Tuesday, May 31, 2011

ROCK COUNTY ROBINS TOOK ON THE MINNESOTA JAGUARS IN A WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GAME

I got this information from wbcbl.com which is the home page for The Women’s Blue-Chip Basketball League (WBCBL), a new Semi-Professional league for women basketball players.

The WBCBL's mission is to provide highly competitive basketball for women age 20 and older. The competition level ranges from former college players to former NWBL and WNBA players and current international players.

In addition, the WBCBL has built a networking relationship with professional international basketball scouts and agents to broaden the possibility of higher-level professional jobs being offered.

I was able to attend the Rock County Robins vs. Minnesota Jaguars Women’s basketball game at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The WBCBL uses a 24 second shot clock and plays four 10 minute quarters.

Minnesota Jaguars started the game out in a zone defense. They looked to spread the Robins out. The Robins also started the game out in a zone defense.

The Robins were able to get out to an early 9-2 run. The Jags called a timeout with 7:41 left in the first quarter.

The Robins looked to push the ball down the court as quickly as they could. They were able to get a lot of easy baskets in transition.

Tanisha Gilbert was able to get open on the low block. Her teammates did a good job of getting her the ball on the low block. Gilbert had some problems shooting the ball midway through the first quarter.

The Jags switched between man-to-man and zone defense throughout the first quarter.

The Robins called a 30 second timeout with 2:56 left in the first quarter with the score Robins 22 and The Jags 10.

The Robins were able to penetrate to the basket and get their shots to fall.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Rock County Robins 29 and Minnesota Jaguars 18.

The Jags wanted to force the Robins to take bad shots.

The Jags went on a run midway through the second quarter. Rock County Robins called a timeout with 6:27 
left in the second quarter with the score Rock County Robins 33 and Minnesota Jaguars 28.

The Jags looked to get the ball into Tamara Moore's hands. Moore took the ball hard to the basket.

The score went back and forth late in the second quarter. Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls.

With 3:18 left in the second quarter the score was Rock County Robins 41 and Minnesota Jaguars 38.

Minnesota Jaguars went on a run to end the half.

Both teams played aggressively throughout the first half. At halftime the score was Rock County Robins 48 and Minnesota Jaguars 44.

As the third quarter got underway The Jags went to a zone defense. They continued to go hard to the basket.

Rock County Robins came out in a full court press. They looked to cause as much havoc on The Jags as they could.

The score went back and forth throughout the third quarter.

Both teams took their time on the offensive end as they tried to take as much time off the shot clock.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Rock County Robins 64 and Minnesota Jaguars 58.

The forth quarter got off to a quicker pace than the other quarters. The Jags looked to get the ball down and shoot it from anywhere on the court that they could.

Scott for The Jags kept them in the game. She was able to get her short jump shot to fall throughout the fourth quarter. She had trouble making that same shot earlier in the game.

The Jags made a late comeback and the game came down to the wire.

With 4:17 left in regulation the score was Rock County Robins 76 and Minnesota Jaguars 73.

The intensity grew and so did frustrations by each team late in the game. Both teams were able to keep their emotions in check and the game went on.

The Jags were able to get within a point with 2:45 to go in the contest.

The game went to the wire. Neither team gave up.

With 1:21 left in regulation the score was Minnesota Jaguars 80 and Rock County Robins 79.

As time ticked off the clock the Rock County Robins hand to commit fouls in the final seconds to stay in the game. 

In the end the Minnesota Jaguars came away with the 88-82 victory over the Rock County Robins. 
 

GET TO KNOW JEFFERY LEONARD BONDS

Jeffery Leonard Bonds was born in Minneapolis, MN on January 18, 1995. He has two older sisters. Bonds will graduate from Minneapolis DeLaSalle High School in 2013.

He plays both football and basketball. Bonds says that he wants to focus on basketball. This summer he plans on working out 5-6 hours a day on his basketball game.

Bonds will be playing basketball this summer with the Minnesota Fury AAU program.

In his free time he plays basketball and hangs out with his friends. He also likes to listen to a variety of hip hop music. He likes Big Sean and Mac Miller.

He would like to play basketball in college some day. He knows that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it to the next level.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL COACH JIM PATRICK TRESSEL STEPS DOWN AS HEAD COACH

Ohio State football coach Jim Patrick Tressel resigns as the head coach. Tressel got into trouble in March of 2011 for players selling Ohio State memorabilia.

