2014-15 Independent Metro Athletic Conference Prevew

This is the fifth preview in my 2014-2015 season preview series.  Week 1 of my 5 week preview series ends with a look at the new Independent Metro Athletic Conference.  After the MSHSL placed a group of AAA teams from defunct leagues into the Tri-Metro, a group of mostly AA schools decided to split off and form this league.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Blake Bears (2013-14 season 22-7, 6-4 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Coach Sean Kruger has to replace his top 4 scorers.  That includes his inside out duo of John Veil and JR Bascom who combined for 35 a night last year.  Gus Austin will see time in a front court spot.  Charlie Levitt and freshman Jack Moe return in the backcourt.

Breck Mustangs (2013-14 season 12-15, 7-3 Conference, 2nd)
Breck is on their 3rd coach in 3 years.  If new coach Rick Webb can keep the group together after last year's disappointing season, there's plenty of talent as the entire rotation from the end of the year returns.  That includes 5 senior starters.  Will Culliton and Mo Lawal return as high scoring wings.  They combined for 37 PPG last year and are the top 2 returning scorers in the league.  Henry Cousineau provides a nice 3rd option.  Graydon Kulick mans the inside.  Kwaku Bodom gives them an athlete.  Depth is seriously limited.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2013-14 season 15-14, 6-4 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Redhawks lose a pair of transfers in point guard Simeon Davis (Hill-Murray) and forward Joevon Walker (Tartan). They were the top 2 scorers last year at a combined 22+ a night.  Forward JoVanni Bickham is a top frosh in the state and was the 6th man last year.  He'll slot into Walker's spot.  7th grader Jalen Suggs starts his era and has already been given some Tyus Jones hype.  He can play but that level of hype is totally unfair to him right now.  Plenty of other depth returns.  Expect another year where the youth struggles early and then is much more dangerous later in the year.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2013-14 season 5-18 Independent)
Sophomore Brendan Connolly was the top scorer last year at 14 a game.  He returns along with most of the rest of the Panthers youth movement.  Junior Cole Montour will man 1 wing as the other scoring threat.  Mark Miller's scoring and playmaking will be missed.

Providence Academy Lions (2013-14 season 16-11, 4-6 Conference, Tie 8th)
Providence needs to replace their big front line of Ben Ratliff and Sean Healy.  Sebastian Brown should fill in 1 of those spots.  Riley Loew and Dominic Miller are the top 2 returning scorers and provide an experienced backcourt.  Matt Richelsen provides another experienced perimeter player.  Soph Gavin Blomberg was also part of the rotation last year and could be a frontcourt starter.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2013-14 season 20-9, 4-6 Conference, Tie 8th)
The Spartans turned it on during the 2nd half of the season and made a run all the way to Target Center.  Juniors Dalante Peyton and Kent Hanson are back and will carry the offensive load in an even bigger way.  Peyton plays out of position at the point but is still effective.  Hanson takes care of the dirty work inside.  Expect a big double-double season from him.  Harrison Egly's rebounding and shooting will be missed.  Expect his sophomore brother Emerson to pick up some of the 17.2 PPG that Harrison had. 

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
There's strength at the top of the league with 3 quality teams.  St. Paul Academy and Breck both have a ton returning.  Minnehaha's top guys are young but the role guys have experience.  St. Paul Academy did lose to Breck last year but SPA is more consistent and made state so I'll go with the Spartans.  The rest slot logically into place.  Minnehaha has more fire power than Providence.  Blake is rebuilding.  Mounds Park Academy continues the building process but for now they aren't at a level to move up.

Conference MVP: Kent Hanson - St. Paul Academy

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Jack Moe - Blake
• Garrett Opperman - Breck
• JoVanni Bickham, Jalen Suggs - Minnehaha
• Brendon Connolly - Mounds Park Academy
• Gavin Blomberg - Providence 
• Emerson Egly - St. Paul Academy

Conference Games to Watch

• St. Paul Academy at Breck - Jan 9th
• St. Paul Academy at Minnehaha - Jan 20th
• Minnehaha at Breck - Jan 23rd
• Breck at St. Paul Academy - Feb 3rd
• Minnehaha at St. Paul Academy - Feb 6th
• Breck at Minnehaha - Feb 10th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Cretin-Derham Hall at St. Paul Academy - Nov 25th
• Breck vs Perham - Nov 29th (Anoka Ramsey Showcase)
• Breck vs Redwood Valley - Dec 13th (Breakdown Tip Off at Minnetonka)
• Minnehaha vs St. Cloud Cathedral - Dec 13th (Breakdown Tip Off at Minnetonka)
• Minnetonka vs Breck - Dec 27th (Bethel Tournament)
• St. Paul Academy at St. Paul Central - Jan 14th
• St. Paul Academy vs Caledonia - Jan 19th (Super 60 Showcase at Roosevelt)
• Waconia at Breck - Feb 13th

2014-15 MCAA Preview

This is the 4th preview in my 2014-15 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association (MCAA).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Bethany Academy Eagles (2013-14 season 11-15, 2-11 Conference, 5th South)
Bethany will have to replace one of the league's top snipers in Sam Hagen.  He scored over 19 points a game and was also the Eagles leading rebounder.  No one else averaged double figures.  Most of the rest of the rotation returns.  Seth Cupersmith tops the list of returnees with 8 points per game.  Its a group that will need to find size and another scorer.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2013-14 season 21-7, 10-3 Conference, 2nd North)
Heritage will need to replace 5 of their top 6 scorers from last season.  That includes double figure scorers Drew Kleinschmidt (17 PPG), Spenser Bland and Andy Hamilton.  Soph CJ Woda is the top returning scorer at 10 points a night.  Junior Tanner Scott also returns after seeing time last year.

Legacy Christian Academy (2013-14 season 13-15, 4-9 Conference, 4th North)
Legacy needs to replace 2 parts of their 3 headed monster from last year.  Luke Anderson and Luke Johnson combined for over 23 a night and will need to be replaced.  Guard Nate Bertsch was the top piece of that trio and he returns.  He was 2nd in the league in scoring at 22+ a night with his ability to score off the bounce or shoot it.  Caleb Johnson joins him on the perimeter.  Junior Michael Stelly returns inside.  Sophomores Lucas Nelson and Cole Bertsch also saw rotation time last year.

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs (2013-14 season 15-13, 9-4 Conference, 2nd South)
Versatile guard Nick Machemehl departs after finishing 3rd in the league in scoring at 22 a night.  Spencer Radtke needs to be replaced inside.  Lefty Josh Volness should man 1 guard spot and provide some shooting.  Jazz Baird should step into a starting role.  Jordan Radtke is the top returning scorer at almost 10 per night.  He'll be the top option and take over duties inside.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2013-14 season 27-4, 13-0 Conference, 1st North)
The Mustangs are coming off a state 3rd place finish and lose only 1 player.  Josh Goldschmidt was a primary ball handler and leader for this group and will be missed.  He's at Lake Superior State now.  The rest of the roster is back and loaded.  Jeremiah Hanson returns on the wing after leading the league in scoring at 24 a night.  Cam Monson provides a sledgehammer force inside  Jake Meyen is an athlete on the wing.  Those 2 averaged double figures.  Add in high-flying Damario Armstrong, a shooter in Max Lund and a solid reserve guard in Joe Jacobsen and its another big season on tap for the Mustangs.

New Life Academy Eagles (2013-14 season 20-6, 10-3 Conference, 1st South)
Wing Conrad Engstrom returns after topping the Eagles with 16 points a night.  Jake Wynia returns inside.  Sam Horner is another returning guard.  2 double figure scoring guards and 2 bigs graduate.

PACT Charter Panthers (2013-14 season 10-18, 0-13 Conference, 5th North)
The top 2 scorers depart.  That includes leading scorer and rebounder Daniel Nelson who was a 15 and 7 guy last season.  Junior Drew Johnson figures to increase his 11 points a night to help replace that.  Senior Derek Stone returns to run the point.  Fellow seniors Luke Johnson, Karr Fager and Ryan Fries all return to the rotation as well.

Southwest Christian Stars (2013-14 season 16-9, 8-5 Conference, 3rd South)
SW Christian loses 3 of their top 4 scorers.  Those 3 were also the top 3 rebounders on the roster.  That lack of size will need to be addressed.  Guard Jack Jenson returns after scoring 12 points a game last season.  Expect bigger roles for sophomore guards Trey Sandness and Kyle Meinke after seeing plenty of time last year. 

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2013-14 season 13-15, 3-10 Conference, 4th South)
Eddie Maruggi returns in the backcourt.  Jon Lotti returns up front.   They combined for 30 points a night last season.  Maruggi's 18.5 PPG is good for 3rd best returning scorer in the league.  I expect a similar season to last season.

West Lutheran Warriors (2013-14 season 11-15, 6-7 Conference, 3rd North)
West Lutheran loses their top 3 scorers from a year ago.  That includes almost 14 a night from guard Paul Draeger.  Tyler Kimmons, Zach Dwyer and Josh Pannier should form an experience backcourt. 

Predicted Order of Finish

North Division

1. Maranatha
2. Legacy 
3. Heritage
4. PACT  
5. West Lutheran  

South Division

1. New Life 
2. SW Christian  
3. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity  
4. Trinity   
5. Bethany

Conference Overview
This will be one of the tougher predictions I do with 1 exception.  There's Maranatha and then everybody else.  In the rest of the north, Heritage loses a ton but they've proven they can reload, West Lutheran has to replace 3 top guys.  PACT has a lot back but lost 2 top kids from a team that was winless in the league.  Legacy has the top player of the 4 and some experience back so they are my pick for best of the rest in the north.  So basically throw the next 4 in a hat and pick.  In the south, I don't see a clear favorite.  But with a couple guys back from the top team last year, that's enough for me to pick New Life.  I think Bethany without Hagen stays at the bottom.  The middle 3 in the south is another jumbled mess that I can see going any direction.  Maruggi and Trinity played Lester Prairie and SW Christian really tough in 3 of the 4 games last year.  Lester Prairie has a prime post guy in Radtke that many others don't.  Southwest Christian doesn't have any size returning but they do have guard experience.  The MCAA tournament looks like its going to a 2 day format instead of the 1 day showcase they've used in recent years.

