IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE CLASS AAA SEMIFINAL IT WAS SPRING LAKE PARK TAKING ON MANATO WEST

The first game of the Class AAA Semifinal put Spring Lake Park up against Mankato West. Mankato West started the game out playing a zone defense.

Spring Lake Park looked to push the ball up the court to begin the game. Both teams looked to push the ball up the court. In the beginning of the game it was almost looked like a track meet. Both teams started out trading baskets.

Mankato was able to jump out quickly after the first four minutes. Then Spring Lake Park was able to come back and tied the game up.

With 10:22 left in regulation the score was tied at 12.

For Spring Lake Park Trey Scott played really hard he was able to Trey Scott was one of the leaders on the court. He was able to know where his other players are on the court and he was able to find his teammates and make the correct pass to set him up for the shot.

Both teams went back and forth the whole first game. Mankato West played half court defense. They were picking up there players at mid court.

This was a physical first half. Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls. The first half was like a track meet with both teams sprinting up the court and a lot of fast action.

At half time the score was Mankato West 33 and Spring Lake Park 31. There have been 6 lead changes and the game has been tied 3 times.

Spring Lake Park comes out of the locker room fired up. They continue to play strong zone defense. They seem to have success in the zone defense. They are able to collapse in the center of the lane.

Both teams battled back and forth and they continued to fight hard in the second half. Aaron Richter was played well for Mankato West. He has really stepped up in the second half. He has been a force to be reckoned with from the outside.

Spring Lake Park went cold mid way through the second half. They were not able to make a shot for a while in the second half. Mankato West has able to capitalize on their mistakes and come down and make shots.

Spring Lake Park used a full court press with about 6:00 left in regulation to get Mankato West out of rhythm. It didn’t seem to bother Mankato West at the least most.

Spring Lake Park went on a run with 5:00 left in regulation. Both teams stepped up the intensity and they both pressed each other. Shaun Jensen came up big for Spring Lake Park. He was there big play maker down the stretch.

Despite a late charge by Spring Lake Park Mankato West was able to hold off the Panters and come away with the victory. The final of the game in this fantastic finish was Mankato West 72 and Spring Lake Park 70.

The leading scorers for Spring Lake Park were Trey Scott with 24 points and Shaun Johnson with 23 points.
The leading scorer for Mankato West were Mike Richter with 16 and Derrick Cattrysse with 15 points.

My post game audio interview for this up. Please click here to find it.