Sunday, March 29, 2009

WASHBURN ALUMNI GET TOGETHER AT HALF TIME OF CHAMPIONSHIP GAME


On a very short notice Tony Geer, who is a graduate of Minneapolis Washburn, tried to get a bunch of basketball alumni together at half time of the class AAA championship game. Here is one of the resulting photos. You can have the photo file e-mailed to you by sending him a note at Tony@communityhoops.com

Saturday, March 28, 2009

HOPKINS TAKES OUT OSSEO IN THE AAAA FINAL


Hopkins and Osseo faced off in the class AAA final game to cap off an exciting day of tournament action. Both of these teams started out playing tough aggressive defense to open the game out.


In the first half it has been a back and forth game. Both teams have been able to go after each other. Both of these teams really went at each other in the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half.
Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half. Osseo was able to contain the Hopkins shooters and they were not able to go off in the second half.


At the half the score was Hopkins 33 and Osseo 29.


The state of the second half Hopkins was able to gain a little lead over Osseo in the second half. Hopkins really showed a team attitude in this game. They really tried to get everyone involved in the game.


Osseo was able to go on a little run in the second half. They really played well in the second half. They didn’t give up. They didn’t let Hopkins go on a run in the game. Hopkins was able to pull away in the end with a team effort. Royce Alexander White who is headed to the University of Minnesota was the leading scorer for Hopkins with 20 points.


For Osseo who played a terrific game was lead in scoring by John Roland he had 17 points. Sam Dower also had a nice game he had 15 points for Osseo.
Hopkins came away with the 69-59 victory.

My post game interviews are -
Raymond Cowles
Marcus Williams
Head Coach Ken Novak
Royce White
Mike Broghhammer
Trent Lockett
Mosses Sundufu

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN TOOK ON MANKATO WEST FOR THE CLASS AAA TITLE



Minneapolis Washburn took on Mankato West for the Class AAA title. Minneapolis Washburn started playing tough and they were able to get out a 9-4 lead at the first media time out. Washburn was able to push the ball from the get go. If Washburn can get out and run and put points up quickly they will be just fine.
Cedric Martin has come out and been able to knock down some shots early here in this contest. Washburn played a strong man to man defense.

Washburn knew what they had to do to come away with the victory. Throughout the first half they were able to control the tempo of the game. They were not about to just let Mankato take it from them.

Washburn played in a 1-2-2 zone defense in the first half. They were able control the tempo in the first half.
Washburn was able to make some baskets and not get flustered in the first half. Both teams went cold to end the first half.

At half time the score was Washburn 25 and Mankato West 14.

As the second half got underway both teams came fired up. Mankato West was able to get out to a quick start and they went on a run at the beginning of the second half.

Mankato West has gotten close to the Millers midway through the second half. Dylan Hale came out ready to play in the second half. He was able to step up and make some shots in the second half.

Both teams stepped it up in the second half. Both teams figured out now to defend each other at half time. They have done a good job competing against each other the whole entire game.

The game got close in the second half. Mankato West has able to pull within 1 of the Washburn late in the game but Washburn was able to come away with the win.

The last time Minneapolis Washburn won the state tournament was in 1994 when Louis Boone was the head coach.

Washburn was lead in scoring by Cedric Martin who had 23 points. Ra Shede Hageman had a good game he finished with 18 points.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN MILLERS FOR WINNING THE CLASS AAA STATE TITLE.
I was joined by the Basket Blogger you can read about his thoughts of the game here.

My post game interviews are -

DeAaron Hearn

Dylan Hale
Head Coach Reggie Perkins
Cedric Martin
RaShede Martin

St BERNARDS TAKES ON PELLICAN RAPIDS FOR CLASS AA CROWN




Pelican Rapids came to play in the championship. They knew that they were going to have to play extremely well in order to in this championship game. They knew that they would have to attempt to slow down Jordair Allen Jett. Jordair Allen Jett picked up two quick fouls and he was headed to the bench.