Conference MVP: Jeremiah Hanson - Maranatha

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Sam LeVoir - Bethany
• CJ Woda - Heritage
• Lucas Nelson, Cole Bertsch - Legacy
• Trey Sandness, Kyle Meinke - Southwest Christian

Conference Games to Watch

• New Life at Maranatha - Jan 13th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Maranatha at Minneapolis North - Jan 17th

2014-15 Metro West Conference Preview

This is the third preview in my 2014-2015 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the new Metro West Conference.  The Metro West mixes teams from 4 other conferences including the defunct North Suburban and Missota along with the Classic Suburban (now Metro East) and South Suburban.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Benilde St. Margaret's Red Knights (2013-14 season 15-12, 9-4 North Suburban Conference, 3rd)
The Red Knights were assigned to the league after the North Suburban disbanded.  They will have to replace all 5 starters.  Juniors Sam Baker and Matt Lilienthal along with seniors Luke Possis and Jalen Floyd are the top returnees.  They will have to find size.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2013-14 season 15-13, 7-11 South Suburban Conference, Tie 6th)
The Jags have to replace most of scoring punch with 2 double figure scorers leaving.  The cupboard isn't bare though.  Tommy Gathje is the top post in the league and he has the ability to pass, handle, shoot it outside and score inside.  Expect plenty of looks for him and plenty of the usual methodical offense from coach Jeff Evens.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2013-14 season 17-10, 12-5 South Suburban Conference, 3rd)
Kennedy was a very pleasant surprise last season finishing 12-5 in the rugged South Suburban in Coach Willie Braziel's first year.  DJ Davis is off to South Dakota after doing everything on both ends of the floor.  His leadership along with 21 points per night will be sorely missed.  CJ Lewis and his 18 points per night depart as well along with all but 1 other player from the rotation.  Guard Darius Bell averaged 6.4 PPG.

Chanhassen Storm (2013-14 season 18-8, 10-3 Missota Conference, 2nd)
This is the year the Storm have been building to.  Joey Witthus and his almost 23 PPG return on the wing.  Floor general Ben Khwice returns along with Maxon Hutton in the starting lineup.  Center Andrew Mattern should nicely slot into the front court banger spot vacated by football star Frank Ragnow.   This group has great chemistry, expect a strong season.

Chaska Hawks (2013-14 season 16-10, 9-5 Missota Conference, 3rd)
The Hawks will need to replace 20 points a night and rebounding from graduated forward Eric West.  Jacob Hansen returns to run the point with his 15.9 PPG.  He runs the show but shoots it like a high level shooting guard.  Soph Myles Hanson returns to a wing while Peyton Sanders takes up another perimeter slot.  Colby Murphy will provide permeter depth.

Richfield Spartans (2013-14 season 3-24, 3-15 Classic Suburban Conference, 8th)
The Spartans lose leading scorer Patrick Dembley to Minneapolis North.  That's from a team that was one of the worst in class AAA (2 of their 3 wins were over doormat South St. Paul).  Junior Tommy Fallon averaged just over 9 points per night.  He'll be the top scoring threat.  Not much size or scoring punch for this roster.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2013-14 season 9-16, 6-6 North Suburban Conference, 6th)
Leading scorer Taron Pickford returns to the lineup for his junior season.  He averaged almost 14 points a game last year.  The rest of the rotation will need to be replaced.  A couple of transfers should beef up the lineup.  Jayson Edwards visits his 3rd school in 3 years as he comes over from Benilde-St. Margaret's.  Wing Melvin Newburn Jr was in Robbinsdale Armstrong's rotation last year as a sophomore.  Outside of Newburn the lineup is tiny but they will be very quick.
 
St. Louis Park Orioles (2013-14 season 1-25, 1-12 North Suburban Conference, 7th)
The Orioles had to go super young after losing the entire JV and Varsity rosters from their 20 win season of 2 years ago.  They paid for it by being one of the worst teams in all of class AAAA.  The youth movement should pay off this year as the entire rotation returns.  Senior Nick Kjos and junior Ray Whitlock combined for almost 30 points per game last season . Soph Ryan Domres and senior Jason Keller man the front court spots and were the next 2 scorers. 

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Chanhassen
2. Chaska
3. Bloomington Jefferson 
4. Robbinsdale Cooper 
5. Bloomington Kennedy
6. Benilde-St. Margaret's
7. St. Louis Park
8. Richfield

Conference Overview
It will be interesting to see how long this league lasts as the idea of Chanhassen and Chaska's demographics lining up with Cooper and Richfield is laughable.  With the east half of the Wright County quickly growing (see Waconia, who wanted in the league and wasn't taken for some reason, will cooler heads prevail?

Chanhassen and Chaska are the clear top 2 with the quality they have coming back . Jefferson may not be all that watchable but they knocked Chanhassen out in round 1 last year.  Cooper might be able to push them for third but more likely they stay in front of the teams below them.  Kennedy and Benilde-St. Margaret's are a coin flip since they basically have to replace everything.  St. Louis Park has everything back from a dreadful year last year.  That puts them in front of a Richfield team that looks again like one of the worst in class AAA and loses a ton.

Conference MVP: Joey Witthus - Chanhassen

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Joe Dunn - Benilde-St. Margaret's
• Markel Aune - Bloomington Kennedy
• Chris Wandling - Chanhassen
• Myles Hanson, Alex Strazzanti - Chaska

Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at Chanhassen - Jan 9th
• Chanhassen at Chaska - Feb 7th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at Apple Valley - Nov 22nd
• Chanhassen at East Ridge - Nov 22nd
• Chanhassen at Apple Valley - Nov 25th
• Chanhassen at Minnetonka- Dec 13th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Waconia at Chanhassen - Dec 22nd
• Eden Prairie at Chanhassen - Jan 3rd
• Eden Prairie at Chaska - Jan 24th

2014-15 Lake Conference Preview

This is the second preview in my 2014-2015 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Lake Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2013-14 season 22-7, 5-3 Lake Conference, Tie 2nd)
The Eagles will have to replace their do everything guy Andre Wallace.  They do return Grantham Gillard who is streaky but can score in big bunches and can hit from 25 feet in.  He was the team leader in scoring last year at over 19 a night.  The question becomes the rest of the offense.  Lefty Blake Cashman returns along with juniors Carter Coughlin, Brady Rudrud and Ryan Jacobus.  Junior Jake Ruppert should contribute as well.  Josh Lanasa will be their traditional inside banger.  The Eagles lose a bunch of guys who provided toughness.

Edina Hornets (2013-14 season 14-12, 2-6 Lake Conference, 4th)
Walt McGrory returns after leading the team in scoring last year as a freshman.  Wing Ben Boone and post Max Lynch also return to the starting lineup.  Lefty wing Will Moreton will see a much bigger role and can fill it up from 3 in a hurry.  Left handed and long make him a tough matchup.  John Swanke will also see plenty of time. A strong freshman class will restock the shelves for the future.

Hopkins Royals (2013-14 season 30-2, 8-0 Lake Conference, 1st, State Runner-Up)
This may be the youngest Hopkins squad in recent memory.  Of the 2 members of the 7 man rotation return.  As a highly regarded junior nationally, Amir Coffey will be expected to take over both on the court and in the leadership role.  Expect him to be a do everything guy for the Royals.  Fellow lefty John Warren also returns and should have a big season as the 2nd option.  Vinny Shahid was the emergency 8th guy last year so I expect him to see time at a guard spot.  After that, plenty of questions.  Chuck Hartman provides size.  Graham Hutson will likely see time as well.  Junior LaMicheal Wade and Ishmael El Amin figure to see time as well.  Juniors Xavier Johnson and Cedric Boone may also compete for spots.  Soph Simon Wright (brother of sharpshooter Jake Wright who graduated) picked up a Providence offer out of nowhere over the summer.  He's a wildcard.  The freshman class is one to watch down the road.

Minnetonka Skippers (2013-14 season 19-9, 5-3 Lake Conference, Tie 2nd)
Minnetonka loses athletic wing and leading scorer Delshon Strickland to Indian Hills CC but that may be a case of addition by subtraction.  The toughness and front court scoring of Careino Gurley will be sorely missed.  There's no clear replacement for his role on the roster.  The Skippers still have a dynamic guard trio of jitterbug Amar Miller at the point and sharpshooters Justin Moes and Seth Coatta on the wings.  Evan Altenburg returns as a banger inside.

Wayzata Trojans (2013-14 season 8-18, 0-8 Lake Conference, 5th)
Wayzata went to the youth movement last year starting 4 sophomores.  Anoka transfer Austin Slater joins that group of juniors after sitting out last year.  He was a varsity player as a freshman.  So that gives new coach Bryan Schnettler plenty to work with.  Schnettler comes over after running the Rosemount program and a brief stint in the off-season at Hill-Murray.  Point guard Johnny Beeninga leads the way after scoring 15.5 PPG last year.  Troy Louwagie and Brendan Broady man the interior.  Slater will be a 3/4 and Ty Gelinske will fill a role on the perimeter.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Hopkins
2. Minnetonka
3. Eden Prairie
4. Edina
5. Wayzata

Conference Overview
There's great balance throughout the league.  Hopkins will go as far as Amir Coffey takes them but they have lots of youth.  Minnetonka can shoot down anybody on a given night.  I think those are the clear top 2.  Eden Prairie may struggle to score at times but they play tough defense and will be in most games.  Edina should be able to score plenty but they have depth questions.  Great contrast when those 2 play each other.  Wayzata has enough talent and experience to compete with most teams.

