Monday, March 28, 2011

HOPKINS TOOK ON EDEN PRAIRIE IN THE CLASS AAAA BOYS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The Hopkins Royals took on the Eden Prairie Eagles in the class AAAA boys' basketball championship game.
 
The game got off to a slow start. Neither team was able to hit shots that they put up.
 
Hopkins Joe Coleman who will be going to the University of Minnesota picked up two fouls in the first four minutes of the game.
 
Eden Prairie’s Dylan Stewart picked up his second foul early in the game.
 
Marvin Singleton got nice easy shots. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball.
 
With 10:25 left in the first half the score was Hopkins 10 and Eden Prairie 8.
 
Eden Prairie's Grant Soderberg was able to drain a few deep three-point shots to keep his team in the
game.
 
Hopkins Andre Travaris McDonald dove on the ground after loose balls.
 
With 6:13 left in the first half the score was tied at 19.
 
Joe Coleman came down and had a nasty two handed slam dunk. He was all over the court.
 
With 3:30 left in the first half the score was Hopkins 25 and Eden Prairie 23.
 
Chambers was able to knock down a few quick three-point shots. That kept Hopkins in the ball game.
 
At halftime the score was Hopkins 32 and Eden Prairie 28.
 
As the second half got underway Eden Prairie continued to push the ball down the court. They didn't
want to get into a running match with Hopkins. They looked to control the tempo.
 
Hopkins continued to make shots late in the game.
 
Eden Prairie continued to play strong defense throughout the half.
 
With 6:28 left in regulation the score was Hopkins 52 and Eden Prairie 44.
 
Eden Prairie didn't back down. They continued shoot shots and they tried to make a late game
comeback.
 
With 3:55 left in regulation the score was Hopkins 54 and Eden Prairie 46.
 
Hopkins came way with the 62-54 victory over Eden Prairie.
 
That victory that made it their third straight state championship.
 
After the game I was able to talk to Hopkins’ players Joe Coleman, Marvin Singleton, Zach Stahl, and
Siyani Chambers and head coach Ken Novak Jr. about winning the class AAAA championship.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TOOK ON ORONO IN THE CLASS AAA MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Columbia Heights took on Orono in the class AAA boys’ basketball state final game.
 
At the first media timeout with 14:54 the score was Orono 4 and Columbia Heights 2.
 
Rodrick Logan for Columbia Heights took the ball strong to the basket. He knew where his teammates were on the floor.
 
The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run.
 
Rodrick Logan revived a technical foul with 10:57 in the first half.
 
At the second media timeout the score was Orono 8 and Columbia Heights 7.
 
Orono went on a run after the first media timeout.
 
Columbia Heights had a hard time making shots in the first half. They didn't get discouraged though.
 
Columbia Heights went on a run with just under 8:00 left to go.
 
With 6:55 left in the first half the score was Orono 17 and Columbia Heights 14.
 
Orono went to a zone defense late in the half. They wanted to slow down Columbia Heights who went on a run to end the half.
 
At halftime the score was Orono 34 and Columbia Heights 32.
 
Jordan Millls went hard to the basket. He had an easy time getting to the basket.
 
Columbia Heights did a good job of getting the ball out of the basket and going the other way with it.
 
The game was tied at 45 with 14:00.
 
Lofton picked up his fourth foul with 11:54 in regulation. He went to the bench.
 
With 10:35 left in regulation the score was Orono 52 and Columbia Heights 49.
 
The score went back and forth throughout the half.
 
Wohler found the basket in the second half. He was able to get into his shooting rhythm.
 
With 5:40 in regulation the score was Orono 70 and Columbia Heights 57.
 
Columbia Heights went on a run after the media time out.
 
Orono came away with the 85-76 victory over Columbia Heights.
 
The leading scorers for Columbia Heights were Zach Lofton with 19 points, Ben Glover and Jordan
Mills with 17 points. Keaun Glover scored 12 points.
 
The leading scorers for Orono were Brady Wohler with 23 points, Jeremy Borg with 19 points, Jordan Smith with 21 points, and Erik Peterson with 11 points.
 
After the game I was able to talk to Orono's Jeremy Borg, Brady Wohler, Jordan Smith, and head coach Barry Wohler about winning the state championship game.

ROCHERSER LOURDES TOOK PERHAM IN THE CLASS AA MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS AA BOYS' BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Rochester Lourdes took on Perham in the state championship game of class AA boys' basketball.
 
Perham came out in a match up zone defense.
 
At the first media timeout the score was Rochester Lourdes 2 and Perham 0.
 
Perham's defense caused Rochester Lourdes problems.
 
The score went back and forth throughout the first half.
 
With 6:56 to go in the first half the score was Perham 11 and Rochester Lourdes 9.
 
Perham strung together some baskets late in the half.
 
At halftime the score was Perham 18 and Rochester Lourdes 13.
 
As the second half got underway Jordan Bruhn looked to get the ball into his hands. He got his
teammates involved in the offense.
 
Rochester Lourdes got the ball out of the rim and was able to attack the basket.
 
The score went back and forth throughout second half.
 
With 10:13 left in regulation the score was Perham 22 and Rochester Lourdes 23.
 
The game came down to the wire. It was a very defensive game. Neither team went on a run.
 
Nick Tobkin stepped out and was able to knock down a deep three-point shot to give Perham energy.
 
With 6:17 left in regulation the score was Perham 31 and Rochester Lourdes 25.
 
Rochester Lourdes was not able to make a shot for a period in the second half.
 
Perham went on a run with just under 4:00 to go. They closed out the game on a run and came away
with the 45-37 victory over Rochester Lourdes.
 
After the game I was able to talk to Perham's Jordan Bruhn, Jordan Cresap, Sam Stratton, and Nick
Tobkin about winning the Class AA championship victory. I was also able to head Dave Cresap about
the victory.
 

BELGRADE-BROOTEN-ELROSA SQUARED OFF AGAINST SPRINGFIELD FOR THE CLASS A STATE BOYS' BASKETBALL TITTLE

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (BBE) took on Springfield the Minnesota State High School League Class A
boys’ basketball championship at the Target Center.
 
BBE started the game out in a zone defense. Both teams started out quickly scoring points.
 
BBE looked to get out and push the ball in transition.
 
At the first media timeout the score was BBE 6 and Springfield 3.
 
Springfield used a zone defense as they tried to slow down BBE.
 
The score was tied at 12 with 9:28.
 
Both teams went after the loose balls. They dove on the floor and went after every rebound.
 
Springfield's Jesse Kieper found the basket midway through the first half. He was able to knock down a few deep three-point shots.
 
Neither team went on a run in the first half.
 
At 4:45 left in the first half the score was Springfield 21 and BBE 20.
 
The score went back and forth late in the half.
 