Before Tressel started coaching at Ohio State he was the head coach at Youngstown State from 1986 to 2000. He took over at Ohio State in 2001. Tressel had a record of 135–57–2 at Youngstown State and a record of 106–22 at Ohio State. His total coaching record was 241–79–2.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM OFFERS DEMARQUISE JOHNSON A SCHOLARSHIP

The University of Minnesota has offered small forward Demarquise Johnson a basketball scholarship. Johnson will graduate from Westwind Prep International in 2012.

Johnson has received interest from schools across the country.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

KEVIN EDWARD MCHALE TO BE NAMED THE HOUSTON ROCKETS HEAD COACH

According to News Services, Kevin Edward McHale who is from Hibbing, Minnesota will be named the head coach for the Houston Rockets.

McHale played basketball for the University of Minnesota from 1976 to 1980. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics, in 1980 as the third overall pick.

McHale played in the NBA for the Boston Celtics from the 80-81 season to the 92-93 season. Throughout this career he scored 17,335 points and averaged 17.9 ppg.

After he retired from the NBA he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves as a television analyst and special assistant. In the summer of 1994, new Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor promoted him to Assistant General Manager.

McHale has done some TV work with TNT and NBATV as an analyst.

McHale replaces Richard Leonard "Rick" Adelman who was the coach for the Rockets. They parted ways after five years. During the 2010-2011 the Rockets had a record of 43-39 and missed the playoffs. 

JON LEUER WORKS OUT FOR NBA SCOUTS

Jon Leuer who went to Orono High School and then went on to play basketball at Wisconsin has been invited to work out for NBA scouts.

Leuer played in 123 games and averaged 11.2 points per game while at Wisconsin. He was at the Minnesota Timberwolves practice facilities working out for different NBA scouts. He hopes to get drafted in the 2011 NBA Draft in June
 

Friday, May 27, 2011

IOWA HAS INTEREST IN MARUCS MARTEZE MARSHALL

According to misinformation I received from Marcus Marteze Marshall himself. Marcus Iowa has shown interest in him and has not officially offered him a scholarship yet. Marshall said that they are very interested in him and hope that they make an official offer very soon.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

MARCUS MARTEZE MARSHALL RECIVES A BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP OFFER FROM IOWA

St Paul Johnson High School boys' basketball Marcus Marteze Marshall said that he has picked up a scholarship offer from Iowa. The list of other schools that offered him basketball scholarships include South Dakota State University, UMKC, Northern Illinois and Indiana State,University of South Dakota and the University of Albany.

Monday, May 23, 2011

MINNESOTA GRASSROOTS TOOK ON MINNESOTA FURY IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Minnesota Grassroots took on Minnesota Fury in the championship game in the 17u division.

Both teams started out trading baskets. It took a while for each team to get a feel for each other. Minnesota Fury used a man-to-man defense. They looked to apply tough defense.

The score went back and forth throughout most of the first part of the game. Neither team was able to go on a run.

Both teams dove on the ground after loose balls. There were many jump balls in the first half.

Minnesota Fury's Ty Moore took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to blow past his defenders and make easy shots. Moore was also able to hit a nice three-point jumper just outside of the three-point line.

The score with 6:16 left in the first half was Minnesota Fury 21 and Minnesota Grassroots 18.

Minnesota Grassroots looked to score easy baskets in transition. They got the ball out of the net and got it quickly down to the other end of the court where they were able to score baskets.

Minnesota Grassroots had a hard time finding their shots midway through the half. They didn't get down on themselves.

At halftime the score was Minnesota Fury 34 and Minnesota Grassroots 27.

Minnesota Grassroots came out on the attack to start the second half. They continued to attack the basket as they looked for their shots.

Minnesota Fury was able to slow down Minnesota Grassroots on the offensive end. Minnesota Grassroots was not able to get easy baskets. The Minnesota Fury's defense got to the Minnesota Grassroots players.

Minnesota Grassroots was not able to slow Minnesota Fury down on the offensive end. The Minnesota Fury had control of the tempo throughout the game.

Minnesota Fury was able to take Minnesota Grassroots out of the game emotionally. Minnesota Grassroots was not able to make shots that they made throughout the tournament. Minnesota Fury was able to pick them apart on both ends of the floor throughout the game. Minnesota Grassroots didn't go down without a fight though. They were able to keep the game respectable and didn’t let their emotions get to them.

Minnesota Fury came away with the 78-68 victory over Minnesota Grassroots. 

