Monday, September 27, 2010

GET TO KNOW MIKIAS DILION ALIPATE

Mikias Dilion Alipate was born on July 18, 1994 in Tacoma, Washington. He comes from a large family. He is a sophomore this year at the Academy of Holy Angels.

He is involved in football and basketball at Holy Angels.


He wants to be the best athlete he can be.

CHAMPLIN PARK’S TJ OKAFOR RECEIVES OFFER FROM TEXAS PAN AMERICAN

According to Ryan James of Minnesota Preps Champlin Park boys’ basketball player TJ Okafor has received a scholarship offer from Texas Pan American.

SHELBY MOATS COMMITS TO VANDERBILT

According to Ryan James of Minnesota Preps Waconia Senior High School boys basketball player Shelby Moats has committed to Vanderbilt University.

ROSS TRAVIS HAS VERBALY COMMITED TO PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

According to Ryan James, Chaska boys basketball player Ross Travis has verbally committed to Penn State University.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

HOPKINS JOE COLEMAN COMMITS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE MINNESOTA

According to KSTP, Hopkins senior boys’ basketball player Joe Coleman has committed to play basketball at the University of Minnesota.

THE MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN MILLERS HOSTED THE SOUTH TIGERS IN A FOOTBALL MATCHUP

The Millers of Minneapolis Washburn took on their cross-town rival the Tigers from Minneapolis South. South came into the game with a record of 2-1. Washburn came into the game with a record of 2-1.


Washburn kicked off to South to begin the game. South fumbled the ball and Washburn got the ball to begin the game.


Washburn looked to keep the ball on the ground in the early goings. South’s defense came up big in the early goings of the game. They were able to slow down Washburn’s offense.


South looked to get the ball into Andri Shawntel Harris Jr’s hands early on in the contest. Harris did a good job of running with the ball. He exploded well off the line. South was not able to convert on fourth down and they had to punt the ball away to Washburn.


Washburn looked to pound the ball on the ground mostly in the first quarter. Washburn was successful on the running game. Their running backs did a good job of finding a way to run north south down the field.


Washburn got a touchdown on a short run with 3:23 left to go in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful. The score was Washburn 6 and South 0.


South got the ball after the touchdown. South kept the ball on the ground for most of the first quarter. South did air it out and Andrew Jones Harris caught a leaping catch to the two-yard line. Soly Snaphanh got a two-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion was no good.


With 0:35 seconds left in the first quarter the score was tied at 6.


At the end of the quarter score was tied at 6.


As the second quarter got underway Washburn got the ball back they were not able to convert on fourth down and they kicked the ball back to South.


South continued to keep the ball on the ground. Lamarr Sullivan was able to hit holes in the Washburn defense and gain some nice gains to give South a few first downs in the first half.


South got intercepted with 8:09 left in the second quarter and Washburn got the ball back. Washburn was not able convert and they had to punt the ball to South. South got the ball on the 21-yard line.


South was not able to convert on third down and they punted the ball to Washburn.


Washburn got the ball back and kept the ball on the ground. Washburn was not able to convert and South got the ball back on the 20-yard line.


Taylor Hickman scored a touchdown for South with 38 seconds left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was no good. The made the score South 12 and Washburn 6.


The first half went back and forth. Both teams played very hard. The score was the half was South 12 and Washburn 6.


South recovered their own kickoff on the next play. Andrew Jones-Harris found the end zone with 26 seconds left for a huge touchdown reception. The two-point conversion was no good.


With that touchdown, that made the score South 18 and Washburn 6.


In a first half that went back and forth at halftime the score was Minneapolis South 18 and Minneapolis Washburn 6.


South kicked off to Washburn to begin the third quarter. Washburn Cedric Chappell caught a nice pass to bring Washburn to the five-yard line. Shakell Nelson found the end zone with 10:14 left in the third quarter for a Washburn touchdown. The two-point conversion was good.


After the touchdown and extra point the score was South 18 and Washburn 14.


South got the ball back after the touchdown. Andri Shawntel Harris Jr came up big as he received huge yards on a long run that got the ball to the 30-yard line. South fumbled the ball and Washburn recovered the ball.


Washburn fumbled the ball and South recovered the ball and they started their drive on the 20-yard line. South recovered. Then South fumbled the ball and Washburn recovered.


Washburn fumbled the ball so South got the ball back. On the next play Washburn’s Cedric Chappell intercepted the South’s pass.


Washburn threatened to score when they got the ball back. Washburn’s Noah Jones got a touchdown with 5:54 left to go in the fourth quarter. The extra point attempt was not good.


After the touchdown the score was Washburn 20 and South 18.


South got the ball on the 15-yard line with 1:20 left in the fourth. Taylor Hickman Daven came up big with a huge running play that brought the ball to the two-yard line. Soly Senaphanh scored a touchdown with 48 seconds left to go in regulation. The two-point conversion was no good.


The game came down to the wire. Neither team gave up though out the contest.


I really thought that Andri Shawntel Harris Jr and Lamarr Sullivan played well for South. They both came up with some big plays throughout the game to keep South in the game. Neither team gave up.


South was able to battle back and they came away 24-20 victory.


