Wading through the schedule

So as we approach the midpoint of the season, I'm now looking for games with teams I haven't seen or won't see soon.  Hence no Minnehaha at Eden Prairie or North at De La Salle as I'll see 3 of those 4 next week in The Old Kingdom at my hometown event.  So with that in mind its a blustery trip to Blake to weave my way around the construction and see the Bears take on #9AA Providence.  But before that it's another Monday in the TCAC with 2 teams on my schedule.  That's International School (who'll I see again tomorrow on the east side) at Community of Peace.

Monday: Community of Peace 74 International School of MN 68
Community of Peace winless coming into the night. But a 12-0 run for the Tigers would open up a 15 point 1st half lead.  ISM would cut the margin to 6 a couple of times but they couldn't get over the hill.  A late comeback cut short by a missed free throw, giving up an offensive putback, missing an open 3 and then turning it over for 2 on the other end.  CPA didn't put this one away like they could have but they held on.  Fun matchup on the wings with CPA's GeanCarlos Pujols going for 31 points.  19 of those in the 2nd half.  ISM had their star on the wing go big too with Preston Dahlen scoring 20 of his 31 in the 2nd half.  CPA with some nice youth that will serve them well in the next couple of years.  ISM also using some young guys that will benefit from the experience.

Tuesday: #9AA Providence 64 Blake 49
Nice to talk with Blake AD and former coach Nick Rathmann.  Never mind the talk about THE WORLD'S WORST OFFENSE.  This one was largely played at Providence's slower tempo.  Particularly in the 1st half with a halftime score of 25-20.  Blake got off to an 8-1 lead thanks to a couple of quick 3s.  But Mark Richelsen in on the next 14 Providence points to put the Lions on top.  Richelsen with 17 in the 1st half and he keeps it going to start the 2nd half.  Dylan Servais chips in with all 13 of his points in the 2nd half.  After a Richelsen assist for a 3 the Lions lead by 17.  But Blake keeps it interesting with a quick 10-1 run thanks to a couple of turnovers.  That cuts the lead to 8 with just under 5 minutes left. Evan Marsh with a layup and a kickout 3 to bookend a 10-0 Providence run that puts the game away. Rob Grace picking up the Blake offense with 13 of his 15 points in the 2nd half.  Richelsen finishes with 28.  Gabe Ganz with 9 of his 12 in the 1st half.  Providence 18-30 from the charity stripe, 11-19 for Blake.