Conference MVP: Amir Coffey -  Hopkins

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Owen Chose, Kyler Kluge - Eden Prairie
• Walt McGrory, Anders Nelson, Joe Dunn- Edina
• Anthony Davis, Joe Hedstrom, DeLawrence Aaron, Simon Wright, Ishmael El Amin - Hopkins

Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Minnetonka - Jan 23rd
• Minnetonka at Hopkins  - Feb 17th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Champlin Park at Hopkins - Nov 29th (projected Hopkins Tourney Final)
• Apple Valley at Minnetonka - Nov 29th
• Iowa City West (IA) at Hopkins - Dec 6th (Breakdown Girls Tip Off)
• Minnetonka vs Rice Lake (WI) - Dec 6th (Breakdown Girls Tip Off at Hopkins)
• Hopkins vs Maple Grove - Dec 13th (Breakdown Tip Off at Minnetonka)
• Eden Prairie vs Stillwater - Dec 13th (Breakdown Tip Off at Minnetonka)
• Chanhassen at Minnetonka - Dec 13th (Breakdown Tip Off)
• St. Paul Johnson at Eden Prairie - Dec 16th
• Hopkins at Waconia - Dec 19th
• Holy Family at Minnetonka - Jan 3rd
• Eden Prairie at Chanhassen - Jan 3rd
• Eden Prairie at Waconia - Jan 6th
• Hopkins at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 6th
• Eden Prairie at De La Salle - Jan 13th
• Holy Family vs Hopkins - Jan 19th (Super 60 Showcase at Washburn)
• Robbinsdale Armstrong at Minnetonka - Feb 3rd
• Hopkins vs Milwaukee Vincent - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Cretin-Derham Hall)
• Eden Prairie at Maple Grove - Feb 9th

2014-15 Metro East Conference Preview

Its time once again for my annual Season Previews.  Its the 8th season of this tradition.  For the next 5 weeks, I'll preview 11 metro area conferences with apologies to the EMAC, some local independents and 12 metro area sections.  Since I usually start in alphabetical order and the old Classic Suburban is really only different in name, I'll start with the new Metro East.

The league swaps Richfield, who left for the Metro West, for Hastings, who leaves the Suburban East.  As mentioned in the preview of previews, this was done in an attempt to remove St. Thomas Academy but the MSHSL placed the Cadets right back with their old comrades.  For a list of all the season previews and an explanation of how the previews are generated, click here.

Hastings Raiders (2013-14 season 7-20, 4-14 Suburban East Conference, 8th)
The Raiders return their top 3 scorers from last season, all of whom averaged in double figures.  Sam Skoyen averaged over 17 points a game last season to lead the way.  Craig Nielsen averaged over 12 a night and will also be a 3 year starter for the Raiders.  Joe Dittrich has developed into another double figure guy.   The move to a weaker league will help the Raiders but depth and experience behind those 3 could be an issue.

Henry Sibley Warriors (2013-14 season 13-14, 10-6 Conference, Tie 4th)
Coach Lernell James worked wonders with many losses last year.  He'll have to do the same again this season as 4 double scorers and 7 seniors from the rotation graduate.  That includes inside presence Mark Pumper who averaged almost 15 points a game last season.  Austin Solberg will take his spot inside.  Louie Garabay will fill a guard slot.

Hill-Murray Pioneers (2013-14 season 16-11, 11-5 Conference, 3rd)
Brady Hannigan takes over the reins from retired Dick Ghizoni.  He'll be able to work around the top backcourt in the league, Marshawn Wilson and Simeon Davis.  Davis is a sophomore transfer who ran the show for Minnehaha Academy and averaged 8.5 PPG last year.  Wilson is arguably the most explosive scorer in the state regardless of class.  He averaged 23.5 PPG last year.  Junior Chris Moore should man the middle after seeing some time there last year.   Replacing the front court presence of Alex Ogren is something to watch.

Mahtomedi Zephyrs (2013-14 season 12-15, 6-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Zephyrs return 4 starters from last season.  They were the top 4 scorers as well.  6'10" Center Sean Hjelle was the only double figure scorer at 13+ a night along with 11+ rebounds.  He's a finesse player who can hurt you outside as well as inside.  He has committed to Kentucky as a baseball pitcher.  The perimeter trio of Sam Muster, Sam Newman and junior Lucas Buller rounds out the quartet.  They were 2-7 in games decided by 5 points or less.  4 of those losses were to league champ St. Thomas Academy and 3rd place Hill-Murray so they proved they could compete with anybody in the league.

North Polars (2013-14 season 10-17, 6-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Coach Joe Janquart is starting to get it going up in North St.Paul as they jumped from 3 wins to 10 last season.  They also had lots of success at the Sophomore and JV levels.  Leading scorer Jake Steckler returns at a guard spot.  The remaining starters need to be replaced including center Joe Messerole who was their other double figure scorer and only real inside presence.  Thomas Acquoi should step up into another guard slot.  Avery Ostertag should see front court time. I like the youth, but I think its a year away.
 
St. Thomas Academy Cadets (2013-14 season 21-7, 14-2 Conference, 1st)
The Cadets rolled into the post season winning 13 of their last 14 (only loss was a 6 point home loss to Hopkins) but then were upset by St. Paul Central in the section semifinals.  Ryan Jacobsen returns as the top scorer for the Cadets.  Kai Endahl gives them toughness.  Junior Nate Chaffee should have a bigger role this season.  Jake Wright also provides a shooter with experience.  Andrew Mayleben provides size.

Simley Spartans (2013-14 season 17-11, 10-6 Conference, Tie 4th)
Simley is another team that returns a tough backcourt with the trio of Sam Stensgard, Jack Stensgard and Ben Scheffley.  That group combined for 40 points a game last season.  Scheffley runs the show while both Stensgards are knock down shooters.  Alex Anderson returns inside and should replace the scoring of Mark Della Vedova.  Matt Amspoker and Blake Scheffknecht return to the rotation as well.  Guard KJ Holliday was a pleasant surprise last year and will be hard to replace.

South St. Paul Packers (2013-14 season 3-22, 0-16 Conference, 9th)
The Packers will be glad the Classic Suburban is gone.  They lost their last 68 conference games and were 3-157 in the last 10 years of the league.  Further breakdown shows 41 straight on the road and 33 straight at home.  Hard to see a group of seniors go 4 years without a conference win.  They return 2 starters with Jaden Bjorklund being the top returner.  4 other bench guys return but no size.  Expect another long season.

Tartan Titans (2013-14 season 23-7, 12-4 Conference, 2nd)
The Titans broke an 8 year drought by making the big dance last year.  Tartan will have a dynamic group of 4 sophomores to lead the way.  Jordan Horn runs the show, Kingston Myles will man a wing spot.  Emanuel Humphrey will take over the inside presence lost by Brody Jackson's graduation.  Joevon Walker will provide a physical front court presence after playing last year at Minnehaha.  Jake Lyle returns to man a wing spot.  Deonte Fourte is an experienced guard off the bench.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. St. Thomas Academy   
2. Tartan
3. Simley
4. Hill-Murray  
5. Mahtomedi
6. Hastings 
7. North 
8. Henry Sibley
9. South St. Paul

Conference Overview
Last year 5 teams won 10 games in the league.  I could see that happening again there's plenty of strength at the top.  Tartan and St. Thomas Academy bring enough back and have enough tradition that I have to pick them 1 and 2.  Simley and Hill-Murray played 3 classics last year including a double OT classic in the 1st round of the playoffs.  Those were decided by a total of 11 points with Simley winning all 3.  I'll take Simley again this year.  Mahtomedi and Hastings also have plenty returning but I don't see them at the same level as the others but you better show up when you play them.  North, Sibley and South St. Paul slot logically into the last 3 spots.

Conference MVP: Marshawn Wilson - Hill-Murray

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Goodnews Kpegeol- North St. Paul 
• Jordan Horn, Emmanuel Humphrey, Kingston Myles, Joevon Walker- Tartan

Conference Games to Watch

• Simley at Tartan - Dec 16th
• Hill-Murray vs St. Thomas Academy - Dec 27th (Catholic Spirit tourney)
• Tartan at Hill-Murray - Jan 6th
• St. Thomas Academy at Tartan - Jan 13th
• Simley at St. Thomas Academy - Jan 16th
• Hill-Murray at St. Thomas Academy - Jan 23rd
• Hill-Murray at Tartan - Jan 30th
• Tartan at St. Thomas Academy - Feb 10th
• St. Thomas Academy at Simley - Feb 17th
• Tartan at Simley - Feb 17th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minneapolis Washburn at St. Thomas Academy - Dec 2nd
• Tartan, Simley, Hill-Murray- Dec 13th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• St. Thomas Academy at Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 23rd
• Tartan at Prior Lake - Jan 20th
• St. Thomas Academy at St. Paul Academy - Feb 16th

2014-15 Conference and Rule Changes

I bring you the preview of previews as I'll begin my annual 5 week long season preview series starting next week.  Some significant changes in the local landscape take effect this season.  Here's what you need to know.

The 2014-15 season brings the biggest slate of conference changes since the 2010-2011 season when the Classic Lake dissolved.  That forced a new Lake Conference and formed the South Suburban Conference.

Disbanded Conferences

• Classic Suburban
• Missota
• North Suburban

The members of the Missota and North Suburban have spread to the 4 winds. The Classic Suburban disbanded in an attempt to get rid of St. Thomas Academy.  That plot was foiled by the MSHSL who ended up assigning St. Thomas Academy to join those teams anyway.

New Conferences

• Independent Metro Athletic
• Metro East
• Metro West

The Metro West is the new league of schools from the Missota, North Suburban, South Suburban and Classic Suburban.  The Independent Metro Athletic is a new league of 6 schools who decided that the changes to the Tri-Metro weren't for them.  The Metro East is the league that was formed by the Classic Suburban schools.

