2021-21 Tri-Metro Conference Preview

This is the 6th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  Week 2 of this season's abbreviated preview series begins with a look at the Tri-Metro Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Academy of Holy Angels Stars (2019-20 season 19-10, 8-6 Conference, 3rd)
Forward Matt Banovetz and his 20.2 PPG from his forward spot made him one of the top players in the league.  He'll need to be replaced.  The rotation is still strong though.  Junior guard Emmett Johnson averaged 14.5 PPG.  Senior wing Bryce Boyd had a breakout season with 11.6 PPG.  Junior wing Cam Holter has transferred in from Minneapolis Southwest.  4 underclassmen from last year saw time last season.  That experience will pay off this season.
 
Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2019-20 season 5-20, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
The young core of 2024 kids that the Centaurs were looking to build around has scattered.  Many of them including point guard Demari Larkins and center Chiang Ring are off to Minneapolis South.  So between the loss of those 5 players and 3 seniors, there's nothing coming back from the team I saw at the end of the season.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2019-20 season 13-12, 7-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
League MVP Jordan Jones and his 22.3 PPG need to be replaced at the point guard spot.  Guards Elijah Williams, Jamaz Garner and Terrence Brown all return.  Forward Spencer Alvarez and wing Muja Burton (17.3 PPG) also return.  They also add wing transfers Donnavin Hinsz (7.1 PPG at Moorhead) and Hassan Kamara (6.3 PPG at Osseo).  All of those players except Williams are juniors.  The Hylanders return home this season after playing last season on the road due to construction.
 
De La Salle Islanders (2019-20 season 24-5, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
Dartmouth commit Cade Haskins (16.4 PPG) returns as the most dangerous offensive threat in the league.  He uses screens well and is big enough to shoot over smaller defenders.  Wing Keijuan White (8.7 PPG) and guard Evan Boyd (6.9 PPG) join him in returning to the lineup.  They'll seriously miss the physical presence of Jalen Travis (15.5 PPG) in the post.

Fridley Tigers (2019-20 season 14-14, 7-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Hall of Fame coach Jim MacDonald has retired.  The top 2 scorers in guard Isaac Burns (14.7 PPG) and forward Yoal Ruei (16.4 PPG) have graduated.  Guards Micah Niewald (12.1 PPG), Christian Crockett and junior Eli Nelsen (7.5 PPG) will lead the returning offense.

Richfield Spartans (2019-20 season 23-6, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
After a breakout year, the Spartans are poised to repeat that with almost the entire rotation returning.  Wing Lamar Grayson (19.3 PPG) is a dynamic slasher.  Guards Ryan Myles (15.2 PPG) and Mitchell January (13.9 PPG) are a very experienced and productive backcourt.  Isaiah Casey-Hammond and Jaden Wollmuth are a nice combination of strength and length on the front line.  They both averaged 9.4 PPG last season.

St. Anthony Huskies (2019-20 season 12-16, 3-11 Conference, 7th)
A huge loss for the Huskies as their all-time leading scorer Tait Nelson (22.2 PPG) has graduated.  The senior inside out duo of guard Max Kachman (9.6 PPG) and forward Luke Omodt (9 PPG) will try to pick up the slack.  Sophomores Nathan Lucas (5.9 PPG) and Joe Randle will see increased roles.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2019-20 season 13-13, 5-9 Conference, 6th)
The Crusaders are coming off a disappointing season.  Assistant Drew Kock takes over the program.  The entire lineup was set to return. But a big loss in the offseason with wing Xavier Garcia transferring to Humboldt.  His 14.3 PPG and ability to attack the rim will be missed.  A pair of lefty shooting guards will lead the offense.  Zach Longueville (18.6 PPG) and Owen Bushaw (16 PPG) can both handle and shoot it.  Its a small lineup that relies as much as any on the 3 point shot.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. De La Salle
2. Richfield
3. Columbia Heights 
4. Holy Angels
5. St. Croix Lutheran 
6. St. Anthony 
7. Fridley
8. Brooklyn Center    

Conference MVP: Cade Haskins - De La Salle

Conference Overview:
I can't pick against De La Salle until somebody actually beats them in a conference game.  11 straight league titles with only 3 league losses in that stretch.  Richfield could give them a run with everybody coming back.  Columbia Heights could also join that group and coach Willie Braziel has good history knocking off the Islanders.  Holy Angels and St. Croix Lutheran look to fight it out for the last spot in the top half.  Adding Cam Holter puts AHA in that spot.  St. Anthony and Fridley lose major scoring pieces so I can't see them any higher.  Brooklyn Center has too many questions to jump out of the cellar.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jency Davis - Columbia Heights
• Casmir Chavis, Nasir Whitlock, Ian Boyd - De La Salle
• Joe Miller, Gavin Pierce - Holy Angels
• Nathan Lucas, Joe Randle - St. Anthony 
• Jaden Neish - St. Croix Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

• Richfield at De La Salle - Jan 15th
• De La Salle at Columbia Heights - Jan 29th 
• Richfield at Columbia Heights - Feb 5th
  
• De La Salle at Richfield - Feb 9th
• Columbia Heights at De La Salle - Feb 23rd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at De La Salle - Dec 8th
• St. Paul Central at Columbia Heights - Dec 8th
  
• Richfield at Minneapolis North - Dec 10th
  
• Minneapolis North at De La Salle - Dec 12th
• De La Salle at Robbinsdale Cooper - Jan 5th
  

2020-21 IMAC Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  Week 1 of the 2020-21 Season Preview Series ends with a look at the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Blake Bears (2019-20 season 22-6, 8-1 Conference, 2nd)
The 3 amigos for Blake have become the 4 amigos.  Jasper Liu, Gabe Ganz, Rob Grace and Theo Liu all averaged double figures last year.  Frosh Grayson Okoronkwo is the only other returnee of note for a thin rotation. There's no size but they run good sets and can really shoot it which is why they're so dangerous.

Breck Mustangs (2019-20 season 7-20, 3-6 Conference, 5th)
The Mustangs return their top 2 scorers from a year ago.  PG Jaren Morton and wing Jimmy Koch both averaged 14.2 PPG.  Sophs Waziri Lawal and Will Walker to return to the rotation.  They'll see increased roles with 4 members of the rotation graduating.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2019-20 season 25-3, 3-0 Conference, 1st)
Its not often you can lose 4 division 1 athletes and still be a nationally ranked state favorite, but that's the story for the Redhawks.  PG Jalen Suggs is off to Gonzaga.  Kaden Johnson and Terry Lockett are off to high major football.  Wing Demarion Watson-Saulsberry transferred to Totino-Grace.  But when you still have the top senior in the nation in Chet Holmgren (14 PPG), a high major wing in Prince Aligbe (10.6 PPG) and a high major point guard in Hercy Miller (8.4 PPG), its not hard to understand.  The impact that Holmgren's shot blocking has on the game is something to behold.  That's above and beyond the ridiculous offensive skill set he has.  Sharpshooter Donovan Smith, wing Isaiah Davis and forward Chase Carter will be the very talented supporting cast.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2019-20 season 5-19, 0-8 Conference, 6th)
Head coach Jake Schwartz moved on to Minnesota Prep Academy.  Rich Harris has just been announced as his late replacement.  Leading scorer Shane Fruchterman (9.2 PPG) and center Alec Nicoski need to be replaced.  Frosh PG Jay Green returns to the starting lineup and gives the Panthers a piece to build around.  Seniors Dhruv Muppidi and Hunter Erickson also return.

Providence Academy Lions (2019-20 season 12-15, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
3 of the top 5 scorers including guard Jacob Halek and forward Sean Rocheford have graduated.  Juniors Jimmy Fafinski (7.7 PPG) and Liam Carney (7.4 PPG) lead the returnees.  Baeddan Ongori returns to man the middle.  Paul Pellgrene returns at the point.  There's experience but not much firepower on offense.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2019-20 season 16-10, 4-4 Conference, 4th)
Guard Adam Holod (22.3 PPG) returns to lead the offense.  The rest of the starters need to be replaced.  Gregory Forsberg, Brandt Baskerville (4.7 PPG) and Clarke Baskerville are all juniors that should see plenty of time.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Minnehaha
2. Blake
3. Providence   
4. Breck
5. St. Paul Academy 
6. Mounds Park Academy 

Conference Overview
Minnehaha and Blake are clear favorites to be 1 and 2.  Mounds Park finishes at the back of the pack.  The middle is jumbled with 3 mediocre teams that could go in any order.  SPA goes in the 5th spot for me because of having to replace everything around Adam Holod.  Providence and Breck is a coin flip that I give to Providence due to 2 head to head wins last season.  A couple of fun scheduling quirks.  Blake is the only team with home games against every other team in the league.  Breck is the only team with road games against every other team in the league.  The league has a partnership with the Skyline and Twin Cities Academy for non-conference games.  

Conference MVP: Chet Holmgren - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Grayson Okoronkwo - Blake
• Waziri Lawal, Will Walker - Breck 
• Mercy Miller - Minnehaha
• Jay Green - Mounds Park Academy

Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 25th
  

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Mound-Westonka at Blake - Dec 11th
• Chaska at Minnehaha - Dec 15th
• Hopkins at Minnehaha - Dec 17th
• Cristo Rey at Blake - Dec 18th
  
• Minneapolis North at Minnehaha- Dec 30th
• Waseca at Minnehaha - Jan 2nd
  
• Blake at St. Croix Prep - Jan 14th
• Wayzata at Minnehaha - Feb 4th
  

2020-21 Skyline Conference Preview

This is the fourth preview in my 2020-21 season preview series.  Moving up to largely class AA schools now.  Let's start with a look at the Skyline Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Concordia Academy Beacons (2019-20 season 20-8, 9-5 Conference, 4th)
The Beacons have to replace 4 starters.  That includes the quality backcourt of Essay Hagos (21.3 PPG) and sharpshooter Aaron TerHaar (14.1 PPG).  Forward Gary Legvold also graduated after being their main inside presence.  Jace Shields looks to fill his spot.  Soph wing AJ Greene averaged 12.5 PPG last year and will be the focus of the offense this season.  Wyatt Langevin and Jaden Quast are returning rotation options.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2019-20 season 15-13, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
Cristo Rey has a major void at point guard with the graduation of James Sommer (21 PPG).  Wing Jaylen Cargill (7.1 PPG) also graduated.  Senior twins Erick and Derek Burgess lead the returnees.  Erick averaged 16.2 PPG and Derek averaged 12.9 PPG with both making the all-conference list.  BJ Hollowell and Savion Williams-Hondras also return to a lineup that is not deep.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2019-20 season 18-11, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
Former Edina assistant Mike Landers takes over the program.  He'll have to replace 4 starters including PF Hakim Daniels (17.3 PPG) and PG Maciah Harut (15.2 PPG).  Junior SG Jeremiah LaVelle is the top returning scorer at 7.2 PPG.  Senior Will Kietzmann gives them a big option to put in the post.  The sophomore trio of Isaiah Bluford, Matthew Bluford and Bailey McDonald will step into the vacated perimeter roles after seeing significant minutes last year.

New Life Academy Eagles (2019-20 season 8-19, 4-10 Conference, 6th)
After a disappointing season, 4 starters have to be replaced.  St. Olaf assistant Tony Taylor takes over the program as the Eagles go from 1 former MIAC assistant to another.  Forward Michael Reader (13.2 PPG) and Konner Ware (11.6 PPG) are the main losses in the scoring column.  Junior sharp-shooting wing Kollin Kaemingk is the top returning scorer at 13.2 PPG.  Soph Erick Reader should step right into his brother's inside role after being his backup last year.  Soph Max Briggs should step into the point guard spot.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2019-20 season 4-22, 0-14 Conference, 8th)
Former Henry Sibley head coach John Carrier takes over the program.  Its a major rebuilding effort.  Leading scorer Rayan Taha has transferred.  That leaves the Knights without a double figure scorer or a notable scoring threat.  The rest of last year's very young roster does return.

St. Agnes Aggies (2019-20 season 12-15, 6-8 Conference, 5th)
Coach Chris Hopkins has to replace 5 starters.  That includes his main 2 guard threats Jake Brezny (14.8 PPG) and Sam Masek.  Juniors Caleb Flood and Samuel Lopez look to take on bigger roles.  Senior Jevon Jones also returns.  Expect to see plenty of youth to go with them as the Aggies look toward the future.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2019-20 season 26-1, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
St. Croix Prep ran the table in the regular season.  Now they have to replace 3 starters.  That includes  league MVP Daniel McCarrell (17.2 PPG) and forwards Barrett Benson and Zach Doely (13 PPG).  But don't feel too sorry for coach Keven Seim.  He still has a loaded backcourt of seniors Addison Metcalf (18.3) and Andrew Howard (11.4 PPG).  Both were all-conference players last year.  Senior Teige Lethert also returns on the front line.  Sam Johnson provides guard depth.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2019-20 season 8-22, 2-12 Conference, 7th)
Trinity dropped from 20 wins to 8 wins as they went into rebuild mode by playing 4 sophomores.  The top 2 big men need to be replaced including leading scorer Isaac Showalter (11.2 PPG).  Junior Zach Martin is the top returning scorer at 7.7 PPG.  Forward Ben Erickson and junior PG Kip Knippel also return to the starting lineup.  Juniors Joe Rudquist and Sam Bormann also return to the rotation

Predicted Order of Finish

1. St. Croix Prep
2. Cristo Rey
3. Maranatha  
4. New Life  
5. Concordia 
6. St. Agnes
7. Trinity 
8. Nova Classical

Conference Overview
After a great year last year in the league, its time to pay the piper.  Major losses for every team in the league.  St. Croix Prep with 3 top pieces coming back is my pick.  Cristo Rey and Maranatha both have enough perimeter talent coming back to stay in the top half.  I see green in the middle with Concordia and New Life battling for the final spot in the top half.  The bottom of the league is going to be ugly with St. Agnes, Trinity and Nova all struggling.  The schedule for these teams is a convoluted mess, its sorta double round-robin for conference play but some games are skipped.  They have a partnership to play everybody in the IMAC but Nova and Minnehaha really aren't in it.  I give up.

