Seen: 101 (35 courts, 2 new, 1 TV game)
Tickers are on hold to update with holiday concessions.
Game Time:
The 1st half belongs to Myles Hanson and Chaska. Hanson with a dunk, a jumper off a screen and roll and a 3 point play via the offensive glass. Add in another putback and bucket. He scores the 1st 11 Hawks points. Meanwhile, Benilde's Swing Offense is generating absolutely nothing (why not last year's 2-3 high with many of the same guys). Michael Wexler finally breaks the ice for BSM at the 9:50 mark. So its 1 FG in the 1st 11:10 for the Red Knights. But despite Hanson playing well with 21 points, Chaska only takes a 28-21 lead to halftime. Nobody besides Hanson able to throw it in the ocean.
Luke Hennen 2 quick hoops to start the 2nd half for Chaska. Luke Roskam (who we liked so much in the Eastview game) with a putback and Hanson to the rack for 2 more to end the 10-0 Chaska run. 38-21 Hawks with 13:43 left. Then Eli Cave goes nuts for BSM. 2 hoops and he takes a charge on Hanson. He follows that with another drive and a pretty screen and roll hoop and then he goes bombs away for 3. Another pick and roll hoop and he has 13 in a row. Payton Miller for 3 and a Will Whitmore free throw to end the 21-3 BSM run in 8:43. 42-41 Benilde-St. Margaret's leads with 4:52 left. The first BSM lead since 5-4 5 minutes into the game. Hanson with a steal for 2 to break the run and a field goal drought of over 8 minutes. Then Sam Baker with a big 3 with 4:10 left to put BSM on top for good. While they wouldn't make another field goal, 9-10 FTs down the stretch was enough. A pair of late 3s give Chaska a chance but Hanson's 3 at the buzzer is just off. Benilde-St. Margaret's comes from 17 down in the 2nd half to win 54-51.
Post Game
For Chaska, Myles Hanson with 21 of his 28 points in the 1st half to go with 10 rebounds on my sheet. Chaska's man defense in the 1st half totally befuddled the Swing Offense. Chaska falls to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in the Metro West. Tough loss for the Hawks as this one was in hand being up 17. A win here would have been big in the league standings. Road wins will be tough to come by against the top teams. They host arch rival Chanhassen on Friday.
For Benilde-St. Margaret's, Eli Cave scores 15 of his 19 in the 2nd half. His energy on both ends in the 2nd half totally changed the game. Off night for Sam Baker with 14 points on 4-14 FGs on my sheet. But he made the big 3 that put them on top for good. Winona State coach Zach Malvik in the house watching their recruit. The Red Knights shoot 17-19 from the charity stripe compared to 3-5 for Chaska. Benilde-St. Margaret's is now 8-4 overall, 1-1 in the Metro West. They host neighborhood rival St. Louis Park and Chanhassen next week.
Weekly 360 Windmill, Jan 4th 2016
The new year begins with a new edition of the Weekly 360 Windmill. As always a look back on the week that was and the week ahead
What did we learn from the holiday events?
We've learned that there's enough data for the 1st edition of the 2015-16 CzarPI. Read it here. The strength of schedule difference between Apple Valley and Hopkins explains why Apple Valley stays on top despite the head to head loss. Hopkins will close that as they get into league play but I wouldn't be shocked to see Apple Valley keep the top slot.
5 of the top 13 in AAA CzarPI are from section 6 (and 6 of the top 20). Only the other end of the spectrum, 6 of the 8 teams in 3AAA ranked 40th or worse. Section 8AAA with 3 of the top 5 was a real eye-opener though.
Maple Grove played Apple Valley tough before losing in St. Cloud before handling a very good Iowa City West team in the TWolves Shootout. Tywhon Pickford has been a difference maker on both ends for the Crimson. I'm now willing to put them in the same group as Apple Valley and Hopkins at the top of AAAA.
We knew the Metro East would be down due to the ton of graduation losses, but only 3 teams are above 500. The bottom 5 are a combined 18-44, ouch. Simley has had Jack Stensgard miss time due to injury. Hill-Murray has been turnover prone . 3 of Mahtomedi's 4 losses are by a combined 10 points though.
St. Paul Johnson saw their top guy Andre Smith injure a hand in the Augsburg tourney. What impact does that have on Johnson's start of St. Paul City play this week. He'll have close to a month before Johnson visits Central, then the home rematch is the final Thursday of the regular season.
Chaska knocks off Eden Prairie and Shakopee to win the Eden Prairie tourney. The 9-3 Hawks now have high quality wins over Eastview, Eden Prairie, Lakeville North and Shakopee.
Woodbury goes down to Rochester and impressively knocks off ranked Rushford-Peterson and Rochester John Marshall. The Royals are 10-2 with the only losses to Shakopee and a late loss to Cretin-Derham Hall.
Week 8 Look Ahead
4 teams stick out for me this week, #7AAAA Osseo, Benilde-St. Margaret's, #4AAAA Shakopee and Mounds View. We'll learn about these teams this week.
What did we learn from the holiday events?
We've learned that there's enough data for the 1st edition of the 2015-16 CzarPI. Read it here. The strength of schedule difference between Apple Valley and Hopkins explains why Apple Valley stays on top despite the head to head loss. Hopkins will close that as they get into league play but I wouldn't be shocked to see Apple Valley keep the top slot.
5 of the top 13 in AAA CzarPI are from section 6 (and 6 of the top 20). Only the other end of the spectrum, 6 of the 8 teams in 3AAA ranked 40th or worse. Section 8AAA with 3 of the top 5 was a real eye-opener though.
Maple Grove played Apple Valley tough before losing in St. Cloud before handling a very good Iowa City West team in the TWolves Shootout. Tywhon Pickford has been a difference maker on both ends for the Crimson. I'm now willing to put them in the same group as Apple Valley and Hopkins at the top of AAAA.
We knew the Metro East would be down due to the ton of graduation losses, but only 3 teams are above 500. The bottom 5 are a combined 18-44, ouch. Simley has had Jack Stensgard miss time due to injury. Hill-Murray has been turnover prone . 3 of Mahtomedi's 4 losses are by a combined 10 points though.
St. Paul Johnson saw their top guy Andre Smith injure a hand in the Augsburg tourney. What impact does that have on Johnson's start of St. Paul City play this week. He'll have close to a month before Johnson visits Central, then the home rematch is the final Thursday of the regular season.
Chaska knocks off Eden Prairie and Shakopee to win the Eden Prairie tourney. The 9-3 Hawks now have high quality wins over Eastview, Eden Prairie, Lakeville North and Shakopee.
Woodbury goes down to Rochester and impressively knocks off ranked Rushford-Peterson and Rochester John Marshall. The Royals are 10-2 with the only losses to Shakopee and a late loss to Cretin-Derham Hall.
Week 8 Look Ahead
4 teams stick out for me this week, #7AAAA Osseo, Benilde-St. Margaret's, #4AAAA Shakopee and Mounds View. We'll learn about these teams this week.
- Osseo is 10-0 taking care of a soft schedule. The Orioles visit #9AAAA Armstrong and #5AAAA Champlin Park this week. That's the only meeting with Champlin Park until a possible section matchup.
- Benilde-St. Margaret's hosts Chaska and visits Bloomington Jefferson this week. Those are 3 of the top teams in the Metro West along with St. Louis Park. The Red Knights are already a game back of Chaska and Chaska already has a win over Jefferson.
- Shakopee visits both Lakeville schools this week. Jack Sorenson coming off a 41 point night in a win at Tartan for Lakeville South. Lakeville North and Shakopee are undefeated in South Suburban play along with Apple Valley.
- Mounds View visits Cretin-Derham Hall in a battle of Suburban East unbeatens. Then they host upstart Woodbury at the end of the week.
- #10AAAA Chaska at Benilde-St. Margaret's
- #4AAAA Shakopee at Lakeville South
- #7AAAA Osseo at #9AAAA Armstrong
- #8AAA Totino-Grace at #3AAAA Maple Grove
- Fridley at #2AA St. Croix Lutheran
- Mounds View at Cretin-Derham Hall
- #1AAA De La Salle at Eden Prairie
- #6AAA Waconia at #1AAAA Hopkins
- #7AAAA Osseo at #5AAAA Champlin Park
- Minneapolis Washburn at #1A Minneapolis North
- St. Paul Central at #5AA Minnehaha
- Minnetonka at #9AAA Minneapolis Henry
- Shakopee at Lakeville North
- Benilde-St. Margaret's at Jefferson
- Delano at Waconia (Wright County opener for both and big for 6AAA seeding)
- Woodbury at Mounds View
January 4th, 2016 CzarPI
Labels:
15-16 CzarPI
This is the 1st CzarPI of the 2015-16 season (see CzarPI Explained Here).
It includes games through January 2nd, 2016. The value in
() after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking
within their class.