Springfield went on a run to end the first half.
 
At halftime the score was BBE 26 and Springfield 27.
 
As the second half got underway Springfield came out on fire. They were able to go on a run to start
the half.
 
BBE stayed in their zone defense which gave Springfield some trouble.
 
Both teams were able to go on a run. Neither teams’ run was very big.
 
Springfield went on a run late in the game.
 
Springfield came away with the 70-58 victory over BBE.
 
The leading scorer for Springfield was Kevin Kuelfer with 20 points. The leading scorer for BBE was
Jesse Kieper with 25 points.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER COLTON IVERSON HAS DECIDED TO LEAVE THE PROGRAM

According to multiple reports University of Minnesota men's basketball player Colton Iverson has
decided to leave the University of Minnesota.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

PERHAM TOOK ON WATERVILLE-ELYSIAN-MORRISTOWN IN THE SEMIFINALS OF THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE STATE TOURNAMENT

Perham Yellow Jackets took on the Waterville-Elysian Morristown (WEM) Buccaneers in the class AA semifinals of the Minnesota State High School League.
 

WEM got out to a quick 5-0 run to start the game. That was the score at the first media timeout with
14:44 left.
 

Perham started out the game in a man-to-man defense.
 

Perham's Jordan Cresap drove hard to the basket. He took good shots and had very good court
awareness. He knew where his teammates were on the court at all times.
 

With 10:53 left in the first half the score was WEM 9 and Perham 7.
 

Both of these teams played well on the defensive end. Neither of them gave up easy baskets.
 

With 3:51 left in the half the score was WEM 12 and Perham 11.
 

WEM held Perham scoreless for a good portion of time late in the first half.
 

At halftime the score was WEM 15 and Perham 11.
 

As the second half got underway both teams started hitting their shots. The score went back and forth
in the second half.
 

With 14:56 left in regulation the score was WEM 19 and Perham 17.
 

The score went back and forth throughout the second half.
 

WEM had a 26-21 lead with 9:04 left in regulation.
 

Perham just couldn't get shots to fall late in the contest. WEM did a good job of shutting down the
Perham offense.
 

The game came down to the wire. WEM held the ball as they looked to take the final shot with the the score tied.
 

The game was tied at 32 as time expired.
 

In the overtime period WEM made the first shot. Perham didn't back down. Jordan Hein for Perham
stepped up and made a nice jump shot to tie the game up at 34.
 

WEM called a full timeout with 1:46 in the overtime period.
 

WEM went to a zone defense to start the second half. They looked spread Perham out and force them to jack up bad shots.
 

WEM srpead the ball out as they looked to take the last shot of the game and use as much time off the clock as they could. Perham stayed in their zone defense.
 

The game was tied at 36 at the end of the first overtime period.
 

Perham's Nick Tobkin drained a jump shot to give Perham a two point lead.
 

Perham came away with the 45-41 victory in double overtime.
 

The leading scorers for WEM were Conrad Mesberg with 17 points and Tate Harmon with 14 points.
 

The leading scorers for Perham were Mark Schumacher with 10 points and Nick Tobkin with 14 points.

After the game I was able to talk to Perham's Nick Tobkin, Jordan Cresap, Jordan Bruhn and Mark
Schumacher about the semifinal victory.

CHISHOLM TOOK ON SPRINGFIELD IN THE CLASS A SEMIFINALS OF THE MSHSL BOYS' STATE TOURNAMENT

Chisholm took on Springfield at the Target Center in the Minnesota State High School League's state
boys' basketball tournament.

The game got off to a slow start as neither team was able to hit the shots that they were taking.
 
At the first media timeout with 13:01 left in the first half the score was Springfield 5 and Chisholm 4.
 
Tyler Simonson for Chisholm hit the first four shots for his team. His teammates were able to get him
the ball where he was able to hit shots.
 
With 9:22 left in the first half the score was Springfield 10 and Chisholm 4.
 
Springfield continued to shoot the ball well in the first half.
 
With 6:34 left in the first half the score was Springfield 16 and Chisholm 11.
 
Springfield’s Alex Frink was able to attack the basket and make his shots that he was putting up.
 
Both teams looked to get the ball into their big guys on the low block. Chisholm had a hard time
making shots throughout the first half. Springfield was able to get their shots to fall.
 
Chisholm went on a run late in the half. They didn't back down.
 
At halftime the score was Chisholm 27 and Springfield 26.
 
As the second half got underway the score remained close. It went back and forth throughout the
second half.
 
Chisholm continued to shoot the ball late in the half.
 
The game came down to the wire. Neither team gave up.
 
The game was tied at 51 at the end of regulation.
 
As the overtime period got underway both teams stepped up the defensive intensity. The score
continued to go back and forth in the overtime period.
 
Springfield came away with the 63-55 victory over Chisholm.
 
The leading scores for Chisholm were Tyler Simonson with 14 points and Aden Casey and Adam Vake with 13 points each.
 
Springfield was led in scoring by Alex Fink with 21 and Jesse Kieper with 15 points.
 
After the game I was able to talk to Springfield’s Alex Fink and head coach Lance Larson about the
victory.

Friday, March 25, 2011

ROCHESTER LOURDES TOOK ON REDWOOD VALLEY IN THE CLASS AA SEMIFINALS OF THE MSHSL STATE SEMIFINALS IN BOYS' BASKETBALL

Rochester Lourdes took on Redwood Valley at the Target Center. The score started out going back and
forth as each team was able to hit shots.
 
Rochester took a timeout with 12:12 the score was Redwood Valley 8 and Rochester Lourdes 5.
 
Both teams shot the ball well at the start of the game. Neither team was able to go on a run to start the
game.
 
Redwood Valley's Jesse Leith stepped up his efforts on the defensive end.
 
Both teams played tight defense.
 
In a defensive battled first half the score at halftime was tied at 19.
 
The game continued to go back and forth in the second half.
 
The game was close. Neither team went on a run. Both teams passed the ball around getting everyone
involved in the offense.
 
At the end of regulation the score was tied at 37.

At the end of the first overtime the score was knotted up at 39 so the game went into another overtime.
 
At the end of the second overtime the score was tied at 41.
 
After a missed jumper by Axex Kapraun for Rochester Lourdes there was a scramble on the floor that
resulted in a tie-up as time expired.
 
After the third overtime the score was still tied at 41.
 
Redwood Valley was in a zone defense and they looked to trap the ball as soon as it crossed half court.
 
Redwood Valley's JT Radel was fouled and went to the free throw line where he made one out of two
shots.
 
Alex Kapraun from Rochester Lourdes drained a three point shot with 1:21 left in the fourth overtime
to make the score Rochester Lourdes 44 and Redwood Valley 42.
 
Rochester Lourdes came away with the 48-42 victory over Redwood Valley in four overtimes.