Conference MVP: Addison Metcalf - St Croix Prep

Underclassmen to watch: 

• AJ Greene- Concordia
• Bailey McDonald, Isaiah Bluford, Matthew Bluford - Maranatha
• Erick Reader, Max Briggs - New Life
• Paul Plasch, Elonzo Simmons, Andrew Weber, Daniel Koontz - St. Agnes 
• Bjorn Benson, Cade Hanson - St. Croix Prep

Conference Games to Watch

• Cristo Rey at St. Croix Prep - Jan 28th
• St. Croix Prep at Cristo Rey - Feb 19th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Blake at St. Croix Prep - Jan 14th
  
• St. Croix Prep at Twin Cities Academy/Great River - Jan 19th
• Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Cristo Rey - Feb 2nd
  

2020-21 MCAA Preview

This is the third preview in my 2020-21 season preview series.  We continue the conference previews  with a look at the Minnesota Classic Athletic Association (MCAA).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2019-20 season 7-22, 1-13 Conference, Tie 7th)
The top 2 scorers have graduated.  That includes wing Joshua Falk (12 PPG) and big man Justin Howard (9.1 PPG).  This year's group will be heavy on juniors.  Cade LaFavor, Hunter LaFavor, Tommy Chevalier and Soren Habel will be the feature players.  Freshmen Kobe and Kristopher Keys also return to the rotation.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2019-20 season 10-17, 7-7 Conference, 5th)
TJ Guggenberger and his 13.8 PPG will be difficult to replace as the go to guy.  PG Evan Jacobson (9.2 PPG) also needs to be replaced.  Seniors Ethan Virshek (14.7 PPG) and Steph Sawtelle (11.1 PPG) will carry the offense.  No other returnee averaged more than 5 PPG.  Jack Wicht gives them a body inside.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2019-20 season 24-4, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
Legacy made a huge jump from 9 wins to 24 last season.  4 starters and the top 4 scorers return from that group.  PG Jake Wald leads the way with 18.5 PPG but he suffered a nasty ankle injury during the offseason.  He is expected back for the season.  Harley Kendall (11.8 PPG) is another shooting option.  Trenton Harrison and Brian Halcomb make up the forward duo.

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs (2019-20 season 16-11, 11-3 Conference, Tie 2nd)
LP/HT returns 6 members of their rotation but also has to replace 2 of their 3 double figure scorers.  Evan Lee was a solid point guard and Alex Heimerl was a steady presence on the front line.  Guard Zach Jackson (12.3 PPG) leads the returning lineup.  Soph Tanner Scheevel also returns to the backcourt.  Jack Behning and Dexter Harrison will man the front line.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2019-20 season 7-20, 1-13 Conference, Tie 7th)
North Lakes needs to replace their top 2 scorers.  That includes Ethan Crandell (13.4 PPG) and over 1000 career points.  There wasn't much scoring beyond the top 2.  3 freshmen saw time last year as part of building for the future.

PACT Charter Panthers (2019-20 season 12-16, 4-10 Conference, 6th)
The Panthers return 4 of their top 5 scorers.  Senior wing Jordan Stone and his 18.2 PPG top that list.  We went off for a school record 44 points (33 in 1st half) in their game at Eagle Ridge last season.  Tyler Cowden (15 PPG) provides another shooting option.  Braxton Akkerman looks to replace the size of Calvin Churchill inside.

Spectrum Sting (2019-20 season 14-13, 13-1 Conference, 1st)
Spectrum needs to replace one of the top guards in the league, Max Lawrence (22.5 PPG).  Junior combo guard Titus Skistad averaged over 15 PPG last year and looks to be the goto guy this season.  Aaron Walk and Landon Seigel return to the interior slots.

West Lutheran Warriors (2019-20 season 14-13, 8-6 Conference, 4th)
The Warriors have to replace their star forward Troy Kokkinen (16.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG).  2 other double figure scorers do return in the backcourt.  Point guard Sam Bjorlin averaged 10.9 PPG and junior Christian Schmidt averaged 11.7 PPG.  Garrett Tesmer also returns on the front line.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Legacy
2. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity 
3. Spectrum
4. PACT
5. Heritage
6. West Lutheran
7. Eagle Ridge
8. North Lakes

Conference Overview
Legacy is my clear favorite with most of their lineup returning.  Jake Wald should be back to 100% for the big matchups late in the season.  I see Eagle Ridge just ahead of North Lakes for the final spot.  Beyond that its hard to pick.  You have a group looking to move up with PACT returning most of their group while Heritage and West Lutheran return solid backcourts.  Contrast that with significant losses for LP/HT and Spectrum in front of them.  LP/HT moves to the Minnesota River Conference next season after a difficult fit for the last 17 years in the MCAA.  They'll look to go out with a bang.  I think their 6 returnees make them the next best pick.  Spectrum not quite as deep but I'll pick them over their rival PACT.  The league schedule has each team playing an opponent home and home in back to back games.  That means my top 2 picks won't see each other until the final week of league play in mid-February.

Conference MVP: Jake Wald - Legacy

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Kobi Keys, Kristopher Keys, Darrell Weston - Eagle Ridge
• Micah Strand - Legacy
• Tanner Scheevel - LP/HT
• Caleb Jensen, Keenan Zenkic - North Lakes 
• Matthew Koosman - West Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

• LP/HT at Legacy - Feb 8th
  
• Legacy at LP/HT - Feb 11th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• LP/HT at Watertown-Mayer - Dec 11th
  
• Mayer Lutheran at LP/HT - Feb 15th
  
• Mayer Lutheran at Legacy - Feb 26th
  

2020-21 EMAC Preview

This is the second preview in the 2020-2021 season preview series.  I continue the opening week of previews with small schools.  In this preview, a look at the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2019-20 season 1-22, 0-17 Conference, 10th)
Forwards Jake Colestock and Nate Lundy were the main offensive pieces.  They graduated so the Eagles will have to find offense elsewhere.

Avail Academy Valor (2019-20 season 14-13, 9-8 Conference, 5th)
The entire roster returns which is all the reason I need to say FEAR THE RHINO!  Wings Joey Ritzema and Josiah Schapp lead the way for a balanced lineup.  Ritzema does all the dirty work plays in addition to his team leading scoring average.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2019-20 season 9-18, 8-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
There's only 1 notable graduation loss for the Tigers.  Osa Osasumwen (12 PPG) and Chris Williams take care of the paint.  Angel Sanchez (12.8 PPG) provides scoring punch on the wing.  Plenty of guard experience returns as well.  Tyrel Green's return at the point guard (only listed in 7 games last year) would be a major difference.  Lots of guard experience returns but much of it is young.

Groves Academy Griffins (2019-20 season 6-21, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
Center Alfie Galle (18.5 PPG) and PG Gabe Gordon (10.1 PPG) are major losses from the Griffins lineup.  They were most of the offense.  Sophs Emory Harden and Abraham Rossinow are youngsters looking at bigger roles.  Senior Daniel Schoenfelder and juniors Nick Lang and Danny Berthoud return to the starting lineup.

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2019-20 season 18-8, 12-5 Conference, 4th)
The Wolves talented sophomore group looks to take another step this season.  With only 1 senior graduating, that would not be a surprise.  PG Jessye Lewis, W Romelle Bell and F Jaheim Houts make up a dangerous trio.  Lewis makes the offense go with his 24.2 PPG.  Lots of high pick and roll for him to create for himself and others.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2019-20 season 4-18, 3-14 Conference, 8th)
Leading scorer Elijah Vang graduates.  Wing Calvin Yang should pick up much of that scoring slack after averaging 12.5 PPG last season.  Weelai Vang averaged 8.3 PPG and is a quality distributor in the lineup.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2019-20 season 17-10, 13-5 Conference, 3rd)
Liberty has to replace most of their rotation.  That includes F Thomas Conroy's 28 and 16 per night and SG Ben Horn.  Horn was also a double figure scorer.  Junior Cameron Lacy (11.3 PPG) and soph Trent Verbeek are the new main options. It will be a young and largely inexperienced lineup.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2019-20 season 11-14, 8-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Junior guards Dylan Goff and Brady Sahr return to lead the Dragons.  Nate Stephen provides another guard option.  The front line is a question with the losses of Charlie Eng and Jagar Hansen.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2019-20 season 25-3, 18-0 Conference, 1st)
AK Avwunuma will be a major loss inside after putting up 14.8 PPG last year.  But the Tigers are still loaded on the perimeter.  Juniors Carmello and Carrington McNeal return in the backcourt.  Both averaged double figures last year.  Seniors Tre-Vionne Allen and Ibrahima Diagne also return.  

United Christian Academy Thunder (2019-20 season 17-11, 14-4 Conference, 2nd)
The Thunder have to replace 3 guards who combined for over 35 PPG last year.  That consisted of most of their shooting.  That will be sorely missed for forward Zach Corley.  Corley is the top big man in the league.  He averaged 14.7 PPG and 12.4 RPG last year.  20+ and 15+ this season would not be a shock.  Lengthy lefty Jonah Anderson returns to the starting lineup.  Micah Rich and Kaeden Kotula also return to the rotation.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Hiawatha Academy
2. Avail Academy
3. Community of Peace 
4. United Christian Academy 
5. Math and Science 
6. Liberty Christian Academy
7. Hmong Academy
8. Groves Academy
9. AFSA

Conference Overview
I'm told that Hmong Academy and AFSA won't be playing this year.  But just in case, I've included them here for completeness.  Twin Cities Academy/Great River is now an independent.  So much for my prediction that last year's race would be close.  Twin Cities Academy steamrolled their way through an undefeated league season with an average score of 87-42.

Hiawatha is the clear best of the rest, but they'll have to defend much better, particularly in transition.  Avail and Community of Peace both return plenty and should battle for the next spot.  United Christian falls off but with Zach Corley inside they can't drop too far.   Math and Science and Liberty Classical will try to give them a run for that final spot in the top half.  Then a drop off to the final 3 with Hmong Academy being the best of the rest.  Groves and AFSA battle to stay out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Jessye Lewis - Hiawatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Bernard Taylor, Noah Chang, Jah'cir Allen, Se'vione Wilson - Community of Peace
• Emory Harden, Abraham Rossinow - Groves
• Jessye Lewis, Jaheim Houts, Romelle Bell - Hiawatha
• Trent Verbeek - Liberty

Conference Games to Watch

• Hiawatha at Avail - Jan 21st
• Avail at Hiawatha - Feb 22nd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Hiawatha - Dec 4th
• Hiawatha vs CHOF - Dec 22nd
  
• St. Croix Prep at Twin Cities Academy/Great River - Jan 19th
• Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Cristo Rey - Feb 2nd

2020-21 Independents Preview

This is the first preview in the 2020-2021 season preview series.  This year is the 14th annual edition of this preview series.  The previews will be done starting with small schools and working up to the big schools.  When its all done, a final high-level preview will complete the series.  That means the we'll start with the tiny independent charter schools.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.   A special note on the 1st 2 previews.  While some EMAC teams may not be playing or playing independent schedules, the information on that is sparse.  Therefore, I've grouped the teams based on last year.

Chesterton Academy Knights  (2019-20 season 6-15)
This is the co-op between Chesterton Academy and International School of Minnesota.  International School hosts the games now that Chesterton has moved to downtown Hopkins.  There is some experience up front returning.  Overall I expect a long season.

CHOF Lions (2019-20 season 22-6)
CHOF has to replace forward Isaac Collins (20.5 PPG) and shooter Preston Alleman (13.5 PPG).  Drake Eckman and his 15.2 PPG return to lead the offense.  Clay Bluhm returns at a guard spot. Arren Strandlund returns to the post.  Frosh Henry Bluhm also reteurns to the rotation.

High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2019-20 season 12-11)
Coach Quincy Caldwell returns most of his roster.  That features seniors Jaelen Thomas and Jacquez Fondern.  Thomas is one of the top posts in section 4A and St. Paul.  Fondern is a scorer on the wing.  Baraka Sanzone is the top guard.  Cole Foss provides inside depth.

Hope Academy Lions (2019-20 season 12-16)
Do everything wing Caleb Hoilien and his 27.6 PPG need to be replaced.  The rest of the roster returns from an injury ravaged season.  The return of junior guard Elijah Wade from a torn ACL will be critical.  Junior Caleb Irving is the top returning scorer along with soph Desmond Hardimon.  It will be a very small lineup even with senior Kaleb Dube and soph Zak Ruhland returning.  That will work well with their run and shoot lots of 3s style.