After the game I was able to talk to South players Lamarr Sulivan and Andrai Shawntel Harris JR about the game. I was also able to talk to the head coach Lenny Sedlock about the game tonight.

ST. PAUL COMO PARK HOSTED #4 AA MOOSE LAKE-WILLOW RIVER IN A NON-CONFERENCE MATCHUP ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD

St. Paul Como Park hosted Moose Lake/Willow River in a boys’ high school football contest. The game was played at St. Paul Central High School because it is one of the two football fields that the St. Paul City Conference uses.


Moose Lake-Willow River came into the game with a 3-0 record and was ranked #4 in class 2A according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. St. Paul Como Park came in with a record of 2-1 and was unranked.


In a wet and soggy evening Moose Lake-Willow kicked off to Como Park to begin the game. Como Park started with the ball on their 20-yard line. Como started in a shotgun possession. The quarterback was about five yards behind the center. Brandon Langer looked to get the ball into his hands.


On Como’s first drive penalties hurt them in the early goings.


Como Park looked to keep the ball on the ground. Moose Lake/Willow River was able to contain Como Park on the first drive and they had to punt the ball without getting a first down.


Moose Lake-Willow River found Chris Gassert and he found a hole and was dragged down to the five-yard line. Holden Olson scored a touchdown for Moose Lake-Willow River with 7:32 left in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was good.


With 7:32 left in the first quarter the score was Moose Lake-Willow River 7 and Como Park 0.


Como Park wanted to keep the ball on the ground for most of the first quarter. They were looking for the short 3-6 yard drives from their running backs. Como Park tried a fake punt and it worked as they were able to get a first down with 5:10 left in the first quarter.


Como Park’s Gabe Coleman had a couple of nice drives. He was able to keep his footing on the turf that was wet because of rain.


Moose Lake-Willow River was successful running the ball in the first quarter. Their running backs were a little quicker than the Como Park defensive backs.


At the end of the first quarter the score was Moose Lake-Willow River 7 and Como Park 0.


Como Park got the ball to begin the second quarter. They were tackled for a big loss on the first play of the quarter. They had to punt the ball to Moose Lake-Willow River on fourth down and 31 to go.


Moose Lake-Willow River used some trick plays as they were able to throw Como Park off. The Como Park defense was unaware what player on Moose Lake-Willow River had the football a few times in the first half. That allowed Moose Lake-Willow River to find the holes in the Como Park defense. With 7:29 left in the second quarter Jacob Disterhaupt for Moose Lake-Willow River did just that, as he was able to score a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good.


With 7:29 left in the second quarter the score was Moose Lake-Willow River 14 and Como Park 0.


Como Park got the ball back after the Moose Lake-Willow River touchdown. Como Park was not able to convert on third down so they had to punt the ball back to Moose Lake0Willow River.


Moose Lake-Willow River kept the ground attack alive late in the quarter. They were successful on getting first downs on the ground in the first half. Moose Lake-Willow River fumbled the ball with 2:40 left in the second quarter and Como Park came up with the ball.


Como looked to get the ball into the end zone. They wanted to score a touchdown before the quarter was over. They punted the ball back to Moose Lake-Willow River.


Holden Olson the Moose Lake-Willow River running back got the ball late in the quarter. They wanted to make one last run towards the end zone to end the second quarter.


At halftime the score was Moose Lake-Willow River 14 and Como Park 0.


Como Park kicked off to Moose Lake-Willow River to begin the third quarter. Moose Lake-Willow River continued to pound the ball on the ground throughout quarter. They were not able to convert on third down and kicked the ball back to Como Park. Como Park fumbled the ball with 7:13 left in the third quarter and Moose Lake-Willow River got the ball back.


Como Park was able to gain a first down while running with the ball late in the third quarter. Como Park wanted to use the run game to their advantage late in the quarter.


Moose Lake-Willow River had a few unexpected turnovers late in the third quarter. That was mostly due to the wet raining field conditions.


At the end of the third quarter the score was Moose Lake-Willow River 14 and Como Park 0.


Como Park got the ball to begin the fourth quarter. They continued to keep the ball on the ground.


With 10:52 remaining in the fourth quarter Tarrance Williams scored a touchdown on a short running play. The extra point attempt was good.


With 10:52 left in the fourth quarter the score was Moose Lake-Willow River 14 and Como Park 7.


Moose Lake-Willow River looked to drive the ball down the field after the Como Park touchdown. The Como Park defense stepped up big as they were able to get to the quarterback and was sacked a few times in the fourth quarter.


Como Park was picked off with 3:47 left in the contest. Moose Lake-Willow River got the on the 17 yard line.


Moose Lake-Willow River kicked a field goal with 40.9 second left in the game.


Moose Lake-Willow River came away with the 17-7 victory over St. Paul Como Park.

Monday, September 20, 2010

GOPHERS IN THE COMMUNITY:FOOTBALLS' MOSES ALIPATE

Courtesy: University of Minnesota


Release:09/20/2010


Rising Star Reaches Out: Moses Alipate



When he isn’t at practice, working towards his business and marketing degrees or spending time with his family, sophomore Minnesota Gopher football player Moses Alipate is lending a hand to those in need.