MACCRAY TOOK ON BELGRADE-BROOTEN-ELROSA IN THE CLASS A SEMIFINALS OF THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL STATE BOYS' BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

MACCRAY took on Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (BBE) in the semifinal of the Minnesota State High
School League Class A boys' basketball state tournament.
 
MACCRAY started the game out in a zone defense. They didn't want to give up any easy shots.
 
BBE did a good job of taking their time on the offensive end. They passed the ball around the three point line to take time off the clock.
 
At the first media timeout the score was MACCRAY 8 and BBE 4.
 
The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run.
 
Brady Boike for MACCRAY got his shot going. He was able to step up and knock down some big
shots.
 
With 10:30 left in the first half the score was MACCRAY 19 and BBE 12.
 
The score went back and forth for a period of time in the first half.
 
With 6:20 left in the first half the score was BBE 24 AND MACCRAY 22.
 
The score continued to go back and forth late in the first half.
 
BBE got hot late in the half. They were able to get a few shots to drop.
 
With 2:45 left in the half the score was BBE 33 and MACCRAY 22.
 
BBE finished the first half off strong. They were able to go on a run to end the half.
 
At halftime the sore was BBE 41 and MACCRAY 29.
 
As the second half got underway BBE went on a run. They were able to string a few baskets together
and get their shots to fall.
 
With 14:18 left in regulation the score was BBE 55 and MACCRAY 39.
 
For BBE Kevin Kuefler was all over the floor. He was on fire throughout the game. On the defensive
end he was able to slow his opponent down.
 
Connor Goodwin also was able to step up and knock down shots throughout the game for BBE.
 
With 10:31 left in regulation the score was BBE 62 AND MACCRAY 48.
 
MACCRAY chipped away at the deficit midway through the second half. They didn't get frazzled by
the BBE defense.
 
With 6:54 left in regulation the score was BBE 74 and MACCRAY 55.
 
MACCRAY stepped out and looked to shoot three-point shots late in the contest. They made a late
game comeback.
 
BBE was too much for MACCRAY to handle. BBE came away with the 86-69 victory over
MACCRAY.
 
The leading scorers for MACCRAY were Brady with 17 points, Riley Aeikens with 11 points and Seth Hinrichs with 23 points.
 
The leading scorers for BBE were Kevin Kuefler with 27 points, Connor Goodwin 21, Brad Goodwin
14 and Brady Koehler with 13 points.
 
After the game I was able to talk to BBE's Brian Goodwin, Kevin Kuefler, Connor Goodwin, and head
coach Dave Montbridand about the semifinal victory over MACCRAY.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

REDWOOD VALLEY TOOK ON MINNEHAHA IN THE CLASS AA QUARTERFINAL BASKETBALLL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER

Redwood Valley took on Minnehaha Academy in the quarterfinal game of the 2011 Minnesota State
High School League state basketball tournament.
 
The game off got a quick start as each team was able to hit shots that they were putting up.
 
With 12:23 left in the first half the score was Redwood Valley 14 and Minnehaha Academy 11.
 
Redwood Valley continued to take their time on the offensive end. They didn't want to take any quick
shots.
 
Both teams’ defenses stepped up and didn't let the other team score easy baskets.
 
Neither team was really able to go on a run in the first half.
 
At halftime the score was Redwood Valley 31 and Minnehaha Academy 29.
 
Redwood Valley continued to pound the ball inside.
 
The game was tied at 35 with just over 15:00 to go in regulation.
 
Redwood Valley looked to get the ball into the hands of JT Radel. Radel did a good job of knowing
where he was supposed to be on the court.
 
The score went back and forth midway through the second half.
 
Redwood Valley's Michael Busack was all over the court. He was able get his shot rolling in the second half. Busack did a good job of getting to the basket. When we was close to the basket and got the ball he took good shots.
 
The lead went back and forth late in the contest.
 
Minnehaha Academy went to a trapping defense. They looked to trap Redwood Valley.
 
Redwood Valley called a timeout with 3:46 left in regulation. The score was Redwood Valley 55 and
Minnehaha Academy 54.
 
The game came down to the wire. Neither team gave up.
 
Gerald McCarver came down and nailed a three-point shot with 1:05 left to go. That made the score
Redwood Valley 64 and Minnehaha Academy 62.
 
Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls in the final seconds of the game.
 
In a hard fought game, Redwood Valley came away with the 70-65 victory over Minnehaha Academy.
 
Minnehaha Academy was led in scoring by Gerald McCarver with 17 points and John Pryor with 15
points.
 
Minnehaha Academy shot 25-57 from the field, 7-21 from the three-point line, and 8-13 from the freethrow line.
 
Redwood Valley was led in scoring by Michael Busack with 28 points and JT Radel with 23 points.
 
Redwood Valley shot 23-48 from the field. That included going 4-10 from behind the three-point line,
and 20-29 from the free-throw line.
 
After the game I was able to talk to Redwood Valley's had coach Markus Okeson about the quarterfinal
game. I was also able to talk to Redwood Valley's Michael Busack and JT Radel about the game. 

MAPLE GROVE TOOK ON OSSEO IN THE BOYS' STATE HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER

Osseo took on Maple Grove in the quarterfinal game of the Minnesota State High School League Boys'
State Tournament.

As the game got underway Osseo looked to set the pace early in the contest. Terez Wayne VanPelt took
the ball hard to the basket.

Both teams took their time on the offensive end. They didn't want to rush shots.

Joey Curtis Sonnenfeld for Osseo took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to blow past his
defenders.

Maple Grove's James Morris took the ball strong to the basket. He was able to get his teammates
involved in the game offense.

Osseo kept attacking the basket. Maple Grove did a good job of trying to get to the basket in the crowd
of Osseo defenders.

Osseo continued to shoot well late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Osseo 38 and Maple Grove 32.

As the second half got underway Sonnenfeld continued to shoot the ball well. He was very determined
on the offensive end.

Osseo continued to make shots.

James Morris for Maple Grove found his shot as he was able to connect on a few deep three-point
shots.

Bridge Trusler for Osseo went to the basket hard. He came up with some clutch plays throughout the
game.

Darren James Herbert knew where his teammates were on the floor. He had good court awareness.

Herbert set his teammates up and was able to get them the ball in spots where they could make good
shots. When he had a good shot though, Herbert was not afraid to shoot the ball.

Osseo was able to come away with the 72-67 victory over Maple Grove.

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Brycen Wojta with 17 points and Sykler Ellingson with 15
points.

The leading scorers for Osseo were Terez Wayne VanPelt with 28 points, and Joey Sonnenfeld with 20 points.