Kaleidoscope Comets (2019-20 season 15-13)
Forward Jacob Donnett's 25 PPG and 14 RPG will be hard to replace.  They still have 2 significant offensive pieces coming back.  Soph PG Michael Jude and junior wing AJ Kargel will lead the offense.  They each averaged over 15 PPG last year.  Soph Matt Aasen and senior Gabe Warner also return to the starting lineup.  Sophs Isaac Freeman and Mason Lesyinski provide rotation depth.

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2019-20 season 13-9)
The Dragons have the entire roster coming back.  That includes a nice senior core returning.  Strom Norcross and his 24.2 PPG/12.3 RPG.  Gabe Strand added 16.1 PPG from a guard spot.  Ethan Maring chipped in with 9.9 PPG inside.  Guard Angel Silva also returns.

Lincoln International Eagles (2019-20 season 1-7)
No information available

Metro Schools College Prep Lions (2019-20 season 6-10)
Most of the roster returns.  That includes leading scorer Ayub Abdi.  Its a group of many interchangeable parts.  They can use that to try to press and play fast.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2019-20 season 6-10)
The Wolves lose most, if not all, of their rotation.  They played their tourney game with only 5 seniors last season.  That includes wing Lashone Patterson's 18.8 PPG.  With the school being destroyed during the George Floyd protests and a new coach, its a season of questions.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2019-20 4-6)
Micah Arnold is the top returnee.  The only real question though is a Lycan prone to mange.

Ubah Medical Academy (2019-20 season 1-14)
No information available

Venture Academy (2019-20 season 3-6)
Senior guard Omarion Walker (20.6 PPG) and forward Jordan Stokes (7.2 PPG) need to be replaced.  Junior Ronnie Davis (14.8 PPG) is the top returnee.

Independents Overview
CHOF was on their way to another section final appearance.  They just seem to reload so I'll pick them as the best of this group.  Kaleidoscope and LILA interest me as both are in the 3rd year of their varsity programs.  LILA returns everybody and Kaleidoscope still playing plenty of experienced youth.  HSRA returns almost everybody and can be dangerous on any given night.  Hope will have a bunch of young guys playing too.

Independents MVP: Strom Norcross - Lakes International
 
Underclassmen to watch: 

• Henry Bluhm - CHOF
• Desmond Hardimon, Zak Ruhland, Noah Farmer - Hope Academy
• Michael Jude, Matt Aasen, Isaac Freeman, Mason Lesyinski - Kaleidoscope
• Reide Strand, Murray Monson, Wesley Morris - Lakes International

Games to Watch

• CHOF vs Hiawatha - Dec 22nd
  
• Hiawatha at Lakes International - Jan 14th
• Kaleidoscope at Lakes International - Feb 16th
  
• Lakes International at Hiawatha - Feb 18th
  

Welcome to Czar Season 14

Its a new school year and that means we flip the page to a new and currently unknown season for 2020-21.  The usual list of all fall events is now posted on the Fall Hoops page.  There are some extra ones this season.  If I missed yours, please pass it along.

I will be once again doing my annual season previews (see page here).  Conferences and independents will definitely be done.  Not sure if I'll be doing section previews yet or not.  But I may still find a way to sneak some of those teams in.

We have 9 players from class of 2021 that have already committed.  That list can be found here.

If we have holiday tournaments, I'll have my usual page of those but for now I'm leaving that out.

I've also done all the usual clean up of links.  That includes updating the current recruiting rankings from all the major services.  See that on my Players page.

That cleanup also includes all the links on the left hand side of the main site or for those of you on mobile, check out the Resources page (always 1st in the main menu too).  That includes links to anything and everything you may want to know about Minnesota hoops during the high school or grassroots seasons.  It includes national sites, recruiting calendars, signing dates, records and award winners just to name a few useful things that can be found there.

A midwest version of Vegas

Its multiple teams with top players from around the region.  It feels like 90+ degrees in a bright sun.  I'm on the road in July.  A couple MIAC coaches in the gym.  Adult beverages at night evaluating life and the day of hoops.  Ah yes, it feels like a great Las Vegas trip.  Even if Cheadle and many Minnesota refs are working.  So is this heaven?  No its Iowa.  Oh people will come Czar, people will most definitely come.  And so I emerged from the cornfields to take in a road session of games in this abbreviated grassroots season.  But unlike the movie, I return from left field.  I even return with money as the Vegas players card works at Diamond Jo's along the way but no stop there which is always the best move.  Remember folks, Grinders Win, Gamblers Lose.

The weekend in Ames at the All Iowa Attack Fieldhouse featured a surprisingly strong field for a regional event.  Granted having this not be the July open events period definitely caused some helpful movement of teams.  So we'll begin with results from the high school divisions and then comment on some of what I had the chance to watch.

17U Showcase
Crossfire Stone 4-1
D1 Minnesota 3-0
D1 Minnesota Prospects Culp 0-3
Heat Tauer 3-0
Howard Pulley 16s/17s  2-1
MN Rise 3-2
Select Ohnstad 3-1


Select Ohnstad had all 4 of their games decided by 3 points or less.  Sunday was especially wild.  They were sleepy vs MN Rise and lost by 2.  They came back in their next game with Jaelen Treml's layup at the buzzer in OT to beat Team Factory Gold.   Speaking of MN Rise, they won their 1st 3 games including that Select game.  But then gave up a 15 point lead including a 4 point play with about 15 seconds left to lose by 1 to South Dakota Network.  Solid weekend for the outstate club.

Crossfire Stone is now 7-1 on the season.  They had a pair of 1 point games that they won.  Brad Cimperman with a late FT to win the Lincoln Supreme game.  The only loss was a hard fought 6 point loss to Heat Tauer, no shame in that.  They also had a good win over South Dakota Attack.  Attack played without Wisconsin commit Matthew Mors but did have top 5 Iowa soph Tanner Te Slaa (who we saw last week with SD Venom 16s but this is his normal team).  Te Slaa had a late 3 and the game winning free throws to beat Howard Pulley on Saturday night.

Continuing with Howard Pulley they were one of the 3 local teams to pick up good wins over Team Factory UA Rise with Wisconsin commit Chucky Hepburn.  Heat Tauer and D1 Minnesota also on that list.  Very surprised they came away from the weekend 0-4.  Very fun team to watch and talented.

17U Division 
MN Lockdown 4-0 Tourney Champs
MN Nice 1-3
MN Select Robinson 3-2 Consolation Champs

A 1 point loss in pool pushed Select Robinson to 2nd in pool.  Then the local MN Lockdown squad beat them by 2 in the semis.  Lockdown went on win the championship game by 9.  Select avenged the 1 point pool loss to All Iowa Attack Black with a 1 point win in the consolation title game.

16U/15U Showcase
D1 Minnesota 15s 3-0
D1 Minnesota 16s 2-1
D1 Prospects 16s-Chase 2-1
D1 Prospects 16s-Tiran 2-1
D1 Prospects 15s-Laymon 0-3
Howard Pulley 15s 3-0
Heat MacDonald 16s 0-3
MN Rise 16s 2-2
MN Suns 16s Richardson 2-2

15U
MN Nice 2-2
MN Grizzlies 1-3
MN Heat Yahn 0-4

D1 Minnesota 15s steamrolled their way to 3 easy wins for coach Al Harris.  The 16U crew had a long rough stretch of solo offense against a very good Lincoln Supreme 16s team.  That put them down by 19 in the 2nd half before a late rally fell short.  Howard Pulley 15s look to be a very fun roster with some of the guys from last year's loaded DTA 14U squad that played 15s locally.  Tommy Humphries and CJ O'Hara on the perimeter with the massive Lincoln Palbicki inside.  Add in guys like Emmanuel Schmitter and you have a talented crew.  They also blew out a talented South Dakota Attack squad.  Heat MacDonald had a very good All Iowa Attack crew on the ropes before losing in overtime.  Star guard Cole Glasgow from that AIA team is reported to be joining the D1 Minnesota 16s.

Player Thoughts
The Star - Eli King (Caledonia, D1 17s).  It was his play in the game vs Team Factory on Saturday night that earned him an immediate offer from the Gophers.  Explosive off the floor for dunks, distributing the ball and defending a guy like Chucky Hepburn, he played at a ridiculous level.

Andrew Morgan (Waseca, Heat Tauer) - In their big game vs Team Factory, Will Tschetter had offensive struggles and Morgan more than made up for it with a strong double double of 18 points, 11 rebounds (give or take) and a couple of blocks. 

Ryan Dufault (Waseca, Heat Tauer) - His toughness shows thru in making big plays and he did that to be a major factor in why the Heat held off Team Factory.

Kyreese Willingham (Waseca, Heat Tauer) - Just as Team Factory was rallying late, he took 2 plays that Chucky Hepburn caused total chaos on and turned them into a 3 and a 3 point play.  Those sealed the game  He also was active on the glass approaching double digit boards in that game.

Josh Strong (Champlin Park, Heat Tauer).  Now he had some turnover moments.  But he did hit some big 3s and have some notable steals.  Definitely keeping an eye on him as another PG in the 2021 class.


Caleb Siwek (Rosemount, Howard Pulley 16s) - He hit a late clutch 3 to tie the game vs SD Attack.  Then against Team Factory knocked down 4 early 3s and then his 6th triple of that game was the dagger to clinch it.  I know shooting runs in the family (brother Luke is at Hamline) but I didn't know he shot it like that.  20 PPG in the South Suburban.  After his stats were pointed out to me I knew I missed on him as my breakout player there, but seeing it in person totally cemented that.

Tre Holloman (CDH, Howard Pulley 16s) - He got the better of the battle with Hepburn on Sunday.  Had a pair of big triples and then a very smart postup for a hoop when he saw Hepburn's small backup was guarding him.  Plus the usual distributing and control of pace that we've all come to expect from him.

Reid Patterson (Lakeville South, Select Ohnstad) - Hit the game winner in the early Saturday opener.  Then had big buckets to bring them back in their last game and a good look at a game winner there to before Jaelen Treml won it in overtime.

Kegan Heiderscheidt (Sleepy Eye, MN Rise) - A lanky big with some skill and athleticism.  Also loved his fire.  He was a key piece in Rise success this weekend.

Other Comments
Minnesota showed well with 7 of the top 12 juniors and 5 of the top 9 sophs playing.  3 others in those groups were on roster for the teams there but unable to play.  As previously mentioned, this wasn't just about Minnesota though.  North Dakota had its #1 and #3 sophomores represented.  South Dakota's top sophomore and #2 junior were there (#1 junior Matthew Mors did not attend).  Nebraska had its 2nd and 3rd players from 2021 and 2022 there.  Iowa had 3 of its top 5 sophomores there with the interesting factoid that they were playing on teams representing 3 different states.  So all of this made for some very fun matchups.  #1 soph in ND going head up against the #2 soph in Nebraska.  #1 soph in Iowa going head up against the #2 junior in Nebraska.  Seeing that level of competition is what makes grassroots ball so fun and why I enjoy my Vegas trip.  It also is a great differentiator for college coaches.  Trying to do it on dicey video feeds is an even bigger challenge to the always difficult art of recruiting.

If you're a long time reader, you won't be surprised I saw Chucky Hepburn 3 times.  I am going to watch a Wisconsin commit after all.  While he and his team struggled, I loved his game.  23 points vs Heat.  Team collapsed when he was on the bench.  He has such quickness with the ball and defensively with his hands.  Uses his body well and has a swagger.  Wisconsin also showing interest in Lincoln Supreme's Isaac Traudt (2022).  He didn't have a big game, but as a big wing who can shoot it, I still liked what I saw.  It was the toughness of the other star on that team, Cale Jacobsen, that really carried the day for that team.  Also liked what I saw from SD Attack 16s star Caden Hinker.  The forward holds offers from Augustana and Sioux Falls.  I definitely expect that list to grow.  Versatile inside/out game, has strength and a bit of bounce.  Joe Hurlburt (D1 16s, Enderlin, ND) has a frame that college coaches love and after seeing him in person you can see why.  I think he needs some time to adjust to the bigger stage but definitely want to see his development.  You can see PG Tamin Lipsey (Iowa, D1 17s playing up) isn't all the way back from his knee injury, but his vision and feel for the game are there.  He will be fun to watch.

2020 Hard Work Kick Off Review

While a couple teams have already gone on the road, the revamped AAU schedule (thank you COVID-19) really kicked into gear over the holiday with the Prep Hoops Hard Work Kickoff in Appleton, WI.  Minnesota was represented with a handful of teams in each division.  Here are the results and a few highlights from what I watched online.

15U
MN Chill 3-0
Crossfire Brown 0-3
MN Select James 0-3
MN Select Koch 1-2

It was a nice weekend for Chill as they hung on for a 4 point win in their opener on Friday night.  They followed that up with a pair of double digit wins on Saturday.  Productive weekends from forwards Molley Komara (Park Center) and Khalif Bettis (Burnsville).

