The 2024-25 Season is upon us. As usual its the traditional Cretin-Derham Hall Jamboree to get it all started. CDH with brand new fancy electronic scoreboards. A very nice addition to Joe Mauer Field House. The concession stand upgraded to electronic payment as well. Though they didn't have hot dogs available tonight. OUCH! But Domino's pizza makes up for it (almost). 6 rounds of 2 10-minute halves on the docket. Here are some quick hitters from what I saw. Always difficult to figure out how much to draw from these. Remember Minneapolis South looked great in this last year against De La Salle (much better than I thought in my previews) and turned that into a banner season.
Game 1: Osseo vs Columbia Heights
Both teams having to massively overhaul their rosters for this season. Osseo dominated this one with more continuity. Columbia Heights looks like a team that could struggle in the halfcourt.
Game 2: Mound-Westonka vs Minneapolis South
South also revamping the roster. I liked how they were picking up full court. They'll need to do that long term. Mound-Westonka played without Max Kraay. Cole Drill showed how the Whitehawks will get their offense thru him and Kraay as the season progresses. One of the few teams that has their guys back down in the post vs mismatches.
Game 3: Minneapolis Washburn vs Waconia
After seeing a couple of rounds of what was scrimmage material, this had a much more regular season feel. Fun to see defensive emphasis on both sides. Waconia also knocked down shots and moved the ball well on their way to winning both halves. Washburn adjusting to life without Kyle Jorgensen.
Game 4: De La Salle vs Minnehaha
De La Salle jumped on Minnehaha quick in the 1st half with hot shooting, but Minnehaha ended up winning the 2nd half. Minnehaha still figuring out the system for new coach Jadee Jones is to be expected. Frosh Taaj Whitlock looks like the real deal for De La Salle. Poised beyond his age at the point guard spot.
Game 5: Totino-Grace vs Minnetonka
Totino-Grace played without Dothan Ijadimbola and Tian Chatman but had no issues here. Guard Chace Watley impressed. He scored the last 10 points for TG in the 2nd half. 2 triples and 2 pretty plays in the post bullying a smaller defender. PG Malachi Hill showed a burst I wasn't familiar with. Big drop for Minnetonka from last year's state champs.
Game 6: St Paul Johnson vs Cretin-Derham Hall
A showcase of the top 2 big men in St. Paul and 2 of the best in the metro. Kenny Turner will be one of the most physical matchups that Tommy Ahneman sees all year. Was surprised but a great move by CDH to go with a very effective diamond press. Pressing so much easier with an eraser in the back. Ahneman doing a fantastic job of rim running often being the 1st guy down the floor. That is going to open up so much for him and the CDH perimeter talent. Johnsonn did try to come after them a bit, but the pressure defense never really became a factor.
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