LAKEVILE SOUTH TOOK ON EDEN PRAIRIE IN THE STATE CLASS AAAA QUARTERFINAL BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER


Lakeville South took on Eden Prairie at the Target Center in a boys' basketball state quarterfinal game.
 
The game got off to a quick start as each team went back and forth and the score was tied at 5 apiece
with 15:01.
 
Eden Prairie looked to get the ball into Grant Soderberg's hands. Soderberg's knew where he was on the court at all times and they were able to get him the ball in spots where he could make his shot.
 
The first half went back and forth. Neither team was able to go on a run.
 
Lakeville South went to a zone defense. They looked to spread the floor out and didn't let Eden Prairie
push the ball down the court.
 
Soderberg continued to take the ball strong to the basket.
 
Eden Prairie had a 43-34 lead over Lakeville South at halftime.
 
Dylan Stewart found his shot early in the second half. He was not afraid to shoot the ball from
anywhere on the court.
 
Lakeville South battled back in the second half. They didn't crack under the Eden Prairie pressure.
 
Eden Prairie responded well to the Lakeville South press. They were able to break it and score on
contested shots.
 
Lakeville South made a comeback late in the contest. They called a timeout with 5:08 left to go. The
score was Eden Prairie 67 and Lakeville South 62.
 
Lakeville South continued to cut into the deficit. They battled hard throughout the game. Lakeville
South cut the deficit to two points at 67-69 with 2:30 left in regulation.
 
The game came down to the wire.
 
Eden Prairie came away with the 79-75 victory over Lakeville South.

DULUTH EAST TOOK ON CRETIN-DERHAM HALL IN THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Duluth East Greyhounds took on the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders in the quarterfinal basketball
game of the Minnesota State High School League State Tournament.

The game got off to a quick pace but neither team was able to get their shots going. Both of these teams
had trouble scoring.

Cretin-Derham Hall looked to push the ball down the court and take the ball to the other end of the
court as quickly as possible.

Cretin-Derham-Hall went on a run midway through the first half.

At halftime the score was Cretin-Derham Hall 33 and Duluth East 25.

As the second half got underway, Cretin-Derham Hall looked to get the ball into the hands of Johnny
Woodard. Woodard was all over the court.

On the offensive end Cretin-Derham Hall was very quick. They were able to get around the Duluth
East players.

With 11:42 left in regulation the score was Cretin-Derham Hall 47 and Duluth East 37.

Raijon Kelly for Cretin-Derham Hall was not afraid to shoot the deep three-point shot.

Cretin-Derham Hall was able to make their shots throughout the game.

Duluth East didn't back down throughout the game. They fought hard. I thought that Woodard made
some amazing plays throughout the game.

Cretin-Derham Hall came away with the 68-49 victory over Duluth East.

The leading scorers for Duluth East were Johnny Woodard with 16 points and Taylor Stafford with 11
points.

The leading scorers for Cretin-Derham Hall were Taylor Montero with 23 points, Cortez Tillman with
17 points and Raijon Kelly with 13 points.

After the game I was able to talk to Cortez Tillman about the quarterfinal victory.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

OWATONNA TOOK ON HOPKINS IN THE BOYS' STATE QUARTERFINAL BASKETBALL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER

Owatonna took on Hopkins at the Target Center in the Class AAAA state quarterfinal basketball game.
 
Hopkins looked to set the tempo of the game early. As soon as the ball got out of the basket Hopkins
looked to get it down to their end.
 
Owatonna was not afraid to shoot the ball. They went right at the teeth of the Hopkins defense. They
didn't back down from it.
 
The scoring went back and forth early on in the contest. Neither team went on a run.
 
Hopkins looked to get the ball into the hands of Joe Coleman. Coleman was all over the court. On the
offensive end he looked to dribble and shoot over his defenders. On the defensive end he was able to
lock down his opponent.
 
Hopkins’ Andre Travaris McDonald looked to get his teammates involved in the plays on the offensive
end. On the defensive end he was able to slow down his opponents.
 
Owatonna went on a run midway through the first half. They were able to get a two point advantage on
Hopkins with just over 9:00 left.
 
Owatonna called a timeout with 8:09 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 18 and Owatonna 17.
 
Hopkins used both man-to-man and zone defense. They looked to keep Owatonna guessing on what
they were trying to do.
 
The Hopkins players knew where each other was on the court. They did a good job of calling for the
ball. When someone had an open shot the guards did a good job of getting them the ball. On the
defensive end they did a good job of talking to each other to let their teammates know where they were
on the court.
 
At halftime the score was Hopkins 40 and Owatonna 29.
 
Hopkins continued to look inside to get Coleman the ball. Coleman continued to take the ball the ball
hard to the basket.
 
Owatonna was able to get within 10 points at 51-41 with 11:00 left in the second half.
 
Hopkins continued to roll.
 
Owatonna called a timeout with 7:43 to go. The score was Hopkins 56 and Owatonna 48.
 
Coleman came up with a nasty one-handed slam dunk that made Owatonna call a timeout.
 
Hopkins went on to win the game by the final of 71-57.

DULUTH EAST TOOK ON CRETIN-DERHAM HALL IN THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Duluth East Greyhounds took on the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders in the quarterfinal basketball
game of the Minnesota State High School League State Tournament.
 
The game got off to a quick pace but neither team was able to get their shots going. Both of these teams
had trouble scoring.
 
Cretin-Derham Hall looked to push the ball down the court and take the ball to the other end of the
court as quickly as possible.
 
Cretin-Derham-Hall went on a run midway through the first half.
 
At halftime the score was Cretin-Derham Hall 33 and Duluth East 25.
 
As the second half got underway, Cretin-Derham Hall looked to get the ball into the hands of Johnny
Woodard. Woodard was all over the court.
 
On the offensive end Cretin-Derham Hall was very quick. They were able to get around the Duluth
East players.
 
With 11:42 left in regulation the score was Cretin-Derham Hall 47 and Duluth East 37.
 
Raijon Kelly for Cretin-Derham Hall was not afraid to shoot the deep three-point shot.
 
Cretin-Derham Hall was able to make their shots throughout the game.
 
Duluth East didn't back down throughout the game. They fought hard. I thought that Woodard made
some amazing plays throughout the game.
 
Cretin-Derham Hall came away with the 68-49 victory over Duluth East.
 
The leading scorers for Duluth East were Johnny Woodard with 16 points and Taylor Stafford with 11
points.
 
The leading scorers for Cretin-Derham Hall were Taylor Montero with 23 points, Cortez Tillman with
17 points and Raijon Kelly with 13 points.