MINNESOTA GRASSROOTS TOOK ON MINNESOTA HEAT IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Minnesota Grassroots took on Minnesota Heat in a boys' basketball contest. Minnesota Heat started the game off in a zone defense. They didn't want Grassroots to get any easy open shots at the basket.

Grassroots came out on fire. They were able to get a 7-4 lead with 13:57 left in the first half.

Grassroots used a strong man-to-man pressing defense and they were able to slow down the Heat's offense.

Minnesota Heat didn't get frustrated. They kept attacking the basket. On the offensive end the Heat looked for quick shots and didn't take a lot of time off of the clock.

Grassroots looked to trap the ball at half court. They looked to create turnovers and score easy baskets off of the turnovers.

Minnesota Heat passed the ball around the three-point line as they looked to get the best shot that they could, even though they had a difficult time shooting the ball.

The score was close throughout the first half. Grassroots kept shooting the ball from all over the court. They were not afraid to shoot it.

The Heat went on a run and they were able to get within one point of Grassroots with 5:30 left in the first half.

Both teams played with a lot of emotion and intensity. They dove on the floor after loose balls and rebounds. There were many jump balls.

The game was close as the score went back and forth late in the half. Just as one team was going on a little run the other team stepped up the defense as they played cat and mouse late in the first half.

The first half went back and forth with neither team pulling away. At halftime the score was Minnesota Grassroots 33 and Minnesota Heat 28.

Minnesota Heat started the second half in a zone defense. They switched between zone and man-to-man in the first half.

Minnesota Grassroots got a couple of easy baskets on steals. The Heat had many possessions in a row where they turned it over.

With 13:00 left in regulation the score was Minnesota Grassroots 46 and Minnesota Heat 30.

Ty Moore for Minnesota Grassroots took the ball strong to the basket. He was all over the court. He was able to find his teammate Darrien Strong under the basket for easy assists.

Minnesota Grassroots spread the ball around and they looked to take time off the clock. They were able to do that. Minnesota Heat didn't have a response for them.

Minnesota Grassroots was too much for Minnesota Heat to handle. Grassroots fought off a late comeback by the Minnesota Heat but in the end Minnesota Grassroots came away with the 73-54 victory.

MINNESOTA GRASSROOTS TOOK ON WAYZATA IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

In a 17U contest the Minnesota Grassroots took on the Wayzata Trojans in a boys' basketball game. Wayzata started the game in zone defense. They looked to slow down Grassroots. Grassroots looked to push the ball down the court in transition as they looked to score easy baskets.

Wayzata found the basket early in the game as they were able to sink a few shots and open the game on a run. Grassroots was not able to find the basket at the start of the contest.

Grassroots used a full court press and that made it hard for Wayzata to make shots. Grassroots did a good job of getting a hand up in the faces of the Wayzata players.

With 11:00 left in the first half the score was Wayzata 19 and Minnesota Grassroots 10.

Grassroots continued to look to shoot the ball when they felt that they had a good open shot. They didn't get down on themselves when their shots were not falling.

With 7:00 to go in the first half Grassroots went on a run. They were down by one with 6:26 to go when Wayzata called a timeout.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. They were very aggressive on both ends of the floor.

The score went back and forth late in first half. The game got a little chippy as each team thought that they were supposed to get calls that they didn't get.

Grassroots took their time on the offensive end as they looked to take as much time off the clock as they could late in the half.

Grassroots switched between man-to-man and zone defense as they looked to confuse the Wayzata players. Wayzata was not able to figure that out at first and Grassroots took advantage of that by scoring easy baskets off of the mismatch defense.

Wayzata was forced to take long three-point shots because Grassroots was defending the three-point line very well. Wayzata had a hard time hitting their shots from behind the three-point line.

Wayzata had an easy time scoring on the back door cuts. Grassroots got beat on several plays where the Wayzata player would cut to the basket using the backdoor. That is how Wayzata scored most of their points late in the half.

At halftime the score was Wayzata 37 and Grassroots 34.

Grassroots came out of the halftime break in a man-to-man defense. They looked to tighten up the pressure on Wayzata.

Grassroots kept on attacking the basket on the offensive end. They were successful doing that throughout the first half.

Grassroots used a full court press and that created turnovers for Wayzata. Wayzata had a hard time bringing the ball down the court.

Grassroots kept the full court press on throughout the second half. They really were able to cause turnovers for the Wayzata team.

Grassroots was all the rebounds on both ends of the court. They were also able to score easy baskets by getting rebounds and putting the ball right back into the basket.