Class AAAA
Class AAAA
- Apple Valley - 62.72 (3)
- Hopkins - 61.16 (43)
- Maple Grove - 60.09 (20)
- Shakopee - 59.87 (34)
- Champlin Park - 59.42 (25)
- Lakeville North - 59.26 (40)
- Osseo - 58.32 (60)
- Minnetonka - 58.17 (22)
- Chaska - 57.88 (16)
- Robbinsdale Armstrong - 57.84 (5)
- Mounds View - 57.28 (63)
- St. Paul Central - 56.77 (45)
- Woodbury - 55.51 (47)
- Robbinsdale Cooper - 55.18 (59)
- Edina - 54.34 (29)
- Cretin-Derham Hall - 54.08 (56)
- St. Louis Park - 53.53 (52)
- Tartan - 53.43 (62)
- Brainerd - 53.18 (53)
- Park Center - 52.8 (19)
- Stillwater Area - 52.8 (57)
- Elk River - 52.56 (64)
- Rochester John Marshall - 52.2 (54)
- Duluth East - 51.83 (36)
- Farmington - 51.65 (46)
- Eastview - 51.59 (15)
- Eden Prairie - 51.2 (8)
- New Prague - 51.14 (49)
- Minneapolis South - 50.55 (32)
- Lakeville South - 50.05 (6)
- Wayzata - 49.69 (9)
- Owatonna - 49.26 (48)
- Bloomington Jefferson - 48.77 (30)
- Rogers - 48.53 (35)
- North St. Paul - 47.81 (55)
- Blaine - 46.45 (42)
- Spring Lake Park - 46.13 (23)
- Eagan - 46.1 (1)
- Forest Lake - 45.89 (28)
- East Ridge - 45.39 (21)
- Prior Lake - 45.08 (4)
- Irondale - 44.97 (11)
- Burnsville - 44.28 (18)
- St. Cloud Tech - 43.67 (2)
- St. Francis - 43.66 (41)
- Hastings - 43.32 (44)
- Minneapolis Washburn - 43.27 (50)
- Cambridge-Isanti - 42.95 (61)
- Park of Cottage Grove - 42.29 (58)
- Andover - 40.01 (10)
- Anoka - 38.49 (14)
- Minneapolis Southwest - 37.62 (13)
- Buffalo - 36.69 (26)
- Roseville - 36.66 (33)
- White Bear Lake - 35.64 (24)
- Henry Sibley - 34.84 (39)
- Chanhassen - 31.9 (38)
- Centennial - 31.84 (31)
- St. Michael-Albertville - 30.91 (12)
- Moorhead - 30.18 (7)
- Coon Rapids - 30.1 (17)
- Rosemount - 26.36 (37)
- Rochester Mayo - 21.42 (51)
- Rochester Century - 0 (27)
- Fergus Falls - 59.41 (48)
- Marshall - 59.23 (7)
- Detroit Lakes - 58.47 (25)
- Red Wing - 58.29 (57)
- Thief River Falls - 58.03 (18)
- Rocori - 57.53 (36)
- Waconia - 56.91 (50)
- Orono - 56.42 (33)
- Waseca - 56.08 (19)
- DeLaSalle - 55.51 (1)
- Delano - 54.48 (60)
- Totino-Grace - 53.17 (46)
- Minneapolis Henry - 52.78 (62)
- Hibbing - 52.72 (58)
- Austin - 52.69 (22)
- Alexandria - 52.67 (24)
- Grand Rapids - 51.67 (35)
- St. Cloud Apollo - 51.36 (13)
- Monticello - 51.18 (17)
- Benilde-St. Margaret's - 50.92 (28)
- Byron - 50.89 (47)
- Mankato East - 50.67 (37)
- Sauk Rapids-Rice - 49.97 (16)
- Columbia Heights - 49.5 (52)
- Richfield - 49.39 (21)
- Kasson-Mantorville - 49.39 (5)
- Chisago Lakes Area - 49.16 (42)
- Bemidji - 48.96 (29)
- Hermantown - 48.49 (9)
- St. Anthony Village - 48.12 (64)
- St. Paul Highland Park - 47.13 (56)
- Northfield - 46.91 (40)
- Fridley - 46.33 (4)
- Little Falls - 46.21 (3)
- Duluth Denfeld - 45.32 (32)
- Hutchinson - 45.26 (59)
- Faribault - 44.77 (43)
- Mahtomedi - 44.59 (44)
- Becker - 44.59 (41)
- Holy Angels - 44.23 (39)
- Worthington - 43.99 (34)
- Big Lake - 43.87 (14)
- Willmar - 43.54 (27)
- St. Paul Como Park - 42.68 (55)
- Zimmerman - 41.53 (38)
- Simley - 41.46 (15)
- Mankato West - 41.16 (53)
- Princeton - 40.26 (54)
- St. Paul Johnson - 39.27 (31)
- St. Paul Harding - 37.37 (63)
- North Branch - 35.65 (61)
- Stewartville - 34.97 (26)
- Winona - 34.78 (11)
- Cloquet - 34.68 (23)
- Sartell-St. Stephen - 34 (2)
- Dassel-Cokato - 32.12 (49)
- South St. Paul - 30.97 (20)
- Blake - 30.76 (45)
- Mound Westonka - 28.54 (10)
- Hill-Murray - 27.3 (30)
- New Ulm - 27.04 (51)
- St. Thomas Academy - 22.21 (6)
- Bloomington Kennedy - 0 (8)
- Albert Lea - 0 (12)
- St. Croix Lutheran - 61.27 (10)
- Melrose - 60.74 (18)
- Esko - 58.29 (61)
- Redwood Valley - 58.02 (20)
- Perham - 57.83 (51)
- Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 57.78 (38)
- Maple River - 56.66 (37)
- Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 56.52 (28)
- Southwest Christian - 56.45 (92)
- Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 56.43 (60)
- St. Charles - 56.16 (117)
- Caledonia - 55.97 (118)
- St. Paul Academy - 55.85 (11)
- Eden Valley-Watkins - 55.33 (75)
- Minnewaska Area - 55.07 (105)
- Annandale - 54.36 (106)
- Maple Lake - 53.53 (16)
- Lake City - 53.43 (111)
- Pipestone Area - 53.32 (8)
- Montevideo - 53 (24)
- Braham - 52.9 (113)
- Brooklyn Center - 52.89 (41)
- Pillager - 52.46 (89)
- Sauk Centre - 52.39 (6)
- Minnehaha Academy - 52.38 (27)
- Albany - 52.37 (91)
- Jackson County Central - 52.33 (56)
- Jordan - 52.08 (78)
- New Life Academy - 51.79 (68)
- St. Paul Washington - 51.66 (84)
- Staples-Motley - 51.42 (36)
- Pequot Lakes - 51.41 (54)
- Barnum - 51.17 (59)
- LeSueur-Henderson - 51.04 (23)
- Watertown-Mayer - 50.7 (71)
- Norwood-Young America - 50.59 (80)
- St. Peter - 50.3 (83)
- Lakeview - 50.29 (98)
- Virginia - 50.23 (116)
- St. Cloud Cathedral - 50.12 (30)
- Rockford - 50.11 (122)
- Breck - 50.11 (14)
- Proctor - 50.02 (55)
- St. Agnes - 49.67 (100)
- Breckenridge - 49.66 (31)
- Benson - 49.6 (81)
- Lewiston-Altura - 49.45 (39)
- Warroad - 49.45 (131)
- Tri-City United - 49.01 (43)
- St. Croix Prep - 48.89 (85)
- Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 48.82 (119)
- Holdingford - 48.52 (97)
- Windom Area - 48.45 (62)
- Hayfield - 48.36 (25)
- Barnesville - 48.26 (112)
- Crosby-Ironton - 48 (121)
- New Richland-H-E-G - 47.85 (82)
- Pierz - 47.57 (49)
- Spectrum - 47.08 (90)
- East Grand Forks - 46.97 (52)
- Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 46.69 (47)
- Rochester Lourdes - 46.6 (79)
- Cannon Falls - 46.01 (44)
- Foley - 45.2 (65)
- Bagley - 45.04 (123)
- Triton - 44.81 (87)
- Pine City - 44.66 (88)
- Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 44.41 (128)
- Minneapolis Roosevelt - 44.26 (1)
- Pine Island - 44.18 (50)
- Math & Science Academy - 44.17 (132)
- Luverne - 43.93 (126)
- Hinckley-Finlayson - 43.75 (130)
- Osakis - 43.55 (21)
- St. John's Prep - 43.35 (66)
- Mora - 43.31 (96)
- Rush City - 43.2 (64)
- St. Paul Humboldt - 43.14 (86)
- Charter Stars - 43.14 (124)
- Providence Academy - 42.95 (34)
- Shattuck-St. Mary's - 42.55 (109)
- Fairmont - 42 (22)
- Mounds Park Academy - 41.17 (73)
- Eveleth-Gilbert - 41.12 (107)
- New London-Spicer - 41.09 (3)
- Martin County West - 41.05 (17)
- Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 40.7 (94)
- Sibley East - 40.64 (57)
- Greenway - 40.2 (108)
- Chatfield - 39.78 (19)
- Mesabi East - 39.01 (101)
- International Falls - 38.9 (77)
- Paynesville Area - 38.25 (76)
- Winona Cotter - 38.08 (74)
- Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 37.98 (12)
- Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 37.83 (45)
- Wadena-Deer Creek - 37.65 (129)
- Belle Plaine - 37.63 (72)
- Crookston - 37.22 (53)
- St. James Area - 36.94 (33)
- La Crescent - 36.8 (32)
- Dover-Eyota - 36.25 (93)
- Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 36.17 (115)
- Hawley - 35.98 (2)
- Trinity School - 35.6 (104)
- Glencoe-Silver Lake - 35.54 (99)
- Royalton - 35 (67)
- Aitkin - 34.99 (120)
- Milaca - 34.99 (7)
- Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 34.74 (110)
- Litchfield - 33.46 (48)
- Kenyon-Wanamingo - 32.74 (103)
- Moose Lake-Willow River - 32.31 (15)
- International School of MN - 32.16 (95)
- Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 29.62 (26)
- Two Harbors - 29.29 (102)
- Minneapolis Edison - 28.84 (13)
- Duluth Marshall - 28.21 (125)
- Holy Family Catholic - 26.41 (63)
- Park Rapids Area - 25.91 (40)
- Medford - 25.38 (46)
- Minneota - 24.82 (58)
- PACT Charter - 24.13 (42)
- Blue Earth Area - 23.31 (69)
- Pelican Rapids - 0 (4)
- FAIR School - 0 (5)
- Yellow Medicine East - 0 (9)
- Frazee - 0 (29)
- Concordia Academy-Roseville - 0 (35)
- Roseau - 0 (70)
- Hmong Academy - 0 (114)
- Academy for Sciences & Ag - 0 (127)
- Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 61.39 (13)
- Red Lake - 59.16 (18)
- Minneapolis North - 58.41 (10)
- North Woods - 57.83 (93)
- Spring Grove - 57.6 (101)
- Pine River-Backus - 57.13 (30)
- Cass Lake-Bena - 56.6 (3)
- Springfield - 56.31 (21)
- Murray County Central - 54.45 (107)
- Central MN Christian - 54.33 (108)
- Rushford-Peterson - 54.05 (61)
- Battle Lake - 53.86 (19)
- Ortonville - 53.81 (106)
- Nevis - 53.73 (116)
- Mountain Iron-Buhl - 53.61 (59)
- Goodhue - 53.37 (103)
- West Central Area - 53.19 (67)
- Northern Freeze - 53.13 (14)
- Houston - 52.99 (147)
- Browerville/Eagle Valley - 52.7 (109)
- CHOF - 52.52 (152)
- Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 52.01 (102)
- NCE/U-H - 51.91 (100)
- Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 51.71 (130)
- Silver Bay - 51.26 (137)
- South Ridge - 51.24 (51)
- Cleveland - 50.74 (155)
- Kittson County Central - 50.68 (60)
- Nashwauk-Keewatin - 50.47 (74)
- Hancock - 50.17 (26)
- Fertile-Beltrami - 50.05 (37)
- Heritage Christian - 49.96 (77)
- Red Lake County - 49.7 (81)
- Waubun - 49.69 (133)
- McGregor - 49.03 (128)
- Cook County - 48.46 (16)
- Fosston - 48.38 (58)
- St. Clair - 48.09 (52)
- Southland - 48.03 (84)
- Minnesota Transitions Charter - 48.02 (72)
- United South Central - 48.01 (112)
- Lac qui Parle Valley - 47.75 (87)
- Stephen-Argyle - 47.53 (95)
- Mountain Lake Area - 47.2 (123)
- Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 47.18 (134)
- Cristo Rey Jesuit - 46.99 (140)
- Lake Park-Audubon - 46.94 (79)
- Underwood - 46.91 (17)
- Ada-Borup - 46.39 (121)
- Parkers Prairie - 46.37 (94)
- Swanville - 46.27 (146)
- Mayer Lutheran - 46.14 (46)
- New York Mills - 45.64 (111)
- Wabasha-Kellogg - 45.62 (54)
- Southwest MN Christian - 45.6 (50)
- New Ulm Cathedral - 45.35 (76)