In addition to working a great deal with the M.A.G.I.C. (Maroon and Gold Impacting the Community) program at the University of Minnesota, Alipate has found another way to contribute to his community by working closely with Minnesota-based Hope for the City.


Hope for the City was established in 2000 by Dennis and Megan Doyle in order to take corporate surplus and donate it to help those in great need. Alipate works with other volunteers to organize, package and distribute donations and contributions that benefit recipients in Minneapolis and all over the nation. Hope for the City provides food shelves, youth programs, schools, senior centers, homeless shelters, clinics, hospitals, and orphanages with excess products from retailers, medical companies and food distributors that otherwise would have gone to waste. Families and churches can ask for help and send in requests for care packages like the ones Alipate helps to assemble.


Megan Doyle commends Moses’ work, saying “When Moses has helped in our warehouse… he is a tireless worker, he does not believe in being idle, and anytime his work directions were complete he would go and find staff for more work to do. The other kids who are with him who are younger just naturally followed him and looked up to him and he was a great example for the other kids that were there too that you don’t wait for work to come to you, you go and find it.”


A volunteer since he was eleven years old, Alipate says that he loves working with Hope for the City and that it’s just “another way [for me] to help.” After graduation from the University of Minnesota, Alipate wants to use what he’s learning in the classroom and out of the classroom with Hope for the City to start non-profit organizations and hospitals in third world countries. He would be taking the fundamentals he learns volunteering with M.A.G.I.C. and with Hope for the City to build and develop life-changing programs in the places where they need it most. Alipate says, “I’ve known Dennis and Megan [Doyle] since I was really little so I just learn from what they have to say about how to get it started, how to maintain a good organization…those are things I’ve picked up from them.”

In addition to working with Hope for the City on the weekends, Alipate also takes time to organize service events with the Gopher football team like visits to the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, volunteer as a football team with the HopeKids organization and still returns to his high school to help with a mentorship program he started. In the mentorship program, Alipate explains, “the upper-class athletes get a chance to go and mentor the eighth and ninth graders and tell them what not to do, things to look out for and just mentor them on how not to be influenced in bad ways…when I go back to my high school I usually have a chance to go and meet with all those guys.”

Alipate and his teammates go to the Amplatz Children’s Hospital every Friday prior to home games. “The first time I went was before our first home game against the Air Force and it just gives us a chance to go and interact with kids who usually don’t get a lot of visitors…and so we got to [go] talk with them, and just make their day a little better, a little easier,” Alipate details.

Alipate says that his favorite and the most rewarding part about volunteering is that “you learn to work as a team with other people, and…the biggest thing is the feeling you get at the end of the day when everything’s done, the kind of sense of accomplishment you get from helping other people…the reason I do it is because my family has always told us that it’s better to give than to receive so I’ve always understood that it’s better to help out than it is to just sit around and play video games.”

You could say that this Gophers quarterback really is a team player.

For more information about Hope for the City, visit www.hopeforthecity.net.


Feature Written by CHAMPS/Life Skills Student Intern Ellie Lijewski

Sunday, September 19, 2010

AUGSBURG TOOK ON HAMLINE IN MIAC FOOTBALL ACTION

The Augsburg Auggies hosted the Hamline Pipers a MIAC game. Hamline came in with a 0-1 record and Augsburg came in with a 2-0 record.


Hamline kicked off to Augsburg to begin the game. Augsburg fumbled the ball, Hamline retrieved the ball.


Hamline started with the ball first. Hamline wanted to keep the ball on the ground to begin the game out. On the first drive Hamline turned the ball over to Augsburg on downs.


In the beginning of the game both teams’ offenses were sputtering a little. Neither team was able to get rolling.


Augsburg looked for the short routes midway through the first quarter. Augsburg also looked for the deep passes in the first quarter. They were successful on their passing attempts midway through the first quarter.


Muneer Al-Hameed for Augsburg did a good job of getting open in traffic. He had a few good receptions throughout the game. Augsburg was not able to score a touchdown on their drive so they tried a field goal and they were successful. They made a field goal with 3:35 left in the first quarter. That made the score Augsburg 3 and Hamline 0.


Hamline got the ball back after the Augsburg field goal. Hamlin was not able to convert on downs and gave Augsburg the ball back.


Augsburg wanted to get the ball on the ground and burn time off the clock late in the first quarter. Augsburg punted the ball back to Hamline to end the first quarter.


After a quarter of play the score was Augsburg 3 and Hamline 0.


Hamline got the ball to begin the second quarter. They went to the air early on in the contest. Alex Ferguson made a nice run for Augsburg to get them into the red zone. Hamline threatened to score early on in the quarter.


Alex Ferguson got a Hamline touchdown with 12:01 left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was good.


With 12:01 left in the second quarter the score was Hamline 7 and Augsburg 3.


Augsburg got the ball back after the Hamline touchdown. On the second play of the drive, Hamline’s Olajuwan Stiffler intercepted an Augsburg pass and retrieved the football on the 37 yard line.


Hamline’s Alex House received a 25 yard pass for a touchdown with 9:17 left in the second quarter. John Broback kicked the extra point. That made the score Hamline 14 and Augsburg 3.


After the touchdown Augsburg touched the football on the kickoff and Hamline recovered the football.