With 11:04 left in regulation the score was Grassroots 56 and Wayzata 44.

Wayzata didn't give up they kept on attacking the Grassroots defense. They were not afraid to take the ball hard to the basket.

Grassroots did a good job of attacking the basket throughout the game. Wayzata didn't back down. I thought that Grassroots was a little quicker than Wayzata. The pace of the game was in Grassroots favor throughout.

Grassroots took their time on the offensive end late in the game. They looked to take as much time off the clock as they could. They played keep away by dribbling around the three-point line and that made Wayzata have to go out and guard or foul them.

Wayzata tried to make a run late in the game but that was to no avail.

Grassroots came away with the 87-71 victory over Wayzata.

MINNESOTA UNITED TOOK ON MINNESOTA LOCKDOWN IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Minnesota United took on Minnesota Lockdown in a boys' basketball game. Both teams started out on an even playing field. The game was close at the beginning. Each team went hard to the basket.

Minnesota Lockdown used a zone defense. They were able to spread United out and made them take bad shots.

Lockdown looked to control the tempo of the game as they controlled the boards on both ends of the floor.

In a first half that was very close and the score went back and forth for a good majority of it. The score was Minnesota United 28 and Minnesota Lockdown 18.

Minnesota Lockdown continued to put pressure on Minnesota United. Minnesota Lockdown went on a run midway through the second half.

When ever Minnesota Lockdown went on a run Minnesota United seemed to step up their defensive pressure and was able to slow the tempo.

Minnesota Lockdown put up a fight throughout the whole game. They didn't back down at all. Minnesota United was just too much for them to handle.

In the end Minnesota United came away with the 55-44 victory over Minnesota Lockdown.

MINNESOTA HEAT TOOK ON MINNESOTA MAGIC IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

In a 17u boys' basketball game the Minnesota Heat took on the Minnesota Magic. Minnesota Heat used a full court press early on to try to get Magic out of the game and set the tempo.

The Heat caught fire midway through the first half as they were able to hit shots with ease.

The Magic players didn't get down on themselves as they kept on shooting the ball and taking it hard to the basket.

The pace of the game got quicker as the half progressed.

Minnesota Magic guard Joey Curtis Sonneyfield was all over the court. On the offensive end he called for the ball on the low block. He was able to hit a little jump shot from the low block.

At halftime the score was Minnesota Heat 34 and Minnesota Magic 25.

Minnesota Heat came out in a zone defense to start the second half. They really wanted to spread the Magic offense out as they could and make it hard for them to shoot the ball. The Magic also came out in a zone defense.

Minnesota Magic made a run to start the second half. They were able to get to within three points of the Heat.

The score went back and forth for a good portion of the second half. Neither team gave up easy shots.

Minnesota Magic went to a motion offense. They used a lot of passing and cutting to get their players open. That made them use a lot of time off of the clock. Magic was able to get shots out of the offense.

Minnesota Magic went on a run with just under 9:00 left in regulation. The Heat still were in the game though as they didn't back down. Magic did miss a few shots and the Heat took advantage as they were able to make a few baskets in a row.

The Heat went to a full court press with just 3:00 left in the game. The Minnesota Magic was able to break the press and still score baskets.

The Minnesota Magic was able to hold on and come away with the 76-63 victory over the Minnesota Heat in a hard fought game.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

BENILDE-ST. MARGARET'S BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER ISAIAH ZIERDEN IS GETTING COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

According to Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Notre Dame and Maryland are preparing to offer basketball tenders to Benilde-St. Margaret's guard Isaiah Zierden, who is the son of Washington Wizards assistant Don Zierden.

Other schools that have shown interest in Zierden are Creighton, Colorado State, Iowa State, Michigan, Minnesota, Northern Iowa, Santa Clara and Wisconsin.

THE LIST OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIPS HAS GROWN FOR SANJAY LUMPKIN

Benilde St. Margaret's boys' basketball player Sanjay Lumpkin has been offered more basketball scholarships, this time to Santa Clara and Princeton.

Drake, Holy Cross, Indiana State and Northwestern University have already offered Lumpkin scholarships. The list is still expected to grow. 

BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER TYUS ROBERT JONES IS READY FOR THE NATIONAL STAGE

Apple Valley boys' basketball player Tyus Robert Jones is getting ready for the national stage. Jones is going to be trying out for the USA Developmental Team in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jones is considered to be one of the top high school basketball players in Minnesota. He will gradate in 2014.