St Bernard’s looked to push the ball up the court in the first half. St Bernard’s was not able to push the ball up the court as they wanted to in the first half. Pellican Rapids was able to control the pace of this game.


In the first half Pelican Rapids was able to control the tempo of the game. They had a 32-23 lead at the break. In a surprise Jordair Allen Jett was held to 0 points in the first half.


Jordair Allen Jett was able to hit some quick shots early in the second half.


Tydan Storrusten was able to hit his shot in the game. He was able to make so critical shots for Pelican Rapids early in the second half. He took over in the second half.


Pelican Rapids went on a run in the middle of the second half. St Bernard’s was not bothered they took their stand. They played with this Pelican Rapids team.


Pelican Rapids really pulled away in the second half. They really did a good job controlling and shutting down Jordair Allen Jett. Not only were they able to slow Jordair down it didn’t help that he got into foul trouble early in the game.


Pelican Rapids was able to come away with the victory. They end the season undefeated. The leading scorers for St Bernard’s were Trydan Storrustusten he scored a game high 32 points.


The final of the game was Pelican Rapids 80 and St Bernard’s 68. The leading scorers for St Bernard’s Jordair Allen Jett with 20 points and Avery Duncan had 14 points and Mike Weah 10 points. For Pelican Rapids who ended up 33-0 they were lead by Tydan Storrusten with 34 points and Eic Shulstad with 10 points and Jan-Eric Shulstad with 10 points.


I was joined at this game by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. You can read his thoughts about the Pelican Rapids VS St Bernard’s game here. I was also joined by the Basket Blogger you can read about his thoughts of the game here.

My post game audio is -
Jan Erik Lindberg
Tydan Storruststen
Head Coach Brad Strand

GHEC TAKES DOWN TWO TIME DEFENDING STATE CHAMPS IN AN OVER TIME THRILLER AND WINS THE CLASS A CROWN



Ellsworth took on Granade-Huntley-East Chain (GHEC) in the class A final. Ellsworth came out swinging to get the game started. Trevor Gruis started out strong. He was able to step up and make some nice shots early in the game.

Ellsworth was able to get some shots to go in for them early in the contest. They were able to get a few different people to score on different occasions. Ellsworth was able to go on a little run mid way through the second half.
Both teams went at it in the first half. Ellsworth they were able to get the ball up the court. They played good in transition. Casey Schilling had the hot hand in the first half. He was the leader on the floor for Ellsworth in the first half.


In the first half Ellsworth has been able to find the open man and who ever that is has been able to make the wide open basket.

At half time the score was GHEC 18 and Ellsworth 28.

As the second half got underway both teams started out hot. GHEC was able to go on a run to start the second half out. Both teams played very tough throughout the whole game.


GHEC was able to spread out the court on the offensive end. They were able to go on a run in the second half. GHEC was able to use the half court trap and that caused Ellsworth problems.

These teams were able to trade baskets in a frantic pace in the second half. Both teams really scraped after it. Everyone was diving on the ground.

There have been many ties and lead changes in the second half. This game will come down to the wire. This game was tied at 51 a piece with 15 seconds to go.

The game was tied at 51 at the end of regulation and we had to go into overtime. Over time was a four minute period.

In the overtime period Tim Garry was able to hit the first shot for CHEC. That provided a spark for GHEC. In the overtime period Ellsworth just committed to many turnovers. They couldn’t hit shots that they put up.

GHEC was able to pull away in the overtime period. They were able to come away with the 62-54 victory.
For Ellsworth they were lead in scoring by Tom Nolte with 16 points. For CHEC they were lead in scoring by Tim Garry who had 25 points.

I was joined at this game by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. You can read his thoughts about the Ellsworth Vs GHEC game here. I was also joined by the Basket Blogger you can read about his thoughts of the game here.