Movement List

• Henry Sibley, Hill-Murray, Mahtomedi, North (St. Paul), Simley, South St. Paul and Tartan disband Classic Suburban to form Metro East Conference
• Hastings moves from Suburban East to Metro East
• St. Thomas Academy assigned to Metro East by MSHSL after Classic Suburban disbanded.
• Park denied admission to Metro East and will remain in Suburban East. 
• Chanhassen and Chaska move from Missota to Metro West
• Bloomington Jefferson and Bloomington Kennedy move from South Suburban to Metro West
• Richfield moves from Classic Suburban to Metro West
• Robbinsdale Cooper and St. Louis Park move from North Suburban to Metro West
• Benilde-St. Margaret's assigned to Metro West by MSHSL after North Suburban disbanded
• Irondale, Spring Lake Park and Totino-Grace assigned to Northwest Suburban by MSHSL after North Suburban disbanded.  The Northwest Suburban will split into North and West divisions of 7 teams each due to the change.
• Columbia Heights and Fridley assigned to Tri-Metro by MSHSL after North Suburban disbanded
• Holy Angels assigned to Tri-Metro by MSHSL after Missota disbanded
• Blake, Breck, Minnehaha, Mounds Park Academy, Providence and St. Paul Academy leave Tri-Metro to form Independent Metro Athletic Conference.
• Farmington and Shakopee move from Missota to South Suburban.
• Red Wing and Northfield move from Missota to Big 9
• New Prague moves from Missota to Wright County

Rules Changes
There 2 major rules changes that fans will notice this year.

• On a free throw attempt players will now be allowed to enter the lane on the release rather than waiting for the ball to hit the rim.  
• Much stricter hand check rules are in effect.

The free throw attempt change is a long time overdue and corrects the mistake that was made by changing the rule in the 90s anyway.  It was never a natural basketball play.  I'm very glad this got fixed.

As to hand checks, here's the text directly from the NFHS release

"In an effort to eliminate excessive contact on ball-handlers and dribblers outside of the lane area, the committee added Article 12 to Rule 10-6 on contact. As a result, the following acts will constitute a foul when committed against a ball-handler/dribbler: 1) placing two hands on the player, 2) placing an extended arm bar on the player, 3) placing and keeping a hand on the player and 4) contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands"

This mirrors the college point of emphasis that was put in place last season and it did trickle down to many high school games last season (especially ones officiated by college guys).  How will teams adjust and how long will the emphasis last?  The last attempt fizzled out pretty quickly.  Expect the term "Touch and Play" from the previous attempt to deal with this a couple of years ago to come back into the jargon. 

Here's a sleeper rule change that may come into play.  There's an expansion of the intentional foul rule to include "excessive contact".  I see this as a typically well-intentioned but not always practical change made by higher ups.  I think it will open up a can of worms and give an excuse to call clean hard fouls intentional.  This is where Lithgow would retort that its about player safety first which I find to be nonsense.

Welcome to Czar Season 8

Its Labor Day weekend and that means the traditional flip of the switch to the current school year.  Welcome to Year 8 of The Czar in cyberspace (not to be confused with Pigs...In...Space).  I'll reach a major milestone in December with game #1000 that I've seen since I started here.  As usual, I've gone through the entire site and cleaned things up.  With a bunch of new conferences this school year (more explanation on that when I get to previews), I've redone the League Websites page to include the new leagues.   I've also cleaned up the AAU Websites page to include many more AAU organizations from Wisconsin (many big ones were missing) and Iowa.  It also tidies up the Minnesota list.  The Rankings page has been updated to reflect the most recent end of summer rankings from Rivals, Scout, ESPN and 247Sports.  The recruiting calendars in the Recruiting Links menu are updated to the current recruiting year for those of you who follow when the college guys can be out and about.  The Summer Hoops and Recruiting Links menus point you to anything regarding AAU ball including the leagues that teams participate in.  The Minnesota Hoops menu has anything you may need to know about boys hoops in the state including State Records and the most comprehensive list for the Mr. Basketball award that's out there.

The 2014 Fall Schedule is posted and you can access it from the main navigation menu in full site mode or mobile mode.  If your league isn't on there, let me know and I'll add it.  The Season Previews page is up and available for when I begin my annual 5 week preview series on October 6th to take you right up to the start of practice on November 10th.  There are 2015 players who have already made their college decisions, I keep a full list of those updated throughout the season on the Signings page. 

The Best of AAUBingo 2014

Year 2 of AAU Bingo is in the books and it did not disappoint.  Especially Las Vegas which was absolutely epic in AAU Bingo terms.  The hashtag #AAUBingo exploded this year, especially in July and that's incredible to see.  ESPN's Jeff Goodman was included in the act with a tweet of a coach wearing a camera which was quickly tagged by many loyal followers of the movement.  Trainer Alan Stein in on the act this year as well.

There are too many outstanding tweets to award properly but we'll start with a few that deserve mention.  Then we'll expand the Best Of AAUBingo list to a Top 10.

2014 Special Mention
The MN Cyclones vs Team Loaded 757 game at the Fab 48 in Las Vegas deserves its own category because it was so beyond comprehension. Here's what we got from one official in this last game of the night.

Less than 10 minutes into the game, referee tosses the Team Loaded 757 coach for stepping on the court to instruct his player as he went up the court on offense.   Whacked him twice in 2 minutes, gone, good bye.  Coach doesn't leave, security has to get him at the next dead ball.  I give the coach credit for not going completely ballistic on the official.

Later in the game, a fracas breaks out at halfcourt thanks to a bunch of uncontrolled chirping that was going on.  The benches empty and I was worried that Tom Critchley Sr might end up being part of a Don Zimmer/Pedro Martinez moment.  After a long discussion, the coaches are called over and we end up with this magical epic fail.

• Double Foul, no technicals (wrong, had to whack somebody there)
• We'll shoot 2 free throws on each end (wrong, double foul, no FTs)
• We'll go to a jump ball to determine possession (wrong, point of interruption)
• The official lines the kids up like the start of the game and jumps it up (wrong, use the arrow if you think its a jump ball)

Inside 10 seconds to go, a ridiculous intentional foul call in a 3 point game to seal it.

One of the absolute most disgraceful pieces of officiating I've seen.  The college coaches section was absolutely howling at this.  Here are some of those tweets.

(1/2) Just witnessed the most amazingly bizarre AAU game in my 18 yrs of college hoops. Coach kicked out, skirmish w/ players, complete
— Craig Smith (@CoachSmith_USD) July 26, 2014

(2/2) incompetence by officials. On a double foul, had both teams shoot 2 FT's & had an actual jump ball. Feel terrible for kids & teams!
— Craig Smith (@CoachSmith_USD) July 26, 2014

This is the most ridiculous/greatest thing I have ever witnessed. Last game of the night rarely disappoints.....
— Chad Welk (@SCSU_CoachCW) July 26, 2014

Kimbo Slice in to coach now. So fantastic.
— Chad Welk (@SCSU_CoachCW) July 26, 2014

I've seen the pinnacle......I can retire tomorrow.
— Chad Welk (@SCSU_CoachCW) July 26, 2014

2014 Honorable Mention #AAUBingo Tweets

“@GoodmanESPN: AAU basketball. Never seen this look before. Gotta love it. pic.twitter.com/ITvoNGlPfM” #AAUBingo
— Scott Sorenson (@CoachSorenson) July 19, 2014

Grandmother scalping her tournament pass wristband for half price in lobby after team is done playing. #aaubingo
— Paul Seville (@PaulWSeville) June 1, 2014

10u in vegas...has a frog as their mascot #AAUBingo @marty_strey pic.twitter.com/Yc7FBrXYfi
— Mitch Listau (@MitchListau34) July 29, 2014

A referee said today, "Your parents are ruining your weekend.. I'm not calling fouls for you until they shut up" #AAUbingo
— Anthony Wright (@ItsAntWright) July 13, 2014

#AAUBingo “@CoachBobWalsh: I wonder what the winning percentage is for AAU coaches who wear their hat backwards on the sidelines.”
— Lori Stvns ZimmerMoM (@VegasBballMom) July 12, 2014

RT @RivalsKroogCity: To the AAU hoops refs that think they can rock the leggings under the shorts. pic.twitter.com/T5sXGFm7ei #aaubingo
— TC Hoops Czar (@tchoopsczar) July 18, 2014

Dead mouse on the bench #aaubingo #battle4mom #heatnation pic.twitter.com/dHyNlJsOwI
— Minnesota Heat (@MinnesotaHeat) May 9, 2014

Top 10 #AAUBingo Tweets of 2014

#10) In honor of last year's winners (Minnesota Heat), we'll start the list with one of their workouts.