I have seen Jones play. I think his game is good. He can slip by his defenders while dribbling circles around them. On the defensive end he can lock down his opponents.

His play on the court as already grabbed the attention of college coaches all over the country. He also is getting attention whenever he plays. Fans seem to swarm the court to watch him play.

Off the court Jones is a funny person. He loves to crack jokes and likes to talk about life on and off the court. You can find him listening to hip hop music between games and just relaxing and focusing on the next opponent.

I remember one of the first times I met Jones. I went and watched one of his games when he was in 8th grade. Everyone was telling me “you have to go down and see this Jones kid from Apple Valley. He's really good.” So one night during his 8th grade season I took a trip out to Apple Valley High School and boy oh boy I was not disappointed. Before the game I introduced myself and we had like a five minute conversation. I gave him one of my business cards and then it seemed like we hit it off.

I think that Jones will continue to get better and better as long he continues to play. Jones is a smart kid on and off the court.

Friday, May 20, 2011

MIKIAS DILION ALIPATE WILL TRANSFER TO HOLY ANGELS

Mikias Dilion Alipate, the younger brother of Gophers quarterback Moses Alipate, will be playing football at Holy Angels next fall after transferring from Bloomington Jefferson last year.

His brother Moses did the exact opposite transfer his brother made in high school. Rivals.com named Mikias, a linebacker, one of the players to watch for the 2013 senior class.

DOMINIQUE DAWSON LEAVES THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA AND WILL TRANSFER TO KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE

Former University of Minnesota men's basketball player Dominique Dawson will transfer to Kentucky Wesleyan College which is located in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Dawson played in 10 games during the 09-10 season.

Dawson will have three years of eligibility at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

George Hemmingsen who is the assistant men's basketball coach Kentucky Wesleyan College was Dawson's AAU coach and was the assistant coach at Minneapolis Southwest where Dawson attended.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

CLEVELAND WINS THE 2011 NBA DRAFT LOTTERY

The Minnesota Timberwolves  had a record of 17-65 during the 2010-2011 season.

In the 2011 draft the Minnesota Timberwolves have two first round picks.

Here are the first 14 picks in the 2011 NBA Draft.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Clippers)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Toronto Raptors
6. Washington Wizards
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Charlotte Bobcats
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Houston Rockets 
 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

HARMON CLAYTON KILLEBREW HAS PASSED AWAY

Former Minnesota Twins baseball player Harmon Clayton Killebrew has lost his battle with cancer. He passed away on Tuesday May 17, 2011 at home in Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 74 after a nearly five-month battle with esophageal cancer.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER AUSTIN HOLLINS WILL TOUR WITH REACH USA FROM MAY17-31, 2011

University Of Minnesota men's basketball player Austin Hollins will go on a basketball tour in the Far East with team Reach USA.

Joining Hollins will be Justin Bocot (Southern Illinois), Keith Clanton (Texas Christian), Devonte Elliott (Central Florida), Garlon Green (Texas Christian), Jordan Hull (Indiana), Vic Oladipo (Indiana), Malik Story (Nevada), Marcus Thornton (Georgia) and Eloy Vargas (Kentucky).

Updates on all the games can be found on www.sportsreach.org

ST PAUL JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER HAS PICKED UP TWO MORE BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

St Paul Johnson High School boys' basketball Marcus Marteze Marshall has been offered a basketball scholarship to the University of South Dakota and the University of Albany.

Marshall's list of other schools that offered him basketball scholarships include South Dakota State University, UMKC, Northern Illinois and Indiana State.

Monday, May 16, 2011

CEDRIC FERNANDO MARTIN TO PLAY BASKETBALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Former Minneapolis Washburn basketball player Cedric Fernando Martin will play basketball at the University of Utah next season as he has accepted a basketball scholarship.

Martin led Minneapolis Washburn High School to the Minnesota 3A state basketball championship in 2009 and for the last 2 seasons he has attended and played basketball for Lee College in Baytown, Texas.
  

MINNEAPOLIS BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER BRETSON MCNEAL WILL PLAY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

Minneapolis DeLaSalle High School basketball player Bretson McNeal will attend the University of Sioux Falls on a basketball scholarship.  

MARCUS CHRISTIAN ALIPATE WILL ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS

Football and basketball player Marcus Christian Alipate of Bloomington Jefferson will attend the University of St. Thomas.

Alipate will start off playing basketball at St. Thomas but will consider playing football at a later date.