Hamline started with the ball near midfield. Hamline went deep when Adam Meyer found Tim Queck for a 52 yard reception that ended on the two yard line. Adam Meyer found Tim Queck for a two yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good.


With 7:24 left in regulation the score was Hamline 21 and Augsburg 3.


Augsburg went deep on the next drive. They went to the air and wanted to get the ball down the field as quickly as possible.


With 5:04 left to go in the second quarter Augsburg’s Marcus Brumm found Muneer Al-Hameed in the end zone for a 24 yard touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. That made the score Hamline 21 and Augsburg 10.


Blake Cook for Hamline got into the action late in the second quarter. He was in as a running back. Cook looked for ways to power his way down the field. Hamline looked to keep the ball on the ground late in the quarter. Hamline went on a drive late in the quarter. They were able to make a first down and keep the ball headed toward the end zone.


Hamline’s Adam Myer found Alex House for touchdown with 1:02 left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was good. With that touchdown the score became Hamline 28 and Augsburg 10.


At halftime the score was Hamline 28 and Augsburg 10.


Augsburg kicked off to Hamline to begin the third quarter. Hamline got the ball on their 30-yard line to begin the quarter. They looked to make short passes to drive the ball down the field. They had been successful at doing that in the first quarter.


Hamline got on the board again with 11:35 left in the third quarter as Adam Meyer found Sean Lewis for a 28 yard touchdown. The extra point attempt was good.


With that touchdown, the score was Hamline 35 and Augsburg 10.


Marcus Brown got received a 35 pass for an Augsburg touchdown with 10:31 left in the third quarter. The extra point attempt was good. The score after the touchdown and extra point attempt was Hamline 35 and Augsburg 17.


On the kickoff Hamline fumbled and Augsburg recovered the football. Augsburg wanted to keep the ground game and move the ball down the field. They got into the red zone and with 7:10 left in the third quarter. Marcus Brumm found David Tilton for an Augsburg touchdown the two-point extra point conversion was not good.


With that touchdown the score was Hamline 35 and Augsburg 23.


Hamline got the ball back after the touchdown. They pounded the ball down the field and looked to score late in the third quarter. Hamline’s John Broback scored on a 31 yard field goal with 2:31 left to go in the third quarter.


With that field goal the score was Hamline 38 and Augsburg 23.


Augsburg got the ball back after the Hamline field goal. They looked to punch the ball down the field late in the quarter. They did that on their next drive. Augsburg went to a hurry up offense.


Augsburg’s Marcus Brumm found Muneer Al-Hameed for an 8 yard touchdown reception.


With 0:55 seconds left in the third quarter the score was Hamline 38 and Augsburg 30.


At the end of the third quarter the score was Hamline 38 and Augsburg 30.


Hamline got the ball to begin the third quarter. Hamline continued to pound the ball on the ground to begin the fourth quarter. Hamline had to punt the ball back to Augsburg because they couldn’t get a first down.


Augsburg made a long drive midway through the fourth quarter. Augsburg’s Phil Putratz reached the end zone on a 11-yard run for a touchdown with 10:06 left to go in regulation. The two point conversion was good.


With that touchdown the score was Hamline 38 and Augsburg 36.


Hamline got the ball back after the touchdown. They looked to keep the ball on the ground on the next series. Hamline looked to get the ball into the end zone on the drive. They were not able to convert on fourth down. They turned the ball over to Augsburg with 5:40 left to go in the contest.


Augsburg continued to look to both run the ball and pass the ball late in the fourth quarter. They were able to confuse the Hamline defense. Hamline was in a scramble late to figure out what they wanted to do on defense.


Augsburg went on a drive and threatened to score with 4:20 left in the fourth quarter. They went to a short pass offense. They did a good job of moving the ball down the field on two-three yard pass attempts.


With 3:12 left to go in regulation Augsburg scored a touchdown on a Phil Putratz 2 yard run. The two point conversion was successful.


With that touchdown the score was Augsburg 42 and Hamline 38.


Hamline got the ball back after the Augsburg touchdown. John Hibbs got the ball back on an interception for Augsburg. Then Augsburg was able to run out the clock and come away with the 42-38 victory over Hamline.


After a quick start for Hamline, Augsburg was able to find the end zone and battled throughout the whole game. Both teams played very hard and well. Augsburg didn’t back down and they gave Hamline everything that they could handle. The game was close throughout the whole game. I thought that Hamline’s Alex House had a good game. He was able to come up with some big plays throughout the game. Also for Hamline I thought that Blake Cook had a few good receptions.

Friday, September 17, 2010

THE EDEN PRAIRIE EAGLES TOOK ON THE MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN MILLERS IN A NONCONFRENCE MATCHUP IN FOOTBALL


The Minneapolis Washburn Millers took on the Eden Prairie Eagles in a battle of ranked teams. Washburn came in with a 2-0 record and were ranked #9 in class AAA. Eden Prairie came into the game with a 3-0 and was ranked #1 in class AAAAA.


Washburn kicked off to Eden Prairie to begin the game. Eden Prairie looked to run with the ball to open up the game. They looked to keep the ball on the ground in the early goings. Brian Athey the quarterback looked to be in the grove early on in the contest. Andrew Larson scored the first touchdown for Eden Prairie on a short yard run. The extra point attempt was good.


