Game #1: St. Paul Central 65 Anoka 59
Anoka just couldn't get anything to drop in the 1st half with 6-30 FG woes. But despite that they were only down 5 going to the break. Anoka soph Trey Borchers with a pair of triples in an early 2nd half run to put Anoka up 3. He finished with 5 3s and 22 points to lead Anoka. Too much from guard Allen Lankfard is the story here. He goes for 22 of his 32 points in the 2nd half for Central. The Minutemen make 20-22 FTs in the second half to hang on for the win.
Game #2: Minneapolis South 66 Fridley 54
I was looking forward to seeing what South had after the offseason exodus of their roster. When I saw them at the CDH jamboree they showed better than expected. This one was close all the way. South used an 11-0 run midway thru the 2nd half to take the lead for good. James Underwood a couple big 3s in that run for South. Junior wing Maurice Hargrow with 12 of his 16 in the 2nd half for South to lead the way. If that name sounds familiar to locals, it definitely is. His dad is 2001 Mr Basketball finalist Moe Hargrow who played at Minnesota. Fridley has 4 of their 5 starters in double figures.
Game #3: #5AAA Mahtomedi 80 #7AAAA Farmington 78
I skipped the final game at Concordia St. Paul to make the tip of this one. Glad I did as this was one of the better games of the season so far. Baiden Bean with 5 early 3s for Farmington as they come out blazing. 26-11 Tigers and we're not even midway thru the first half. Then Farmington turnovers allow Mahtomedi to climb back into the game. Add in Will Underwood heating up and the Farmington lead is only 3 at the break. Farmington shoots 19-30 with 8-12 from 3 in the half. But 11 turnovers were very costly.
The Tigers continue to cling to that lead 59-57 with 10:10 left. Then its Owen Carlson for 3 the easy way and then the hard way plus another bucket. Will Underwood with a triple as well. All of a sudden its 70-62 Mahtomedi with 7:20 left and what the heck happened. Farmington responds with a 12-0 run of their own. Brandon Hrncir and Cole Wilcek doing work against the smaller Zephyrs lineup during the run. 74-70 Farmington before a triple and bucket from Underwood. Heavy punches being thrown here.
Nik Domier gave Farmington great bench minutes in the 1st half along with Bean. After a very quiet 2nd half for both, its Domier with 2 hoops and a Bean bucket. 78-75 Farmington on top with 1:42 left. They get a stop but miss a front end. Then its Owen Carlson fouled on a 3 with 53.2 left. He makes all 3 to tie it. Farmington misses with under 30 seconds left and Mahtomedi takes time to setup a final play. AJ McCleery has the ball on the right wing. He goes to a nice crossover and the defense parts like the Red Sea for an easy layup with 5.5 left. Farmington has 1 last chance. They throw ahead and its out of bounds with 0.1 left on the side. No luck on the lob tip attempt. Mahtomedi comes from 15 down in the 1st half to win a thriller. Will Underwood terrific with 5 3s and 31 points. Owen Carlson adds 19 including the 3 late clutch FTs for Mahtomedi. Baiden Bean 24 points and 5 3s to lead Farmington. Nik Domier 17 points off the bench. 32 of their 41 points in the 1st half. Stat of the night here is Mahtomedi winning points off turnovers 29 to 7. They took advantage of the 2nd chances and turnovers to prevail despite giving up better than 50% shooting. The 2nd half defense for both sides was much better than the 1st.
Game #4: Minnetonka 68 White Bear Lake 59
Jack Janicki in the lineup for White Bear Lake after starting the season injured. Minnetonka's guard depth and speed finally got to the Bears in the 2nd half as Tonka pulled away. A 18-3 run put the game out of reach. Jordan and Jalen Cain running wild for easy buckets as they combine for 42 points on the night. Jack Janicki leads White Bear Lake with 19 points. White Bear Lake only 5 offensive rebounds and got outscored 48-34 in the paint. Plus they didn't get to the foul line either. Size was their advantage in this one and they didn't use it.
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