THE FIVE FINALISTS FOR THE 2011 MINNESOTA MR. BASKETBALL HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED

The Five Finalists for the 2011 Mr. Basketball award are listed as follows, alphabetically by last name:

6-3 Lucas Brown, Roseville
6-4 Joe Coleman, Hopkins
6-8 Shelby Moats, Waconia
6-6 Kyle Noreen, MN Transitions
6-8 Jake White, Chaska
 
College choice:
 
Brown - Wofford
Coleman - Minnesota
Moats - Vanderbilt
Noreen - Undecided
White - Wichita State

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

2011 MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE BOYS' BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT

March 21, 2011

Contact: Kevin Merkle or Howard W. Voigt / MSHSL
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
State Boys’ Basketball Tournament
 
St. Paul Johnson, Hopkins to defend titles as top seeds
 
Four teams making first appearances
 
The coaches have selected the top seeds of the two largest school classes — St. Paul Johnson in
Class AAA and Hopkins in Class AAAA.
 
St. Paul Johnson and Hopkins are also the only two schools returning to defend their 2010 titles.
 
If Johnson wins, it would be the second consecutive and overall title for the Governors. If the Hopkins
Royals win, it would be their third consecutive and seventh overall title.
 
Four teams are making first appearances: Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa and Upsala in Class A, and
Perham and Zimmerman in Class AA.
 
This is the 15th year of the four-class format, and the eighth with all games being played in
Minneapolis. It’s also the fourth year that the top four teams in Class AAA and Class AAAA were
seeded and their opponents determined by blind draw. The head coaches of the 16 schools logged onto a special page of the League Web site and each coach ranked the other teams 1 through 7. The highest and lowest rankings for each team were discarded, leaving five rankings for each team. From those rankings, the top four seeds were selected. In conference calls with all eight head coaches of each class, League Associate Director Kevin Merkle announced the top four seeds. A coaches association representative then conducted a blind draw of the four remaining teams to establish the opponents for the seeded teams.
 
The 2011 State Boys’ Basketball Tournament starts Wednesday, March 23. Quarterfinal games
will be played at Target Center on Wednesday, March 23, and at Williams Arena on the University of
Minnesota campus in Minneapolis on both Wednesday and Thursday, March 23 and 24. Semifinals will be played at Target Center on Thursday March 24 and Friday March 25. The championship games of all four classes will be played at Target Center on Saturday March 26. Third-place games will be played on Saturday at Concordia University in St. Paul.
 
Detailed statistics provided by qualified teams are available on the League’s Web site —
www.MSHSL.org — as a Media Guide link under Tournaments, then Winter, then Boys’ Basketball.
Class A Preview
 
(Section 1) Goodhue (24-7) vs. (Section 6) Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (30-0): The unranked
Goodhue Wildcats return to tournament action after a six-year absence and they are making their second appearance. The Wildcats shoot 47.2 percent from the field and also average 9.4 steals per game. 

Senior Ashton Erie was the top scorer for Goodhue this year; he averages 22.4 points per game. Nathan Voth, a senior, grabs 6.8 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. The Jaguars of Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, who
enter the tournament ranked No. 1 in the final Minnesota Basketball News (MBN) poll, are making their first tournament appearance. They outscore their opponents by an average of 26.1 points and also
average 19.2 assists per game. Senior Kevin Kuefler has over 1,200 career points and averages 19.0 per game. Junior Connor Goodwin is the top rebounder for Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa; he corrals 8.5 per game.

(Section 3) MACCRAY, Clara City (26-3) vs. (Section 4) Maranatha Christian Academy,
Brooklyn Park (26-2  ): The No. 5-ranked Wolverines of MACCRAY are making their second
appearance under this name; their first was in 1996. Clara City also made two additional appearances in 1978 and 1983. Senior Seth Hinrichs, who will play for Lafayette College in Easton, Penn., next year, averages 22.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Junior Brady Boike is the second-leading scorer for MACCRAY. He averages 13.0 points per game and also nabs 7.0 rebounds per game. The Mustangs of Maranatha Christian Academy, who were No. 3 in the final MBN poll, return for their second appearance. They made their debut in 2006. The Mustangs have three players who average more than 11 points per game: junior Darian Pittman (11.8), junior Jamey Hammond (11.5), and sophomore Isaiah Hanson (11.3). Philip Eickman, a senior, averages 7.4 rebounds per game.
 
(Section 7) Chisholm (27-3) vs. (Section 8) Fosston (21-6): The Chisholm Bluestreaks return to
the tournament after a one-year absence. They are making their 19th appearance and are in the hunt for
their fifth title. They won previously in 1934, 1973, 1975, and 1991. Ranked No. 9 in the final MBN
poll, Chisholm averages 50.0 rebounds per game and also shoots 40.0 percent from three-point range.
Senior Adam Vake leads the Bluestreaks with 20.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The unranked
Fosston Greyhounds, who won the first boys’ basketball tournament in 1913, are making their eighth
appearance. Their last appearance was in 1921. Senior Garrett Carlin leads this year’s squad in both
points (17.6) and rebounds (10.7) per game. Junior Kyle Arneson is the second-leading scorer for
Fosston; he adds 12.4 points per game.

(Section 2) Springfield (23-3) vs. (Section 5) Upsala (25-3): Ranked No. 8 by MBN, Springfield
returns to make its second consecutive and third overall appearance. The Tigers lost in the quarterfinals of the 2010 tournament. Seniors Jesse Kieper and Cody Milbrath pace Springfield with 19.3 and 17.4 points per game, respectively. Milbrath also grabs a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game. Senior Tyler Marz, who averages 10.7 points per game, will play football for the University of Wisconsin next year.
 
The unranked Cardinals of Upsala are making their debut tournament appearance. Seniors Jacob Voss
and Brandon Welinski lead this year’s team with 15.9 and 14.2 points per game, respectively. Voss also adds a team-high 8.3 rebounds per game.
 
Class A Quarterfinal Schedule — Thursday, March 24
11:00 a.m. — Goodhue vs. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa at Williams Arena, U of M
1:00 p.m. — MACCRAY vs. Maranatha Christian Academy at Williams Arena, U of M
3:00 p.m. — Chisholm vs. Fosston at Williams Arena, U of M
5:00 p.m. — Springfield vs. Upsala at Williams Arena, U of M
 
Class AA Preview
 
(Section 1) Rochester Lourdes (22-7) vs. (Section 6) Long Prairie-Grey Eagle (25-4):
Rochester Lourdes is making its third appearance, but first since 2000. The Eagles did not provide team or individual statistics. The Thunder of Long Prairie-Grey Eagle return to tournament action after an eight-year absence. This is their fourth appearance under this name, and Long Prairie made one
additional appearance in 1991. The Thunder shoot 52.0 percent from the field and also average 30.0
rebounds per game. Senior Cody Warner, who had 15 double-doubles this season, averages 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Junior Duane Miller adds 12.1 points per game. Neither team was ranked in the final MBN poll.
 