With 9:29 left in the first quarter the score was Eden Prairie 7 and Washburn 0. After the touchdown Washburn got the ball and was tackled in the end for an Eden Prairie safety for two points. That made the score Eden Prairie 9 and Washburn 0.


Eden Prairie looked to go to the air. They wanted to get all of their receivers involved in the game. Eden Prairie did a good job of getting the ball down the field in the first quarter.


Eden Prairie drove down the field again and looked to score again midway through the first quarter. Andrew Lawson scored his second touchdown with 6:04 left in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was good. With 6:04 left in the first quarter the score was Eden Prairie 16 and Washburn 0.


Washburn was not able to convert on third down and they punted the ball back to Eden Prairie.


Andrew Larson was able to take advantage of huge holes in the Washburn defense. He was able to score is third touchdown of the game with 2:19 left in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was good.


At the end of the first quarter the score was Eden Prairie 23 and Washburn 0.


Eden Prairie got the ball to begin the second quarter. They kept on looking for the pass early on in the second quarter. They kept on getting the ball to Andrew Larson.


Adam Bray got a reception for a touchdown with 8:05 left to go in the second quarter. The extra point was good. That made the score Eden Prairie 30 and Washburn 0.


Washburn looked to run the ball late in the quarter. Washburn’s Cedric Chappell got an 18-yard reception for the first Washburn touchdown with 5:04 left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was not good.


Eden Prairie got the ball after the touchdown. They were not able to convert on third down and they had to punt the ball back to Washburn. Washburn fumbled the ball and that gave Eden Prairie the ball back.


At halftime the score of the game was Eden Prairie 30 and Washburn 6.


Washburn got the ball to begin the third quarter. Washburn was not able to convert on third down and they opted to punt the ball on the first drive.


Barisa Gemeda came up with a big drive midway through the third quarter. Jared Collins caught an 18-yard pass from Brian Athey for an Eden Prairie touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good.


Washburn got the ball back after the Eden Prairie touchdown. Washburn fumbled the ball and Eden Prairie came up with the ball. Eden Prairie was not able to convert on fourth down and turned the ball over to Washburn.


After three quarters of play the score was Eden Prairie 36 and Washburn 6.


As the fourth quarter got underway Eden Prairie continued to pound the ball down the field. They were successful on the running game throughout the game.


Eden Prairie came away with the 36-6 victory over Minneapolis Washburn.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

SASHA DORAN STOCK IS ON THE RISE

Sasha Doran is a football player at Wayzata High School. He grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia. When he was in Russia his home life was not good. Sasha was hit by his father. He was scared of his dad at age six he ran away from his home. He was found by police and was sent to an orphanage.


Sasha was reunited with his two sisters. They were put up for adoption. John and Mary Ellen Doran found a picture of all three children and they decided to adopt all three children.


When Sasha got to America he didn’t know what American football was. At first he didn’t want to play. Sasha’s dad John has been a middle school football coach in the Wayzata program.


Sasha has been getting interest from national college coaches. He never thought about playing football in high school let alone in college.


Sasha has been featured in many different national sports television and magazine articles across the country. He was featured in the September 2010 Minnesota edition of the ESPN Rise magazine.

GET TO KNOW DeMONTE’ CHRISTOPHER BAKER

DeMonte' Christopher Baker was born on March 24, 1994 in Chicago, IL. He has one older brother and one sister. DeMonte’ is a junior this season. He is a basketball player at St. Louis Park High School.


He says he plays basketball as a stress reliever. DeMonte’ wants to get college scouts more interested in his game and work on his skills and performances.


He is an easy-going guy and is willing to be taught with a focused mind. Demote’ is looking for an opportunity to play basketball at the nest level.

You can check out his basketball skills at St Louis Park High School this upcoming winter.

Monday, September 13, 2010

WHY DO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS HAVE SO MANY COACHES

Check out WCCO Ch 4 report on high school football coaches.

http://wcco.com/goodquestion/sports.coaches.replays.2.1896039.html

THE COMETS BASKETBALL SHOWCASE IN SAUK RAPIDS WAS A SUCCESS

After the introductions of the Comets basketball staff, the players broke out into groups at the Comets Showcase in Sauk Rapids. The coaches then ran the players in stations. The station work let players work on their individual skills. They worked on posting up in the low block, shot selections and jump shots. Coaches also put the players through game situations. Each station was 12 minutes long.


Most of those who helped the Comets put on the clinic were small college and AAU coaches from around the surrounding area.


There were college coaches in attendance throughout the afternoon watching different players. Most of the college coaches that were in attendance were from the upper Midwest area.


I thought that all of the players looked well in the drill portion of the program. The players took the drill work seriously. They went all out and gave it their best.


After the station work the players broke down into predetermined teams and they played two 15:00 minute halves. The open games gave the college coaches a chance to see players in game situations. There were a total of five different games.


I thought that the Comets did a good job of making it feel like a showcase event. The coaches did a good job of instructing the players on what they wanted them to do. They did not scream and shout from the sideline. The coaches wanted to make sure the event was geared toward the players. I thought that the coaches did a good job of doing that and they did that throughout the event.