#AAUBingo RT @MinnesotaHeat: Practicing inbounds at 11 pm. #omaha pic.twitter.com/rNrNAuYvAW
— TC Hoops Czar (@tchoopsczar) April 5, 2014

#9) Hungry Referee

Referee ordered a pizza during the game and called an officials timeout to go pay for it #AAUbingo
— Anthony Wright (@ItsAntWright) April 19, 2014

#8) Coaching attire at a new level of insanity

“@AdamFinkelstein AAU coaching attire brought to a whole new level pic.twitter.com/IqdzUoNv3y” #aaubingo
— Chris (@coachf3rri3r) May 10, 2014

#7) In game conditioning

Net Gain up 63-25 with 5min left. However,Net Gain coach just called all 3 of his timeouts in a row, made the players run sprints. #AAUBingo
— NorthstarHoops (@NorthstarHoops) May 31, 2014

or this

Coach called a full timeout down twenty... Had his kids do push-ups the entirety of the TO. #Strength<<<Fundamentals #AAUBingo
— Will McKethan (@Coach_McKethan) July 28, 2014

#6)  Coach anger after a loss

Perhaps best #AAUBingo ever... losing teams coach drop kicks game ball out of gym & then dumps a full gatorade on middle of court.
— Iowa Barnstormers (@IA_Barnstormers) April 6, 2014

#5) Referee/Police Officer fatally injures coach after game

Can't get more #AAUbingo than this.. ref fatally injures a coach in the parking lot @tchoopsczar http://t.co/aDbIPxGDVA
— Anthony Wright (@ItsAntWright) May 7, 2014

#4) Dog barking at AAU Nationals

#aaubingo RT @David_D_Adams: At the main gym at AAU nationals with a televised game and there's a dog barking ... http://t.co/sPS2ZaGEzf
— TC Hoops Czar (@tchoopsczar) August 17, 2014

#3) Pull Fire Alarm in Protest

RT @USFBBallCoach I know I get mad after a loss-but I promise to never pull the fire alarm to protest #JustWhenUThinkUveSeenItAll #AAUBingo
— Ray Lokar (@CoachLok) July 24, 2014

#2)  Classic parent behavior courtesy of famous basketball trainer Alan Stein

Dad screams, 'Shoot it son!' Son turns and yells 'Shut up dad!' Dad storms the court and yanks his son off. Kid starts crying. #AAUBingo
— Alan Stein (@AlanStein) July 28, 2014

#1) Team disqualified for using graduated player in 16U division.

http://t.co/kaRY4fV2N5 #aaubingo
— Leighton Carter (@LeightonCarter) August 3, 2014

Cheating is nothing new in AAU (we wouldn't have #AAUBingo without it after all).  What takes this instance to the top is the included video where the coach attempts to deny everything (think Richard Nixon, I am not a crook). The player in question was in a JUCO showcase the previous week and that's how it came to everyone's attention.  Many calling it one of the most blatant attempts at cheating they've seen.
 
So there you have it, those are the best tweets of year 2.  Let's take it to another level in year 3.  If you missed the best of Year 1 of AAU Bingo, you can read that here.

2014 July journey begins

The Czar returns after a very entertaining spring coaching experience during the spring period.  The July 2014 recruiting season opens tomorrow with Minnesota teams spanning the midwest to no fewer than 6 locations.  Here's where you can find our local teams.  Many will start play later in the week (Ames, St. Louis and Chicago in particular)

Windy City Classic - Chicago
D1 Minnesota 16s and 17s
Grassroots 17s
Billy Wampler expected to be out for D1 as he'll be at the Adidas Unrivaled camp.

Game of Note:
D1 MN 16s vs Martin Brothers 16s Sat 11:30 AM.  Jordan Bohannon and Iowa commit Cordell Pemsl lead Martin Brothers.

Chicago Summer Jam
All Howard Pulley teams

Game of Note:
Howard Pulley vs Mac Irvin Fire at 5:20 on Saturday
Also of note, the D1 MN 14s and Howard Pulley 14s could meet up in bracket play.

Adidas Invitational - Indianapolis
Heat Bui and Heat Vang are both super pooled.  That means that Heat Bui will get 2 tough Adidas programs Indiana Elite and Brookwood Elite along with Team Work.  The Heat also have 2 more squads, Calistro and Berndt, attending.  MN Phenom also in the pools.

Heat Vang and Heat Schwarz represent the 16u division.  Heat Vang gets Indiana Elite, Team Work and Detroit Showtime Select in their super pool.


NY2LA Next Level Invitational - Milwaukee
The 17U division at NY2LA has a large number of MN teams.  7:40 Thursday night features Net Gain taking on WI United with MN natives Donnell Gresham, Marshawn Wilson and Jeremy Johnson.  tMBA has both their teams attending.  tMBA Brown will play WI commit Brevin Pritzl, Drake commit Nick McGlynn and the WI Playground Warriors at 11:30 AM on Thursday.  Comets Lewis will play Marquette commit Matt Heldt and the Milwaukee Spartans at 8:50 PM on Thursday night.  SW MN Stars play WI Blizzard and star Cody Schwartz.  Fury Meier has Playground Elite with Marquette signee Nick Noskowiak and former MN D1 stud Henry Ellenson.  WOTN Nicols has Damontrae Jefferson and the Milwaukee Rebels.  Heat McKee and both Select teams also in the 17U bracket.

In 16U, MN also well represented with a ton of teams.  Net Gain, SW MN Stars, tMBA, Fury Peterson and Fury Sand, MN Suns Wilson, top Comets, both WOTN teams, Heat East and Heat NW, MN Select has 2 teams and Airborne Elite all in that bracket.

In 15U, its a bit lighter.  Fury Coleman, MN Warriors, SW MN Stars, MN Suns Johnson, Select and WOTN Herber in that bracket.


Mullen's High Profile  - St. Louis
In St. Louis, Fury will have all of their Sanford teams and the MN Cyclones will be in attendance again as well.  The Cyclones could end up with an entertaining game against the Dakota Schoolers in the 2nd round.    Its a tough field with KC Run GMC, Team YOBO, OK Wizards, Omaha Crusaders, Arkansas Wings and the St. Louis Eagles in the field.


Midwest Summer Slam - Ames
In Iowa some of our lower level teams make the trip

17U
TC Runnin Rebels
Triple Threat
Heat Carlson
Magic Black
Comets Moser


16U
Comets DLR
Heat Schumann
Heat Slick
Heat Errickson

15U
Heat Nord
Heat Nelson
Heat Crandall
Magic Vatsaas

Then locally in the 2nd period, we have the D1 Summer Classic.  Talk is that national recruit Skal Labissiere will attend that event with M33M.  Expect MN to take a look at Billy Wampler at some point during that tourney as well.  Howard Pulley and Net Gain will be in the Southeast for Nike and Under Armour championships.  Then the month ends with most of our teams off to Las Vegas (some to Kansas City like tMBA and Howard Pulley).  New format for the Adidas Super 64 this year (Adidas teams only) means that teams move to the Bigfoot Hoops tourney or the split off of the Super 64, Vegas Finals.  I'll be in live and in color in Vegas for the 4th straight summer.  Nothing like trying to bounce from gym to gym to gym.

An amazing year at state

The 2013-2014 season came to a close over the weekend . What a finish to the AAAA season with a pair of amazing semifinals and a championship game.  The Hopkins vs Shakopee semifinal will be memorable for more than 1 reason.  The chess match at the end of regulation and through the 4 overtimes may not have pleased the fans but both strategies made sense.  Why not hold for the last shot and not even give Shakopee a chance to win if you're Hopkins?  If you're Shakopee, why make your defense more vulnerable by extending, get a stop and move on.  If roles were reversed there would be no uproar but since Hopkins was the more talented and favored team, I was surprised they didn't play it out.  Will that game cause enough uproar for a shot clock?  Maybe, but most folks don't understand that we already have the shot clock and choose not to use it.  Personally I love the chess match and the option for the underdog.  A shot clock would have given St. Cloud Tech no chance vs Hopkins in 2009.  Instead, we had extremely compelling theater until Nate Wolters rolled an ankle.  Add in the cost and lower quality of basketball at small schools and I'm still firmly opposed.  A very under-appreciated part of the ending was the last draw up by Shakopee.  It appeared the Sabers had a layup for the win but the pass was late and the steal allowed Hopkins to get the ball back for the memorable final Coffey heave from 57 feet.

Then what more can we say about JP Macura.  He goes for 31 in the semi including a 30 foot buzzer beater to beat CDH.  Then 43 and 9 with a critical assist late as Lakeville North came back late to shock Hopkins and win the title.  Long 3s, drives to the bucket and movement without the basketball for layups all part of the display.  Lakeville North was very beatable when it was just Macura, but Bronson Bruneau, soph Drew Stewart and Connor Flack also made big plays and that was the difference.  Lakeville North couldn't get a stop for a long time down the stretch but managed to steal away the game late.  Hopkins with their 1st loss in a final since 1994 and it was disappointing that some members of the team didn't handle it well.  While some of the fan criticism online is ridiculous (calling the kids thugs etc), seeing parents trying to write it off as just being kids or it can't be criticized because they are kids is also ridiculous.  These kids have played enough games at all levels throughout the years and been at state enough to know better.  Win with class, lose with class is something all players learn very early on.  Great teaching moment for those kids in how to deal with adversity.  Life is full of disappointments, losing 1 game is a minor one in the big scheme of things.

In the rest of the tournament, impressed with Kory Deadrick of Esko and what he did to lead to Eskomos to a title.  Soph Jaxson Turner didn't make all tourney but showed he'll be a very good player for them the next 2 years.  Matt Miller of Annandale did a bit of everything for the Cardinals and Chase Knickerbocker really helped his stock.  Biggest breakout star of the tourney may have been 8th grader Owen King of Caledonia.  Expect Caledonia forward Kyle Sorenson's stock to go up this spring.  De La Salle with a thoroughly dominating season as they weren't challenged on their way to the AAA title.  Outside of AJ Nywesh, Austin shot 6-31 in the championship game. 

Refecting back on this year's playoffs in general, it may be the craziest season I've seen in the 7 seasons that I've written here.  Apple Valley out in OT, Buffalo makes state in 5 OT, Simley/Hill-Murray double OT etc etc  What a fun season

Next up is #AAUBingo 2014.  Year 2 of AAUBingo is a special Czar is a Head Coach edition.  Let's just say its been an adventure already and we're still 2 weeks away from the 1st games for local teams.

Osseo returns to the big dance

Prologue
Back to Rogers for the 5AAAA championship between Osseo and Champlin Park.  Osseo had a rough stretch without Ian Theisen during the 2nd half of the year.  They beat Champlin Park without him and lost with him earlier in the season.  Champlin Park had a late hiccup in the season but generally rolled.  Looking for another classic here.  I actually liked the officiating crew coming into the game.  But despite letting them play actually had some very strange calls on minimal contact and let plenty of fouls go.