- Dawson-Boyd - 45.29 (82)
- Ely - 45.24 (139)
- Legacy Christian - 45.03 (34)
- Floodwood - 44.9 (120)
- Madelia - 44.86 (141)
- West Lutheran - 44.34 (86)
- Verndale - 44.29 (24)
- Blackduck - 44.05 (122)
- Kimball Area - 43.77 (64)
- Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 43.46 (125)
- Grand Meadow - 43.4 (92)
- Canby - 43.35 (40)
- Randolph - 42.58 (126)
- Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 42.42 (145)
- Prairie Seeds Academy - 42.21 (1)
- Edgerton - 42.01 (142)
- Brandon/Evansville - 41.75 (80)
- Bethany Academy - 41.58 (91)
- Cromwell - 41.32 (144)
- Cedar Mountain/Comfrey - 41.09 (73)
- Mankato Loyola - 41.08 (117)
- Kingsland - 40.97 (48)
- Bethlehem Academy - 40.84 (12)
- Blooming Prairie - 40.66 (42)
- Sebeka - 40.64 (119)
- Community of Peace Academy - 40.16 (68)
- MACCRAY - 39.92 (25)
- Fillmore Central - 39.9 (39)
- Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 39.78 (127)
- T/ML/GHEC - 39.71 (113)
- Henning - 39.65 (66)
- Sacred Heart - 39.63 (124)
- Ellsworth - 39.46 (23)
- Carlton - 38.87 (28)
- Hope Academy - 38.79 (153)
- Lakeview Christian - 38.52 (88)
- Fulda - 38.28 (75)
- Win-E-Mac - 38.11 (5)
- Bigfork - 37.86 (29)
- East Central - 37.76 (154)
- Deer River - 37.62 (47)
- Park Christian - 37.53 (20)
- Cherry - 37.35 (44)
- Red Rock Central - 37.25 (71)
- Wabasso - 37.24 (110)
- Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 37.07 (90)
- Bertha-Hewitt - 36.92 (49)
- BOLD - 36.44 (2)
- Northome/Kelliher - 36.3 (70)
- MN Academy for the Deaf - 35.85 (22)
- Isle - 35.48 (150)
- Liberty Classical Academy - 34.41 (156)
- Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 34.3 (4)
- Nova Classical Academy - 34.17 (118)
- Groves Academy - 33.96 (158)
- Northland - 33.82 (45)
- Clearbrook-Gonvick - 33.43 (53)
- Learning for Leadership - 33.3 (148)
- Hills-Beaver Creek - 33.13 (135)
- Adrian - 32.8 (31)
- Calvin Christian - 32.61 (157)
- Chisholm - 32.01 (63)
- Sleepy Eye - 30.93 (97)
- Mahnomen - 30.35 (33)
- Menahga - 29.97 (65)
- Alden-Conger - 29.2 (151)
- Upsala - 29.12 (43)
- Heron Lake-Okabena - 29.1 (83)
- Schaeffer Academy - 28.56 (136)
- Mabel-Canton - 28.17 (149)
- Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 27.63 (85)
- Nicollet - 27.63 (104)
- Lanesboro - 27.49 (57)
- Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 26.89 (32)
- Renville County West - 26.12 (114)
- Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 25.95 (98)
- Glenville-Emmons - 25.47 (105)
- Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 24.5 (138)
- LeRoy-Ostrander - 24.22 (89)
- Onamia - 24.19 (62)
- Maranatha Christian - 22.82 (15)
- Goodridge/Grygla - 21.3 (27)
- Laporte - 0 (6)
- Rothsay - 0 (7)
- Ogilvie - 0 (8)
- Climax/Fisher - 0 (9)
- Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 0 (11)
- Norman County West - 0 (35)
- Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 0 (36)
- Ashby - 0 (38)
- Lake of the Woods - 0 (41)
- Littlefork-Big Falls - 0 (55)
- Northeast Range - 0 (56)
- Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 0 (69)
- Mesabi Academy - 0 (78)
- North Lakes Academy - 0 (96)
- Hill City - 0 (99)
- Hope Lutheran - 0 (115)
- St. Paul Prep - 0 (129)
- Wrenshall - 0 (131)
- Chesterton Academy - 0 (132)
- Christian Life Academy - 0 (143)
2016 Timberwolves Shootout Thoughts
Labels:
2016 Timberwolves Shootout
The 2016 Timberwolves Shootout saw 4 of Minnesota's top teams take on teams from Iowa, Wisconsin and Tennessee. The Crown Prince makes a cameo appearance with me. 1 souvenir Pepsi gets me through the day. Despite the talent on hand, the crowd didn't appear to be what it has been been in previous years. While the matchups were well worthwhile and plenty of individual talent played well, the overall quality of the games didn't live up to the on paper projections.
Game 1 9:15 AM: #5AAAA Champlin Park vs #6 4A Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (IA)
Lincoln's star forward Tony Bonner gets off to a good star with 8 of the 1st 10 points for the Lynx. Going right at Theo John. 10 all at the 11:35 mark. Aaron Kloeppner knocking down a pair of 3s vs the Lynx 2-3 in that stretch. After that this one is all Champlin Park. They go on a 27-5 run over the rest of the half only giving up 2 more field goals. Brian Smith bookends the run with 3s as Champlin Park hits 6 bombs in the half. The run ends at 31-5 across halftime and 13:35. TreVonte Jones with a nice 2nd half for Abe Lincoln but its all blowout theater. Champlin Park wins 76-45. Tony Bonner 15 and 6 for the Lynx. Theo John 11 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks for the Rebels. McKinley Wright with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Aaron Kloeppner 15 points with 3 3s in only 17 minutes was a critical contribution.
Game 2 11:00 AM: #6AAAA Rochester John Marshall vs #6 D1 Milwaukee Riverside (WI)
Story line here was a young and athletic Riverside team against a skilled and not as athletic JM team. Classic old man who knows how to play showing up on the playground and schooling the young kids. Rochester John Marshall wins 90-72. Riverside's 24 offensive rebounds and a late run were the only things that made this even an 18 point game. Minnesota commit Michael Hurt goes for 35 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks on 14-24 shooting. Freshman brother Matthew Hurt goes for 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks. Isaiah Walden adds 17 points and 5 blocks. George Dixon 13 points, 15 rebounds (12 offensive) for Riverside. Carlos Curtis 15 of his 19 in the 1st half. Star wing Terrence Lewis finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds but most of those points were late after the game was long over. Riverside lots of 1 on 1 play while John Marshall did a very nice job of sharing the ball and knocking down open looks.
Game 3 12:45 PM: #3AAAA Maple Grove vs #1 4A Iowa City West (IA)
No Tanner Lohaus for Iowa City West due to an injured ankle. Connor McCaffery battling sickness all day. Devontae Lane with a 3, McCaffery for 3 in transition and a Lane layup off a turnover for a 14-7 West lead at 12:35 (8-0 run). Tywhon Pickford for 3 and a putback as the Crimson counter 10-0 to go back on top. Pickford also had the task of guarding McCaffery all day and did a very nice job. Reed Nikko was a major factor patrolling the paint with 6 blocks in the 1st half. 2 of those were late in the half, with an impressive block on Wali Parks and another swat that turned into points. That put Maple Grove up 27-26 at the break. Pickford on the offensive glass for 2, 2 free throws, cut for a layup and a steal for a dunk as the lead grows to 7. Crimson by 5 with 11 minutes and then they pull away. Brad Davison with a 3 point play and a lob to Nikko for a dunk. Pickford 2 jumpers and a layup, Nikko for 2 in the post and then another dunk. Its a 15-2 Crimson run to stretch the lead to 18. Game, set, match. Maple Grove wins 70-57. Connor McCaffery 20 points, 9 of those after the final run. He finished with 7-11 FGs. Tywhon Pickford outstanding with 25 points and 13 rebounds on 10-14 shooting. Reed Nikko 18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 blocks. Brad Davison 9 points and 8 assists. Maple Grove 14-23 (60.9%) shooting in the 2nd half.
Game 4 2:30 PM: #2AAAA Apple Valley vs Lausanne (TN)
Jordan Bolton off the Apple Valley bench for this one. Lausanne star Isaiah Stokes would star the game with a follow dunk to get everyone's attention. They tried to isolate him at the point on Brock Bertram but good help from the Apple Valley guards made sure that didn't bear any fruit. Despite 3 Stokes fouls in the half, Lausanne was only down 12 at the half. They then add the 1st 2 hoops of the 2nd half. After Gary Trent and Stokes trade 3s, Apple Valley runs away and hides with a 42-10 run in 10 minutes. Trent starts it with 3 free throws, Tre Jones with a putback and a pair of freebies, Bolten ends the 14-0 section of the run by taking a turnover for a layup. More blowout theater from there. Apple Valley wins 79-46. Gary Trent 17 of his 27 in the 2nd half on 10-20 shooting. Tre Jones 14 points and 7 boards, Cam Kirksey 12 points. Kirksey played well in St. Cloud earlier in the week and showed well here after picking up a Furman offer. Isaiah Stokes 17 points and 8 rebounds to lead Lausanne. Fun stat from this one, Apple Valley got twice as many shots (38-19) in the 1st half as Lausanne thanks to grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and forcing 10 turnovers.
Game 1 9:15 AM: #5AAAA Champlin Park vs #6 4A Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (IA)
Lincoln's star forward Tony Bonner gets off to a good star with 8 of the 1st 10 points for the Lynx. Going right at Theo John. 10 all at the 11:35 mark. Aaron Kloeppner knocking down a pair of 3s vs the Lynx 2-3 in that stretch. After that this one is all Champlin Park. They go on a 27-5 run over the rest of the half only giving up 2 more field goals. Brian Smith bookends the run with 3s as Champlin Park hits 6 bombs in the half. The run ends at 31-5 across halftime and 13:35. TreVonte Jones with a nice 2nd half for Abe Lincoln but its all blowout theater. Champlin Park wins 76-45. Tony Bonner 15 and 6 for the Lynx. Theo John 11 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks for the Rebels. McKinley Wright with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Aaron Kloeppner 15 points with 3 3s in only 17 minutes was a critical contribution.