FORMER MINNESOTA WILD HOCKEY PLAYER DEREK BOOGAARD FOUND DEAD IN APARTMENT

Former Minnesota Wild hockey player Derek Boogaard was found dead inside his Minneapolis, Minnesota 
apartment on Friday May 13, 2011.

Boogaard was drafted in the 7th round of the 2001 draft. He spent five seasons with the Minnesota Wild from the 2005-2006 season to the 2009-2010 season.

On July 1, 2010, Boogaard signed with the New York Rangers for $6.5 million over four years.

In a game on December 9, 2010 Boogaard got into a fight where he suffered a concussion.

His brain will be studied for research of concussions on the brain. 

Sunday, May 15, 2011

HOPKINS BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL STAR ANDRE TRAVARIS MCDONALD IS HEADED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

According to Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Hopkins basketball and football player Andre Travaris McDonald will be going to the University of Minnesota to play football.

McDonald has revived national attention because of his football skills. He caught 64 passes for 1,144 yards in his junior season.

McDonald will graduate from Hopkins High School in 2012. 

FORMER MINNESOTA TWINS HALL OF FAMER HARMON CLAYTON KILLEBREW IS IN HOSPICE CARE

Former Minnesota Twins baseball player Harmon Clayton Killebrew has entered Hospice care. Killebrew has been dealing with esophageal cancer.

Killebrew started his baseball career with the Washington Senators in 1954. He moved to Minnesota with the Twins for the inaugural 1961 season.

BENILDE ST. MARGARET'S BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER SANJAY LUMPKIN OFFERED A SCHOLARSHIP

Benilde St. Margaret's boys' basketball player Sanjay Lumpkin has been offered a basketball scholarship to Northwestern University. Northwestern head basketball coach visited Lumpkin and offered him a scholarship.

MINNESOTA COMETS TOOK ON MINNESOTA SELECT BLUE IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Minnesota Comets took on Minnesota Select in a boys' basketball game in the Minnesota Select Classic.

Both teams got off to a good start as they were each able to hit shots that they put up. It didn't take any time for these teams to feel each other out.

Comets used a zone defense to try to take Select out of the game.

Select looked to get the ball into the hands of guards Thomas Edison Ford and Benji Subah. They were able to find each other on the court  in scoring possessions.

At halftime the score was Minnesota Comets 28 and Minnesota Select 16.

Minnesota Select continued to shoot the ball well in the second half. Levi Conrad took some nice shots as he was able to find the basket in the second half.

Benji Subah ran the offense for Minnesota Select.

Minnesota Comets was way too strong for the Select. The final of the game was Comets 53 and Select 30.

MINNESOTA TRIPLE THREAT TOOK ON MINNESOTA SELECT IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Minnesota Triple Threat took on Minnesota Select White team in a boys' basketball game. Minnesota
Select came out on fire as they took an early 7-0 lead with 14:00 to go.
 
Minnesota Select looked to take their time on the offensive end. Guard Mike Bruce Fernando got the
ball quickly up the court. He was able to find his teammate Logan Donald Brown cutting to the basket
and Fernando was able to make a quick easy pass for the assist.
 
Triple Threat had a hard time making shots. They were just not going in. Triple Threat constantly
changed their line up making often substitutions. They did that because they wanted to get their offense
going.
 
Minnesota Select used both zone and man-to-man defense in the first half.
 
Minnesota Triple Threat made a little run late in the first half.
 
At halftime the score was Minnesota Select 28 and Minnesota Triple Threat 13.
 
As the second half got underway Minnesota Triple Threat continued to hit shots. They looked to make
a dent in the deficit. Minnesota Select had different plans though. Select continued to look to pound the
ball to the basket.
 
Minnesota Select was too quick for Triple Threat. Select was able to control the pace of the game.
 
Minnesota Select came away with the 69-56 victory over Minnesota Triple Threat.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH TUBBY SMITH IS CANCER FREE


According to multiple news organizations men's head basketball coach Tubby Smith is cancer free. Smith had prostate cancer and he had a procedure to remove it at the Mayo Clinic on April 21 2011.

During his last physical it was discovered that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were high. He had a biopsy done and it was discovered that the coach had prostate cancer.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

DAN FROEHLICH HAS BEEN NAMED THE HEAD VARSITY GIRL'S BASKETBALL AT MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL

Dan Froehlich was been named the head varsity girl's basketball coach at Minneapolis Southwest High School. Froehlich replaces Rob Lee Grace as Grace has taken a coaching position at Augsburg College.