Song of the Day
Big Time - Peter Gabriel

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 1396 ounces  (125 games, 107 days)

• 12 oz 7 Up 
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 
• 80 oz Sprite 
• 104 oz Dr Pepper
• 160 oz Red Powerade
• 272 oz Red Gatorade
• 184 oz Coke 
• 544 oz Pepsi

Game Time
Connor Kittleson with a pair of early easy buckets as Osseo takes a 7-6 lead at 14:15.  Champlin Park sees Marty Hill get his offense going.  Hill with a jumper and triple for force an Osseo timeout.  Ian Smith for 3 and a kickout to Alec Leabo for 3.  Ian Smith to Alex Hilley for a layup.  27-12 Champlin Park at the 6 minute mark.  Then the Rebels once again go the 1-3-1 that killed them against Park Center.  Wheeler Baker to the rack to end a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 11 at the 3 minute mark.  Gibson with a strip late in the half and finds Smith for a layup at the buzzer for a 39-27 Rebels lead at the half. 

Gibson for 3 and a pair of free throws to push the lead to 44-27.  Then Osseo pounds the glass.  Elliot Kane with a putback, Theisen on the glass for a 3 point play.  Jordan Dembley with a 3 point play and coast to coast for 2 more.  Theisen buries a 3, Wheeler Baker drives for 2, Theisen with another putback.  17-3 Osseo run brings the Orioles within 47-44 at the 12:22 mark and we have a ball game.   Game stays tight when Wheeler Baker dives after a loose ball and gets called for his 4th foul with 8:08 left, tough break there.  Smith makes both for a 5 point lead and scores again with 5:50 left for a 59-53 Rebels lead.  Osseo makes their comeback.  Theisen with 2 putbacks that sandwich a Kane bucket and we're tied at 59 with 3:45 left.

Teams trade 1 of 2 at the line.  Osseo with a long final possession that they save by diving on a loose ball and getting a timeout with 1:35 left.  Osseo holds until 21 ticks left and takes time.  Ball swung on the pick and roll to find Kane in the right corner, he has a lane to the bucket and goes hard but stepped on the baseline.  We'll go to OT tied at 60.  Kane with a big 3 at the 2:20 mark of OT to give Osseo a 5 point lead.  Baker fouls out on the next possession.  Gibson makes 1 and Osseo misses a front end but Champlin Park can't convert.  Giovanni Pastrano makes 3 of 4 free throws late as he continues his outstanding play for the Orioles.  Osseo wins 72-67 in overtime.

Post Game
Champlin Park finishes the year 25-3 with 2 losses to Osseo and a loss to Hopkins.  Ian Smith leads with 18 points, Marty Hill with 12 of his 15 in the first half.  Champlin Park gives away a 17 point second half lead which will make this one tough to swallow.  The future is very bright despite losing stars Ian Smith and Brennan Witt

Ian Theisen comes up huge for Osseo with 14 of his 23 in the second half.  He was all over the glass with somewhere in the vicinity of 20 rebounds.  Wheeler Baker with another off night but still scored 12 points.  Jordan Dembley with 10.  I didn't think Osseo could get away with the front court combination of Theisen, Kittleson and Pastrano when Champlin Park backed off them but the Orioles stayed within their roles and made it work.  Osseo's seed at state will be a fun topic of discussion with Lakeville North and Cretin-Derham Hall likely ending up in the 2-4 slots.  How much weight will be on this win and Theisen's injury during the 4 game losing streak.  How much will the CDH win over Apple Valley weigh?

Goliath falls

Prologue
Off to Farmington for the 3AAAA championship game between Cretin-Derham Hall and Apple Valley.  The expected full house on hand.  Great games tonight in Monticello (5 OT in 8AAAA final), Marshall advances to state in OT, SW MN Christian loses and this one didn't disappoint either.  Red Gatorade is the beverage with sausage pizza.  Quality 40 minute pregame performance from the Apple Valley band.

Song of the Day
Runnin down a dream - Tom Petty

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 1376 ounces  (124 games, 106 days)

• 12 oz 7 Up 
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 
• 80 oz Sprite 
• 84 oz Dr Pepper
• 160 oz Red Powerade
• 272 oz Red Gatorade
• 184 oz Coke 
• 544 oz Pepsi

Game Time
Big key in this game was a good start for CDH.  They get that with Donnell Gresham scoring the 1st 5 and Michael Hannon from deep.  Timeout Apple Valley at 16:46 trailing 8-2 and that's despite 4 offensive boards.  Tyus Jones 4 points to cut the lead to 2.  Sam Neumann putback, Gresham with another 3, Neumann for 3.  George Hottinger with a layup and Neumann with a layup after a turnover.  22-15 CDH at 12:50.  Tyus coast to coast for the And 1 and he adds a steal for 2 to tie the game at 26.  Tyus on the run for 2 more to conclude the 16-4 Apple Valley run.  Tobroxen with a layup and Tyus to Brock Bertram for a bucket on the pick and roll.  Loose ball ends up with a Tyus 3.  Hannon with a jumper and then 1 of many abuses he had of the Eagles bigs off the bounce.  44-38 Apple Valley at the half.  Early on the pace was absolutely furious but CDH made an effort to slow the game down.

Hottinger a pair of buckets countered by Tyus for 2 and then Tyus dunks a turnover.  51-44 Apple Valley 4 minutes into the half.  Hannon with a drive to start a spurt, Neumann blocks Tyus and Hannon makes 2 free throws off of it.  Then Hannon buries a 3 after a Tyus bucket and we're tied at 53 (9-2 run).  Tyus playing out of the right block finds Bertram for a layup and then goes to the reverse for 2 of his own and scores again.  Dennis Austin and Bertram add buckets and the Eagles lead is 65-57 with 6:45 left.

CDH always able to score.  Neumann for 3, Joe Rosga steals an outlet pass and no fear as he immediately drills the right wing 3.  Tyus trying to take over as he scores the next 3 but misses 3 free throws in that stretch.  Then he swats a shot away on the help side.  But there's that Hannon guy again as he takes an inside out feed from Neumann and drills the 3 and drills another on the next possession.  Then its Neumann for 3 with 1:45 left and CDH has the lead.  Tyus called for the offensive foul going to the rim with 1:36 left. Oh my.  CDH ball up 72-70.  After 2 Rosga free throws, Tyus goes straight to the rim for 2.  After a timeout, he steals the inbounds and makes 2 free throws to tie the game at 74.  CDH will hold for the last shot.  Gresham no good off the high screen, rebound no good, Rosga a great look from 10 feet with 8 ticks left is in and out.  CDH has 1 last chance from under their basket with 1.3 left but turns it over.  We'll play overtime.

CDH wins the tip and holds until they turn it over at the 2:37 mark.  Apple Valley misses 30 seconds later and now CDH will continue to hold.  They hold until a timeout with 13 seconds left.  Its Rosga off a double high ball screen to Gresham who's shot is no good and we'll play a second overtime.

Tyus opens the overtime scoring (in the 2nd OT) with a drive that's countered by another Hannon 3.  Apple Valley misses and Gresham makes 2 free throws.  Austin makes 1 free throw on an offensive board to cut the lead to 79-77 with 1:45 left.  But Apple Valley doesn't score again.  Austin and tyus go down with injuries with 58.5 left.  Big delay before Austin is stretchered off, Tyus comes back out to an ovation during the delay.  But at that point the game is over as CDH is up 10  Cretin-Derham Hall pulls the upset 89-77 in double overtime.

Post Game
Apple Valley finishes the season 27-2 and the loss breaks a 55 game winning streak against Minnesota opponents.  Tyus Jones finishes his outstanding career with 35 points.  What a pleasure to watch one of the best ever to come out of the state during these last 5 seasons.  Brock Bertram with a big double double with 19 points.  The rest of the roster only comes up with 23.  Apple Valley not showing any outside shooting in the game and didn't pound the ball inside nearly enough.  Tyus with some great success off a flat ball screen at mid-court but we only saw it late and a couple of times.  Didn't see that huge killer instinct from him that we've seen in the past either.  Almost like Apple Valley thought they could just turn it on and win.  Honestly I thought this game was more about what they didn't do than what Cretin-Derham Hall did on the strategy side.

Cretin-Derham Hall was successful running early and much to my chagrin they slowed the tempo.  But give them credit it worked.  Michael Hannon goes bezerk with 5 3s and 26 points.  Donnell Gresham also large with 22 points and a pair of 3s.  Joe Rosga 15 and Sam Neumann with 3 bombs and 16 points.  CDH managed to not get completely crushed on the glass which was a huge factor.  Seeding them for the state tourney is an interesting debate.  On 1 side you have this win.  On the other you have 2 losses to Woodbury, a team that Tartan just beat and Tartan is still scrambling to be seeded.  If Lakeville North and Champlin Park lose, maybe they're the 2 seed (Hopkins will clearly be #1).  But if those 2 win, now they're likely looking at 4.  The 5 seed is a scramble of the remaining teams.   Cretin's secondary guys stepped up big and Apple Valley's didn't and that was your difference.  CDH buries 12 3s and when they shoot it well they are extremely dangerous and difficult to guard. 

Titans make it back to State

Prologue
Off to Tartan for the section 4AAAA championship between Tartan and Woodbury.  Good size crowd but not a problem getting a seat in the upper level.  The students very vocal and somewhat crass at times.  That triggered a tongue thrashing from the public address guy at halftime.  No concessions tonight but a nice stop for Jersey Mike's during the pregame.  Concordia in the building with SW MN State assistant Chad Welk (a Concordia asst until last year).  St. Mary's also in the building.  Hollywood, Mr. Clean and The Reverend are your officials.