Game 2 11:00 AM: #6AAAA Rochester John Marshall vs #6 D1 Milwaukee Riverside (WI)
Story line here was a young and athletic Riverside team against a skilled and not as athletic JM team. Classic old man who knows how to play showing up on the playground and schooling the young kids. Rochester John Marshall wins 90-72. Riverside's 24 offensive rebounds and a late run were the only things that made this even an 18 point game. Minnesota commit Michael Hurt goes for 35 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks on 14-24 shooting. Freshman brother Matthew Hurt goes for 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks. Isaiah Walden adds 17 points and 5 blocks. George Dixon 13 points, 15 rebounds (12 offensive) for Riverside. Carlos Curtis 15 of his 19 in the 1st half. Star wing Terrence Lewis finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds but most of those points were late after the game was long over. Riverside lots of 1 on 1 play while John Marshall did a very nice job of sharing the ball and knocking down open looks.
Game 3 12:45 PM: #3AAAA Maple Grove vs #1 4A Iowa City West (IA)
No Tanner Lohaus for Iowa City West due to an injured ankle. Connor McCaffery battling sickness all day. Devontae Lane with a 3, McCaffery for 3 in transition and a Lane layup off a turnover for a 14-7 West lead at 12:35 (8-0 run). Tywhon Pickford for 3 and a putback as the Crimson counter 10-0 to go back on top. Pickford also had the task of guarding McCaffery all day and did a very nice job. Reed Nikko was a major factor patrolling the paint with 6 blocks in the 1st half. 2 of those were late in the half, with an impressive block on Wali Parks and another swat that turned into points. That put Maple Grove up 27-26 at the break. Pickford on the offensive glass for 2, 2 free throws, cut for a layup and a steal for a dunk as the lead grows to 7. Crimson by 5 with 11 minutes and then they pull away. Brad Davison with a 3 point play and a lob to Nikko for a dunk. Pickford 2 jumpers and a layup, Nikko for 2 in the post and then another dunk. Its a 15-2 Crimson run to stretch the lead to 18. Game, set, match. Maple Grove wins 70-57. Connor McCaffery 20 points, 9 of those after the final run. He finished with 7-11 FGs. Tywhon Pickford outstanding with 25 points and 13 rebounds on 10-14 shooting. Reed Nikko 18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 blocks. Brad Davison 9 points and 8 assists. Maple Grove 14-23 (60.9%) shooting in the 2nd half.
Game 4 2:30 PM: #2AAAA Apple Valley vs Lausanne (TN)
Jordan Bolton off the Apple Valley bench for this one. Lausanne star Isaiah Stokes would star the game with a follow dunk to get everyone's attention. They tried to isolate him at the point on Brock Bertram but good help from the Apple Valley guards made sure that didn't bear any fruit. Despite 3 Stokes fouls in the half, Lausanne was only down 12 at the half. They then add the 1st 2 hoops of the 2nd half. After Gary Trent and Stokes trade 3s, Apple Valley runs away and hides with a 42-10 run in 10 minutes. Trent starts it with 3 free throws, Tre Jones with a putback and a pair of freebies, Bolten ends the 14-0 section of the run by taking a turnover for a layup. More blowout theater from there. Apple Valley wins 79-46. Gary Trent 17 of his 27 in the 2nd half on 10-20 shooting. Tre Jones 14 points and 7 boards, Cam Kirksey 12 points. Kirksey played well in St. Cloud earlier in the week and showed well here after picking up a Furman offer. Isaiah Stokes 17 points and 8 rebounds to lead Lausanne. Fun stat from this one, Apple Valley got twice as many shots (38-19) in the 1st half as Lausanne thanks to grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and forcing 10 turnovers.
2016 Timberwolves Shootout Preview
Labels:
2016 Timberwolves Shootout
Its the 2016 Timberwolves Shootout on Saturday January 2nd, 2016 before the Timberwolves vs Milwaukee game. 4 of the top 6 teams in the current Minnesota Class 4A poll are represented. Each also brings a player who has at least 1 high major offer or is signed with a high major school.
Game 1 9:15 AM: #5AAAA Champlin Park vs #6 4A Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (IA)
The Lynx from Council Bluffs (Omaha, NE suburb) come in 6-0 and ranked 6th amongst Iowa biggest schools. They were 19-4 a year ago winning their league and 1 game away from state. They return 4 starters from that group. 6'9" center Tony Bonner averages 22.3 PPG with almost 10 rebounds per night while shooting almost 63% from the field. He was a 2nd team all-state player last season. Shooting guard Kyle Crowl averages 16.8 PPG and has made almost 4 3s per night at almost 48% per attempt from deep. PG Tre'Vonte Jones averages 12 PPG. Expect star Rebels guard McKinley Wright to spend time guard one or both of these guards. Wright averaging 19.3 PPG, 5.1 APG and an incredible 9.1 RPG. He's ranked #147 in the Rivals 2017 rankings with offers from Iowa St, Illinois and Kansas St. The matchup of Champlin Park center Theo John (15.6 and 7.7, Rivals #113 nationally, Minnesota, Iowa offers) vs Bonner is the highlight of this game.
Game 2 11:00 AM: #6AAAA Rochester John Marshall vs #6 D1 Milwaukee Riverside (WI)
Milwaukee Riverside is 6-1 and ranked 6th amongst Wisconsin's biggest schools. Along with King and Washington who have already played here, Riverside is one of the top teams in Milwaukee. Junior wing Terrence Lewis is ranked #112 in the current Rivals 2017 rankings. He has a number of mid-major offers. He's averaging 24.4 PPG with over 3 3s per game for the Tigers. Junior forward George Dixon was a double double guy last year. He's averaging 14.9 PPG. Soph guard Carlos Curtis averages 13.1 PPG. Lewis will likely see time against freshman star Matthew Hurt and Minnesota commit Michael Hurt. Michael has been recording video game type numbers so far approaching triple doubles many nights. His stat line is currently listed at 19.4 PPG, 9.8 RPG and 9.3 APG. Matthew has a chance to be one of the elite freshmen in the country. He averages 21.8 PPG and 10.4 RPG. Seeing those 2 is the main treat for local fans besides their trip here to play in the Tip-Off Classic. JM is coming off a blowout loss to Woodbury in the Rochester Rotary Classic. I think this game will be very competitive. Riverside's athleticism is going to be a concern for JM.
Game 3 12:45 PM: #3AAAA Maple Grove vs #1 4A Iowa City West (IA)
This is a very appealing battle of heavyweights here. Iowa City West lost a tough game here to Apple Valley in December. Iowa commit Connor McCaffery (15.7 PPG, almost 6 APG) was outstanding in that game. Maple Grove guards Tywhon (18.5 PPG) and Taron Pickford will likely get the challenge of slowing him down. Then you have Indian Hills commit Wali Parks playing up front and likely matched up with Missouri recruit Reed Nikko (9.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG). Then we have UNI commit Tanner Lohaus for West and Maple Grove PG Brad Davison (16.2 PPG) who has a UNI offer. But the story here is balance. Maple Grove has 5 who average double figures. Iowa City West has Lohaus at 8.5 PPG and 3 in double figures including 2017 G Devonte Lane (Iowa St offer). Expect Lane to spend time guarding Davison. Freshman Patrick McCaffrey comes off the West bench and is a national level recruit too. I'm calling this one to be best game of the day
Game 4 2:30 PM: #2AAAA Apple Valley vs Lausanne (TN)
Isaiah Stokes leads Lausanne. The big man is also a standout football tackle. His brother Jarnell was a big time hoops recruit who is now on the Miami Heat roster. Lausanne is also the alma mater of Memphis Grizzlies star Marc Gasol. Lausanne just played in the Mike Miller Classic in Sioux Falls on Tuesday. They lost by 13 to Sioux Falls Roosevelt. Apple Valley features star soph PG Tre Jones (Duke offer) and wing Gary Trent (#14 Rivals 2017 ranking). Add in Buffalo commit Brock Bertram (13.6 PPG over 9 RPG) in the middle. Jones has seen his stock skyrocket in the last year. His stat line is 13.1 PPG and around 7 rebounds and assists per game. Trent is one of the most dynamic scorers in his class nation wide. He's averaging 30.4 PPG. I see this as the worst game of the day with Apple Valley rolling to an easy win.
Game 1 9:15 AM: #5AAAA Champlin Park vs #6 4A Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (IA)
The Lynx from Council Bluffs (Omaha, NE suburb) come in 6-0 and ranked 6th amongst Iowa biggest schools. They were 19-4 a year ago winning their league and 1 game away from state. They return 4 starters from that group. 6'9" center Tony Bonner averages 22.3 PPG with almost 10 rebounds per night while shooting almost 63% from the field. He was a 2nd team all-state player last season. Shooting guard Kyle Crowl averages 16.8 PPG and has made almost 4 3s per night at almost 48% per attempt from deep. PG Tre'Vonte Jones averages 12 PPG. Expect star Rebels guard McKinley Wright to spend time guard one or both of these guards. Wright averaging 19.3 PPG, 5.1 APG and an incredible 9.1 RPG. He's ranked #147 in the Rivals 2017 rankings with offers from Iowa St, Illinois and Kansas St. The matchup of Champlin Park center Theo John (15.6 and 7.7, Rivals #113 nationally, Minnesota, Iowa offers) vs Bonner is the highlight of this game.
Game 2 11:00 AM: #6AAAA Rochester John Marshall vs #6 D1 Milwaukee Riverside (WI)
Milwaukee Riverside is 6-1 and ranked 6th amongst Wisconsin's biggest schools. Along with King and Washington who have already played here, Riverside is one of the top teams in Milwaukee. Junior wing Terrence Lewis is ranked #112 in the current Rivals 2017 rankings. He has a number of mid-major offers. He's averaging 24.4 PPG with over 3 3s per game for the Tigers. Junior forward George Dixon was a double double guy last year. He's averaging 14.9 PPG. Soph guard Carlos Curtis averages 13.1 PPG. Lewis will likely see time against freshman star Matthew Hurt and Minnesota commit Michael Hurt. Michael has been recording video game type numbers so far approaching triple doubles many nights. His stat line is currently listed at 19.4 PPG, 9.8 RPG and 9.3 APG. Matthew has a chance to be one of the elite freshmen in the country. He averages 21.8 PPG and 10.4 RPG. Seeing those 2 is the main treat for local fans besides their trip here to play in the Tip-Off Classic. JM is coming off a blowout loss to Woodbury in the Rochester Rotary Classic. I think this game will be very competitive. Riverside's athleticism is going to be a concern for JM.