One of the players who caught my attention was Jayme Moten who was all over the court. He was able to get his teammates involved in the action. On the defensive end he was able to guard his opponent like a hawk.


After two rounds of games the camp broke for box dinner. It gave the players, coaches and the media a chance to get a meal and time to relax for a bit.


After the light supper the players had a chance to digest their food and then they were back out on the court for the final three games of camp.


Ibrahim Abukar who goes to St Cloud Apollo high school was also all over the court. He knew where his players were on the floor and was able to feed them the ball. He got his teammates involved in the game. He knows the game very well and he helps his team get into the offensive mode. Ibrahim is also very good on the defensive end as he was able to slow down or stop his opponent on several different occasions.


TJ Okafor from Chaplin Park did a job of getting his players involved in the game. He shared the ball well. He passed up contested shots and passed the ball to his teammates if he thought that they were open.


Andrew Turnblad who goes to Minnetonka high school and is in the class of 2012 did a good job of distributing the basketball to his teammates. He was another player who knew where he was on the floor and was not afraid to get his teammate involved. Turnblad was not afraid to shoot the ball if he had an open look at the basket. He was able to make a nice 15 foot jump shot with ease.


Terzesz VanPelt of Osseo did a good job of running the floor. He was able to lead the fast break for his team. He was able to stop his opponent on the defensive end. VanPelt had very good foot work. I also thought that he knew the game very well and was able to use that to his advantage to get his teammates involved in the plays.


Shane Bosek from Minnewaska Area had a nice game. He was able to find his shot early on in the contest. He was dead on. He was not greedy though as he would pass to his teammates if he thought that he had a better shot than him. Shane was not afraid to get his teammates involved in the game.


Throughout the games most all teams played a strong man-to-man defense. Everyone played hard. The players wanted to show their skills and not show anyone else up. I thought that the players did a good job of doing that throughout the day.


The reason that I thought that the showcase was a success was because I thought that the players did a good job of working with their teammates. Most of the players didn’t know each other before they attended the camp. They just met each other and they had to go throughout the day playing with each other. It was a good sign that kids were working together to improve their games. Overall I was pretty impressed with this showcase. I liked how all the coaches were able to interact with the players. I liked how the players knew that the drill work was serious. I also thought it was a good chance for the college coaches to get a look at some of the talent that the state had to offer in the upcoming years. I thought that it was a benefit for everyone who was involved.


I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boy’s Hoops. Check out his thoughts of the Comets Showcase in Sauk Rapids.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

FORMER GIRLS BASKETBALL COACHES CHARGED WITH MOLESTING PLAYERS

According to Kare 11 two former high school basketball coaches are charged with criminal sexual conduct in connection with an incident involving two juvenile players that took place in a St. Cloud hotel last December.


Former girls basketball coaches charged with molesting players Minneapolis and St. Paul kare11.com

Friday, September 10, 2010

ZIMMERMAN WINS HOME OPENER WITH OUT GLEN BYE

In what will no doubt be an emotional night, Zimmerman High School opens its home football season against Friday night against Cambridge-Isanti. It will be the first game played on their home field since loosing their leader and quarterback Glen Bye in a car accident this past summer.

They beat the Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets 34-13 in the home opener.


Check out the Fox 9 report here about Zimmerman High School.

THE ELK RIVER FOOTBALL COACH TALKS ABOUT THE HAZING INCIDENT

Elk River football coach Mike Cross commented publicly Friday for the first time since coaches were disciplined recently for a hazing incident involving the football program.
 
Elk River football coach speaks on team's hazing incident Minneapolis and St. Paul kare11.com

Thursday, September 9, 2010

I WILL BE COVERING THE COMETS SHOWCASE IN SAUK RAPIDS

I will be covering the Comets Showcase in Sauk Rapids on Saturday September 11, 2010. I will be up there with the Czar of Twin Cities Boy’s Hoops. Here is a list that the Czar was able to obtain on who will be participating in the showcase.


2011


Jayme Moten 6'0 NLS


Seth Hinrichs 6'6 MACCRAY


Ben Figini 6'7 Chisago Lakes


Nick Bobb 6'6 Lincoln


Travis Rollo 6'8 Mayer Lutheran


Kurt Moody 6'4 Pequot Lakes


Alec Mortel 6'5 Luck(WI)


Cole Mortel 6'5 Luck(WI)


Drew Preiner 6'3 Tartan


Luke Preiner 6'3 Tartan


Ibrahim Abukar 6'0 Apollo


Aaron Zimmer 6'6 Foley


Mike Stephens 5'10 Big Lake


Max Watts 6'0 Chaska


Shane Hennen 6'3 Minneota


Kevin Kueffler 6'4 BBE


Ethan Petrill 6'2 Shakopee


Shane Bosek 6'5 Minnewaska


Anthony Saavedra 6'5 Big Lake


Austin Elliott 6'2 Webster (WI)