(Section 3) Redwood Valley, Redwood Falls (21-7) vs. (Section 4) Minnehaha Academy,
Minneapolis (17-12): Unranked Redwood Valley returns to tournament play for the first time since
2002, making its sixth tournament appearance. Senior JT Radel and junior Michael Busack lead the
Cardinals in scoring. Radel averages 21.3 points per game, and Busack averages 21.0 points and 8.0
rebounds per game. The unranked Redhawks of Minnehaha Academy return for their second
consecutive and third overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals of the 2010 tournament.
 
Sophomore Gerald McCarver scores 19.4 points and grabs 5.0 rebounds per game. Senior Matt Pryor
adds 16.7 points per game Minnehaha Academy outscored opponents by an average of 19.5 points per
game this season.
 
(Section 7) Virginia (26-4) vs. (Section 5) Perham (28-1): After a one-year hiatus, Virginia
returns to tournament action in its 13th appearance. The Blue Devils, who won one previous title in
1916, were not ranked in the final MBN poll. Senior Cavan Stackpool and Mitchl Buck lead the Blue
Devils with 16.7 and 14.6 points per game, respectively. Buck also has a team-high 10.9 rebounds per
game. The No. 6-ranked Perham Yellowjackets are making their debut appearance. They outscore their
opponents by an average of 26.1 points per game and shoot 47.5 percent from the field. Senior Nick
Tobkin averages 12.4 points per game and junior Mark Schumacher grabs 8.2 rebounds per game.
(Section 2) Waterville-Elysian-Morristown (28-2) vs. (Section 5) Zimmerman (22-8): The
Buccaneers of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown return to the tournament for the first time since 2002.
 
This is their third appearance. Ranked No. 7 in the final MBN poll, the Bucs defeated their opponents by an average of 30.0 points this season. Junior Tate Harmon averages 16.3 points per game and senior Jordan Gregor adds 7.5 rebounds game. Gregor is also the all-time rebounder for Waterville-Elysian- Morristown. Unranked Zimmerman is making its first tournament appearance. Senior Brandon Giese, who has more than 1,000 career points, is the top scorer for the Thunder with 18.5 points per game.
 
Blake Ehley, another senior, adds 12.2 points per game and also tallies a team-high 4.3 rebounds per
game. Zimmerman averages 72.8 points per game.
 
Class AA Quarterfinal Schedule — Wednesday, March 23
 
6:00 p.m. — Rochester Lourdes vs. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle at Target Center
 
8:00 p.m. — Redwood Valley vs. Minnehaha Academy at Target Center
 
6:00 p.m. — Virginia vs. Perham at Williams Arena, U of M
 
8:00 p.m. — Waterville-Elysian-Morristown vs. Zimmerman at Williams Arena, U of M
 
Class AAA Preview
 
(Section 1) New Prague (23-6) vs. (Section 4 & No. 1 Seed) St. Paul Johnson (25-3): New
Prague is making its ninth trip to the tournament, last appearing in 2009. The Trojans finished the season ranked No. 10 in the final MBN poll. Senior Jed Kreuser, the leading scorer with an average of 13.6 points per game, has hit more than 100 three-point shots this season and averages 49.0 percent from long range. Senior Cale Girten adds 12.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, while junior Jake Meyer pulls down 9.5 rebounds per game. The Class AAA defending champion Governors of St. Paul Johnson enter tournament play ranked No. 1 in the final MBN poll. It is the team’s third consecutive and ninth overall appearance. This year’s team averages 80.0 points per game and shoots 55 percent from the field. Seniors Estan Tyler and Roosevelt Scott are the top scorers for the Governors; they average 17.6 and 16.9 points per game, respectively.
 
(Section 2) Marshall (21-8) vs. (Section 3 & No. 4 Seed) Columbia Heights (23-6): Unranked
Marshall returns to the tournament for the first time since 2001. It is the eighth appearance for the Tigers who won a championship in 1963. Senior Caleb Johnson, who is 42 points shy of 1,000 career points, is the top scorer for Marshall. He averages 15.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Senior Collin Hoover adds another 6.8 rebounds per game. The Hylanders of Columbia Heights are making their second appearance in the tournament. Their lone previous appearance was in 1930. Columbia Heights was ranked No. 9 in the final MBN poll. The team did not provide team or individual statistics.
 
(Section 7) Grand Rapids (19-9) vs. (Section 6 & No. 2 Seed) Waconia (21-7): Grand Rapids,
the Class AAA runner-up in 2010, is making its fourth consecutive and 10th overall tournament
appearance. The Thunderhawks finished the season unranked in the final MBN poll. Grand Rapids did
not provide team or individual statistics. The unranked Wildcats of Waconia are making their third
overall appearance and first since 2007. Waconia is led by senior Shelby Moats, who averages a doubledouble with 22.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Senior Ben Kortuem averages 11.4 points per game, and senior Bronson Scheff adds 10.4 points and 4.4 assists per game.
 
(Section 8) St. Cloud Apollo (25-4) vs. (Section 6 & No. 3 Seed) Orono (24-5): The No. 4-
ranked Eagles of St. Cloud Apollo are making their first trip to the tournament since 1973 and second
appearance overall. Four seniors average double-digit scoring for the Eagles: Simon Krych with 14.8
points and 8.7 rebounds per game; Blake Maslonkowski, 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds; Ibrahim Abukar, 12.2 points and 4.9 assists; and Derek Steve, 12.1 points and 4.9 assists. Abukar, Krych and
Maslonkowski have scored more than 1,000 career points. Orono returns for a second consecutive and
overall appearance, looking to improve on last year’s loss in the quarterfinals. The Spartans were ranked
 
No. 8 in the final MBN poll. Senior Jordan Smith is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 21.3 points per game. Senior Kyle Mileusnic leads the team in assists with an average of 5.7 per game, and senior
Jeremy Borg is the top rebounder with 5.5 per game.
 
The Class AAA Quarterfinals Schedule — Wednesday, March 23
 
10:00 a.m. — New Prague vs. St. Paul Johnson at Williams Arena, U of M
12:00 p.m. — Marshall vs. Columbia Heights at Williams Arena, U of M
2:00 p.m. — Grand Rapids vs. Waconia at Williams Arena, U of M
4:00 p.m. — St. Cloud Apollo vs. Orono at Williams Arena, U of M
 
Class AAAA Preview

(Section 1) Owatonna (24-4) vs. (Section 6 & No. 1 Seed) Hopkins (28-1): Owatonna is making
its second consecutive and sixth overall appearance, having won titles in 1989 and 1990. The Huskies
lost in the quarterfinal round of the 2010 tournament. Senior Vaughn Thada is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17.3 points per game. Senior Mike Sebring averages 7.4 rebounds per game. Owatonna was unranked in the final MBN poll. The No. 1-ranked Royals of Hopkins are two-time defending champions, making their third consecutive and 18th overall appearance in the tournament. A three-peat this year would give Hopkins its eighth title; the team previously won in 1952, 1953, 2002, 2005 and 2006. The leading scorer for the Royals is senior Joe Coleman, who averages 21.5 points per game. Senior Marvin Singleton contributes 17.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Hopkins averages 90 points per game and hits 56.2 percent of its field goal attempts.
 