My post game interview was GHEC 24 Tim Garry

Friday, March 27, 2009

CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY SCHEDULE SET

The schedule is set for Championship Saturday at the Target Center for Boys Basketball. By the end of the day we will have crowed State Champions in four classes.

Class A 12:00 pm Granada-Huntley-East Chain VS Ellisworth

Class AA 2:00 pm Saint Bernard’s VS Pelican Rapids

Class AAA 6:00 pm Mankato West VS Minneapolis Washburn

Class AAAA 8:00 pm Hopkins VS Osseo

I WILL BE AT THE TARGET CENTER COVERING ALL FOUR GAMES.

HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED TOOK ON PELICAN RAPIDS


Both of these teams came out ready to play here in this game. Both of these teams were able to get out close start. They each begun shooting the ball trading baskets early on. Pelican Rapids played a tough man to man defense in the second half. They were able to come up with loose balls.


Pelican Rapids came into the game undefeated. They knew that they would have to keep playing aggressive on the defensive end. They started playing zone defense. They were able to get out and extend on their shooters.
Pelican Rapids was able to go on a little run midway through the first half. HLWW also was able to keep the game close in the first half.


Throughout the first half each team was able to get into their offense. Each team was able to dive on the floor for loose balls.


At half time the score was Howard Lake Waverly Winsted 21 and Pelican Rapids 29.


Both of these teams played strong and aggressively in the second half. Pelican Rapids was able to come out on fire in the second half.


In the second half Pelican Rapids was able to get off to a fast start and they took control of the game early and they were a force to be reckoned with in the second half. Pelican Rapids was able to pull away in the victory.


The final of the game was HLWW 50 and Pelican Rapids 78.


They were just too aggressive for HLWW down the stretch. Pelican Rapids will face St Bernard’s for the Class AA championship.

My post game interviews are -
24 Eric Shulstad
Head Coach Brad Strand
15 Tydan Storrusten

JORDAIR ALLEN JETT COMES UP BIG IN SECOND HALF CARRIES ST BERNARD’S INTO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

In the class AA semifinal it was St Bernard’s taking on Plainview Elgin Millville. (PEM) The winner goes on and plays in the Class AA championship game. Avery Duncan had some nice moves early in the game.

Jordair Jett is one of St Bernard’s vocal leaders on the team. He knows what the game situations are and his teammates look for him to be a vocal leader on the court. He is also one of the leading scorers on the team. Coming into the tournament he averaged 20.21 points per game.

St Bernard’s looked to trap the ball in the first half. Trent Davis is another one of St Bernard’s floor leaders. Both Jordair and Trent carry this St Bernard’s team. If they are not clicking the team is not clicking.

St Bernard’s was able to spread PEM out. PEM had to swing the ball around the three point arch. St Bernard’s had to get out on the PEM shooters.


Both of these teams went at each other throughout the first half. PEM was able to go on a little run late in the first half.

This game went up and down the court the whole first half. At the half the score was PEM 31 and St Bernard’s 26.

Both of these teams came out swinging in the second half. Neither team gave up in the second half.

Jordair Jett had a big second half. He was able to make some huge baskets in the second half. He as lead the comeback for St Bernard’s, he has been really aggressive the whole game.
St Bernard’s was able to go on a run in the middle of the second half. The run was sparked by St Bernard’s guard Jordair Jett.

St Bernard’s was able to come away with the 68-61 victory in this game today.

The leading scorers for PEM were Clay Olstad with 13 points. For St Bernard's they were led by Jordair Allen Jett with 26. He scored 20 points in the second half.

They move on to play in the Class AA Championship game.

The Czar from the Twin Cities Boys Hoops was also at this game. Read about his thoughts about St Bernard's VS PEM here.

My post game interviews are -
Ed Cassidy
Mike Weah
Trent Davis
Brian Sandifer
Jordair Allen Jett

SECOND CLASS A SEMI FINAL PUTS ELLSWORTH AGAINST ADA-BORUP



In the second class A semi final game it is Ellsworth going up against Ada-Borup. Both of these teams came out swinging early. Both of these teams wanted to get a quick start. Both of these teams traded baskets in the early goings.