Song of the Day
We are the Champions - Queen

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 1356 ounces  (123 games, 105 days)

• 12 oz 7 Up 
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 
• 80 oz Sprite 
• 84 oz Dr Pepper
• 160 oz Red Powerade
• 252 oz Red Gatorade
• 184 oz Coke 
• 544 oz Pepsi

Game Time
Tartan off to a great start.  Brody Jackson takes the UNC secondary break back screen for 2 and another postup for a 7-0 lead.  Eric Winter again gets the defensive chore for the Titans.  This time its faceguarding Matt Ambriz.  Jordan Horn starts to heat up as he goes off  the ball screen for 3.  21-12 Tartan at 7:35.  Isaiah Coddon for Woodbury catches at the right elbow, jabs right and goes left down the lane for the thunderous finish, seriously nasty there.  Horn counters with another trey, Coddon 2 free throws, Horn a 3 point play and after a Woodbury bucket Horn with 2 free throws.  That's 11 straight Titans points for Horn.  Jackson takes the post feed for 2 more and the lead is 13 at 4:45.  Horn fouled on a 3 and makes all 3 free throws and makes 2 more threes in the half.  45-35 Tartan at the half.  Horn with 4 3s and 20 points to carry the offense.

First 5 of the second half to Tartan and it looks like the game could get out of hand quickly.  Woodbury counters but Tartan tries to blow it open again.  Tommy Hanson buries a kickout pass for 3 and then off a turnover Horn goes to the spin move for the 3 point play.  That move is legal because The (slimmed down) Nutty Professor isn't working the game.  60-44 Tartan with 12:52 left and Woodbury takes time to try and figure out a solution.  Matt Ambriz with a 4 point play and Coddon takes a turnover and smashes that on the break with 2 hands and the lead is down to 10 quickly.  Tartan's role players make big shots.  Jake Lyle a pair of bombs off the bench and Winter shows with one.  Strange event with 9:08 left and Woodbury down 13.  Ambriz fouled and steps up to shoot the 1 and 1.  He misses the 1st and nobody plays it.  Finally Hollywood just grabs it and both teams almost tackle him for it.  We get a conference and not much choice but to go to the arrow and give it to Woodbury.  Woodbury would have 1 last spurt in them.  Nick Yan drives for 2, Coddon with 2 free throws and a 3 and the lead is down to 6, 73-67 Tartan 6:15 left.  Winter counters with another 3 as Tartan takes the timeout at that point to regroup.  Tartan would be patient with the offense after that and never be threatened the rest of the way.  Tartan wins 90-78.

Post Game
Coach Scott Swanson's career at Woodbury comes to an end with the loss.  Many outstanding seasons for him with the Royals.  He finishes his 13 year career there with a record of 216-146 with 4 trips to state (last 2 years) along with a least 2 other trips to the section final.  Matt Ambriz finishes his outstanding senior season with 22 points before fouling out.  Isaiah Coddon and Nick Yan both add 20 points.  But the Royals get 0 points from their bench. 

Tartan makes their 1st trip to state since their run of 8 straight trips ended with their last trip in 2005.  Freshman point guard Jordan Horn was even better today than he was in the semifinals.  20 of his 28 points in the 1st half to lead all scorers.  Keenan Bellaphant with a bunch of late free throws to reach 12 points.  Tommy Hanson 3 bombs for 11, Eric Winter and Jake Lyle each with 2 bombs for 8.  Brody Jackson got touches early in each half by design and scored 10 points.  Think about all the players Tartan lost that could have been on this team (Marshawn Wilson, Donnell Gresham, Simeon and Jahleel Davis) and they're still going.   Fun display after the game, Tartan players storm the court, then they mob their coaches (love that).  Then the students storm the court to celebrate with the team.

A Rogers Rumble

Off to Rogers for the 5AAAA semifinals which showcased 4 of the better teams in the Northwest Suburban.  Very good crowd on hand after all though it was slow arriving.  Mr. Basketball and Director of Officials Jim Robinson in the building.  We also get John Lithgow working the late game.  Needless to say, Mr. Robinson's neighborhood was in absolute chaos.  The officiating was a mess in both games and Lithgow once again in big game was bad.  As a fan, its a a crying shame that the kids don't get better crews for these games.  Jim Robinson continues to see this night in and night out and yet absolutely nothing changes.  Off my soapbox and on to the games.

Game 1: Champlin Park vs Park Center
3 different Rebels knock down 3s and Champlin Park jumps out to an 11-1 lead.  Its 15-6 Champlin Park at the 13:30 mark when they decide to change to a 1-3-1 zone.  Not only does the zone not make sense in the given context, but you also have a little guy in Ian Smith at the top of it which totally defeats the purpose of an odd front zone.   Flip him to the back to run the baseline and move Jeremy Johnson up to the top to play havoc with his length.  Park Center makes their comeback.  Amani Hooker drives, Isaiah McKay for 3 in transition and a block leads to an Arione Farrar 3 that gives Park Center their 1st lead.  Pirates run is 14-4 in just under 8 minutes, but 8-0 in the last minute of the run.  Park Center using their own zone with effectiveness.  34-32 Champlin Park at the break. 

The Rebels attempt to break the game open with a 10-2 run early in the 2nd half.  Alec Leabo for 3, Ian Smith converts a turnover, another turnover for 2 Johnson free throws and he adds a 3 to cap it.  52-43 Champlin Park with 12:46 left as the Pirates regroup with a timeout.  Isaac Matthews doing work for the Pirates.  He scoops for 2 and puts back a free throw miss as Champlin Park just stood and watched.  Champlin Park inexplicably goes back to the 1-3-1 and its Matthews with a 3 point play to cut the lead to 1 with just over 7 minutes left.  Then Matthews called for his 4th foul on a charge with 6:42 left.  Bo Powell doesn't get him out of the game.  JT Gibson blows by him for 2 as he's helpless to defend.  Gibson takes Matthews off the bounce again and its a layup for Johnson off the assist.  Farrar buries a 3 and Smith hits a free throw for a 59-58 Champlin Park lead at the 5:02 mark.  That foul appeared to be on Matthews but it somehow got switched which was a huge break as he would have been gone.  Smith comes up clutch late.  He drives and goes to the left hand for 2 and then pulls up in the lane for 2 more.  Smith with a bunny at the 2:37 mark to push the Rebels lead to 69-63.  Champlin Park with 2 misses on shots that were decent looks and some missed free throws but never anymore real danger.  Frosh McKinley Wright goes 4-4 from the stripe late to seal it.  Champlin Park wins 79-71  Ian Smith leads with 24 points.  Isaiah McKay ends his career with 21 for Park Center

Game 2: Osseo vs Maple Grove
Osseo jumps out to an 8-0 lead with a bucket, 2 free throws and assist from Ian Theisen.  Maple Grove's post, soph Reed Nikko, was a worthy matchup.  He finishes a 3 point play, slams home a pass from frosh PG Brad Davison and scores again for another chance at a 3 point play.  Matt Lindgren with back to back 3s and that ends a 10-1 Crimson run and they take a 17-14 lead at the 7:30 mark.  20-19 Maple Grove after Wheeler Baker's first hoop.  Then a horrendous charge call on Davison by Lithgow sends Davison to the bench with 2 fouls for the last 4:37 of the half.  Nikko dunks on Theisen for a 3 point play to reach double figures.  That's Theisen's 2nd foul at the 2:02 mark.  Tyler Barker beats the buzzer for a 25-21 Maple Grove lead at half.

Davison makes a tough shot that banks home just under a minute into the half.  But the Maple Grove offense disappears from there.  Theisen pops for 3 and Elliot Kane buries a 3 as Osseo reclaims the lead.  Baker spins in the post for 2, Kane hits another bomb and Baker pulls up for 2 more.  That's an 18-2 Osseo run over 7 minutes and no Maple Grove field goals.  Nikko finally gets a bucket for the Crimson at the 5:59 mark.  We get the MoKiller timeout as somehow Maple Grove is only down 39-35 after scoring the last 6 points.  Then a Maple Grove wing falls down on the entry and Jordan Dembley takes that for a 3 point play, Baker drives for another 3 point play and buries a 3 after a turnover.  Kane again from the deep end of the pool.  That 12-2 run slams the door shut.  51-37 with 3:02 left.  Osseo goes onto win 55-43.  Maple Grove held to 18 points and 4 field goals in the 2nd half, 1 of those field goals in garbage time. Elliot Kane with 14 points and 4 3s off the bench to lead the Orioles.  Ian Thiesen 13 points.  Reed Nikko and Matt Lindgren lead Maple Grove with 14 points each.  Nikko still developing on the offensive end but you can see he's got big time upside.

Semifinal Saturday

Its semifinal Saturday from one end of the metro to the other.  We'll start in Chaska with the 6AAAA semifinals and end with 4AAAA at East Ridge for the night session.  Weird to see 6AAAA at Chaska after 2AAAA hosted it in past years.

Game 1: Hopkins vs Armstrong
The Hopkins pressure really bothering Armstrong.  But after trailing by 9, Jerome Dixon ISOs for a bucket and then knocks down a 3 in a 9-0 run to bring the Falcons back to even.  They'll take a 39-38 lead to the half.  Hopkins puts the game out of reach with a 17-3 run early in the 2nd half.  John Warren with a big first half and Noble Fahnbulleh with a big second half in his starting role.  Amir Coffey outstanding all day.  Sean Burns and Ryan Casperson productive inside in the 2nd half but its not enough.  Hopkins wins 88-76.  Amir Coffey with 27 points.  Noble Fahnbulleh and John Warren 21 each.  Sean Burns with 19 and Ryan Casperson with 18 for Armstrong.  Stephon Sharp very limited minutes off the Hopkins bench.