Rough weekends for Crossfire Brown and Select James.  Crossfire with 3 single digit losses.  That included giving up a 6 point lead at the very end of their Friday night loss.  Wing Henry Skinner (Rockford) with a big 2nd half in that loss to keep Crossfire in it.  John Mueller (Watertown-Mayer) also productive for Crossfire.

Select James had a double digit lead in their opener before scoring only 1 FG in the last 20 minutes.  They lost all 3 games by double digits.  Center Jeffrey Iwuchuwku (Park Center) is raw but shows upside.  The Eastview duo of Rohan Jordan and Hayden Hoffman look to be future pieces for the Lightning.  Jordan reminds me of PC grad David Ijamibola while Hoffman's game showed a striking similarity to Eastview grad Tate Machacek.


16U
MN Select Davis 0-3
Crossfire Barker 3-0
Crossfire Terhaar 2-1
SE MN Thunder 2-1
MSP Elite 1-2

The Select Davis record is a bit harsh.  They lost big to 2 loaded squads in SD Venom and WI Playground Club's Under Armour squad.  No real shame there.  They came back to take a 1 point lead later in the 2nd half of their Illinois Hoopstars game before giving up 10 of the last 13 points.   Standouts for Select included Daniel Ijadimbola (BSM) and RJ Joiklow (Simley), Nathan Johnson (STA), RJ Spencer (TG) and Brayden Williams (Owatonna) all showing flashes as well.

Solid weekend for the Crossfire teams as they go 5-1.  That included a local bragging rights win for the Terhaar squad over MSP Elite.  That MSP Elite squad is largely a group of Spring Lake Park players.

17U
MN Select Ohnstad 2-1
MN Select Robinson 2-1
Crossfire Stone 3-0
Crossfire Jorgenson 0-3

Only loss for the Mitch Ohnstad's top Select squad was a hard fought battle against the WI Playground Club Under Armour 17s.  Reid Patterson making important shots in their games.  Jaelen Treml's defense sticking out as well.  That included a respectable effort, particularly in the 1st half, against high major recruit James Graham in the WI PGC game.  Graham leading WI PGC with 20 points in the game and was the difference.

Select Robinson started out with a loss in the game I watched.  But I think this is a squad that could surprise folks with their solid guard play and lesser known guys on the front line.  Shakopee's Mick Wherley is one of those guys.  Grayson Stalboerger (Eastview) with 4 triples and 20 points to keep them close in the game they lost.

Crossfire Stone swept their weekend.  Forward Connor Chappell (Orono) is a guy who I can see jumping onto the radar with his athleticism.  PG Reagan Koch (Jordan) makes me think a bit of NSIC PGs like Ryan Bruggeman and Jameson Bryan.  Not a wow guy, but makes open shots, is tough and doesn't turn it over.  He has a D2 offer from Colorado School of Mines.

The Czar's 2019-20 All-Surprise Team

The 2019-2020 season is a wrap.  That means its time to hand out hardware and review what happened and what we thought would happen.  In that spirit, I'm going to go back and select a player or 2 from each conference that I previewed.  But this is not an MVP vote.  These are players that didn't necessarily make the biggest impact, but they are guys that exceeded any expectations that I had before the season started.  All were highly valuable contributors to their teams.

EMAC: Joey Ritzema - Avail Academy
Ritzema was the classic dirty work guy for the Valor (FEAR THE RHINO!).  But he also made big plays. 

IMAC: Theo Liu - Blake
The 3 Amigos at the guard spots for the Bears are well known.  But its Theo Liu as a stretch 4 and a 4th scoring option on the floor took the Bears to another level.

Lake: JT Gaffney - Minnetonka and Regan Merritt - Hopkins
Gaffney was a very productive wing for the Skippers.  From knocking down shots to being a defensive stopper, he was a critical piece.

Merritt was a great role guy for Hopkins off the bench.  He hit big shots and was solid defensively.  He always seemed to make a big impact when on the floor.

Metro East:  Dewayne Thompson - Henry Sibley
While the Warriors had a long year, it would have been much longer if not for Thompson.  He emerged as a go to guy that was hard to contain off the bounce.

Metro West: Mahad Faisal - Chaska
Faisal was a productive wing scorer for the Hawks.  He gave them critical length and another guy who could make a big shot.

Minneapolis: Quientrail Jamison-Travis - Minneapolis North
Jamison-Travis was an absolute load inside for opponents to deal with.  His strength and size allowed him to bully his way to many buckets and rebounds.  It also allowed Davon Townley to expand his game by playing more away from the basket.

MCAA: Alex Heimerl - Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity
Another forward gets recognized here.  Heimerl was a key frontcourt piece for the Bulldogs to go with their solid guard play.

NW Suburban:  Kaleb Skelly - Spring Lake Park
It was the seniors who rightfully got noticed for the Panthers.  But it was the junior Skelly who was the extra piece for Spring Lake Park.  His ability to play inside and outside and give them some sort of front line presence was critical to their success.

St. Paul: Nico Peterson - Highland Park
I could have gone with teammate Carter Owens here too.  But it was Peterson's energetic forward play that really got my attention when I watched the Scots this year.  He could run the floor for dunks but also block shots on the other end.

Skyline: Teige Lethert - St. Croix Prep and AJ Greene - Concordia
In the Skyline I have to stretch a bit.  Freshman AJ Greene is the clear newcomer of the year.  The lefty wing was a big part of the rotation for a very good season for Concordia.  A quality 3rd option that will be a much more important player next year.

Lethert forced his way into the St. Croix Prep rotation with toughness and physical play.  That was much needed on the Lions front line.  He'll also see a bigger role next year to go with the quality backcourt that St. Croix Prep returns.

South Suburban: Malcolm Jones - Prior Lake and Avery Mast - Lakeville South
Here its a pair of sophomores who raised their games to become key rotation pieces.  Jones showed a 2 way game that will allow him to step in and try to pick up some of the slack of losing Dawson Garcia.  Expect a big season for him next year at Prior Lake.

Mast proved to be very productive for the Cougars.  While the guard play and interior play were known, it was the wing play of Mast that was a big key.

Suburban East: Evan Kim - Mounds View
For a team that had a very surprising year and did it in their typical fashion, Kim was the perfect guy.  Big, tough and smart with the ability to knock down shots.  That was Kim's story and he was the key to the Mustangs offense all year.

Tri-Metro: Bryce Boyd - Holy Angels and Lamar Grayson - Richfield
I first saw Boyd over the holidays and immediately liked the junior wing.  Good athlete and capable of making plays.  Definitely a name I'm keeping an eye on.

Grayson went from just another one of many guys for Richfield to being a major force.  He was a dynamic scoring slasher for the Spartans.  Very tough to stop and very dangerous in transition.

Independents: Michael Jude - Kaleidoscope
The freshman guard saw plenty of time last year.  This year he took the point guard spot and ran with it.  Not only did he run the show effectively but he was a knockdown shooter as well.  That helped lead the young Comets to a very nice 15-13 season in their 2nd year.  That included their 1st playoff home game.

Coaches: Omar McMillan - Richfield and Nate Bellefeuille - Legacy Christian
This section is to recognize the coaches of teams who went beyond expectations (#ShockTheCzar).  I'm saddened not to see Richfield make a run at state as that could have given them a case for worst Czar prediction ever.  But they still come in a clear 2nd as I got them totally wrong.  The pieces from last year came back and put it together.  Coach McMillan for that would be my metro coach of the year.

Even in the wide open abyss known as the section 4A race, seeing Legacy make the section final was a big surprise.  This year was a 15 game improvement from 9 wins to 24-4.  That results in the best season in school history.  There were definitely pieces in place and getting Jake Wald from St. Francis was huge.  But the Lions put it together at least a year earlier than expected.  Great work by coach Bellefeuille to put it together.

The Fans Go Out With A Bang

Prologue
Section finals here we go.  31 teams playing for titles starting tonight.  But its a really strange 24 hours that we've seen.  Tonight's finals played with fans but that's the last fan night we'll see.  Friday's finals will be played with limited family tickets available due to the Corona virus scare.  Props to the MSHSL for lifting the restriction on live streaming playoff games for those games.  So tonight we get a subdued crowd in Hastings for the 4AAAA final.  Its a rubber match between Suburban East foes East Ridge and Cretin-Derham Hall.  The teams split home wins during the regular season with a Woodbury upset costing CDH a share of the league crown.

Game Time
Offense hard to come by early, particularly for East Ridge.  Tre Holloman 6 straight CDH points for a 12-2 CDH lead at the 10:15 mark.  East Ridge unable to get anything to fall.  But Ben North finally breaks the ice with a 3 just under the 10 minute mark.  That triggers an 11-2 Raptors run.  Brody Kriesel with a 3 to end it.  14-13 CDH at 5:50.  CDH with the next 8 as a couple of East Ridge turnovers end the run.  North with 2 hoops to stop the bleeding.  22-17 CDH at the break. 

CDH seemed to have an answer for every East Ridge bit of momentum.  Kriesel 2 FTs countered by a J'Vonne Hadley triple.  Drew Adams 3 countered by Amari Carter with a drive for 2 and a triple of his own.  Hadley in the post dishes to Will Burke for a layup.  Carter puts back his own miss.  CDH lead back to 10, 38-28, with under 12 minutes left.

Ben Carlson heating up despite being mugged all night inside.  He scores in the post and knocks down a 3 as part of 6 straight East Ridge points.  After a CDH FT, its Hadley's 4th foul and another Ben North triple.  Kriesel to the line to make 1 of 2 with 4:49 left.  That miss would have tied the game and it brings Hadley back in.  42-41 CDH.  Holloman takes Carlson off the ball screen switch and finishes.  Kriesel from the short corner vs a 1-2-2 zone.  Holloman has the answer with the left hand.  Then he strips Carlson inside (could have easily been a jump ball).  Carter goes to the quick spin move in the post for a layup.  48-42 CDH with 1:40 left and it looks to be over.

Carlson with a free throw.  Kriesel with a strip at halfcourt that he converts with 1:10 left.  Back to a 1 possession game.  CDH misses a front end.  Kriesel converts that into a left wing triple.  48 all with 40 seconds left.  CDH timeout with 27.2 left.  They hold with Holloman.  He drives and his lob is too high for Hadley.  Carlson with a chance to grab it but can't hang on.  Its out to Cretin under their basket with 3.7 left.  The teams trade time outs.  On the BLOB, nothing on the initial set.  Curtis Jones drops back beyond the 3 point line for the catch.  1 dribble left and he'll pull it from 25 feet straight away.  BANG!  Raiders advance with a 51-48 win.  Not to mention it keeps my picks at dead even going into the final night (though I need a Spring Lake Park win to not be underwater).  All 10 starters score and no bench points in the game.

Post Game
Heartbreak hotel for East Ridge. Brody Kriesel with 13 of his 18 points in the 2nd half including the clutch plays in the last 1:15 to get the game back to even.  Ben Carlson with 10 of his 15 in the 2nd half.  Ben North with 2 3s and 10 points.  Kendall Blue with only 2 FTs as he couldn't buy a shot all night.  Bad luck for the talented sophomore and the Raptors.  Ben Carlson goes over 2000 points for his career and finishes as the school's all-time leading scorer.  Raptors finish their season 23-6 with their only losses in the new year being the 2 to CDH.

Curtis Jones with the game winner and 16 points to lead CDH.  Tre Holloman adds 14 points including 3 big plays down the stretch.  Amari Carter adds a productive 12 point night.  J'Vonne Hadley held to 7 points.  He's been used in the post more as the season has progressed.  Didn't see much of it tonight though.

Now assuming the state tourney is played (which is a major assumption at this point), worst case for CDH is a 3 seed.  But the debate of Eastview vs CDH in the seeding is a fun one.  The Eastview win over Wayzata while CDH lost to Wayzata likely tips the scales to Eastview.  But CDH has a Minnehaha win on their resume.  At the end of the day its likely a 2 vs 3 scenario which only determines jersey color in a potential semifinal.  Both would get a random draw team in round 1.

2020 5AAAA Semis Recap

We're down semifinals and finals across the state this week.  My week begins with the 5AAAA semis at Coon Rapids.  Good crowd on hand.  Solid hot dog on the concessions.  No band for any of the schools was disappointing.  South Dakota on hand watching the games as well.

Game 1: Park Center 60 Mounds View 39
Dain Dainja with a pass out of the post that leads to an offensive board.  Then an assist for a layup and he'll score his own post up with Mounds View not bringing a double team.  Josh Brown 2 bombs and its 17-5 Park Center just over 5 minutes in.  Soph wing Dylan Wheeler with a couple of 3s as Mounds View counters with a 10-0 run to jump right back in the game.  Dainja 2 more inside hoops.  Wheeler a hoop and a triple.  Dainja ends the half with a mean dunk.  29-25 Park Cetner at the break.

Park Center much more disciplined on the defensive end in the 2nd half.  John Montgomery with a free throw and a tip in to keep Mounds View within 36-31 with 10:35 left.  Mustangs go the next 4 minutes without a field goal.  Dainja with a steal and some circus dribbling to go coast to coast for a 3 point play.  Josh Brown another triple.  Park Center hits a bunch of free throws from there to coast to a win  Dain Dainja with 17 points to lead all scorers.  Park Center with 4 in double figures.  Dylan Wheeler with 15 to lead Mounds View, 13 in the 1st half.  Mounds View tried a quick box and 1 on Josh Brown.  Interesting that they never really doubled inside much but Dainja's passing is a legit threat.