Both teams started playing aggressively on both sides of the ball. Ellsworth was able to get the ball up the court in transition in the first half.



Both teams traded baskets in the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half. Neither team was able to shoot the ball that well either. They were having trouble with the sight lines in the Target Center.
For Ellsworth they were able to cap off the first half on a run. They were able to sting baskets together towards the end of the first half. In a very slow tempo of a game at half time the score was Ellsworth 26 and Ada-Borup 18.



At the beginning of the second half Ellsworth came out ready to play. They really went after it in the second half.
Ada-Boup did do a good job of playing defense in the second half. They used mostly a zone in the second half. They did do a good job of causing some frustration for Ellsworth in the second half as they came out and played aggressive defense. Ada-Bourp was able to cause some matchup problems for Ellsworth.



Ellsworth started to put the hammer down in the second half. Even through Ada –Borp gave Ellsworth a run for their money in late in the second half they were not able to come up with the victory.



Ellsworth was able to get the 62-53 victory. The leading scorers for Ada-Bourp were Yuri Johnson with 16 points and Blake Bueng with 11 points. The leading scores for Ellsworth were Adam Van Der Stoep with 22, and Trevor Gruis with 19 points.



With this victory Ellsworth will take on Granda-Hutly East Chain in the Class A Championship game.

My post game interviews are -
Head Coach Tyler Morris

Cassey Schilling

Trevor Gruis

Adam Van Der Stoep

ATTENTION ALL WASHBURN ALUM PLAYERS AND COACHES

On Saturday at halftime of the Washburn championship game, there will be an all alum picture taken at floor level (if not on the floor). If you wish to be a part of this contact Tony Geer by e-mail at Tony@communityhoops.com or at the game before the 7 minute TV timeout (press row).

Also - The following is from Dan Pratt (Washburn AD class of '80)
Tony, Please tell alum they can buy a forbidden tourney T-shirt at Adrians on 48th and Chicago Sat morning between 9and 11. $10 a shirt.

Hope to see you all there!!!

CHISHOLM TAKES ON GRANADA-HUNTLEY-EAST-CHAIN (GHEC)




Its semi final action in class A, the first game is between Chisholm and Granada-Huntly-East Chain (GHEC). GHEC is undefeated coming into the contest.

Chisholm starts out playing in a zone defense. They started picking up 3 quarter court. They wanted to keep people out of the lane. They also tried to trap the ball once it crossed half court.

Chisholm is looking to get the ball to the middle of the free throw lane and get most of their shots from there early in the game. Chisholm got out to a quick 6-2 lead early in the game.

Both of these teams played tough aggressive defense throughout the first half. Neither team was going to give up in this contest.

Chisholm’s Taylor Skoglund started out strong. He was able to make some shots in the early going. His teammates looked to get him the ball early in the game.

Both of these teams battled in the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run. This game when back and forth the whole first half.

At half time the score was Granada-Huntley East Chain 23 and Chisholm 23.

As the second half got started both of these teams came out fired up. GHEC was able to get a quick start.
GHEC was able to find holes in the Chisholm defense early and get some easy bunnies. Chisholm got flustered by the defensive pressure that was applied. They got trapped in the corner and they had trouble getting it out of the corner. That in turn led to a timeout or a turnover.

GHEC was able to get out to a 34-29 lead with 10:38 in the second half. They were able to continue their run in the second half.

GHEC Taylor Nawrocki has had a nice game. He has made some nice shots. He was also a vocal leader on the team. We dove after loose balls and leads the spark in there run in the second half.

In a game that went back and forth GHEC was able to come away with the victory. Chisholm did put up a fight the whole game but they were not able to overcome GHEC’s run in the second half.