(Section 7) Duluth East (22-6) vs. (Section 4 & No. 4 Seed) Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul (22-
7): The Greyhouds of Duluth East are making their 12th appearance and first since 2006. They were
ranked No. 8 in the final MBN poll. Junior Johnny Woodard, who achieved 1,000 career points this
season, averages 23.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Junior Taylor Stafford adds strong all-around
numbers with 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 4 steals per game on average. Unranked Cretin-Derham Hall returns to tournament play for the first time since 2001. It is the eighth appearance for the Raiders, the Class AA champions in 1991 and 1993 (two-class tournament). Senior Raijon Kelly has amassed more than 1,100 career points and leads the Raiders with 15.1 per game. Taylor Montero,V another senior, adds 12.8 points per game and also grabs a team-high 5.5 rebounds per game.
 
(Section 3) Lakeville South (21-8) vs. (Section 2 & No. 2 Seed) Eden Prairie (18-10):
 
Unranked Lakeville South is appearing in its third tournament and first since 2007. Senior Alex Richter, who has more than 1,900 career points, is the top scorer with 22.0 points per game. Senior Jon Christensen adds 13.3 points per game for the Raiders and also averages 5.6 rebounds per game. 

Eden Prairie is looking to improve on its fourth-place finish in the 2010 tournament. The Eagles, making their second consecutive and seventh overall appearance, were ranked No. 4 in the final MBN poll. Senior Dylan Stewart averages 17.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Senior Conner Nord adds 6.3 rebounds per game; senior Jack Klukas leads the team in assists, averaging 4.3 per game.
 
(Section 8) Maple Grove (18-10) vs. (Section 5 & No. 3 Seed) Osseo (27-2): Unranked Maple
Grove returns to tournament play for the first time since 2005. This is the Crimson’s third appearance.
Strong shooting and balanced scoring are trademarks for Maple Grove, which makes 56 percent of its
field goal attempts. Four players average double-figure scoring: Sophomore Brycen Wojta (15.1 points per game), sophomore James Morris (12.0), senior Matt Humphries (11.4), and senior Alex Naasz (10.3). No. 2-ranked Osseo is making its sixth overall tournament appearance and was the Class AAAA champion in 2001. Senior Joey Sonnenfeld leads the Orioles in both points (17.3) and rebounds (7.9) per game. Sonnenfeld will play football for the University of North Dakota next year. Senior Terez VanPelt is the second-leading scorer for Osseo. He averages 16.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
 
The Class AAAA Quarterfinals Schedule — Wednesday, March 23
 
10:00 a.m. — Owatonna vs. Hopkins at Target Center
12:00 p.m. — Duluth East vs. Cretin-Derham Hall at Target Center
2:00 p.m. — Lakeville South vs. Eden Prairie at Target Center
4:00 p.m. — Maple Grove vs. Osseo at Target Center
 
Ticket Information
 
Tickets will be available at Target Center and Williams Arena. Quarterfinal tickets cost $14.00
for adults and $9.00 for students. Quarterfinal wristbands, which are good at both venues on Wednesday only, are $19.00 for adults and $12.00 for students. Semifinal and championship tickets will be available at Target Center and are $14.00 for adults and $9.00 for students per session. Third-place tickets will be available at Concordia University and are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students.
 
A visit to any participating Wells Fargo metro location can yield you a $2 discount coupon for
students 13 and younger.
 
Webcast and Television
 
All quarterfinal games will be taped for delayed webcast on prep45.kstc45.com. All semifinal
and championship games will be televised live by KSTC TV, Channel 45, and streamed live and free on the Web at prep45.kstc45.com. Live statistics will also be displayed on the League Web site.
 
— 30 —
 
Individual and team statistics provided by the schools are posted on the League's Web
site. Tournament results will also be posted on the Web site. The League’s Web site address
is www.MSHSL.org.

NICOLLET TOOK ON MARANATHA IN THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS A GIRLS’ STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Nicollet and Maranatha Christian Academy took on each other in the Minnesota State High School
League Class A Championship game at the Target Center.
 
The game got off to a quick start as each team hit shots early on.
 
Nicollet came out in a zone defense. They looked to spread Maranatha out on the offensive end.
 
The score was tied at 15 with 6:58 left in the first half.

Each team played a very physical defense. Neither team got an easy shot.
 
Maranatha went on a little run late in the first half. After the Maranatha run Nicollet went on a little
run.
 
The game went back and forth throughout the first half. I thought both teams were evenly balanced.
 
At halftime the score was Maranatha 24 and Nicollet 21.
 
As the second half got underway Nicollet came out in a zone defense. They used the zone defense
throughout the second half.

Maranatha went on a run midway through the second half. Madson Lee was all over the court. She was
able make her shots that she took. That helped them go on a run in the second half.
 
The game came down the wire.
 
Maranatha came away with the 59-52 victory over Nicollet.

ROBBINSDALE COOPER TOOK ON OSSEO IN BOYS' BASKETBALL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Robbinsdale Cooper and Osseo took to the basketball court for a regional final game at Rogers High
School.
 
Osseo started the game looking to push the ball up the court. They wanted to set a quick game tempo.
 
Osseo looked to get the ball into their big man Ian Theisen. Theisen would take the ball strong to the
basket. On the defensive end Theisen was able to slow down his defender when Osseo was in man-to-man.
 
Osseo's Terez Wayne VanPelt found his way to the basket. He was able to create his own shots in the
Osseo offense.
 
Robbinsdale Cooper took a timeout with 10:03 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 15 and
Robbinsdale Cooper 8.
 
Robbinsdale Cooper didn't back down to Osseo. They kept pounding the ball inside. They looked to get the ball into the hands of Terrance Averyheart. Averyheart looked to drive hard to the basket.
 
With 7:57 left in the first half. Osseo called a timeout. The score was Osseo 19 and Robbinsdale
Cooper 8.
 
Cooper’s Raheem Tyner shot a three-point shot with just over 7:00 left and that tied the score at 19.
 
Cooper was able to go on a run. Osseo had a hard time scoring baskets for a period of time.
 
VanPelt was able to knock down some three-point shots late in the first half. That kept Osseo in the
ball game.
 
At halftime the score was Osseo 33 and Robbinsdale Cooper 23.
 
Osseo came out of the half fired up. They looked to attacked the basket on the offensive end.
 