Froehlich is a Minneapolis Southwest High School graduate. He graduated in 1975.

STEVE FRITZ STEPS DOWN AS HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS

According to WCCO in Minneapolis, Minnesota Steve Fritz has stepped down as the men's basketball coach at the University of St. Thomas.

Fritz will continue to be the college’s Athletic Director. He has been the Athletic Director for 20 years.

Fritz record at the University of St. Thomas was 594-246 in 31 seasons as the head coach.

Assistant Coach John Tauer has been named the team’s interim head coach for the 2011-12 season. The school will continue to look for a coach to take over the program.

MINNESOTA SELECT BOYS' BASKETBALL CLASSIC TOOK PLACE AT PRIOR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL

In the 16U division Minnesota Lockdown took on Minnesota Select Blue in a boys' basketball game. Minnesota Lockdown came out on fire as they were able to hit their shots.

Minnesota Lockdown started the game out in a zone defense. They looked to spread Minnesota Select out and make them take long shots. Taylor Halvorson for Lockdown was all over the court. He was able to make shots that he put up.

Minnesota Select had a hard time shooting the ball. They didn't get discouraged. Select continued to shoot the ball.

Jamar Boone from Minnesota Lockdown took the ball hard to the basket. He knew where his teammates were on the court and he was able to get them involved in the plays on the offensive end. Lockdown used a motion offense. There was a lot of passing and cutting involved.

As the second half got underway, Minnesota Select came out on fire. They were able to make a quick few shots. They cut the deficit to three points.

The game got close midway through the second half.

Minnesota Select went on a run with 13:00 left in regulation. That didn't sit well with Minnesota Lockdown. Minnesota Lockdown continued to take the ball hard to the basket.

Minnesota Lockdown mostly used a zone defense in the second half.

The score went back and forth throughout the second half as both teams played very tight defense on each other.

Minnesota Select made a run and they were able to extend their lead to 10 at 56-46 with 5:00 left in regulation. Minnesota Lockdown didn't give up.

Minnesota Select went on a run late in the game and that was too much for Minnesota Lockdown. Minnesota Select came away with the 63-51 victory over Minnesota Lockdown.

DO YOU WANT TO SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HOWARD PULLEY SABES FOUNDATION TOURNAMENT?

See Magic Super Friends knock off Howard Pulley. You will be able to watch the #2 2012 prospect 7'0 Isiah Austin handle and shoot like a guard! Watch teams from: Wisconsin, South Dakota, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Texas and of course...Minnesota.

If so check out the link below.


Friday, May 13, 2011

FORMER COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER JACOB THOMAS HAS TRANSFERRED

Jacob Thomas, who graduated from Columbia Heights and went to Long Beach State, has transferred to Howard College in Big Spring, Texas.

Thomas was recruited to play at Long Beach State by former University of Minnesota head coach Dan Monson.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

TEXAS PRO TOOK ON ST. LOUIS EAGLES IN THE 17U CHAMPIONSHIP GAME OF THE 11TH ANNUAL HOWARD PULLEY INVITATIONAL

Texas Pro took on St. Louis Eagles for the 17 U boys' basketball championship game of the Howard Pulley Invitational.

The game got off to a quick start as Texas Pro jumped out to a quick 9-4 lead.

St. Louis was able to get into their offense but had a difficult time scoring baskets.

Texas Pro used both man-to-man and zone defenses in the first half. They wanted to confuse St. Louis. They were able to do that.

Texas Pro looked to get the ball into the hands of Jeremy King. King was aggressive on the low block and took the ball strong to the basket when he got it.

Jordan Granger had a few nice slam dunks. He was all over the court for St. Louis. Granger kept his team in the game with a lot of emotion when he made good plays.

Both teams played very good defense. Neither team gave up easy baskets.

Emmanuel Mudiay who is 6-4 hovered around the basket. He was able to get some nice rebounds and get the tip in dunks. He was also able to get some nice blocked shots.

Texas Pro went on a run late in the half. St. Louis was not able to hit a shot for a period of time.

At halftime the score was Texas Pro 34 and St. Louis Eagles 28.

Texas Pro looked to get the ball out of the basket and score easy baskets in transition.

Texas Pro attacked the basket and they were able to hit shots. Texas Pro's Danuel House did a good job of finding his shot and getting open looks at the basket. House was able to drop a few of his shots.