Game 3 12:45 PM: #3AAAA Maple Grove vs #1 4A Iowa City West (IA)
This is a very appealing battle of heavyweights here. Iowa City West lost a tough game here to Apple Valley in December. Iowa commit Connor McCaffery (15.7 PPG, almost 6 APG) was outstanding in that game. Maple Grove guards Tywhon (18.5 PPG) and Taron Pickford will likely get the challenge of slowing him down. Then you have Indian Hills commit Wali Parks playing up front and likely matched up with Missouri recruit Reed Nikko (9.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG). Then we have UNI commit Tanner Lohaus for West and Maple Grove PG Brad Davison (16.2 PPG) who has a UNI offer. But the story here is balance. Maple Grove has 5 who average double figures. Iowa City West has Lohaus at 8.5 PPG and 3 in double figures including 2017 G Devonte Lane (Iowa St offer). Expect Lane to spend time guarding Davison. Freshman Patrick McCaffrey comes off the West bench and is a national level recruit too. I'm calling this one to be best game of the day
Game 4 2:30 PM: #2AAAA Apple Valley vs Lausanne (TN)
Isaiah Stokes leads Lausanne. The big man is also a standout football tackle. His brother Jarnell was a big time hoops recruit who is now on the Miami Heat roster. Lausanne is also the alma mater of Memphis Grizzlies star Marc Gasol. Lausanne just played in the Mike Miller Classic in Sioux Falls on Tuesday. They lost by 13 to Sioux Falls Roosevelt. Apple Valley features star soph PG Tre Jones (Duke offer) and wing Gary Trent (#14 Rivals 2017 ranking). Add in Buffalo commit Brock Bertram (13.6 PPG over 9 RPG) in the middle. Jones has seen his stock skyrocket in the last year. His stat line is 13.1 PPG and around 7 rebounds and assists per game. Trent is one of the most dynamic scorers in his class nation wide. He's averaging 30.4 PPG. I see this as the worst game of the day with Apple Valley rolling to an easy win.
2015 Holiday Tourneys Days 3 and 4
Its the final 2 days of the 2015 Holiday Tournament season. I ended my time with championship day at Tartan and then the final day at Augsburg before ringing in the new year. 2 wonderful walking tacos at Tartan (1 with Fritos and 1 with Doritos). Labor intensive to make and eat but well worth it. The crew at Augsburg providing me with personal in-the-bleachers hot dog service so I couldn't turn that down. 1 liter + 20 ounces of Pepsi washes it all down. That's 672.675 more calories for the calorie counter.
Tartan Championship Day
The 7th place game was a battle of depleted teams as Centennial defeated Glencoe-Silver Lake 80-69. Freshman guard Riley Van Kirk with a pair of 3s but it was his 7-8 FTs in the last 1:24 that sealed it. He finished with 19 points. Jacob Popelka 14 for GSL before injuring a knee late. Centennial playing 8 guys that will return next year not counting Alex Facon who hasn't played this season.
The 5th place game saw Spring Lake Park defeat Chisago Lakes 57-53. Pretty close game throughout. Chisago Lakes would be down 11 early in the 2nd half but Dylan Wood would score 16 of his 19 points in the 2nd half to keep the Wildcats in it. His interior war with Josh Ojile was 2 guys really banging. Wood would score 3 straight hoops for Chisago Lakes to help cut the lead down to 2. But a clutch 3 from shooter Mark Raihle would push the lead to 5. Spring Lake Park makes 9 of 10 FTs in the last 48.2 to counter 8-8 FTs from Chisago Lakes. Dylan Wood 19. Tom Gillach 17 for Chisago Lakes. Mark Raihle 17, Erik LeVahn 15 for Spring Lake Park.
Carmel Catholic from suburban Chicago took on Forest Lake in the 3rd place game. The Corsairs link to the event is assistant coach Sam Ryan who played at Tartan. They win the award for best nickname I'll encounter all season. Its a privateer or pirate (french for pirate). Noah Alm would score 18 of his 25 for Forest Lake in the 2nd half including 13 straight. But no other Ranger would make a field goal in the last 13:25. Forest Lake only 1 FG in the last 7 minutes. Carmel Catholic wins 61-48.
In the championship game, Tartan hosted Lakeville South. Let it be noted that were only short spurts where Jordan Horn and Jack Sorenson guarded each other. Sorenson goes nuts in the 1st half with 22 of the 27 (and he assisted on 1 of those 2 other field goals). Horn counters with his own late spurt to end the half with 16. 31-27 Tartan at the half. Sorenson give and go and a another hoop to put Lakeville South ahead early in the half. Inside/out Horn for 3 and Jarvis Thomas with a tip dunk but a Sorenson 3 keeps Lakeville South ahead. Noah Whalen back to back 3s and Tartan is up 5 with 10 left. Horn couldn't buy a hoop in the 2nd half after the 3. Shae Mitchell with 2 nice assists late and its 57 all inside 2 left. Sorenson to the rack to put South up after a Horn miss. Another Tartan miss and then they lose soph Cooper Jackson on an inbounds for a wide open layup with 33.8 left. Mitchell and Sorenson seal it with free throws. Lakeville South wins 65-59. Jack Sorenson goes off for 41 points to lead Lakeville South. Jordan Horn with 25 for Tartan.
Tartan All-Tournament Team
Josh McGreal - Centennial
Dylan Wood - Chisago Lakes
Mark Raihle - Spring Lake Park
Noah Alm - Forest Lake
CJ Duff and Shareif Belser-Bailey - Carmel Catholic
Jordan Horn, Jarvis Thomas and Elijah Johnson - Tartan
Jack Sorenson, Shae Mitchell and Jack Swanhorst - Lakeville South
Augsburg New Years Eve
The 1st game of the day featured Sibley and St. Paul Johnson. Johnson playing without Andre Smith who injured a hand late in yesterday's game. Sibley would take a 6-3 lead but then turnovers would haunt. Johnson would go on one of their big runs, 16-0 in this case, and blow the game open. Johnson too athletic and too tough. Governors win 67-42. Saivon Parker 18 points with 4 3s for Johnson. Carlin Clarke added 15 for the Govs.
Game 2 was Eastview taking on Chanhassen. Martin Mitchell 2 quick fouls and he has to go to the Eastview bench. That was after Mitchell hit a pair of 3s in a 9-0 run. Sean Ryan takes over from there. Eastview would have a 17 point lead in the 1st half. Mitchell would pick up 2 quick ones to start the 2nd half and go right back to the bench. Raevon Davis for 3 and a steal for 2 more and the Eastview lead is 18 with 13 minutes left. Chanhassen would rally with a 12-2 run. Jordan Bonk with bonus free throws and a hoop. Good minutes for Alex Spillum off the bench and he adds 2 free throws as Mitchell returned and quickly got his 5th. Mike Witthus for 3 and a 3 point play from Trey Prince. All of a sudden the Eastview lead is down to 72-66 with 4:45 left. Eastview makes 11 of 12 free throws from there. Eastview wins 85-76. Sean Ryan 4 triples and 36 points, 20 of those in the 1st half. Jack Elgren 13 of his 15 in the 1st half to lead Chanhassen. Trey Prince added 14 for the Storm.
In the nightcap, #1AAAA Hopkins took on #5AA Minnehaha. The teams start out tied at 4 and its all Hopkins after that. Jalen Suggs picks up 4 fouls in the 1st half. Hopkins makes it a track meet with Amir Coffey taking over early. Anthony Davis off the Hopkins bench (Ish El-Amin DNP) and he ran his way to 13 1st half points (mostly layups). Vinnie Shahid banks in a long 3 at the 1st half buzzer, 63-24 Royals at half. The 2nd half does see running time with Hopkins bench guys getting minutes. Hopkins wins 86-53. Amir Coffey 16 of his 18 in the 1st half.. Vinnie Shahid and Anthony Davis each add 17. JoVanni Bickham with 16 points and 9 rebounds, Jalen Suggs with 14 points on 4-11 FGs on my sheet. Those type of percentages will go up as his shot selection improves. That's something most kids don't get. The impact of nothing more than shot selection on FG%. Suggs did show some really nice flashes splitting the pick and roll in the 2nd half. That's incredibly advanced for any high school player, let alone one as young as him.
Tartan Championship Day
The 7th place game was a battle of depleted teams as Centennial defeated Glencoe-Silver Lake 80-69. Freshman guard Riley Van Kirk with a pair of 3s but it was his 7-8 FTs in the last 1:24 that sealed it. He finished with 19 points. Jacob Popelka 14 for GSL before injuring a knee late. Centennial playing 8 guys that will return next year not counting Alex Facon who hasn't played this season.
The 5th place game saw Spring Lake Park defeat Chisago Lakes 57-53. Pretty close game throughout. Chisago Lakes would be down 11 early in the 2nd half but Dylan Wood would score 16 of his 19 points in the 2nd half to keep the Wildcats in it. His interior war with Josh Ojile was 2 guys really banging. Wood would score 3 straight hoops for Chisago Lakes to help cut the lead down to 2. But a clutch 3 from shooter Mark Raihle would push the lead to 5. Spring Lake Park makes 9 of 10 FTs in the last 48.2 to counter 8-8 FTs from Chisago Lakes. Dylan Wood 19. Tom Gillach 17 for Chisago Lakes. Mark Raihle 17, Erik LeVahn 15 for Spring Lake Park.
Carmel Catholic from suburban Chicago took on Forest Lake in the 3rd place game. The Corsairs link to the event is assistant coach Sam Ryan who played at Tartan. They win the award for best nickname I'll encounter all season. Its a privateer or pirate (french for pirate). Noah Alm would score 18 of his 25 for Forest Lake in the 2nd half including 13 straight. But no other Ranger would make a field goal in the last 13:25. Forest Lake only 1 FG in the last 7 minutes. Carmel Catholic wins 61-48.
In the championship game, Tartan hosted Lakeville South. Let it be noted that were only short spurts where Jordan Horn and Jack Sorenson guarded each other. Sorenson goes nuts in the 1st half with 22 of the 27 (and he assisted on 1 of those 2 other field goals). Horn counters with his own late spurt to end the half with 16. 31-27 Tartan at the half. Sorenson give and go and a another hoop to put Lakeville South ahead early in the half. Inside/out Horn for 3 and Jarvis Thomas with a tip dunk but a Sorenson 3 keeps Lakeville South ahead. Noah Whalen back to back 3s and Tartan is up 5 with 10 left. Horn couldn't buy a hoop in the 2nd half after the 3. Shae Mitchell with 2 nice assists late and its 57 all inside 2 left. Sorenson to the rack to put South up after a Horn miss. Another Tartan miss and then they lose soph Cooper Jackson on an inbounds for a wide open layup with 33.8 left. Mitchell and Sorenson seal it with free throws. Lakeville South wins 65-59. Jack Sorenson goes off for 41 points to lead Lakeville South. Jordan Horn with 25 for Tartan.