Game 2: Spring Lake Park 80 Champlin Park 59
2 simple storylines here.  Too much Gabe Myren for Spring Lake Park and too little offense from Champlin Park.  Spring Lake Park 4 early 3s to open a 19-6 lead.  Champlin Park with the next 10 to cut the margin to 3.  Francis Nwaokorie 1st 5 points in that run plus a skip pass for the next 3.  Myren converts 2 turnovers into 3 point plays.  Kaleb Skelly adds 3 triples.  Spring Lake Park 40-30 at the break.

Its a 12 point game with 12:30 left when Spring Lake Park blows it open.  Myren in the post, at the line, from deep and 2 more for 9 in a row.  Jacob Say adds his 3rd 3 of the night.  Blake Remme 2 hoops before a Myren putback.  Remme with the exclamation point with a mean tip dunk with 5:43 left.  74-43 Spring Lake Park lead after the 24-5 run.  Garbage time from the there.  Gabe Myren terrific with 33 points on the night. 20 of those in the 1st half.  Only 2 3s as he was attacking all night.  3 others in double figures for Spring Lake Park.  Cooper Olson and Devon Moore with 11 each for Champlin Park.  They strangely really didn't look at Francis Nwaokorie inside.  All 5 of his points in that 1 early spurt and largely invisible beyond that.  Some credit to Daydor Phillips for battling him in there all night.  His reward?  Another chance to battle with Dain Dainja inside in the section final at Rogers on Friday night.

Roll along Playoffs, roll along

A fun couple of playoff nights on the schedule.  Thursday gives the small schools center stage.  Friday is a quiet night with the 1st AAAA semis on the schedule.

Thursday: Humboldt 65 Hiawatha 52
This was the 8 vs 9 game in 4AA and I had the upset correctly picked in this one.  No Jaheim Houts for Hiawatha in this one.  Desmond Lugo a pair of 3s and Humboldt storms out to a 15-4 lead.  But a mysterious lack of game plan from Humboldt coach Augie Garcia.  He lets the 1 Hiawatha weapon, PG Jessye Lewis, pretty much do whatever he wants.  Plus he lets his guys settle for 3s against the 2-3 zone rather than easier looks against a defense that was one of the worst I saw all year.  Humboldt gets a couple of free throws at the halftime buzzer to go up by 5.

Romelle Bell lights up the 2nd half for Hiawatha.  He starts with 2 buckets.  Lewis with a 3 and a drive.  Bell from Lewis and he'll cut for 2 more.  Lewis for 3 and Bell for 3 to end an 11-2 run from a tie game.  44-35 Hiawatha with their biggest lead of the night with just under 12 minutes left.  Lewis with another assist for a 3 to keep the Wolves lead at 47-40 with 10:10 left.  But Hiawatha gets only 1 more field goal the rest of the way.  Hawks go on a 25-5 run to finish the game.  Lugo 2 more trips to the deep beyond.  Keith Pabon 2 triples with the 2nd coming as Bell cramps up.  A turnover for a layup and the Humboldt lead is 59-50 with 4:14 left.  The rest is basically free throws.    Jessye Lewis 22, Romelle Bell 20 for Hiawatha but no help beyond that.  Desmond Lugo with 5 triples and 18 points to lead Humboldt to the quarters on Saturday vs St. Croix Prep.

Friday: Hopkins 66 Wayzata 56
Hopkins with 2 buckets in the 1st minute but then only 1 FG in the next 12:50.  Wayzata with a 12-0 run after those buckets with a couple Camden Heide assists included.  Heide with a floater and a Drew Berkland 3 to push the lead to 22-11 at 5:28.  Walton backdoor for 2 free throws plus a jumper and Hopkins converts a turnover to cut the lead to 5 with just over 3 minutes left.  Wayzata rallies with 2 Carter Bjerke 3s in an 8-0 for a 33-20 lead.  Walton closes the half with 2 free throws to cut the margin to 33-22.  Walton 12 in the half, 8-8 FTs.  Half of that damage done with his primary defender Kody Williams sitting with 2 fouls.

Bjerke scores inside to open the half for another 13 point lead.  Here come the Royals.  7-0 run with 2 Xavier White buckets to force a quick Wayzata timeout.  Walton for 3 and a putback for a 3 point play to cut the lead to 1.  Regan Merritt another productive night off the bench for Hopkins.  His steal for a 3 point play and another 3 tie it up.  Walton to a fadeaway and Hopkins is back on top 47-45 with 8:45 left.  Back and forth we go with Merritt making 1-2 free throws for a 53-52 Hopkins lead with 4:21 left.

Then its time for Kerwin Walton to take over.  He drives and hits a crazy off balance banker for a 3 point play with 3:33 left.  Then a sweet backcut on a BLOB for another 3 point play.  Teams trade a couple of buckets and its Walton to Andre Gray for a bucket with 1:32 left to keep the lead at 7.  He adds 2 free throws to help the margin get to double figures.  Kerwin Walton finishes with 30 points, half of them at the charity stripe.  Much to the chagrin of Wayzata coach Brian Schnettler who had to be held back from the officials late.  Carter Bjerke 3 triples and 15 points to lead Wayzata.  Drew Berkland adds 3 triples and 13 points for the Trojans.  Hopkins advances to face Cooper in the section final next Wednesday.  Cooper and St. Louis Park played 3 games this year with margins of 2, 2 and 4 points. 

Maybe a different playoff game, or(o)no

Prologue:
A late change of plans takes me from my planned 4 vs 5 game (Tartan at NSP) to another 4 vs 5 game.  This one in section 6AAA as Orono visits Minneapolis Henry.  Lots of contrast in this one.  Henry going with 8 seniors in their 9 man rotation including 5 senior starters.  Orono returning all 5 starters next year and only bringing 2 seniors off the bench.  Orono with a slower big lineup against a smaller more athletic Patriots squad.  Orono with execution, post play and shooting.  Henry with slashing and the defense generating offense.  Always fun tunes on the PA at Henry but tonight's tune was blaring in City Center before the game.  Its from 30 years ago and was from a fantastic album that was worked on right here in Minneapolis.

Song of the Day: Escapade - Janet Jackson

Game Time
Orono can't get anything to drop early on.  Henry slashing to the rim.  They open up on a 17-4 run.  But starting guards Glentrell Carter and Mark Campbell both to the bench with 2 fouls just over 5 minutes in.  Freshman guard Kyle Kallenbach off the Orono bench with a triple and another bucket as the Spartans claw their way back.  Sebastian Loder back to back bombs to end an 8-0 run for Orono.  That ties the game at 22 at the 3:15 mark.  Yusuf Abdullah counters for Henry with 2 3s of his own and a steal that he dishes off for another bucket.  Henry ends the half on a 14-4 run over the last 2:40.  36-26 Henry at the break.

Campbell with his 4th foul on the 1st play of the 2nd half.  Orono pounding the offense glass early in the 2nd half.  Big center Andrew Mandel with 3 grabs leading to 6 points.  Forward Connor Chappell with 2 buckets and triple as part of the run too.  12-2 Orono run to start the half.  That ties the game at 38 with 12:30 left.  Henry breaks the run and then decides to spread the floor on offense.  Defensively they spin up a diamond press.  The diamond press creates 3 quick turnovers.  That spread opens up driving lanes which lead to wide open kick out 3s.  Henry makes 4 of them as part of a 17-2 run that puts the game out of reach.  55-40 with 7:23 left.  Orono tries some 1-3-1 trap but never really threatens the rest of the way.  Henry wins 68-58.

Post Game:
Sebastian Loder leads Orono with 17 points and 5 3s.  Being able to stop the dribble and some critical turnovers were the story for them.  The Spartans finish the season 10-17 (3-9 start).  With a 6-4 league finish and 7 players from tonight's rotation, including all 5 starters, coming back there's plenty to be excited about for next year.

Henry advances to play at top seed De La Salle on Saturday.  Isaiah Smith with 4 triples and 14 points in an unexpected performance.  De'Leon Gardner with 14 points off the bench.  He had to fill in the minutes of Glentrell Carter and Mark Campbell due to foul trouble.  After struggling on the glass tonight, can they keep Jalen Travis off the boards on Saturday.

Let's Get It Started

2020 Playoffs here we go.  A couple of pigtail games on the docket before we jump into hardcore section play.  Monday takes me to the 3AAA 8 vs 9 pigtail game.as that section in AAA has the extra team this year.  Then its my 1st trip to Jump City to see if MTS can pull off another 4A seed upset and make my picks look outstanding.

Monday: Henry Sibley 57 St. Thomas Academy 53
Low scoring 1st half as neither team could convert shots.  Particularly St. Thomas who missed a bunch of easy layups on this night.  They use a late 10-2 1st half run to lead 22-21 at the break.  32-29 Cadets maintaining the lead with under 12 minutes left.  Sibley with a 13-1 run to regain the lead.  Tre Michaels off the bench with a big 3 and a Joey Hazzard putback during that run.  42-33 Sibley with 6 minutes left.  Center MJ Davis with a putback and the harm with 3:20 left.  That looks like a dagger.  But Davis promptly fouls out as Yenika Fondungallah (who had fouls of his own all night) comes right back with a 3 point play.  Grady O'Neal fouled on a 3 for 2-3 freebies and loops off the staggered double to bank in a straight away 3.  That sandwiches a Sibley missed front end.  49-46 Sibley clinging to the lead with 2:11 left.  The rest is basically free throws.  Cam Latvis makes 6-8 free throws and the Warriors got 8-10 FTs in the last 1:33 to survive a couple of turnovers.  They'll visit top seed Richfield in the 3AAA quarterfinals on Wednesday.  MJ Davis 14 points and I was told 19 rebounds cleaning up inside.  He'll be a nice project big for somebody at the JUCO level (already has a couple offers there).  Cam Latvis with 12 of his 14 points in the 2nd half for Sibley.  Yenika Fondungallah and Jamie Smith with 10 each as all 10 Cadets score.  St. Thomas Academy's super young lineup finishes with just 2 wins, both over Hill-Murray.  Sibley sweeps the season series of Mendota Heights rivals 3-0.

Tuesday: HSRA 61 MTS 44
MTS going back to back as they upset Groves last night.  They had beaten HSRA twice this year so I liked the upset here.  With apologies to Brian Sandifer, I didn't have any camo in my outfit tonight.  Jacquez Fondern 10 early points for HSRA with a couple of 3s.  But its the pair of 2s before his 3rd foul that help ignite a 19-4 HSRA run later in the 1st half.  That breaks a 10 all tie.  But MTS would cut into that 15 point margin before the half.  Post Anthony Key with a 3 to stop the bleeding.  That helps MTS outscore HSRA 12-3  over the last 4 minutes.  32-26 HSRA at the break.  The kid running the clock gets replaced just before the break after his 3rd instance of forgetting to start it.  3 strikes and you're out kid.  MTS bench very unhappy with him to the point of a late technical in the half.

The second half is all HSRA.  Fondern with 2 triples to force a quick MTS timeout. Then he'll add another easy bucket.  Jaelen Thomas puts back a miss and the run is 12-0.  HSRA with their biggest lead of 44-26.  Lashone Patterson was most of the MTS offense as expected.  He goes coast to coast for 2, makes 2 FTs and is fouled on a putback that results in 2 more made freebies.  That's Fondern's 4th foul with 9:11 left.  MTS has the lead down to 45-35 and has the momentum.  But 3 straight layups as MTS misses a couple chances.  8-0 HSRA run slams the door.  Jacquez Fondern leads all scorers with 24 points.  He knocked down 4 3s.  Jaelen Thomas adds 14.  Lashone Patterson with 20 to lead MTS.  Only 2 field goals but other players in the 2nd half for the Wolves.  They played with just 5 guys.  HSRA advances to play 8 seed Avail Academy (RHINO ALERT!) on Thursday night in the 3rd round of the section 4A playoffs. Winner of that advances to the quarterfinals on Saturday at CHOF.

2020 Better Than Chalk Section Predictions

152 games and 3 months later, it all comes down to this.  Its March and now its tournament time.  So that means prediction time.  A rules refresher.  Any fool can pick nothing but top seeds (aka chalk) and claim they were something like 85-6.  My mission, and I do choose to accept it, is to do better than a bracket with nothing but higher seeds picked. Last year I was +2 thanks to a +4 showing in the seeding wreck known as section 4A.  I've seen all 62 teams in class AAAA this year but was underwater on those picks last year.  Not happy with your pick, #ShockTheCzar is great motivational material online.  So without delay, here we go.

Class A
Section 1: 16 seed United Christian wins their home pigtail game and goes out in round 2 (2-0, +0).  This was prepicked on twitter last weekend.

Section 2: 5 seed Lester Prairie gets the upset on the road at Sleepy Eye St. Mary's but loses in round 2.  This was prepicked on twitter last weekend as well.  SESM won the game by 3.  (0-1, -1)  Next game won't impact the +/-.  So we begin in a hole.