Robbinsdale Cooper called a time out with 15:57 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 39 and
Robbinsdale Cooper 24.
 
Osseo came out of fire. They really knocked down their shots.
 
Cooper couldn’t get their shots to fall in the second half.
 
Osseo came away with the 74-50 victory over Cooper.

Friday, March 18, 2011

BENILDE-ST. MARGARET'S TOOK ON DE LA SALLE IN THE GIRLS' STATE SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER

The Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights took on the De La Salle Islanders in a girls’ state semifinal
game.
 
Benilde-St. Margaret's came out on fire. They were able to hit shots from the start. De La Salle had
trouble hitting their shots at the start of the game.
 
Benilde-St. Margaret’s went on a run midway through the first half. De La Salle couldn't find their
shot.
 
De La Salle tied the game at 17 with 7:20 left in the first half.
 
De La Salle looked to push the ball down the court in transition. There guards did a good job of getting
the ball out of the basket and getting it to the other end of the court.
 
With 3:49 left in the first half the score was De La Salle 22 and Benilde-St. Margaret's 21.
 
The game remained close throughout the first half.
 
At halftime the score was De La Salle 26 and Benilde-St. Margaret's 24.
 
As the second half got underway both teams kept up the defensive pressure. Neither team was able to
hit easy shots.
 
With 14:09 left in regulation the score was De La Salle 30 and Benilde-St. Margaret's 28.
 
There were many ties and lead changes throughout the game.
 
Neither team went on a run in the second half;
 
The game came down to the wire.
 
De LaSalle came away with the 55-46 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret's.
 
The leading scorers for Benilde-St. Margaret's were Khadijah Shumpert with 16 points and Grace
Coughlin with 13 points.
 
Benilde-St. Margaret's shot 15-45 from the field that included going 4-15 from behind the three-point
line. The also shot 12-19 from the free throw line.
 
De LaSalle was lead in scoring by Tyseanna Johnson with 19 points and Mariah Adanene with 20
points.
 
De LaSalle shot 18-38 from the field including going 5-13 from behind the three-point line. They shot
14-28 from the free throw line.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

JACKSON COUNTY CENTRAL TOOK ON MINNEHAHA ACADEMY IN THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ STATE BASKETBALL QUARTERFINAL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER

The Jackson County Central Huskies took on the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks in the Class AAA
quarterfinal game at the Target Center.
 
The game was close throughout the first half. The score went back and forth in the early goings.
Jackson County Central wasn't afraid to shoot over people. They took the ball hard to the basket.
 
There were numerous ties and lead changes in the first half.
 
Minnehaha went to a zone defense. They looked to spread Jackson County Central out.
 
Sarina Baker had a few nice steals. It looked at times that she just took the ball away from the other
player. She was able to dribble down the whole court and go in for an uncontested layup.
 
At halftime the score was JCC 23 and Minnehaha Academy 22.
 
As the second half got underway Minnehaha took off. They were able to make a run at the start of the
half.
 
The score went back and forth throughout the second half.
 
Both teams were able to make a run at each other.
 
The game came down to the wire. Minnehaha came away with the 60-59 victory over Jackson County
Central.

SAUK CENTRE TOOK ON CALEDONIA IN THE GIRLS' STATE QUARTERFINAL BASKETBALL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER

Sauk Centre took on Caledonia at the Target Center in the Minnesota State High School League girls’
state basketball quarterfinal game.
 
Caledonia came out hot as they were able to gain a 6-0 lead before Sauk Centre was able to make a
shot.
 
Sauk Centre responded well though. They were able to answer and got within a point at 6-5 with 12:06
left in the first half.
 
Caledonia didn't back down throughout the first half. They kept the pressure on Sauk Centre.
 
Caladonia's Maria Fruechte took the ball hard to the basket. They went on a run midway through the
half.
 
The first half was very close.
 
At halftime the score was tied at 27.
 
As the second half got underway both teams continued to play solid defense. Neither team was able to
get open attempts at the basket. All of the shots were contested.
 
For Caledonia, Emma Lange was able to most of her shots that she was putting up. Her teammates did
a good job of getting her the ball in spots where she could make shots.
 
Sauk Centre went on a run midway though the half. Caledonia went cold as they were not able to hit
shots.
 
Caledonia made the game interesting in the second half as they were able to go on a run. But in the end

Sauk Centre was too much for Caledonia.
 
Sauk Centre came away with the 58-43 victory over Caledonia.

ANOKA TOOK ON LAKEVILLE NORTH IN THE QUARTERFINAL GAME OF THE MSHSL GIRLS' BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Anoka Tornadoes took on the Lakeville North Panthers in the quarterfinal game of the girls state
basketball tournament at the Target Center.

Lakeville North looked to push the ball up the court. They did a good job of getting the ball down the
court and getting it to their big men.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run.

Lakeville North went on a run midway through the first half.

Even though Anoka had a hard time making shots in the first half they didn’t give up. They continued
to take the ball down the court.

Lakeville North continued to hit their shots late down the stretch.

At halftime the score was Lakeville North 34 and Anoka 14.

Lakeville North's Rachel Banham played well throughout the game. Her teammates knew where she
was on the floor and got her the ball in spots where she could make baskets.

Lakeville North was too strong for Anoka.

Lakeville North came away with the 64-40 victory over Anoka.

The leading scorer for Anoka was Shauni Payeur with 14 points. The leading scorers for Lakeville
North were Rachel Banham with 27 points and Apiew Ojulu with 14 points.

ROCHESTER MAYO TOOK ON EDEN PRAIRIE IN THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL STATE QUARTERFINAL GAME

Rochester Mayo took on Eden Prairie in the girls’ state quarterfinal game. Rochester Mayo got out to a
quick start.

Julie Miller for Mayo started the game on fire.

The pace of the game was slow. Neither team was able to hit their shots in the opening minutes of the
game.

Both teams played extremely well on the defensive end. Neither team took many shots in the first half.

It was a very low scoring affair across the board in the first half.

Eden Prairie trapped Rochester Mayo and they were able to create turnovers. Eden Prairie was able to
create points off of those turnovers.

At halftime the score was Eden Prairie 27 and Rochester Mayo 16.

Eden Prairie came out of halftime on fire. They got up 34-16 with 16:07 left in regulation before

Rochester made a shot.

Eden Prairie went to a zone defense. They were able to spread Rochester Mayo out.

Rochester Mayo had a difficult time making their shots that they put up.

Eden Prairie went on fire in the second half. Rochester Mayo had a hard time slowing down the Eden
Prairie offense.

Eden Prairie went on to win the game by the final of 55-28. Eden Prairie was led in scoring by Rose
VanRiper and Jackie Johnson each with 15 points each.

The leading scorer for Rochester Mayo was Julie Miller with 13 points.