Tartan All-Tournament Team
Josh McGreal - Centennial
Dylan Wood - Chisago Lakes
Mark Raihle - Spring Lake Park
Noah Alm - Forest Lake
CJ Duff and Shareif Belser-Bailey - Carmel Catholic
Jordan Horn, Jarvis Thomas and Elijah Johnson - Tartan
Jack Sorenson, Shae Mitchell and Jack Swanhorst - Lakeville South
Augsburg New Years Eve
The 1st game of the day featured Sibley and St. Paul Johnson. Johnson playing without Andre Smith who injured a hand late in yesterday's game. Sibley would take a 6-3 lead but then turnovers would haunt. Johnson would go on one of their big runs, 16-0 in this case, and blow the game open. Johnson too athletic and too tough. Governors win 67-42. Saivon Parker 18 points with 4 3s for Johnson. Carlin Clarke added 15 for the Govs.
Game 2 was Eastview taking on Chanhassen. Martin Mitchell 2 quick fouls and he has to go to the Eastview bench. That was after Mitchell hit a pair of 3s in a 9-0 run. Sean Ryan takes over from there. Eastview would have a 17 point lead in the 1st half. Mitchell would pick up 2 quick ones to start the 2nd half and go right back to the bench. Raevon Davis for 3 and a steal for 2 more and the Eastview lead is 18 with 13 minutes left. Chanhassen would rally with a 12-2 run. Jordan Bonk with bonus free throws and a hoop. Good minutes for Alex Spillum off the bench and he adds 2 free throws as Mitchell returned and quickly got his 5th. Mike Witthus for 3 and a 3 point play from Trey Prince. All of a sudden the Eastview lead is down to 72-66 with 4:45 left. Eastview makes 11 of 12 free throws from there. Eastview wins 85-76. Sean Ryan 4 triples and 36 points, 20 of those in the 1st half. Jack Elgren 13 of his 15 in the 1st half to lead Chanhassen. Trey Prince added 14 for the Storm.
In the nightcap, #1AAAA Hopkins took on #5AA Minnehaha. The teams start out tied at 4 and its all Hopkins after that. Jalen Suggs picks up 4 fouls in the 1st half. Hopkins makes it a track meet with Amir Coffey taking over early. Anthony Davis off the Hopkins bench (Ish El-Amin DNP) and he ran his way to 13 1st half points (mostly layups). Vinnie Shahid banks in a long 3 at the 1st half buzzer, 63-24 Royals at half. The 2nd half does see running time with Hopkins bench guys getting minutes. Hopkins wins 86-53. Amir Coffey 16 of his 18 in the 1st half.. Vinnie Shahid and Anthony Davis each add 17. JoVanni Bickham with 16 points and 9 rebounds, Jalen Suggs with 14 points on 4-11 FGs on my sheet. Those type of percentages will go up as his shot selection improves. That's something most kids don't get. The impact of nothing more than shot selection on FG%. Suggs did show some really nice flashes splitting the pick and roll in the 2nd half. That's incredibly advanced for any high school player, let alone one as young as him.
2015 Holiday Tournaments Day 2
Its day 2 of the 4 day 2015 Holiday Tournament season. Day 2 takes me back to Fridley but this time for the 1 boys game in the Fridley Holiday Tourney, then its off to the U of St. Thomas for the finals of the UST Holiday Tourney. 12 oz of Pepsi out of the can during the day and then 12 out of the fountain for the night session. Can, bottle or fountain you ask? I'll take can but the old 16 oz bottle is a classic too. Plastic bottle totally different.
Game 1: St. Paul Como Park vs Minneapolis Southwest
Its a Twin Cites game between Como Park and Southwest in the Fridley Tourney. No Brennan Hawkins for Southwest. Como Park in early control with their star Demetrice Mitchell on the offensive glass and going backdoor for 2. The Cougars continue with a 14-4 spurt for a 22-11 lead at the 7:45 mark. A couple late hoops keep SW within 10 at the break. Como Park 10-1 right after the break and all of a sudden its 44-27 Cougars inside 14 left. Southwest places their bench a ton after that. That's despite a pair of 3s cutting the lead to 11 inside 12 left. Southwest would get no closer. Como Park wins 68-52. Demetrice Mitchell 20 points to lead Como Park. Jack Walker 10 for Southwest. Caine Knuckles nice work distributing for Southwest.
Game 2: Cretin-Derham Hall vs St. Thomas Academy
To the UST Holiday Tournament. CDH head coach Jerry Kline with the whistle and football pads out for pregame warmups after last night's loss to Park Center. Daniel Oturu comes off the bench for CDH as well. John Myran off the STA bench and buries a 3 at the 12:20 mark to put the Cadets up 10-9. CDH awakens with a 9-0 run. Nate Chaffee had problems finishing around Oturu but he makes a couple of hoops late in the half. STA within 37-28 at the break. STA turns it over on their 1st 4 possessions of the 2nd half and CDH pushes the lead to 15. STA within 12 before Oturu goes for a 3 point play and its Chaffee's 4th foul with 10:17 left. Then another CDH And 1 extends the lead to 18. CDH wins 76-53. Daniel Oturu 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks on my sheet. Too much of him inside. Nate Chaffee 14 to lead St. Thomas Academy.
Game 3: Park Center vs Hill-Murray
I'm seeing green as both teams have the correct uniforms after last night's uniform issues. Unfortunately the crowd largely disperses for this one (move your car St. Paul snow emergency people!). The start is slow thanks to Hill-Murray's 2-3 zone. Park Center jumps out to an 8-0 lead with 2 3s from Derrick Ogechi. Simeon Davis and Chris Moore carry the Hill-Murray offense. Losini Kamara counters with 9 in the half for the Pirates. Park Center 26-21 at the break.
Hill-Murray scores the 1st 7 of the 2nd half with Moore scoring inside and a Davis drive. 28-26 Pioneers 2 minutes into the second half. Then Park Center blows up the zone with 7 3s in the next 5:30. Kamara makes the 1st 5 and Ogechi makes the last 2. 49-32 Pirates after a 23-4 run. The lead is 15 with 8 minutes left and Park Center spreads it out. Hill-Murray finally goes man and the Pirates knock down 5 more 3s just for good measure. Park Center makes 17 3s total, 12 in the 2nd half. They win the UST Holiday Tournament 73-47. Losini Kamara 6 3s, 26 points to lead Park Center. Derrick Ogechi and Isaiah Simon each knock down 4 bombs. Chris Moore 18, Simeon Davis 14 for Hill-Murray.
Game 1: St. Paul Como Park vs Minneapolis Southwest
Its a Twin Cites game between Como Park and Southwest in the Fridley Tourney. No Brennan Hawkins for Southwest. Como Park in early control with their star Demetrice Mitchell on the offensive glass and going backdoor for 2. The Cougars continue with a 14-4 spurt for a 22-11 lead at the 7:45 mark. A couple late hoops keep SW within 10 at the break. Como Park 10-1 right after the break and all of a sudden its 44-27 Cougars inside 14 left. Southwest places their bench a ton after that. That's despite a pair of 3s cutting the lead to 11 inside 12 left. Southwest would get no closer. Como Park wins 68-52. Demetrice Mitchell 20 points to lead Como Park. Jack Walker 10 for Southwest. Caine Knuckles nice work distributing for Southwest.
Game 2: Cretin-Derham Hall vs St. Thomas Academy
To the UST Holiday Tournament. CDH head coach Jerry Kline with the whistle and football pads out for pregame warmups after last night's loss to Park Center. Daniel Oturu comes off the bench for CDH as well. John Myran off the STA bench and buries a 3 at the 12:20 mark to put the Cadets up 10-9. CDH awakens with a 9-0 run. Nate Chaffee had problems finishing around Oturu but he makes a couple of hoops late in the half. STA within 37-28 at the break. STA turns it over on their 1st 4 possessions of the 2nd half and CDH pushes the lead to 15. STA within 12 before Oturu goes for a 3 point play and its Chaffee's 4th foul with 10:17 left. Then another CDH And 1 extends the lead to 18. CDH wins 76-53. Daniel Oturu 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks on my sheet. Too much of him inside. Nate Chaffee 14 to lead St. Thomas Academy.
Game 3: Park Center vs Hill-Murray
I'm seeing green as both teams have the correct uniforms after last night's uniform issues. Unfortunately the crowd largely disperses for this one (move your car St. Paul snow emergency people!). The start is slow thanks to Hill-Murray's 2-3 zone. Park Center jumps out to an 8-0 lead with 2 3s from Derrick Ogechi. Simeon Davis and Chris Moore carry the Hill-Murray offense. Losini Kamara counters with 9 in the half for the Pirates. Park Center 26-21 at the break.
Hill-Murray scores the 1st 7 of the 2nd half with Moore scoring inside and a Davis drive. 28-26 Pioneers 2 minutes into the second half. Then Park Center blows up the zone with 7 3s in the next 5:30. Kamara makes the 1st 5 and Ogechi makes the last 2. 49-32 Pirates after a 23-4 run. The lead is 15 with 8 minutes left and Park Center spreads it out. Hill-Murray finally goes man and the Pirates knock down 5 more 3s just for good measure. Park Center makes 17 3s total, 12 in the 2nd half. They win the UST Holiday Tournament 73-47. Losini Kamara 6 3s, 26 points to lead Park Center. Derrick Ogechi and Isaiah Simon each knock down 4 bombs. Chris Moore 18, Simeon Davis 14 for Hill-Murray.
2015 Holiday Tournaments Day 1
Its day 1 of the 4 day 2015 Holiday Tournament season. Day 1 takes me to Calvin Christian for 1 afternoon game and then to Bethel for the night session. Only 1 12 oz Coke (140 calories) on the day's menu.
Game 1: West Lutheran vs Liberty Classical
This was game 1 of the day at the Calvin Christian tournament. A late arrival gets me a folding chair behind 1 the far basket. Only room for 1 row of folding chairs for fans on the sideline. Concessions outside only so the lunch window wasn't open to have the ball covered with nachos. This one was a game of runs. 12-0 Liberty run with 4 3s opens up a 15-5 lead. West Lutheran then holds the Lions without a field goal in the last 11:53. That helps fuel a 20-3 Warriors run. Free throws keep Liberty within striking distance down 36-25 at half.
Liberty right back in the game with an 8-0 run thanks to a pair of Jacob Grill 3s. West Lutheran's top player Ben Beise has to sit with 4 fouls at the 14:52 mark. Grill with a 3 point play and 4 free throws from Nate Bliss as Liberty goes on a 12-0 run. 49-44 Liberty with 10:42 left. West Lutheran feels it slipping away and brings Biese back in. He immediately scores and West Lutheran goes on a 10-2 run. Bliss making a living at the foul line, but Biese comes up big. He makes a free throw, puts back a missed free throw and makes 2 layups to salt the game away. West Lutheran wins 70-66. Ben Biese 19 for West Lutheran. Nate Bliss 33 for Liberty, Jacob Grill adds 23.