Section 4: My favorite section to pick.  Once again we have the tiered entry system
Monday Round 1: Kaleidoscope over Ubah Medical, Eagle Ridge over Lincoln International.  Upset pick violating my rule of always pick home team in pigtails, give me MTS to win at Groves.

Tuesday Round 2: Give me MTS to pull another upset over HSRA (2-0 head to head this season).  COPA over N Lakes, Trinity over Kaleidoscope.  Eagle Ridge beat LILA by 3 at home, but I'll take LILA in a grudge match here.

Thursday Round 3: Avail over MTS, Liberty over COPA, Heritage over Trinity, PACT over LILA

Saturday Quarterfinals: CHOF over Avail, Hope over Liberty, Heritage and West Lutheran split on each other's home court this year.  Coin flip says West Lutheran.  Legacy over PACT

Tuesday or Wednesday semis: CHOF over Hope, Legacy over West Lutheran (teams split 2 close games).

Friday final at ARCC: CHOF over Legacy.

Class AA
Section 4AA, it too has the tiered entry system
Tuesday Round 1: Mounds Park over Nova, Math and Science over MSCP
Thursday Round 2: Humboldt over Hiawatha in an upset pick. SPA over MPA, Washington over Math and Science, St. Agnes over New Life.
Saturday Quarterfinals: St. Croix Prep over Humboldt, Cristo Rey over SPA, TCA wins a rematch with Washington, Concordia over St. Agnes
Semis: SCPA over Cristo Rey, Concordia over TCA/GR.
Friday Final at St Thomas Academy: SCPA over Concordia.

Section 5AA
Thursday Round of 16: Litchfield over Dassel-Cokato, MCA over Breck, W-M over BC, HLWW over SW Christian, Holy Family over Providence.
Sat Qtrs at STMA: North over Holy Family, Litchfield over Maranatha, Blake over Watertown-Mayer, Rockford over HLWW
Wed Semis at STMA: North over Litchfield, Rockford over Blake
Fri Final at St Cloud St:  North over Rockford.

Class AAA
Section 1: Winona over Simley
Section 3
Monday Pigtail: Sibley over STA for 3rd time this season.
Wednesday Qtrs: Richfield over Sibley, Kennedy over St.Croix Lutheran, AHA over Harding, S St. Paul over Highland Park.
Saturday semis: Richfield over Kennedy, SSP upsets Holy Angels
Thursday final at Jefferson: SSP over Richfield (best SSP season since their last state trip exactly 50 years ago, let the cinderella story continue)

Section 4:
Wednesday qtrs: Minnehaha over Como Park, Columbia Heights as the higher seed goes to Mahtomedi (construction at Heights) and survives again (won by 2 there in early December), TG over Hill-Murray, Johnson over St. Anthony
Saturday semis at Woodbury: TG over Johnson, Minnehaha over Heights.
Thursday final at Woodbury: Minnehaha over TG

Section 5:
Tuesday Qtr: Fridley over St. Francis
Fri semi at STMA: Monticello over Fridley

Section 6:
Wednesday Qtrs: DLS over Roosevelt, Henry over Orono, Mound over Edison, Waconia over BSM.
Sat semis: DLS over Henry, Waconia over Mound-Westonka
Th Final at Chanhassen: DLS over Waconia

Class AAAA
Section 1
Tuesday Qtrs: Lakeville S over New Prague, Owatonna over Farmington, Century over JM, Mayo over Northfield.
Sat Semis: Lakeville South over Owatonna, Mayo over Century
Fri final at Rochester: Lakeville South over Rochester Mayo

Section 2 (SECTION OF DEATH)
Qtrs: EP over Chanhassen, Prior Lake over Tonka, Shako over Edina, Chaska over Jefferson
Sat Semis (highest seed hosts both): EP over Prior Lake, Chaska over Shakopee
Friday Final (high seed): EP over Chaska

Section 3:
Th Qtrs: Eastview over Park, Apple Valley upsets Eagan (2-0 head to head), Lakeville N over Hastings, Burnsville over Rosemount
Tuesday semis: Eastview over Apple Valley, Lakeville North over Burnsville
Friday final at Farmington: Eastview over Lakevile North.

Section 4:
Wed Qtrs: East Ridge over Stillwater, Tartan upsets North (no Damien Johnson), Woodbury survives White Bear Lake, CDH over St. Paul Central
Sat Semis at Hastings: East Ridge over Tartan, CDH over Woodbury
Th Final at Hastings: CDH over East Ridge

Section 5:
Wed Qtrs: Park Center over Centennial, Mounds View over Irondale, Champlin Park survives Osseo, Spring Lake Park over Roseville.
Tues Semis at Coon Rapids: Park Center over Mounds View, Champlin Park over Spring Lake Park
Fri Final at Rogers: Champlin Park over Park Center

Section 6:
Wed Qtrs: Hopkins over South, Wayzata just lost at Armstrong by 5 and Armstrong is rightfully ticked about the 4 seed, I think Wayzata figures it out and pulls an upset.  St. Louis Park over Southwest, Cooper over Washburn.
Fri Semis at Osseo: Hopkins over Wayzata, Cooper over St. Louis Park
Wed Final at Osseo: Hopkins over Cooper

Section 7:
Wed Qtrs: Forest Lake over Blaine, Duluth East over Anoka, Coon Rapids with their 1-3-1 upsets Andover (Coon Rapids won last meeting).
Sat Semis at Elk River: Duluth East over Coon Rapids, Cambridge-Isanti over Forest Lake
Th Final at Elk River: Father beat son in 2 close meetings this year, make it 3 as Cambridge-Isanti uses big game experience to return to state over Duluth East. 

Section 8:
Tues Qtrs: STMA upsets Rogers, Moorhead another home win over Brainerd, Buffalo over Elk River
Sat semis at St Cloud Tech: Maple Grove over STMA, Moorhead over Buffalo
Th final at Monticello: MG continues their state streak as they beat Moorhead.

2020 Twin Cities Series Review

Prologue
I've been fighting a flu bug all week so I've been using writing time as rest time for the most part this week.  But with the weekend, there's plenty of time for rest.  I take in annual Twin Cities Series with St. Paul Johnson hosting this year.  Harding wins the freshman game over Southwest 61-56.  Center Juzavious Dickerson with 25 points to lead Harding.  Southwest with a JV full of sophs plus 3 other sophs on varsity.  Add that with a city winning freshman squad and the future looks bright.  Minneapolis North no problems with Washington in the JV game as they win 59-42.  Washington hard hit by graduation after this season so we'll see lots of those JV guys next year.  The mandatory walking taco is also on the menu.  They also had Jett's pizza too.  Hard to pass that up with my Pepsi.  Speaking of food, here are the final regular season ticker counts.

Season Ticker:

• Number of Games: 152
• In Person: 117
• Online: 35
• Number of Teams: 173
• 4A: 62 (everybody)
• 3A: 36
• 2A: 25
• 1A: 22
• Non-Minnesota: 11 (7 Wisconsin)
• Girls: 17
• Number of Buildings: 55
• Number of Bands: 8

Beverage Ticker: 1041 ounces (11756 calories)

• Coke: 178.7 ounces (2120 calories) 
• Dr. Pepper: 52 ounces (630 calories)
• Pepsi: 380.5 ounces (4760 calories)
• 7-Up: 12 ounces (140 calories)
• Sprite: 124.9 ounces (1450 calories) 
• Mug Root Beer: 32 ounces (420 calories)
• A&W Root Beer: 60 ounces (850 calories) 
• Barq's Root Beer: 12 ounces (160 calories)
• Killebrew Root Beer: 16 ounces (246 calories)
• Fruit Punch Gatorade: 144 ounces (980 calories) 
• Berry Gatorade Zero: 12 ounces (0 calories) 
• Water: 16.9 ounces (0 calories)

Food Ticker:

• Hot Dogs: 29
• Pizza: 14
• Walking Tacos: 4
• Extras
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: 3 (630 calories)
• Lays Potato Chips: 6 (960 calories) 
• Doritos: 1 (150 calories)

Game Time:
Now to the main event. Johnson outworking North early for a 7-2 via 3 layups.  Quientrail Jamison-Travis 2 buckets as North rallies back.  Johnson had no answer for him inside all day.  Jamison-Travis with a putback and 1-2 free throws on another postup. 27-19 North at the 7 minute mark.  Julian Hodges keeping Johnson close with a layup and steal for 2 more.  Davon Townley with a drive and mean dunk for North.  Hodges coast to coast for 2 more before he picks up his 3rd foul.  That's on a Jamison-Travis 3 point play.  North up 42-34 at the break.

The lead balloons from 5 out to 15 thanks to a quick 8-0/12-2 Polars run.  67-52 with 7:42 left and it appears North will finally pull away.  2 Johnson turnovers for conversions on the other end and the lead is 73-56 with under 5 minutes left.  Earlier a foul leads to a minor scuffle that is quickly calmed down.  Then the North cheerleaders come on the court for a cheer and are immediately countered by the Johnson cheerleaders who want no part of that.

Johnson won't let the game get completely away.  They turn up their scrambling defense and it keeps the game interesting.  Jeremiah Knox with a 3 point play, Jesse Foster dunks a turnover, North misses a front end, Knox layup off a dump off and Hodges converts a turnover.  That's a quick 12-2 Govs run.  75-68 North with 3:30 left.  Johnson won't threaten anymore than that though.  A couple missed free throws and a couple of turnovers the rest of the way stop any further chances.  North wins 86-79.

St. Paul Johnson finishes the regular season with a 16-8 record.  They'll open 4AAA play at home on Wednesday vs St. Anthony.  Guard Julian Hodges leads the Govs with 22 points.  Jeremiah Knox terrific inside with 20 points, most of those in the 2nd half.  Many of the them going right at Davon Townley.  Johnson showing that when they ramp up the defense, particularly at home, they're very dangerous. 

Quientrail Jamison-Travis was in beast mode all day for North.  He bullied anything and anyone in his way for a total of 27 points.  17 of those were in the 1st half.  That adds a total different dimension to North's game but it does take Townley out of the post.  In this game, minimal touches on offense for Townley despite a major matchup advantage.  He ended with 11 points.  Willie Wilson with 17 points for the outside production.  Sophs De'Meiko Anderson and Jacob Butler combine for 5 3s and 21 points to help loosen the Johnson defense.  North effectively using 2-3 and 1-2-2 zone for a majority of the game to keep Johnson's offense at bay. North will open tourney play next Saturday at St. Michael-Albertville as the top seed in section 5AA (that won't be official until Monday but no way North drops).  That will be quarterfinal play.

February 28th, 2020 CzarPI

This is the 9th CzarPI of the 2019-20 season (see CzarPI Explained Here). It includes most games through Friday, February 28th, 2020. The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.

Class AAAA

1. Eden Prairie - 64.38 (2) 0-0 vs higher, 26-0 vs lower
2. Cretin-Derham Hall - 58.66 (18) 2-1 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
3. Eastview - 57.89 (20) 0-1 vs higher, 22-3 vs lower
4. Hopkins - 57.81 (4) 1-3 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
5. East Ridge - 57.79 (8) 1-4 vs higher, 20-1 vs lower
6. Park Center - 57.36 (16) 1-3 vs higher, 20-2 vs lower
7. Shakopee - 56.55 (22) 2-2 vs higher, 19-3 vs lower
8. Prior Lake - 56.22 (7) 3-4 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
9. Duluth East - 55.97 (43) 0-0 vs higher, 20-4 vs lower
10. Chaska - 55.91 (51) 2-2 vs higher, 21-1 vs lower
11. Moorhead - 55.74 (28) 2-0 vs higher, 13-6 vs lower
12. Spring Lake Park - 55.27 (41) 1-3 vs higher, 20-2 vs lower
13. Cambridge-Isanti - 55.25 (57) 2-1 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
14. Tartan - 55.06 (60) 1-0 vs higher, 21-3 vs lower
15. Lakeville South - 54.99 (24) 1-5 vs higher, 18-2 vs lower
16. Maple Grove - 54.72 (49) 3-2 vs higher, 18-3 vs lower
17. Robbinsdale Cooper - 54.09 (47) 2-2 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
18. North St. Paul - 53.5 (21) 3-6 vs higher, 15-2 vs lower
19. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 53.09 (50) 2-4 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
20. Woodbury - 52.96 (37) 1-4 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
21. Rochester Mayo - 52.84 (38) 1-5 vs higher, 17-1 vs lower
22. Mounds View - 52.31 (40) 2-4 vs higher, 14-3 vs lower
23. Lakeville North - 51.88 (5) 3-9 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
24. Champlin Park - 51.8 (31) 4-8 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
25. Hastings - 51.13 (56) 3-4 vs higher, 13-4 vs lower
26. Rochester Century - 50.66 (44) 1-7 vs higher, 17-1 vs lower
27. Buffalo - 50.55 (10) 2-8 vs higher, 12-4 vs lower
28. Irondale - 49.66 (52) 3-7 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
29. Owatonna - 48.88 (55) 2-6 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
30. White Bear Lake - 48.26 (30) 3-9 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
31. Minnetonka - 48.23 (9) 3-9 vs higher, 9-5 vs lower
32. Edina - 46.64 (15) 2-12 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
33. Farmington - 46.3 (23) 3-10 vs higher, 8-5 vs lower
34. Wayzata - 46.3 (1) 6-16 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
35. St. Paul Central - 46.24 (48) 1-9 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
36. St. Louis Park - 45.79 (25) 4-11 vs higher, 6-4 vs lower
37. Rogers - 43.98 (33) 3-11 vs higher, 7-5 vs lower
38. Rosemount - 43.98 (27) 3-11 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
39. Eagan - 43.59 (11) 5-14 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
40. Minneapolis Southwest - 42.96 (61) 3-9 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
41. Forest Lake - 42.93 (19) 2-14 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
42. Osseo - 42.91 (12) 3-14 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
43. Brainerd - 42.76 (34) 5-14 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
44. Rochester John Marshall - 42.51 (45) 3-14 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
45. Burnsville - 41.93 (6) 5-17 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
46. Andover - 41.81 (53) 3-11 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
47. Stillwater Area - 40.9 (29) 3-16 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
48. Minneapolis Washburn - 40.88 (59) 4-13 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
49. Bloomington Jefferson - 40.84 (54) 3-13 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
50. Blaine - 40.26 (46) 2-14 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
51. Apple Valley - 40.21 (3) 5-19 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
52. St. Michael-Albertville - 39.82 (14) 5-17 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
53. Coon Rapids - 39.45 (39) 3-16 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
54. Chanhassen - 38.97 (17) 5-18 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
55. Elk River - 38.5 (26) 3-20 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
56. Minneapolis South - 37.73 (62) 5-16 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
57. Roseville - 36.79 (13) 4-19 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
58. Northfield - 36.69 (42) 4-18 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
59. New Prague - 35.14 (36) 3-20 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
60. Anoka - 33.82 (58) 4-20 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
61. Centennial - 30.88 (32) 4-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
62. Park of Cottage Grove - 27.52 (35) 3-20 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower

Class AAA

1. Minnehaha Academy - 60.71 (1) 0-1 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
2. Mankato East - 59.83 (29) 0-0 vs higher, 23-1 vs lower
3. DeLaSalle - 58.84 (4) 1-2 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
4. Marshall - 58.05 (34) 1-2 vs higher, 20-0 vs lower
5. Waconia - 56.37 (38) 0-1 vs higher, 22-3 vs lower
6. Delano - 55.88 (41) 0-2 vs higher, 22-2 vs lower
7. Mound Westonka - 55.65 (10) 0-3 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
8. Bemidji - 55.06 (20) 1-2 vs higher, 17-4 vs lower
9. Hermantown - 54.76 (15) 3-4 vs higher, 15-2 vs lower
10. St. Cloud Apollo - 54.64 (11) 2-4 vs higher, 15-4 vs lower
11. Princeton - 54.24 (57) 3-3 vs higher, 19-1 vs lower
12. Austin - 53.28 (53) 0-2 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
13. Hibbing - 53.13 (32) 3-4 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
14. Grand Rapids - 52.9 (16) 4-7 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
15. Richfield - 52.39 (54) 0-3 vs higher, 19-3 vs lower
16. St. Peter - 52.24 (39) 0-5 vs higher, 18-2 vs lower
17. Totino-Grace - 51.95 (26) 3-7 vs higher, 15-1 vs lower
18. Alexandria - 51.86 (40) 3-5 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
19. St. Croix Lutheran - 51.64 (6) 2-6 vs higher, 11-5 vs lower
20. St. Paul Johnson - 51.04 (56) 2-4 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
21. Byron - 51.01 (8) 4-10 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
22. Sartell-St. Stephen - 51 (28) 2-8 vs higher, 14-1 vs lower
23. Holy Angels - 50.53 (42) 1-7 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
24. Minneapolis Henry - 49.76 (55) 2-5 vs higher, 14-5 vs lower
25. Columbia Heights - 49.06 (27) 5-7 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
26. South St. Paul - 48.06 (63) 1-7 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
27. Hutchinson - 47.28 (36) 2-8 vs higher, 12-4 vs lower
28. Rocori - 46.92 (33) 3-9 vs higher, 9-5 vs lower
29. Bloomington Kennedy - 46.31 (50) 3-7 vs higher, 9-5 vs lower
30. Minneapolis Edison - 45.79 (65) 1-6 vs higher, 11-4 vs lower
31. Winona - 45.76 (30) 2-10 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
32. Fridley - 45.36 (46) 3-11 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
33. Detroit Lakes - 45.17 (18) 4-12 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
34. Orono - 44.83 (5) 4-14 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
35. Monticello - 44.69 (51) 2-10 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
36. Worthington - 44.67 (21) 3-10 vs higher, 6-4 vs lower
37. Simley - 44.47 (60) 3-9 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
38. Kasson-Mantorville - 44.36 (24) 3-15 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
39. Little Falls - 44.17 (25) 4-14 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
40. Albert Lea - 43.51 (43) 2-11 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
41. Sauk Rapids-Rice - 43.5 (22) 5-13 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
42. St. Anthony Village - 42.4 (52) 2-13 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
43. Mahtomedi - 41.58 (62) 3-11 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
44. St. Paul Highland Park - 41.39 (64) 1-12 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
45. Zimmerman - 41.11 (47) 4-14 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
46. Cloquet - 40.54 (3) 4-15 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
47. Willmar - 39.99 (14) 5-18 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
48. Becker - 39.95 (48) 2-12 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
49. Hill-Murray - 39 (45) 3-15 vs higher, 3-5 vs lower
50. Mankato West - 38.67 (23) 4-16 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
51. Benilde-St. Margaret's - 38 (9) 5-20 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
52. St. Francis - 37.85 (44) 1-17 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
53. New Ulm - 37.62 (19) 3-17 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
54. St. Paul Harding - 36.56 (58) 2-17 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
55. Big Lake - 36.2 (31) 4-16 vs higher, 1-4 vs lower
56. Duluth Denfeld - 36.14 (2) 3-19 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
57. Chisago Lakes Area - 35.96 (37) 6-18 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
58. North Branch - 35.65 (35) 5-21 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
59. Faribault - 34.14 (17) 3-20 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
60. Red Wing - 33.17 (13) 3-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
61. St. Cloud Tech - 30.52 (12) 3-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
62. Henry Sibley - 29.4 (59) 2-20 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
63. St. Thomas Academy - 25.19 (7) 2-24 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
64. Minneapolis Roosevelt - 22.87 (49) 1-25 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
65. St. Paul Como Park - 0 (61) 0-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class AA

1. Perham - 61.54 (27) 0-0 vs higher, 24-0 vs lower
2. Caledonia - 60.65 (23) 0-1 vs higher, 23-0 vs lower
3. Lake City - 59.27 (12) 0-1 vs higher, 22-2 vs lower
4. Stewartville - 58.63 (6) 1-1 vs higher, 21-4 vs lower
5. Osakis - 58.62 (43) 0-1 vs higher, 24-1 vs lower
6. St. Croix Prep - 58.18 (99) 1-0 vs higher, 24-0 vs lower
7. Eden Valley-Watkins - 58.16 (80) 0-1 vs higher, 25-0 vs lower
8. Waseca - 58.1 (4) 2-3 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
9. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 57.16 (77) 0-0 vs higher, 23-2 vs lower
10. Fergus Falls - 56.76 (60) 0-0 vs higher, 22-4 vs lower
11. East Grand Forks - 56.49 (93) 0-1 vs higher, 23-1 vs lower
12. Melrose - 56.05 (10) 0-4 vs higher, 20-2 vs lower
13. La Crescent-Hokah - 55.07 (22) 1-3 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
14. Mora - 54.93 (82) 0-0 vs higher, 19-7 vs lower
15. Rockford - 54.66 (49) 1-1 vs higher, 19-5 vs lower
16. Moose Lake-Willow River - 54.63 (96) 0-0 vs higher, 22-4 vs lower
17. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 54.3 (20) 0-5 vs higher, 18-1 vs lower
18. Pine City - 54.27 (122) 0-1 vs higher, 24-1 vs lower
19. Annandale - 54.15 (39) 2-4 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
20. Minneapolis North - 54.09 (8) 2-7 vs higher, 15-0 vs lower
21. Twin Cities Academy/Great River - 53.94 (124) 0-0 vs higher, 23-2 vs lower
22. Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 53.82 (18) 1-4 vs higher, 17-4 vs lower
23. Goodhue - 53.76 (88) 0-3 vs higher, 21-2 vs lower
24. Albany - 53.74 (31) 2-6 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
25. Minnewaska Area - 53.59 (51) 2-4 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
26. St. Charles - 53.42 (32) 1-6 vs higher, 17-1 vs lower
27. Esko - 53.3 (52) 2-3 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
28. Litchfield - 53.22 (29) 4-5 vs higher, 13-4 vs lower
29. Virginia - 53.21 (81) 0-2 vs higher, 19-5 vs lower
30. Blake - 52.94 (106) 0-1 vs higher, 20-5 vs lower
31. Jackson County Central - 52.91 (42) 0-4 vs higher, 15-2 vs lower
32. Lewiston-Altura - 52.58 (92) 2-4 vs higher, 16-0 vs lower
33. Pequot Lakes - 52.2 (58) 2-5 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
34. Pelican Rapids - 52.13 (33) 1-5 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
35. Greenway - 51.86 (68) 2-5 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
36. Cannon Falls - 51.58 (50) 2-3 vs higher, 14-6 vs lower
37. Barnesville - 51.53 (14) 2-7 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
38. Rochester Lourdes - 51.49 (11) 3-7 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
39. Pierz - 51.18 (94) 2-4 vs higher, 16-4 vs lower
40. Pine Island - 51.06 (16) 5-10 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
41. Concordia Academy - 50.82 (74) 2-5 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
42. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 50.66 (13) 2-8 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
43. Crosby-Ironton - 49.99 (89) 2-6 vs higher, 14-4 vs lower
44. Jordan - 49.87 (110) 0-4 vs higher, 18-3 vs lower
45. Redwood Valley - 49.87 (57) 1-8 vs higher, 16-1 vs lower
46. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 49.69 (69) 1-5 vs higher, 15-5 vs lower
47. Maranatha Christian - 49.46 (26) 3-9 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
48. Aitkin - 48.91 (76) 4-6 vs higher, 11-5 vs lower
49. Paynesville Area - 48.73 (75) 2-7 vs higher, 13-4 vs lower
50. Hiawatha Collegiate - 48.7 (121) 0-3 vs higher, 18-4 vs lower
51. Watertown-Mayer - 48.57 (47) 3-8 vs higher, 11-4 vs lower
52. Spectrum - 48.15 (90) 2-5 vs higher, 12-7 vs lower
53. Breckenridge - 47.96 (3) 2-12 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
54. Duluth Marshall - 47.5 (101) 1-7 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
55. Pillager - 47.16 (87) 2-8 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
56. Fairmont - 47.05 (105) 0-8 vs higher, 15-0 vs lower
57. Warroad - 47.03 (108) 2-6 vs higher, 14-4 vs lower
58. Benson - 46.75 (54) 2-11 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
59. St. Paul Academy - 46.56 (120) 1-5 vs higher, 14-4 vs lower
60. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 46.56 (113) 1-7 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
61. Wadena-Deer Creek - 46.48 (86) 1-9 vs higher, 15-1 vs lower
62. Dover-Eyota - 46.43 (38) 2-10 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
63. St. Cloud Cathedral - 46.31 (24) 2-11 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
64. Blue Earth Area - 46.23 (66) 2-9 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
65. Glencoe-Silver Lake - 46.2 (40) 4-12 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
66. Belle Plaine - 45.69 (111) 1-8 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
67. Providence Academy - 45.55 (48) 4-13 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
68. Thief River Falls - 45.12 (56) 2-11 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
69. Milaca - 44.98 (62) 4-10 vs higher, 7-5 vs lower
70. Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 44.23 (37) 3-12 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
71. Holy Family Catholic - 43.81 (61) 5-12 vs higher, 5-4 vs lower
72. Maple Lake - 43.54 (67) 3-13 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
73. Cristo Rey Jesuit - 43.52 (64) 3-13 vs higher, 10-0 vs lower
74. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 43.35 (15) 4-14 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
75. Frazee - 43.21 (44) 2-12 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
76. Holdingford - 43.02 (63) 3-14 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
77. Kimball Area - 42.65 (71) 4-13 vs higher, 3-5 vs lower
78. Rush City - 42.37 (103) 2-12 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
79. Proctor - 42.32 (19) 3-14 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
80. Southwest Christian - 41.76 (116) 2-12 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
81. Luverne - 41.63 (55) 2-12 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
82. Bagley - 41.55 (73) 2-13 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
83. Pipestone Area - 41.42 (35) 3-14 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
84. Chatfield - 41.36 (34) 4-14 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
85. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 41.18 (53) 4-14 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
86. Math and Science Academy - 41.17 (119) 3-10 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
87. International Falls - 41.13 (97) 2-13 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
88. Sauk Centre - 40.81 (2) 5-17 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
89. Crookston - 40.54 (28) 3-16 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
90. Maple River - 40.46 (85) 1-13 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
91. St. Paul Washington - 39.89 (118) 0-10 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
92. Sibley East - 39.85 (109) 2-12 vs higher, 6-4 vs lower
93. Eveleth-Gilbert - 39.42 (79) 3-16 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
94. St. Agnes - 39.37 (102) 1-13 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
95. Menahga - 39.18 (100) 3-14 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
96. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 38.65 (107) 1-12 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
97. Hawley - 38.31 (1) 4-17 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
98. LeSueur-Henderson - 37.78 (114) 2-15 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
99. Dassel-Cokato - 37.12 (46) 3-17 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
100. St. James Area - 37.07 (36) 3-19 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
101. Breck - 36.96 (70) 3-17 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
102. Mesabi East - 36.94 (95) 2-15 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
103. Roseau - 36.78 (83) 3-19 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
104. Staples-Motley - 36.62 (78) 4-18 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
105. St. Paul Humboldt - 36.55 (123) 2-15 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
106. Triton - 36.25 (17) 2-18 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
107. New London-Spicer - 36.06 (7) 3-21 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
108. New Life Academy - 36.01 (98) 3-17 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
109. Two Harbors - 35.76 (91) 2-19 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
110. Royalton - 35.76 (59) 5-18 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
111. Norwood-Young America - 35.32 (84) 4-20 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
112. Brooklyn Center - 35.15 (30) 4-19 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
113. Kenyon-Wanamingo - 34.78 (21) 3-20 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
114. Metro Schools College Prep - 33.8 (125) 1-9 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
115. Mounds Park Academy - 32.56 (115) 2-18 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
116. Medford - 31.91 (65) 2-18 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
117. Foley - 30.97 (45) 3-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
118. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 29.11 (104) 2-20 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
119. Nova Classical Academy - 28.25 (112) 1-21 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
120. Park Rapids Area - 28.08 (41) 3-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
121. Windom Area - 24.13 (9) 1-24 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
122. New Richland-H-E-G - 21.86 (72) 3-22 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
123. Montevideo - 14.46 (5) 1-24 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
124. Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran - 0 (25) 0-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
125. Tri-City United - 0 (117) 0-25 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class A