St. Louis Eagles used a lot of motion in their offense. They passed the ball around the three-point line and looked to get a player an easy shot as he was coming across the baseline.

Both teams were not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court.

Texas Pro was able to hit shots but St. Louis had difficulty making shots throughout the second half.

Isaiah Austin for Texas Pro had a nice two-handed slam dunk that got his teammates energy and the crowd back into the game.

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

Texas Pro was able to come away with a 70-63 victory over St. Louis.

With that victory Texas Pro won the 2011 11th Annual Howard Pulley Invitational tournament. 

KINDOM HOOPS TOOK ON ST. LOUIS EAGLES IN THE 16U CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

In the 16U division Kingdom Hoops took On St. Louis Eagles in championship game. St. Louis got out to a quick start as they were able to hit shots that they put up.

St. Louis Eagles guard Chantel Stanciel was all over the court. He directed traffic on the court as he instructed his players to go in the offense. Stanciel was very quick. He was able to come up and get some nice steals.

St. Louis used mostly man-to-man defense. They looked to pressure Kingdom Hoops and take them out of their game. Kingdom Hoops did a good job of not letting that get into their heads.

Kingdom Hoops shot the ball from all over the court. It didn’t matter who had the ball as they passed the ball around before anyone shot the ball.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team made a significant run.

Both teams played very aggressively on the defensive end.

At halftime the score was Kingdom Hoops 33 and St. Louis Eagles 32.

Kingdom Hoops started the second half out in a zone defense. They continued to look to spread St. Louis Eagles out.

St. Louis Eagles looked to take as much time off the shot clock as they could by spreading the floor out and passing the ball around the three-point line. That worked well for them. Kingdom Hoops was able to make them take bad shots.

Kingdom Hoops had trouble finding the basket in the second half. They did not get discouraged as they kept on shooting shots even if they were not falling.

St. Louis went to a full court trapping press with just under 7:30 in regulation. They looked to get easy steals and wanted to turn them into scoring opportunities.

St. Louis was able to capitalize on mistakes that Kingdom Hoops made. They were able to get their shots to drop but Kingdom Hoops had difficulty making theirs.

St. Louis was able to capture the 16U division title with a 72-57 victory over Kingdom Hoops. 

TEXAS PRO TOOK ON KC PUMP N RUN IN THE 17U DIVISION IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

In semifinal action in the 17U division Texas Pro took on KC Pump N Run. Texas Pro started the game out in man-to-man defense. They looked to run with the ball in transition.

KC Pump N Run took their time in the offense. They passed the ball around the three-point line as they looked to take as much time off of the shot clock as possible.

KC Pump N Run switched between zone and man-to-man defense. They were able to get Texas Pro out of their game.

Isaiah Austin who is listed as 7-0 was camped on the low block for Texas Pro. He was to come down with rebounds on both ends of the court.

The KC Pump N Run players were not afraid to drive to the basket. Even when Austin was camped out under the basket, they still brought the ball hard to the basket.

Emmanuel Mudiay for Texas Pro took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to knock down some key jump shots for his team.

The score went back and forth for a period of time in the first half. Both of these teams stepped up and played tight solid defense.

Bradford Jones for Texas Pro was all over the court. On the offensive end he was on the court and he instructed his players were they should be when he set up a play. On the defensive end we was able to maintain his player and not give him any open easy shots at the basket.

At halftime the score was KC Pump N Run 30 and Texas Pro 29.

KC Pump N Run had many shots at the basket early in the second half. They were not able to score on many chances that they had at the basket.

Both teams slowed the tempo of the game way down in the second half. They each tried to burn as much time off the shot clock as they could.

Danuel House for Texas Pro was very crafty with the ball. He made some nice passes to his teammates and was not afraid blow past him on the dribble.

Texas Pro went on a run with about 10:00 left in the second half. KC Pump N Run had a hard time making shots and Texas Pro took advantage of that as they were able to convert in transition.

With 8:19 left in regulation the score was Texas Pro 47 and KC Pump N Run 36.

Texas Pro didn't back down late in the contest. KC Pump N Run was able to make a run at Texas Pro late in the game.

KC Pump N Run continued to chew at the lead late in the contest.

The game came down the wire. Neither team gave up easy shots throughout the game.

Mason Wedel for KC Pump N Run tied the game at 49 a piece with 2:40 left in regulation.

The score went back and forth late in the contest.

Texas Pro came away with the 53-51 victory over KC Pump N Run.