Game 2: Andover vs Bloomington Jefferson
Then its off to Bethel for the night session. The start is slow thanks to Andover's zone. Andover generates offense by converting a pair of turnovers for a 9-6 lead at 12:40. Jack Tillotson sits for Jefferson with his 2nd foul soon after. Lucas Olson with a 3 point play to break a tie at the 5:12 mark. But Andover doesn't score the rest of the half. Jefferson gets a layup and a 3 but they go scoreless the last 4:15. 18-16 Jefferson at half in their kind of watch paint dry game. Andover getting to the lane almost at will but nothing to show for it.
Andover makes a run in the 2nd half. Olson with a floater, Corbin Johnson for 2 and takes a turnover for 2 more. Then another Jefferson turnover for a Logan Rezac hoop pushes Andover to a 38-31 lead with 7:05 left. Its a 13-2 Huskies spurt. But Andover gets careless and before you can blink we're tied. Tillotson drives for 2 free thrwos and Tyler Riemersma makes both ends of the bonus to end the 11-0 Jefferson run. Andover gets a Rezac hoop and a Dylan Echtenkamp hoop on a turnover. 44 all with 3:10 left. Johnson with a huge 3 and after a missed Jags layup, Rezac to the rack for 2. 49-46 Andover 44 seconds left. After a Jefferson hoop, Andover is out on the break 3 on 1 but an extra pass leads to a Jefferson block. Back the other way we go and its Riemersma on the offensive glass with 13 seconds left for the Jags lead. Andover takes a 2 timeouts around Jefferson's 1 foul to give. Rezac's look goes around and out. Jefferson makes 1 free throw and without a timeout, Andover has to throw up a prayer that is no good. Jefferson grinds one out 51-49. Tyler Riemersma 12 and 10, Joe Hird 13 for Jefferson. Corbin Johnson 10 off the Andover bench.
Game 3: Mounds View vs Mahtomedi
Biggest test of the season so far for undefeated Mounds View. Parker Fox starts quickly for Mahtomedi. He takes the opening tip for a dunk, lays in a lob, hits a 3 and dunks a turnover for an 11-6 Mahtomedi lead. The only field goals early for Mounds View coming on a hoop and 2 3s from junior Nick McMillian. Mahtomedi 17-11 when Nate Albers ducks the shoulder and its a charge for his 2nd foul at 8:09. Joe Rock runs for 2 layups and all of a sudden the margin is double digits. Albers has to come back in. Fox back door for 1-2 free throws and a layup. Jacob Martin with his 2nd 3 off the Zephyrs bench and a Gus Farrell putback give Mahtomedi a 38-20 lead in the last minute. Albers off a late inbound for 3 and steals a pass in the last 3 seconds for 2 more. 38-23 Mahtomedi at the half.
Mounds View takes that momentum to the 2nd half. Missed call as Shayne Frost dribbles off a Mounds View foot but Mounds View gets it and Albers converts a 3 on the possession. Lead down to 8. Albers in the post for 2 free throws before a strange T from somewhere around the Mounds View bench. No real explanation given. Frost makes the technicals but the Zephyrs don't convert on the possession. Albers, McMillan and Tyler Fairchild all knock down 3s and we're even at 50 with 9:20 left. Martin with another 3 off a BLOB and Mahtomedi goes up 58-53 with 6:30 left. Zeke Thompson with great bench minutes for Mounds View getting to the line. He makes 3 of 4. Fairchild floats one in and then Thompson with a great pass to Steven Skwarek for a layup with 2 minutes left. 60-59 Mounds View back in front. Its their 1st lead since 5-4. Thompson and Albers make 4-4 free throws. Skwarek with a layup on the break and Albers puts back a miss on a turnover to seal it. Mounds View comes from 18 down late in the 1st half to win 68-64. Nate Albers with 16 of his 27 in the 2nd half to lead Mounds View. He made 4 3s. Nick McMillan adds 3 bombs and 15 points. Parker Fox 22 and 9 to lead Mahtomedi. Jacob Martin 10 of his 13 points in the 1st half in a very productive night off the bench for the stretch 4. Tyler Fairchild and Zeke Thompson give Mounds View a couple of bulldogs guarding the ball.
Game 1: West Lutheran vs Liberty Classical
This was game 1 of the day at the Calvin Christian tournament. A late arrival gets me a folding chair behind 1 the far basket. Only room for 1 row of folding chairs for fans on the sideline. Concessions outside only so the lunch window wasn't open to have the ball covered with nachos. This one was a game of runs. 12-0 Liberty run with 4 3s opens up a 15-5 lead. West Lutheran then holds the Lions without a field goal in the last 11:53. That helps fuel a 20-3 Warriors run. Free throws keep Liberty within striking distance down 36-25 at half.
Liberty right back in the game with an 8-0 run thanks to a pair of Jacob Grill 3s. West Lutheran's top player Ben Beise has to sit with 4 fouls at the 14:52 mark. Grill with a 3 point play and 4 free throws from Nate Bliss as Liberty goes on a 12-0 run. 49-44 Liberty with 10:42 left. West Lutheran feels it slipping away and brings Biese back in. He immediately scores and West Lutheran goes on a 10-2 run. Bliss making a living at the foul line, but Biese comes up big. He makes a free throw, puts back a missed free throw and makes 2 layups to salt the game away. West Lutheran wins 70-66. Ben Biese 19 for West Lutheran. Nate Bliss 33 for Liberty, Jacob Grill adds 23.
Game 2: Andover vs Bloomington Jefferson
Then its off to Bethel for the night session. The start is slow thanks to Andover's zone. Andover generates offense by converting a pair of turnovers for a 9-6 lead at 12:40. Jack Tillotson sits for Jefferson with his 2nd foul soon after. Lucas Olson with a 3 point play to break a tie at the 5:12 mark. But Andover doesn't score the rest of the half. Jefferson gets a layup and a 3 but they go scoreless the last 4:15. 18-16 Jefferson at half in their kind of watch paint dry game. Andover getting to the lane almost at will but nothing to show for it.
Andover makes a run in the 2nd half. Olson with a floater, Corbin Johnson for 2 and takes a turnover for 2 more. Then another Jefferson turnover for a Logan Rezac hoop pushes Andover to a 38-31 lead with 7:05 left. Its a 13-2 Huskies spurt. But Andover gets careless and before you can blink we're tied. Tillotson drives for 2 free thrwos and Tyler Riemersma makes both ends of the bonus to end the 11-0 Jefferson run. Andover gets a Rezac hoop and a Dylan Echtenkamp hoop on a turnover. 44 all with 3:10 left. Johnson with a huge 3 and after a missed Jags layup, Rezac to the rack for 2. 49-46 Andover 44 seconds left. After a Jefferson hoop, Andover is out on the break 3 on 1 but an extra pass leads to a Jefferson block. Back the other way we go and its Riemersma on the offensive glass with 13 seconds left for the Jags lead. Andover takes a 2 timeouts around Jefferson's 1 foul to give. Rezac's look goes around and out. Jefferson makes 1 free throw and without a timeout, Andover has to throw up a prayer that is no good. Jefferson grinds one out 51-49. Tyler Riemersma 12 and 10, Joe Hird 13 for Jefferson. Corbin Johnson 10 off the Andover bench.
Game 3: Mounds View vs Mahtomedi
Biggest test of the season so far for undefeated Mounds View. Parker Fox starts quickly for Mahtomedi. He takes the opening tip for a dunk, lays in a lob, hits a 3 and dunks a turnover for an 11-6 Mahtomedi lead. The only field goals early for Mounds View coming on a hoop and 2 3s from junior Nick McMillian. Mahtomedi 17-11 when Nate Albers ducks the shoulder and its a charge for his 2nd foul at 8:09. Joe Rock runs for 2 layups and all of a sudden the margin is double digits. Albers has to come back in. Fox back door for 1-2 free throws and a layup. Jacob Martin with his 2nd 3 off the Zephyrs bench and a Gus Farrell putback give Mahtomedi a 38-20 lead in the last minute. Albers off a late inbound for 3 and steals a pass in the last 3 seconds for 2 more. 38-23 Mahtomedi at the half.
Mounds View takes that momentum to the 2nd half. Missed call as Shayne Frost dribbles off a Mounds View foot but Mounds View gets it and Albers converts a 3 on the possession. Lead down to 8. Albers in the post for 2 free throws before a strange T from somewhere around the Mounds View bench. No real explanation given. Frost makes the technicals but the Zephyrs don't convert on the possession. Albers, McMillan and Tyler Fairchild all knock down 3s and we're even at 50 with 9:20 left. Martin with another 3 off a BLOB and Mahtomedi goes up 58-53 with 6:30 left. Zeke Thompson with great bench minutes for Mounds View getting to the line. He makes 3 of 4. Fairchild floats one in and then Thompson with a great pass to Steven Skwarek for a layup with 2 minutes left. 60-59 Mounds View back in front. Its their 1st lead since 5-4. Thompson and Albers make 4-4 free throws. Skwarek with a layup on the break and Albers puts back a miss on a turnover to seal it. Mounds View comes from 18 down late in the 1st half to win 68-64. Nate Albers with 16 of his 27 in the 2nd half to lead Mounds View. He made 4 3s. Nick McMillan adds 3 bombs and 15 points. Parker Fox 22 and 9 to lead Mahtomedi. Jacob Martin 10 of his 13 points in the 1st half in a very productive night off the bench for the stretch 4. Tyler Fairchild and Zeke Thompson give Mounds View a couple of bulldogs guarding the ball.
Weekly 360 Windmill - 2015 Holiday Tournament Edition
Its a holiday tournament preview edition of the Weekly 360 Windmill. Last week a very short week but we'll take a quick look at the notable from there before diving into the Christmas tournmaments
Week 6 Review
Week 6 Review
- Maranatha gets their first win against Edison.
- Impressive win for Heritage taking out Cristo Rey by 25. For the Pumas, losing that big will loom large for the 4A coaches in seeding.
- Quality Tuesday wins for Lakeville North, #4AAA Orono, #9AAA Henry over #6AA SPA at Hamline, #1AAAA Hopkins over #5AAAA Champlin Park, #8AAA Totino-Grace over Mahtomedi
- Important 5AA win for SW Christian taking out Providence. Jack Jenson back in the lineup to lead the Stars to victory. He sat out the Stars loss to Breck due to injury.
- #2AA St. Croix Lutheran with a much deserved holiday break after handling formerly ranked Waseca. They end up 4-1 against 5 ranked teams in a brutal 3 week stretch.
- Tartan looked like they were back on track but they go into Roosevelt and lose by 5 in overtime in another shocking result for the Titans.
- Impressive win for Benilde-St. Margaret's handling #1AAA De La Salle on the island. Granted Goanar Mar didn't play due to injury. But this continues to show that foul trouble or losing Mar or Gabe Kalscheur really makes it hard for De La Salle to score.
- Brainerd is now 3-0 in section and 8-2 overall with a section win over St. Cloud Tech last week. Their 2 losses are by 3 points including #7AAA Rocori in OT.