GHEC was able to come away with the 60-45 victory over Chisholm. This was Chisholm’s first loss of the season.

The leading scores for GHEC were Taylor Nawrocki with 21 points and Tim Garry with 21 points.

For Chisholm Taylor Skoglund was there leading scorer with 20 points.

My post game interviews are -
Taylor Nawrocki
Tim Garry
Head Coach Robbin Celander

MOVE OVER BIG CLASSES HERE COMES THE LITTLE GUYS

It is semi final Thursday as the Class AA and A has their day at the Target Center.

The day starts off with class A


12:00 PM Chisholm VS Granada-Hutley East Chain
2:00 PM Ada-Bourup VS Ellsworth

Class AA


6:00 PM Plainview/Elgin-Millville VS St Bernard’s
8:00 PM Pelican Rapids VS Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted.

Check back throughout the day as I will have updates at the conclusion of each game.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

OSSEO TOOK ON BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON IN THE SEMI FINAL


Both of these teams start out shooting the ball and playing really controlled on both ends of the court.
Bloomington Jefferson came out and started playing tough half court man to man defense. They did not want to pursuer up in the full court early in the game. Both of these teams started by traded baskets.

The first half went back and forth. Both teams looked to push the ball in transition. Jefferson played a zone defense in the first half. They were did a good job rotating on the defensive side.

Both of these teams have kept the game close in the first half. For Osseo Aaron Anderson did a good job running the offense.

Both of these teams did a good job defending each other in the first half. Both of teams played good defense.
At half time the score was Bloomington Jefferson 26 and Osseo 25.

We will have to see what team will go on a run here in the second half. No one has really taken control of this game yet.

Bloomington Jefferson was able to come out and play tough aggressive defense to open the second half.

DJ Phillips from Osseo as also done a good job at the guard spot so far, he has been able to find his other players and has been able to distribute the ball to the open person.

Osseo put on the press mid way through the second half. What I thought was interesting was how Tim Thesisn uses his two small guards Aaron Anderson and DJ Phillips.

Both of this team was going at it throughout the second half. Neither team game up. Bloomington Jefferson made a run at Osseo midway through the second half. Jefferson didn’t quit they fought back and they went on run late in regulation.

Bloomington Jefferson didn’t give up they gave it all that they had. They did make a run late in the game but they were not able to get past the Osseo Orioles. Osseo was able to come away with the 59-51 victory. With the win Osseo faces Hopkins on Saturday in the class AAAA Championship game.

The leading scorers for Bloomington Jefferson were Marcus Alipate with 10 and Moses Alipate with 17.

My audio from the post gme gathering is -

Aaron Anderson

Head Coach Tim Theisen
Sam Dower


John Rowland

ST CLOUD TECH TAKES ON HOPKINS



St Cloud Tech took on Hopkins in the first class AAAA semifinal game. Both of these teams are undefeated coming into the game. Both teams come out swinging to begin this game.

Both of these teams played very physical to start the game off. Hopkins started playing in a matchup zone to start the game off. They wanted to extend the pressure on the shooter as much as they could.

St Cloud Tech started on fire they were able to make most of their shots in the early goings. This has been a defensive battle. Neither team has been able to get off and go on a run.

In a game that was been a tight aggressive game. There is a little bit of shock in the air because at half time the score was Hopkins 16 and St Cloud Tech 15. This has turned out to be a big surprise to most people that are here because of the score.

Both of these teams are playing very hard here. Both teams came out fired up ready to play in the second half.
Hopkins was able to gain a little lead in the second half. They had a 5 point lead with 13:00 left in regulation. St Cloud Tech has to come up and score some baskets quick. They are playing on the perimeter. They are not looking for their guys inside.

Hopkins was able to pull away in the second half. St Cloud Tech went after it the whole game. Hopkins was much quicker in the second half then this St Cloud Tech team was. Hopkins was able to close the door on St Cloud Tech in the second half.