Adam Hjelter 6'1 Hutchinson


Andy Ortmann 6'0 Buffalo


Spencer Pankonin 6'7 Lakeville South


TJ Okafor 6'7 Champlin Park



2012


Joe Burt 6'2 Cathedral


Damien Reinke 6'6 Becker


Tyler Vaughan 6'2 Braham


Matt Nelson 6'7 Rosemount


Jack Harrison 6'6 Prior Lake


Jimmy Unger 6'2 Willmar


Andrew Turnblad 6'6 Minnetonka


Riley Aikens 6'5 MACCRAY


Mike Spoden 6'8 Grand Rapids


Tanner Odegaard 5'8 Brookings (SD)


Scottie Rucks 6'6 Cathedral

2013


Carson Shanks 6'11 Prior Lake


Nathaniel Huot 6'1 Dawson-Boyd


Scottie Stone 6'3 Melrose


Taylor Thissen 6'3 MACCRAY


Tim Immelman 6'7 Sartell

UMPIRE IN ANDOVER PUTS UP FAKE FLYERS AT SOFTBALL COMPLEX

An umpire in Andover put up fake flyers around a softball complex asking for the community to give money to him to help find a killer of his wife. It turns out the wife is still alive. Check out this link from Fox 9 on this report.

SIX ELK RIVER FOOTBALL COACHES HAVE BEEN DISCIPLINED FOLLOWING THE HAZING INCIDENT

A total of six football coaches at Elk River High School have been disciplined because of a hazing incident that occurred between practices on Aug 23 and 24, 2010. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, some players allegedly wrestled their teammates to the floor of the high school wrestling room, then struck or poked them with broom handles on or near the buttocks. The players were wearing their football gear and were not forced to disrobe.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Monday, September 6, 2010

FORMER MINNESOTA FOOTBALL PLAYER SEANTREL HENDERSON SEES TIME IN VICTORY

Miami football player Seantrel Henderson played between 12-14 plays in Miami’s 45-0 victory over Florida A&M. Henderson is the third string tackle on Miami.

MINNESOTA NATIVE MICHAEL FLOYD HAD A BIG GAME VS PURDUE

Michael Floyd who went to Cretin-Derham Hall high school in St. Paul, Minnesota is playing football at Notre Dame. In the first game of the season Floyd had five catches for 82 yards in a 23-12 victory against Purdue.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

HOLY ANGELS HOSTED CHISAGO LAKES IN THE OPENING WEEKEND OF THE 2010 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON

Holy Angels took on Chisago Lakes in the first week of the football season. Ray Benton begins his first season at Holy Angels as the head coach. He had been coaching football at East Ridge high school last season. He was East Ridge’s first head football coach.


Holy Angles received the kickoff. On the first drive Holy Angels used mostly running plays. They were looking to get the ball into Damon Woods hands. Holy Angels was all over the field on their first drive. They were able to pound the ball down the field. The Stars were determined to find the end zone on the first drive of the game. The Chisago Lakes defense had different plans.


Chisago Lakes stepped up their defense when the Stars got into the red zone. Damon Woods fumbled the ball on the 15-yard line and Chisago Lakes picked up the fumble and took it the other way to the 26 yard line breaking up the first Holy Angels drive.


Chisago Lakes was looking to get short yards on their first dive. Cory Lushanko had an 11 yard touchdown run for Chisago Lakes with 7:14 left in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was no good.


Will Pagel for Holy Angels picked up big yards on the kickoff after the touchdown. Holy Angels started on the 36-yard line to begin the next drive.


Holy Angles looked to get back into the offensive grove after the Chisago Lakes touchdown. They looked to get the ball into the air. The Chisago Lakes defense picked up the defensive pressure on Holy Angels.


Holy Angels was not able to convert on fourth down and they turned the ball over to Chisago Lakes. Chisago Lakes marched down the field making big plays on the offensive end. Chisago Lakes looked to get the ball into running back Cory Lushanko’s hands. He is quick on his feet. Cory has the capabilities of getting away from the defenders.


At the end of the first quarter the score was Chisago Lakes 6 and Holy Angels 0.


On the first play Jordan Hickcox got a 15 yard pass for a Chisago Lakes touchdown with 11:55 left in the second quarter. The two point conversion was good. With that touchdown the score was Chisago Lakes 14 and Holy Angels 0.


Holy Angels was on the attack again after the Chisago Lakes touchdown. They wanted to move the ball quickly down the field. They went to their hurry up offense. Jordan Hickcox made an interception and carried it in for a Chisago Lakes touchdown. Cory Lushanko made the two point conversion. With 9:23 left in the second quarter the score was Chisago Lakes 22 and Holy Angels 0.


Holy Angels got the ball back after the Chisago Lakes touchdown but they fumbled the ball and Chisago Lakes got the ball back.


Cory Lushanko continued to work his magic as he was able to make his way all over the field. The Holy Angels Stars had a very difficult time containing him.


For Chisago Lakes Jeffery Sargenant threw a 5 yard touchdown reception to Daniel Kimlinger with 5:22 left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was no good.


With that touchdown the score was Chisago Lakes 28 and Holy Angels 0.


Anthony Baysah took turns with Damon Woods running the ball. Holy Angels wasn’t about to give up late in the quarter. They wanted to score a touchdown before the half.


Holy Angels was able to get into the red zone with 2:00 left in the second quarter. They were poised to score late in quarter. With 1:29 left in the half Damon Woods had an 8-yard carry for a Holy Angels touchdown. Anthony Baysah extra point attempt was good.