- I have a page dedicated to all of the local holiday tournaments and their schedules. You can find that here.
- St. Cloud is loaded on the holiday tournament schedule.
- The Granite City Classic is always loaded. #8AAAA Wayzata vs #5AAAA Champlin Park and #2AAAA Apple Valley vs #3AAAA Maple Grove highlight day 1 at St. Cloud State on Tuesday. Champlin Park vs #1A Minneapolis North and Wayzata vs Apple Valley highlight day 2 at St. Cloud Apollo.
- Don't forget about the 3 day St. Cloud Cathedral tournament. Watertown-Mayer with Trae Berhow vs #1AA Melrose highlights day 1 at 5:30 along with #4AA Braham. Always interesting there as they also use the shot clock.
- Eden Prairie gets Chaska to open their tournament and then a possible matchup with #4AAAA Shakopee in the final. They would meet again in Shakopee again on Saturday.
- Armstrong could see Lakeville North in the final of the Lakeville North tourney on Wednesday. Armstrong head coach Greg Miller and Lakeville North head coach John Oxton are old pals from the days when Miller was on Oxton's staff many years ago.
- Possible #10AAA Delano vs St. Louis Park final in the St. Louis Park tourney. The orange and black matchup there would be a very good test for both teams. But Delano has to get past Edina in the opener first. 2 wins over quality AAAA opponents would go a long way in 6AAA seeding for Delano.
- Chisago Lakes has a quality opener with Lakeville South in the Tartan tourney. Ethan Hickcox vs Jack Sorenson is a fun point guard matchup. The winner projects to take on Tartan in championship game.
- Late game at Bethel in group 1 on Monday is 9-0 Mounds View vs 5-3 Mahtomedi. Mounds View has had a soft schedule so far so this should be a very good test for the Mustangs.
- Cristo Rey visits Brooklyn Center on Wednesday night in a critical rebound game for the Pumas after the Heritage loss.
- How about a possible Tuesday championship game in the Perham tournament between Perham and #2A Spring Grove. Perham has a win over Battle Lake who was ranked #2 in class A at the time.
- Its the 30th year of the Winona Warrior Club Classic at Winona State. #3AA Caledonia takes on #3AAA Austin to end day 1. Austin coach Kris Fadness taking on his old school that he led to state in the late 90s.
- At the 28th annual Rochester Rotary Classic, a strong bracket of #6AAAA Rochester John Marshall vs Prior Lake and #5A Rushford-Peterson vs Woodbury.
- The year ends strong with #5AA Minnehaha taking on #1AAAA Hopkins in the Augsburg tourney on New Year's Eve.
- Brainerd with 2 more section 8AAAA matchups vs Buffalo and STMA this week to round out the calendar year.
- Then the new year begins with a bang with the Timberwolves Shootout on January 2nd. I'll have a full preview of that on New Year's Day.
- Other high profile games on that 1st Saturday of the new year include #3AA Caledonia at Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau (WI) and #6AAA Waconia at previously ranked Waseca.
2015 Hutton Winter Classic Night 1
Prologue
Its the inaugural Hutton Winter Classic and the return of holiday basketball to historic Joe Hutton Arena at Hamline. This event is a new pre-Christmas event on the local schedule. Definitely a nice opening year for it with 2 ranked teams. They're looking to build this going forward in this interesting time slot on the schedule. A can of Pepsi washes down a quality slice of Topper's sausage pizza. Upper Iowa, Winona, RCTC and Lake Region just a few of those attending tonight.
Song of the Day
Bob Seger - Old Time Rock and Roll
Number of Teams I've Seen: 74 (26 courts, 2 new, 1 TV game)
Beverage Ticker: 224 ounces (1790 calories) + 4 liters (250 calories)
30 days (25 possible game days), 39 games, 2 scrimmages added on, includes 1 TV replay
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 4
Game 1: #10AAA Minneapolis Henry vs Breck
The start is very slow. Then Breck center Justin Bergerson has to sit with his 2nd foul barely 4 minutes into the game. Breck frosh David Roddy with 2 nice inside hoops and a free throw. 15-12 Breck at the 5:30 mark. Savion Scott with 2 bombs, a putback and a runout as Henry runs off 17 of 21 points. They pushes Henry to a 31-21 lead at half.
5 in a row from Breck early in the half and the Henry lead is down to 8. Then Julian Jackson off a BLOB for 2 and a layup off textbook zone offense. Jordan Lynn hits a free throw and then a 3 and the lead is 15. Lamar Wood blocks a shot, cradles it and falls out of bounds all in 1. He'll score on the other end. Turnover for a Scott layup and Julian Jackson in the post. The Henry run is 16-5 over 6 minutes. 50-31 Patriots almost midway thru the 2nd half. Northwestern football commit Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman with the emphatic dunk for Breck off the give and go. Then a Henry turnover and Breck misses the layup. A Breck 3 cuts it to 11 inside of 7 to play. Henry runs away from there to win 71-46. Julian Jackson leads Henry with 19, Savion Scott 18. David Roddy 12 to lead Breck. Henry is now 7-1. Breck falls to 4-4.
Game 2: #6AA St. Paul Academy vs North St. Paul
New SPA coach Isaiah Walfred taking on his old school in this one. Interesting to see SPA start with the DDM type action but then revert to some old Princeton stuff (e.g chin) that Walfred ran in his NSP days. Josh Steckler sick for NSP so he seems limited action. Its 6 all early and then a 23-0 run from SPA as the Polars can't buy a shot. SPA making it a layup drill on the other end getting anything they want. 29-6 at the 5:55 mark after a Kent Hanson 3 ends the run. But don't discount The Fighting Janquarts! NSP uses their better athleticism to jump back into the game via a 16-2 run. Adrian Wadlington runs for a 3 point play and drives for 2, sophs Bryce Phillips and Goodnews Kpegeol each with bombs. Termaine Daniels finishes the run with a drive and a 3. Dalante Peyton stops the run with a long 3 to beat the halftime buzzer. 34-22 SPA at the break.
Kimari Suggs-Morgan hoop and harm, Jake Weber with the lefty 2 out of the post and a Jaquas Towns 3. The 23 point lead is now down to 41-37 with 10 minutes left. Tommy Dicke with 2 important 3s for SPA to push the lead to 8. Daniels for 3 countered by Dalante Peyton's only hoop of the half (a 3). Phillips for 3 to cut the lead to 7 but SPA spreads the floor and they win 57-48. Termaine Daniels 17 to lead North St. Paul. Emerson Egly playing inside this year scores 15. Kent Hanson adds 13. If NSP makes a shot early or guards anything, they win this one easily. Their athletes really bothered SPA with pressure. SPA improves to 8-2. North St. Paul sees a 4 game winning streak snapped and they fall to 6-3.
Its the inaugural Hutton Winter Classic and the return of holiday basketball to historic Joe Hutton Arena at Hamline. This event is a new pre-Christmas event on the local schedule. Definitely a nice opening year for it with 2 ranked teams. They're looking to build this going forward in this interesting time slot on the schedule. A can of Pepsi washes down a quality slice of Topper's sausage pizza. Upper Iowa, Winona, RCTC and Lake Region just a few of those attending tonight.
Song of the Day
Bob Seger - Old Time Rock and Roll
Number of Teams I've Seen: 74 (26 courts, 2 new, 1 TV game)
Beverage Ticker: 224 ounces (1790 calories) + 4 liters (250 calories)
30 days (25 possible game days), 39 games, 2 scrimmages added on, includes 1 TV replay
- Pepsi: 96 ounces (1200 Calories) + 500 ml (210 Calories)
- Dr Pepper: 36 ounces (450 Calories)
- Sprite: 12 ounces (140 Calories)
- Water: 3 Liters + 80 ounces (0 Calories)
- Gatorade: 500 ml (40 Calories)
Pizza Ticker: 8
Walking Taco Ticker: 4
Game 1: #10AAA Minneapolis Henry vs Breck
The start is very slow. Then Breck center Justin Bergerson has to sit with his 2nd foul barely 4 minutes into the game. Breck frosh David Roddy with 2 nice inside hoops and a free throw. 15-12 Breck at the 5:30 mark. Savion Scott with 2 bombs, a putback and a runout as Henry runs off 17 of 21 points. They pushes Henry to a 31-21 lead at half.
5 in a row from Breck early in the half and the Henry lead is down to 8. Then Julian Jackson off a BLOB for 2 and a layup off textbook zone offense. Jordan Lynn hits a free throw and then a 3 and the lead is 15. Lamar Wood blocks a shot, cradles it and falls out of bounds all in 1. He'll score on the other end. Turnover for a Scott layup and Julian Jackson in the post. The Henry run is 16-5 over 6 minutes. 50-31 Patriots almost midway thru the 2nd half. Northwestern football commit Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman with the emphatic dunk for Breck off the give and go. Then a Henry turnover and Breck misses the layup. A Breck 3 cuts it to 11 inside of 7 to play. Henry runs away from there to win 71-46. Julian Jackson leads Henry with 19, Savion Scott 18. David Roddy 12 to lead Breck. Henry is now 7-1. Breck falls to 4-4.
Game 2: #6AA St. Paul Academy vs North St. Paul
New SPA coach Isaiah Walfred taking on his old school in this one. Interesting to see SPA start with the DDM type action but then revert to some old Princeton stuff (e.g chin) that Walfred ran in his NSP days. Josh Steckler sick for NSP so he seems limited action. Its 6 all early and then a 23-0 run from SPA as the Polars can't buy a shot. SPA making it a layup drill on the other end getting anything they want. 29-6 at the 5:55 mark after a Kent Hanson 3 ends the run. But don't discount The Fighting Janquarts! NSP uses their better athleticism to jump back into the game via a 16-2 run. Adrian Wadlington runs for a 3 point play and drives for 2, sophs Bryce Phillips and Goodnews Kpegeol each with bombs. Termaine Daniels finishes the run with a drive and a 3. Dalante Peyton stops the run with a long 3 to beat the halftime buzzer. 34-22 SPA at the break.
Kimari Suggs-Morgan hoop and harm, Jake Weber with the lefty 2 out of the post and a Jaquas Towns 3. The 23 point lead is now down to 41-37 with 10 minutes left. Tommy Dicke with 2 important 3s for SPA to push the lead to 8. Daniels for 3 countered by Dalante Peyton's only hoop of the half (a 3). Phillips for 3 to cut the lead to 7 but SPA spreads the floor and they win 57-48. Termaine Daniels 17 to lead North St. Paul. Emerson Egly playing inside this year scores 15. Kent Hanson adds 13. If NSP makes a shot early or guards anything, they win this one easily. Their athletes really bothered SPA with pressure. SPA improves to 8-2. North St. Paul sees a 4 game winning streak snapped and they fall to 6-3.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)