Tech didn’t give up you have to give them a lot of credit. They have had an amazing season it is just that they ran into the buzz saw that was Hopkins High school.

In a game that saw a tight first half Hopkins ran away with the game in the second half. This was the first loss for St Cloud Tech.

For St Cloud Tech Nate Wolters was there leading scorer with 17 points. For Hopkins Royce White and Mike Broghammer each had 14 points. Trent Lockett had 13 points.
The Czar from Twin Cities Boys Hoops was also here today. Here are his thoughts of the Hopkins vs St Cloud Tech game.

My post game interviews are -
Royce White
Trent Lockett
Mike Broghammer
Raymond Cowels
Ken Novak Head Coach

BATTLE OF THE TWN CITIES IN CLASS AAA SEMI FINAL ACTION

It’s Minneapolis vs. St Paul in the second semi final where it is Minneapolis Washburn taking on St Paul Johnson. These teams both like to push the ball up the court.

Washburn played a zone defense to start the game off with. They wanted to try to extend out on the shooters.
St Paul Johnson started the game playing tough zone defense. They wanted to extend out on the shooters. Both teams played a tight up tempo style in the first half.


St Paul Johnson Dion Suggs Young had a good start to this game, he was able to make some quick shots in the first half.

Each of these teams went up and down the court in the first half. Neither team was able to get a comfortable lead in the first half.


Johnson tried to trap Washburn midway through the first half. Johnson also used multiple different defenses against Washburn in the first half.


Both teams have gone on multiple runs throughout the course of the game. Both teams have gone on runs in the first half. This game has been a dog fight from the start.


At half time the score is Minneapolis Washburn 40 and St Paul Johnson 37.


As the second half got underway St Paul Johnson continued to play zone defense. Both teams continued to fight hard throughout the second half.

Washburn was able to find holes in Johnson’s defense. Even through Johnson played aggressively on the defensive end they had trouble finding the shooters.


Nick Smith really stepped up in the second half. He made some really nice plays down the stretch.


After a quick first few minutes in the first half this game has really dragged. The teams are still fighting hard but the tempo has slowed way down.


Washburn pulled away in the second half. They were able to play tough defense. Minneapolis Washburn was able to come away with the victory in the second half.

The final of the game was Minneapolis Washburn 91 and St Paul Johnson 66. Minneapolis Washburn will play Mankato West in the championship game on Saturday night.


The leading scorers for Washburn were Dylan Hale with 25 points and Cedric Martin with 13 points.


The leading scorers for St Paul Johnson were Dion Suggs Young with 12 and Mike Talley with 10 points.

The Czar from Twin Cities Boys Hoops was also here and here are his thoughts on this game.


My post game interviews are -
Washburn players Dylan Hale, De Aaron Hearn, Cedric Martin
Washburn Head Coach Reggie Perkins

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.


NEW FOR MY BLOG

Hello everyone ! I am truly excited to announce that with the help of Tony Geer from Community Hoops Productions, I am adding audio interviews at every opportunity I can.

You will find that we have added yesterdays interviews to each of the stories from day 1 and that there is a general link on the right that will take you to a list of all the interviews (alphabetically).

It is a learning process but I feel it is important to you fans to be able to meet the players and coaches I talk with via the audio interviews that I will share with you.

Feel free to send me a note on what you like or don't like about everything I do on the website for you, the fan.

THURSDAY IS SEMI FINAL THURSDAY AT THE TARGET CENTER

I will be back at the Target Center all day on Thursday. Here is the rundown of the schedule of the game at the Target Center.


CLASS AAA SEMIFINALS


12:00 PM Mankato West VS Spring Lake Park
2:00 PM Minneapolis Washburn VS St Paul Johnson

CLASS AAAA SEMIFINALS


6:00 PM Hopkins VS St. Cloud Tech
8:00 PM Bloomington Jefferson VS Osseo

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

ST. BERNARD’S TOOK ON TRITON



The last quarterfinal of the day at the Target Center was Triton taking on St Bernard’s. Triton was able to get out quickly on St Bernard’s. They got out to a 10-3 lead with 14:47 in the first half.