1. BOLD - 60.65 (5) 0-0 vs higher, 25-1 vs lower
2. Ada-Borup - 59.55 (14) 0-0 vs higher, 23-1 vs lower
3. Henning - 58.84 (29) 1-1 vs higher, 24-0 vs lower
4. West Central Area - 57.27 (44) 0-2 vs higher, 24-0 vs lower
5. Springfield - 56.74 (27) 2-1 vs higher, 21-2 vs lower
6. Central MN Christian - 56.5 (39) 0-0 vs higher, 21-3 vs lower
7. Southwest MN Christian - 56.37 (134) 1-0 vs higher, 24-0 vs lower
8. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 55.94 (77) 0-2 vs higher, 24-0 vs lower
9. New Ulm Cathedral - 55.35 (54) 2-3 vs higher, 21-0 vs lower
10. Fertile-Beltrami - 55.21 (55) 0-2 vs higher, 23-2 vs lower
11. MACCRAY - 54.72 (46) 1-1 vs higher, 18-5 vs lower
12. Cass Lake-Bena - 54.38 (4) 0-4 vs higher, 19-3 vs lower
13. Nevis - 54.27 (97) 1-1 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
14. Nashwauk-Keewatin - 54.09 (88) 1-0 vs higher, 21-4 vs lower
15. Blooming Prairie - 53.66 (105) 0-3 vs higher, 21-0 vs lower
16. Legacy Christian - 53.41 (129) 0-0 vs higher, 21-4 vs lower
17. CHOF - 52.85 (109) 1-1 vs higher, 19-5 vs lower
18. Parkers Prairie - 52.67 (47) 0-3 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
19. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 52.58 (73) 0-2 vs higher, 20-4 vs lower
20. Hancock - 52.47 (21) 1-4 vs higher, 17-4 vs lower
21. North Woods - 52.33 (91) 2-3 vs higher, 18-3 vs lower
22. Schaeffer Academy - 52.32 (110) 1-1 vs higher, 19-4 vs lower
23. Nicollet - 52.25 (106) 0-1 vs higher, 19-4 vs lower
24. Lac qui Parle Valley - 52.24 (17) 1-5 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
25. Mountain Lake Area/Comfrey - 51.76 (121) 1-3 vs higher, 21-1 vs lower
26. Hayfield - 51.65 (85) 1-5 vs higher, 20-0 vs lower
27. Red Lake County - 51.55 (92) 1-4 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
28. NCE/U-H - 51.49 (23) 2-6 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
29. Randolph - 51.35 (96) 1-3 vs higher, 19-3 vs lower
30. T/ML/GHEC - 51.14 (70) 1-3 vs higher, 17-5 vs lower
31. Martin County West - 50.8 (58) 1-5 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
32. Red Lake - 50.79 (2) 2-7 vs higher, 12-4 vs lower
33. Ely - 50.28 (149) 0-3 vs higher, 21-2 vs lower
34. Mahnomen/Waubun - 50.07 (24) 2-7 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
35. Kittson County Central - 50.05 (84) 1-5 vs higher, 15-2 vs lower
36. Deer River - 50.01 (62) 2-6 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
37. Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 49.78 (126) 3-3 vs higher, 14-4 vs lower
38. Dawson-Boyd - 49.77 (42) 2-6 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
39. Ashby - 49.63 (104) 2-4 vs higher, 16-4 vs lower
40. Renville County West - 49.42 (13) 4-8 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
41. Cromwell-Wright - 49.3 (155) 0-2 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
42. St. Clair - 49.26 (18) 2-9 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
43. Grand Meadow - 48.9 (120) 4-4 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
44. East Central - 48.76 (137) 0-5 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
45. Pine River-Backus - 48.65 (114) 2-5 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
46. Blackduck - 48.64 (119) 4-5 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
47. Spring Grove - 48.53 (51) 2-6 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
48. Brandon/Evansville - 48.38 (93) 2-7 vs higher, 16-1 vs lower
49. Lakeview - 48.34 (113) 2-4 vs higher, 15-4 vs lower
50. Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 47.92 (100) 1-6 vs higher, 17-2 vs lower
51. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - 46.73 (112) 2-7 vs higher, 14-3 vs lower
52. St. John's Prep - 46.58 (132) 0-3 vs higher, 15-8 vs lower
53. Browerville/Eagle Valley - 46.38 (60) 2-7 vs higher, 11-4 vs lower
54. Minneota - 46.38 (33) 3-10 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
55. Clearbrook-Gonvick - 46.33 (117) 3-6 vs higher, 11-6 vs lower
56. West Lutheran - 46.24 (127) 1-7 vs higher, 13-4 vs lower
57. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 46.19 (87) 4-10 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
58. New York Mills - 46.19 (78) 3-8 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
59. Sacred Heart - 46.12 (40) 3-10 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
60. Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 45.9 (99) 0-9 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
61. Mountain Iron-Buhl - 45.79 (68) 2-10 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
62. United Christian Academy - 45.78 (101) 0-10 vs higher, 16-0 vs lower
63. Mankato Loyola - 45.44 (76) 1-8 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
64. Liberty Classical Academy - 45.05 (143) 1-8 vs higher, 15-1 vs lower
65. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 44.64 (9) 1-13 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
66. Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 44.63 (32) 1-11 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
67. Mayer Lutheran - 44.63 (50) 3-11 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
68. Hinckley-Finlayson - 44.35 (45) 1-10 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
69. Hope Academy - 44.34 (139) 3-6 vs higher, 8-9 vs lower
70. South Ridge - 44.06 (111) 1-8 vs higher, 12-5 vs lower
71. Battle Lake - 43.78 (49) 2-10 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
72. Houston - 43.76 (94) 2-8 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
73. Lakes International Language Academy - 43.47 (160) 0-2 vs higher, 13-6 vs lower
74. Cherry - 43.26 (144) 1-7 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
75. Cedar Mountain - 42.84 (10) 1-13 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
76. High School for the Recording Arts - 42.77 (124) 2-5 vs higher, 5-5 vs lower
77. Silver Bay - 42.55 (146) 2-7 vs higher, 12-5 vs lower
78. Win-E-Mac - 42.37 (36) 2-11 vs higher, 8-5 vs lower
79. Rushford-Peterson - 42.37 (6) 4-11 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
80. Upsala - 42.03 (82) 3-13 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
81. Wabasha-Kellogg - 41.91 (12) 4-12 vs higher, 5-4 vs lower
82. Northland - 41.86 (141) 3-9 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
83. Carlton - 41.71 (131) 3-10 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
84. Lake Park-Audubon - 41.54 (25) 2-13 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
85. Avail Academy - 41.5 (152) 1-8 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
86. Southland - 40.99 (8) 4-14 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
87. PACT Charter - 40.92 (130) 3-13 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
88. Adrian/Ellsworth - 40.72 (86) 1-9 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
89. Barnum - 40.72 (56) 3-14 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
90. Braham - 40.22 (116) 4-12 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
91. Isle - 40.07 (138) 4-12 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
92. Heritage Christian - 40.04 (89) 4-13 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
93. Stephen-Argyle - 40.04 (16) 3-13 vs higher, 5-4 vs lower
94. Swanville - 39.84 (72) 5-14 vs higher, 2-4 vs lower
95. Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda - 39.6 (80) 1-12 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
96. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 39.34 (31) 2-15 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
97. Northern Freeze - 39.04 (67) 3-14 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
98. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 38.98 (30) 2-14 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
99. Madelia - 38.88 (118) 0-12 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
100. Onamia - 38.8 (133) 5-14 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
101. Wabasso - 38.57 (20) 2-15 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
102. Park Christian - 38.25 (19) 3-14 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
103. Kaleidoscope Charter - 38.2 (161) 1-9 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
104. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 37.63 (59) 4-15 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
105. Cleveland - 37.17 (83) 3-16 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
106. Fosston - 36.94 (38) 3-16 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
107. Hills-Beaver Creek - 36.87 (61) 1-12 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
108. Ortonville - 36.35 (34) 2-11 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
109. Minnesota Transitions Charter - 35.98 (135) 2-8 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
110. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 35.87 (69) 3-13 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
111. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 35.61 (53) 3-15 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
112. Chisholm - 35.5 (75) 2-17 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
113. Kingsland - 35.39 (41) 1-16 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
114. Community of Peace Academy - 35.37 (140) 2-15 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
115. North Lakes Academy - 34.97 (148) 2-16 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
116. United South Central - 34.89 (65) 1-14 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
117. Cook County - 34.2 (107) 2-13 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
118. LeRoy-Ostrander - 34.02 (108) 2-14 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
119. Red Rock Central - 33.82 (57) 2-17 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
120. Hill City - 33.74 (150) 2-14 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
121. Bigfork - 33.73 (95) 3-18 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
122. Lanesboro - 33.52 (145) 2-14 vs higher, 8-0 vs lower
123. Goodridge/Grygla - 33.48 (79) 4-20 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
124. Murray County Central - 32.87 (66) 3-17 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
125. Trinity School - 32.79 (81) 3-21 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
126. Prairie Seeds Academy - 32.78 (154) 0-4 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
127. Eagle Ridge Academy - 32.52 (115) 2-21 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
128. Lincoln International - 32.32 (123) 1-6 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
129. Rothsay - 31.28 (15) 2-20 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
130. Sebeka - 31.16 (64) 2-18 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
131. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 30.5 (63) 2-18 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
132. Canby - 29.84 (43) 1-19 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
133. Glenville-Emmons - 29.57 (125) 2-17 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
134. Fillmore Central - 29.37 (3) 1-21 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
135. Sleepy Eye - 29 (11) 2-22 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
136. Northome/Kelliher - 28.78 (74) 1-19 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
137. McGregor - 28.38 (147) 1-17 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
138. Ogilvie - 28.31 (102) 2-21 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
139. Hmong Academy - 27.54 (136) 1-16 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
140. Wrenshall - 26.73 (128) 2-19 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
141. Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 26.46 (1) 2-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
142. Groves Academy - 25.11 (153) 1-20 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
143. Edgerton - 24.28 (37) 1-20 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
144. Bethlehem Academy - 24.27 (28) 1-23 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
145. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 24.19 (48) 1-18 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
146. Climax/Fisher - 23.67 (35) 1-22 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
147. Alden-Conger - 22.8 (90) 2-20 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
148. Chesterton Academy - 22.75 (156) 1-14 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
149. Littlefork-Big Falls - 22.43 (142) 0-17 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
150. Mabel-Canton - 21.82 (52) 2-20 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
151. Underwood - 21.66 (22) 2-21 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
152. Lakeview Christian - 21.4 (103) 1-20 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
153. Floodwood - 20.12 (122) 1-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
154. Yellow Medicine East - 19.32 (7) 1-21 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
155. Verndale - 18.59 (71) 0-22 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
156. Bertha-Hewitt - 17.36 (26) 1-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
157. Laporte - 17.16 (98) 0-20 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
158. Lake of the Woods - 13.59 (159) 1-20 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
159. Venture Academy - 0 (158) 0-6 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
160. Academy for Sciences & Ag - 0 (151) 0-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
161. Ubah Medical Academy - 0 (157) 0-11 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
162. MN Academy for the Deaf - 0 (162) 0-5 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower