Shades of Red

My week begins with many shades of red.  Its dark red for Patriots, bright red for Scots, red for Panthers and red for Gryphons.  I start with a battle of city teams.  Then its out to the suburbs for an MCAA matchup.  Hot Dog yes, I skipped pizza on Tuesday (good choice maybe).  Quality music as well with a post game Czar karaoke session for game 2.  Sadly it will not be replacing Steven's Dance Party in the weekly lineup.

Monday: Henry 74 Highland Park 62
Henry's defensive pressure was a factor here with 3 quick steals for buckets to set the tone.  Highland Park loses Joey Kottke early due to injury and that doesn't help either.  A 9-1 Henry run midway thru the 2nd half regains the lead and Henry goes on to win from there.  Quamar Gresham with 4 of his 5 threes in the 1st half off the Henry bench.  He finished with 17 points. Mark Campbell and Glentrell Carter both with very productive nights and I had them for 17 each as well for the Patriots.  Nico Peterson in the starting lineup for the Scots and turned in another quality game in the middle.  He goes for 21 points and 9 made free throws.  Carter Owens adds 14 for the Scots.  Highland Park in the middle of a very tough stretch of 7 out of 8 games on the road.  Henry on the other hand in a stretch of 4 out of 5 at home before they host a rematch with rival Minneapolis North.

Tuesday: PACT 71 Eagle Ridge Academy 64
Always good to see former Cristo Rey head coach and now ERA AD Kris Babler.  He even breaks out the shorts and stripes to officiate the C game.  Nothing like life at a small school.  As to the game, Jordan Stone for PACT was flammable.  He scores the 1st 12 points for the Panthers and has 20 in the 1st 7:10 of the game.  That helps PACT build a 15 point halftime lead.  But ERA slows Stone down in the 2nd half.  Josh Falk heats up in the 2nd half to carry the ERA offense.  He knocks down a 3 to pull ERA within 6 with 7:01 left.  Stone is on the bench resting but a minute later he'll come back in.  He scores on an inbounds ISO and adds another bucket in a 6-0 run to stop the bleeding and the Panthers are out of danger.  Jordan Stone finishes with 44 points, 33 in the 1st half.  He hit 6 triples.  Josh Falk with 21 points to lead Eagle Ridge.  PACT now 2-1 in the MCAA, 5-3 overall.  Tough task ahead as the next 2 are at Lester Prairie and at Legacy.  Eagle Ridge falls to 1-8 overall, 0-3 in the MCAA.