Jordair Jett looked like he was ready to play. He was diving on the ground going after balls.




Triton started playing the game in a zone defense. Both of these teams battled early in the game. Both teams took a majority of the first half.




The game was tied at 14 with 9:28 in the first half. Turnovers will be the key in the game. Who ever dose not turn the ball over will eventually come out the winner.



St Bernard’s played a good zone defense in the first half. They didn’t want Triton to get to many open shots.
Both teams were able to pick up the pace midway though the first half. Both teams are going to go at the other one the whole night.



Just when you thought one team was going to shut it down they come fighting back. There is not much offense being played here it’s just been a defensive battle for both teams. Jordair Jett came alive late in the first half. As he has stepped up and made some shots in the later part of the half.



At half time the score was St. Barnard’s 31 and Triton 28.




St. Barnard’s came out looking to push the ball up the coming out in the second half. Mike Weah was able to make some nice shots early in the second half.




St Bernard’s Jordair Jett just had a fantastic dunk midway through this game. After that dunk the Bull Dogs went on a run and they tried to separate themselves from Triton.



St Bernard’s kept the press on in the second half. Triton did put up a good fight the whole game they didn’t give up.





The final outcome of the game was St Barnard’s 67 and Triton 48. The leading scorers for St. Bernard's were Jordair Jett with 16, Mike Weah with 16 and Avery Dunken with 13 ponits.





The leading scorer's for Triton were Damon Andrews with 13 points and Zach Osborn with 13 points.

My post game interviews are listed here -

st bernards 12Trent Davis 2 Averey Duncan 11 Jordair Jett game 6

st bernards Head Coach Ed Cassidy game 6

CLASS AA QUARTER FINAL GAME WAS AGINST PLAINVILE-ELGIN-MILLVILLE (PEM) AND VIRGINIA



It was time for the night session of the AA quarterfinals of the tournament. Both of these teams got out to a fast start. Both of these teams came out ready to play. PEM looked to swing the ball around the three point arch. They wanted to try to burn as much time off of the clock as they could.



Both teams kept up the pace throughout the first half. Both teams are coming into the game with very successful regular seasons. Plainville has a record of 28-1 coming into the game. Virginia had a record of 28-2 coming into the contest.



Both teams were able to get the ball up the floor early in the game. Virginia was able to get the ball to Cavan Stackpool. He has had a good shot in the early goings.




Both of these teams have really gone at each other from the start. PEM played a tough zone defense in the first half. They didn’t want to get caught up in match up issues with Virginia.



Both of these teams are evenly matched up. They play sort of the same style. This has been a low scoring game. The defense has been very good throughout the games. Both of these teams are playing hard and aggressive.



At the half the score was Plainville Elgin Millville 33 and Virginia 27.



At the start of the second half both teams started out sloppy. They had turn over after turn over. They just started sloppy. Ross Grobe had a nice play were he took the ball down the center of the court and he made a nice layup.



After the sloppy first two minutes of the second half PEM, went on a run to open the second half. They were able to slow down the Virginia team and they kept clawing at them.



It was all PEM in the second half. Virginia played well but they were not able to hold down PEM. Cole Olstad for PEM had a nice game he was the hot shooter and when PEM needed a shot they looked to him to shoot and score.



Both teams played hard. PEM was just way too much for Virginia as PEM was able to come away with the blowout 57-33 victory.



The leading scorer from Virginia was Cavan Stackpool with 10 points. The leading scorers for Plainview Elgin Millville were Cole Olstad with 21 points, Clay Olstad with 17 points and Ross Grobe with 13 points.

My post game interviews are listed here -

pem 11 Cole Olstad game 5

pem 25 Clay Olstad game 5

pem Head coach Kirk Thompson game 5