Game 2: Eden Prairie vs Minnetonka
No Grantham Gillard, Anthony Anderson or Brady Rudrud for Eden Prairie.  That leads to guard Blake Cashman playing some in the post.  Minnetonka struggled with 1st half foul trouble.  Justin Moes with a late 3 despite his 2 fouls to send Minnetonka to the half with a 28-25 lead.  Andre Wallace carrying the Eagles offense and he has a big 2nd half.   He buries a 3, makes a free throw and scores again.  Zach Hovey adds a 3 point play to 3nd an 11-2 run.  51-43 Eden Prairie with 9:33 left.  Careino Gurley getting plenty of post touches and looking more to pass than score.  But at this point he looks to score and that brings Tonka back.  He goes for 2 and then a 3 point play and a layup before ducking the shoulder for an offensive foul.  That's his 4th with 6:58 left and Tonka is down 5.  Wallace with a steal for 2 more and another turnover for an Alex Ihrke layup pushes the lead to 9.  The teams trade 3s before Cashman gets a 3 point play inside.  65-55 Eagles with 3:29 left.  Minnetonka makes a big come back.  Gurley with a 3 point play inside, Seth Coatta catch and shoot 3 out of a great SLOB set, offensive foul on Cashman pushing off undersized Amar Miller in the post, Miller counters with a 3.  Then on the way back down the floor, extra curricular activity and its a technical on Eden Prairie.  Coatta makes both of those and Gurley fouled in the post on the possession for 2 free throws.  The Skippers run is 13-0 and they lead 68-65 with 1:38 left.  Wallace right to the rim for 2.  Tonka spreads but Miller drives and forces against Hovey at the rim.  Wallace right back to the rim for 2 more.  Miller with a chance to tie but misses on the give and go.  Its out to Minnetonka with 8.4 left down 2.  After the timeout, Gurley catches inside and goes middle but gets stripped.  Wallace makes 1 free throw and a desperation 3 is no good.  Eden Prairie wins 71-68,  Andre Wallace struggled from the free throw line but got to the rim at will on his way to 36 points.  Seth Coatta 12 of his 16 in the 2nd half.  Careino Gurley all 14 of his points in the 2nd half and he basically ran the offense from the right box in the 2nd half.

Game 3: Mounds View vs Tartan
Mounds View gets a huge first half from star junior Ryan Kaczynski.  He scores 12 points in a 20-2 Mounds View run.  That allows the Mustangs to run out to a 26-10 lead.   Just beautiful basketball from the Mustangs in first 12 minutes.  Tartan would counter with a 13-0 run of their own to get back in the game.  Frosh Emanuel Humphrey off the Tartan bench replacing Brody Jackson and he scores 6 points before rolling an ankle (he'd come back from that).  36-30 Mounds View at half.  Kaczynski with a pair of run stopping buckets to keep Mounds View up 55-49.  He gets fouled as Tartan presses and makes 2 free throws with 7:19 left.  57-52 Mounds View lead but that would be last points from Kaczynski as Tartan switches guard Eric Winter on to him.  Mounds View with only 2 field goals in the last 8 minutes.  Frosh Jordan Horn outstanding as he spins for 2 and finds Humphrey for a layup.  Then he runs out and gets foul but converts the crazy finish for a 3 point play with 1:16 left that is the dagger.  Tartan wins 75-65.  Ryan Kaczynski with 18 of his 27 in the 1st half.  Tim Hanson with 15 but his shooting left him in the 2nd half.  With those 2 not scoring, Mounds View was unable to generate any offense in the last 8 minutes.  Jordan Horn leads Tartan withi 18 points.  Tommy Hanson with 4 3s and 14 points.

Game 4: Woodbury vs Stillwater
Woodbury's offense all about the 3 early on.  They make 7 3s and have a 3 point play for a 26-22 lead.  Kyle McKinley with a pair of early blocks to send the message that the lane is not to be used.  Nick Ogren with 3 bombs in the half and his 2 free throws at 1.7 give Stillwater a 33-32 halftime lead.  Woodbury opens up the lead in the 2nd half.  Isaiah Codden a putback, Charlie Olson with a 3 point play on a no look pass and his steal gives Coddon a layup.  Nick Yan to the floater to end the 9-0 run. Olson with a 3 as Woodbury spreads the floor against McKinley to get him away from the basket.  Frosh Jeremiah Coddon for 3 to end a 9-2 run at the 6 minute mark.  Woodbury lead up to 67-53.  McKinley scores 5 in a row.  Yan adds 2 free throws to keep the lead at 8 with 1:41 left.  Connor Gamble 2 free throws, Matt Anderson puts back a miss for a 3 point play. Woodbury turns it over and its Gamble for 3 and we're tied at 70 with 53 seconds left.  That's a 17-3 Stillwater run with Woodbury playing not to lose.  Woodbury holds for the last possession and a ball goes off McKinley's foot with 4.3 left.  Woodbury draws up a great BLOB set.  Matt Ambriz sets a back screen in the right corner for Ben Rizzardi and Rizzardi is wide open.  The pass from the top is tipped away and we'll go to overtime.  Woodbury controls the overtime and wins 84-78.  Kyle McKinley and Nick Ogren each with 22 points for Stillwater.  Ogren with 6 3s of his own.  Arguably one of McKinley's best games of the year.  Woodbury with 5 in double figures and they hit 11 3s.  Isaiah Coddon with 16 points.  Matt Ambriz held to 13 thanks to being faceguarded most of the night.

4AAA Thriller

Prologue
Its 4AAA finally getting their bracket underway.  The 4 vs 5 game is Hill-Murray at Simley.  Simley won the 2 regular season meetings by a combined 6 points.  Hill-Murray finished 1 game ahead of Simley in the Classic Suburban.  All signs pointing to a great game and this one didn't disappoint.  Pepsi at the concession stand is too tempting to pass on so after a 3 day break, we finally up the beverage counter.

Song of the Day
Wishing Well - Terence Trent D'arby

Total Beverage Consumption Counter: 1360 ounces  (116 games, 100 days)

• 12 oz 7 Up 
• 20 oz Barq's Root Beer
• 20 oz Mug Root Beer 
• 80 oz Sprite 
• 84 oz Dr Pepper
• 160 oz Red Powerade
• 232 oz Red Gatorade
• 184 oz Coke 
• 520 oz Pepsi

Game Time
Eric Weimar with a pair of bombs to get Hill-Murray out to a 6-0 lead.  Simley counters with a 13-2 run thanks to Sam Stensgard and post Mark Della Vedova knocking down 3s.  Marshawn Wilson doing his thing to carry the Pioneers offense before he sits with his 2nd foul at the 8:10 mark.  Hill-Murray loses 4 points with him sitting and he returns at 4:09.  Simley ends the half on an 8-1 run thanks to a Della Vedova dunk to start it.  38-28 Simley at half.

Sam Stensgard hot to start the 2nd half.  He knocks down a jumper off a BLOB, then a lefty layup.  Another layup and a trip to the deep beyond and all of a sudden Simley is up 50-32.  He goes to the reverse and is 54-37 Simley with 11:22 left.  Hill-Murray comes roaring back as they go halfcourt trap.  Alex Ogren for 3 and he converts a turnover for 2 more and adds 2 free throws.  Wilson with a steal for 2 and Sam Westby takes a kickout pass and knocks down a 3.  That's ends as 15-2 run to pull Hill-Murray within 56-52 with 6:20 left.  Simley counters with Alex Anderson inside for 2 buckets (getting Della Vedova's minutes) and Ben Scheffley takes a turnover for a 3 point play.  64-55 Simley with 4:18 left.  Wilson puts back a miss for a 3 point play. Weimar converts a turnover for 2.  Simley just trying to hang on and survive.  Simley misses a front end and Wilson makes both ends and the lead is down to 3 with 1:46 left.  Sam Stensgard converts on the break with 32.5 left and the Simley lead is 7.  Ogren counters for 3 with 22.3 left and Scheffley makes 2 free throws to keep the lead at 6.  Della Vedova blocks a 3 with 15 seconds left.  Jack Fahey buries a 3 with 8 seconds left and Hill-Murray calls time.  Fahey steals the inbounds and converts with 5.4 left to cut the lead to 1.  Simley makes 1 of 2 and Hill-Murray comes right back.  Wilson from 30 no good but he chases that shot and grabs his own rebound in the lane.  He puts it back in at the buzzer, referees conference and that basket will count and some how Hill-Murray has forced overtime tied at 76.

Tie game late in the overtime.  Simley holding.  Della Vedova catches a dish in the left short corner and he'll go to hammer that home.  But here comes Wilson from the help side and he smashes that away.   Holy cow, one of the best blocks you'll see all year.  Hill-Murray recovers it and holds.  After a timeout with 15.1 left, Wilson catches in the backcourt and here we go.  He drives and kicks and Hill-Murray can't get a good look so we'll play a 2nd overtime.

Wilson goes strong and finishes thru Della Vedova with 1:15 left in the 2nd OT.  Hill-Murray up 83-82.  Sam Stensgard misses a 3 and its goes over to Hill-Murray with 57.4 left.  On the backcourt inbounds, tick tick tick.  Hill-Murray granted the timeout with 46.8 left as they get a break on a slow 10 count.  That doesn't matter as Matt Amspoker steals that inbounds and takes it for a layup to regain the lead for Simley.  Wilson misses a 3 and a kickout for a good look to Ogren is no good.  Anderson fouled on the rebound and he makes 2 with 16.1 left.  Wilson has the ball tipped away, Amspoker takes that for 2 more.  Simley fans storm the court as they win a thriller 88-83 in double overtime.  What a game!

Post Game
Hill-Murray finishes the season 16-11.  Marshawn Wilson leads with a double double of 31 points and I had 11 boards on my sheet.  Forward Alex Ogren 4 3s on his way to 21 points.  The Pioneers make 12 3s but its not enough.  Give the Pioneers credit for coming back from 18 down at 1 point and they were down 7 inside of 25 seconds left in regulation.

This is Simley's 1st playoff win in 4 seasons.  Sam Stensgard with 15 of his 22 in the 2nd half to lead the Spartans.  Matt Amspoker comes up large off the bench with 14, 8 in the 1st half and 6 in the 2nd OT.  Alex Anderson with 13 off the bench as well.  All but 2 of those after halftime.  Mark Della Vedova 12 including a pair of 3s, Ben Scheffley 10 for great Simley balance.  Simley advances to play Johnson at St. Paul Washington on Tuesday night in the 4AAA semifinals.  Johnson's pressure defense will be an entirely different world for Simley but the Spartans have a bevy of shooters that could punish that if they don't turn it over.  Biggest word there is if.