With 1:29 left in the second quarter the score was Chisago Lakes 28 and Holy Angels 7.


After the Holy Angels touchdown Chisago Lakes Cory Lushanko ran the ball to the 49 yard line and was brought down by a host of Holy Angels players.


Holy Angels picked up a loose football on the Chisago Lakes 28 yard line with 33 second to go. Holy Angels went into their hurry up offense as they looked to score on the final dive of the half. They were not able to score on the final drive of the half.


At halftime the score was Chisago Lakes 28 and Holy Angels 7.


Holy Angels kicked off to Chisago Lakes to begin the third quarter. Chisago Lakes turned the ball over on downs.


Damon Woods got the offense going early on in the quarter. Holy Angels threatened to score midway through the third quarter. Damon Woods had an 11 yard touchdown run. The extra point was good.


With 5:12 in the third quarter the score was Chisago Lakes 28 and Holy Angels 14.


Chisago Lakes got the ball back after the Holy Angels touchdown. Chisago Lakes fumbled the football and they turned the ball over to Holy Angels.


Matt Workman got the ball for Holy Angels and he was able to find a lot of running room. He set up a nice 7-yard touchdown dive for Holy Angels.


Damon Woods threw a nice pass to TJ Patrias who caught the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point was good. With that touch down the score was Chisago Lakes 28 and Holy Angels 21.


Holy Angels was not aware of the clock on several occasions as they were called for multiple play clock violations.


At the end of the third quarter the score was Chisago Lakes 28 and Holy Angels 21.


As the fourth quarter got underway Holy Angels went on a drive. They were not able to muster anything on the drive and Chisago Lakes took over on downs.


Patrick Cable recovered the Chisago Lakes punt with 6:01 left to go in the fourth quarter and ran it in for a Holy Angels touchdown. The extra point attempt was good and that tied the game at 28.


Chisago Lakes was able to get Cory Lushanko the ball and he was able to get a touchdown with 3:30 left in regulation. The extra point attempt was good. With that touchdown that made the score Chisago Lakes 35 and Holy Angels 28.


Holy Angels got the ball back after the Chisago Lakes touchdown. They went into a hurry up offense. They wanted to drive down the field and score in the final minutes of the game. Holy Angels ran out of plays as they turned the ball over on downs.


Chisago Lakes got the ball back and they came up on a fourth down and five yards to go and they went for it. They were not able to convert and they turned the ball over to Holy Angels.


Holy Angels wanted to get the ball into the air late in the game. They went into a hurry up offense. Holy Angels turned the ball over on downs late in the contest.


Chisago Lakes came away with the 35-28 victory over Holy Angels.

Friday, September 3, 2010

MINNETONKA TOOK ON TOTINO GRACE IN THE OPENING GAME OF THE 2010 MSHSL FOOTBALL SEASON

Totino Grace took on Minnetonka in the first game of the 2010 Minnesota high school football season.


Totino Grace was as able to get onto the board early in the second quarter.


The Totino Grace offense was all over the field. They were able to dominate Minnetonka in the early going of the game.


The first half went back and forth. The Totino Grace defense stepped up through the first half. They did a good job of containing the Minnetonka defense.


At halftime the score was Totino Grace 7 and Minnetonka 0.


Totino Grace played well through the first half. They lost one of the better receivers in the state in Johnny Crockett. Crockett graduated last year.


As the third quarter got underway both teams came out with a little bit of fire. Both teams wanted to start the season.


Totino Grace got the ball to begin the third quarter. They wanted to try to muster as much offense early in the beginning of the quarter as they could.


For Totino Grace quarterback Alex Kreuser was able to find his receivers who were able to come up with some nice plays through out the game.


Totino Grace was able to drive down the field and chew up a lot of clock the first drive of the quarter.


Tom Laventure had a three yard run for a touchdown with 5:57 left in the third quarter. The extra point attempt was good. With that touchdown and point afterwards, the score was Totino Grace 14 and Minnetonka 0.


Minnetonka did a good job of mixing up plays throughout the game. They used both the running game and throwing game. They wanted to try to get Totino Grace off guard.


Totino Grace mostly ran running plays throughout most of the first three quarters. Minnetonka didn’t give up.


Totino Grace wanted to get the ball into the hands of Ashford Kromah. Kroma was able to dance around the Minnetonka defenders.


At the end of the third quarter the score was Totino Grace 14 and Minnetonka 0.


Totino Grace’s Nick Frandsen got a touchdown reception with 11:00 left to go in the fourth quarter. With that touchdown and the extra point the score was Totino Grace 21 and Minnetonka 0.


Minnetonka got the ball back after the touchdown. They wanted to try to get their offence going. They were not able to do that. You have to give the Minnetonka players credit for not giving up.


Totino Grace was once again able to make a drive midway through the fourth quarter. Grace fumbled the ball and Minnetonka recovered the ball.


Minnetonka wanted to find the end zone at least once in the game. They were not able to do that. With 1:25 remaining in the contest Minnetonka came up short on their final drive and turned the ball over to Totino Grace.


Totino Grace was able to come away with the 21-0 victory over Minnetonka.