Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Amanda Zahui B. Officially Joins Minnesota Women's Basketball 2012 Recruiting Class


According to Sarah Turcotte, "Minnesota women’s basketball head coach Pam Borton announced Wednesday that Amanda Zahui B., a 6-foot-5 center from Stockholm, Sweden, signed to play for the Gophers this season. Zahui B. can join the team as early as Dec. 26.

The center originally signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Minnesota in May, but was not certified through the NCAA Eligibility Center in  time to join the Gophers in the fall.

“I am very excited that Amanda will be joining the team this winter,” Borton said. “She worked extremely hard the last five months in order to become eligible, and it only reinforces how dedicated she is to becoming a Gopher.”   

Zahui B. will bring size, strength, versatility, athleticism and experience to the Gophers’ roster in 2012-13, as she has proven to be one of the best players in Sweden. She has been an integral member of Sweden’s national team for the past six years and also plays in the Swedish League with her club team, Telge Basket, made up of the best talent in the country. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

USA TODAY High School Sports News - USAT and USATodayHSS.com

Check out USA Today's coverage of the top basketball players from across the country: "A few of the nation's elite recruits have agreed to let us into their worlds through monthly blog entries."

Saturday, October 27, 2012

PETER TAYE OLAFESO

JUDGE UPHOLDS PARIRIE SEEDS ACADEMY DISQUALIFICATION

According to the Minnesota State High School League,  "Judge upholds the disqualification of team from state soccer tournament.

Following a hearing in Hennepin County District Court this morning, Judge Jay M. Quam denied a
motion for a temporary restraining order that would have temporarily prevented the Minnesota State High
School League’s disqualification of Prairie Seeds Academy of Brooklyn Park from the State Class A
Boys’ Soccer Tournament.
 
Prairie Seeds Academy was disqualified by the League for violating League bylaws which led to
use of an ineligible player this season. League Bylaw 304—Ineligible Student states: “If an ineligible
student is used in any interscholastic contest, whether deliberately or inadvertently, forfeiture of the game
and honors for team sports … shall be automatic and mandatory.”
 
“It's unfortunate anytime students are not allowed to participate,” stated League Executive Director
Dave Stead following Judge Quam’s ruling. “The decision upholds the integrity of the League’s bylaws.”

Friday, October 26, 2012

Banham Named to Preseason All-Big Ten Women’s Basketball Team

According to Sarah Turcotte, "The Big Ten Conference announced on Thursday that Minnesota sophomore Rachel Banham was named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Women’s Basketball Team as voted by the league’s head coaches. The last Gopher named to a Preseason All-Big Ten Team was Emily Fox in 2008.

Banham, who was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a member of the All-Big Ten Second Team last season, was the only underclassman named to either of the seven-person preseason honor squads. Joining Banham on the preseason coaches team were Iowa’s Morgan Johnson, Nebraska’s Jordan Hooper, Ohio State’s Tayler Hill, Penn State’s Alex Bentley and Maggie Lucas and Purdue’s Courtney Moses. 

Hill and Bentley were named the coaches’ Preseason Co-Players of the Year, while Penn State was predicted to finish first in the league by both the coaches and the media. Nebraska was picked to finish second by both entities, while the coaches selected Purdue to finish third and the media selected Ohio State to finish third.

Hill was also the Preseason Player of the Year as voted on by the media and was joined on the Preseason All-Big Ten Media Team by Hooper, Lindsay Moore, Bentley and Lucas.   

Banham enters her sophomore campaign with 580 career points. The guard was not only one of the best freshmen in the country last season, but she was also one of the finest players in the country as she ranked 97th overall nationally in points per game (16.1) and 74th in free throw percentage (.817).

Her 580 points were the third-highest total among the nation's freshmen last year, and were the most points scored of any freshman in the six power conferences. Banham also set Minnesota program freshman records in points, field goals, field goal attempts and three-point percentage.

Banham and the Gophers will see their first action of the 2012-13 season on Wednesday, Oct. 31 in an exhibition contest vs. Concordia St. Paul at Williams Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7:00 p.m."
  

Thursday, October 25, 2012

NFHS Responds to American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on Cheerleading Injuries

According to Bruce Howard Director of Publications and Communications, National Federation of State High School Associations, "On October 22, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement with guidelines to help prevent cheerleading injuries. Many of the recommendations – including qualified coaches and injury surveillance – are worthwhile and important to minimizing risk for the nearly 400,000 high school cheerleaders. 
  
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) agrees with many of the recommendations and, in fact, has worked for more than 20 years to minimize risk for high school cheerleaders. In 1988, the NFHS published its first guidelines for sideline cheerleading. Those guidelines became the basis for the NFHS Spirit Rules Book, which was first published in 1992.

With the continual growth of cheerleading, the NFHS also recognizes the need for properly educated and trained coaches. In 2009, the NFHS Coach Education Program introduced the first of two online education courses designed for spirit coaches. “Spirit Safety Certification,” developed with the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA), is designed to provide information and advice to help spirit coaches assess and make changes to their current safety program, with the goal to minimize the risks involved in cheerleading.

A year later, the NFHS introduced the “Fundamentals of Coaching Cheer and Dance” course designed to help coaches with skills and tactics, including a review of philosophy, communication techniques and risk management. Both courses have been instrumental in educating spirit coaches, with more than 15,000 courses delivered since their debuts. All courses can be viewed at www.nfhslearn.com.
 
The NFHS also agrees that injury surveillance is important to help prevent future injuries. Since 2009, cheerleading has been included in the High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, commissioned by the NFHS and compiled by Dr. Dawn Comstock, principal investigator for the Center of Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In 2011-12, cheerleading injury rates were 0.57 per 1,000 athlete exposures, which was 17th out of the 20 sports studied. (visit http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/cirp-rio-study-reports for the full reports.)

The NFHS also works with the National Center for Catastrophic Injury Research at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, which has been collecting catastrophic injury data on cheerleading for 30 years.

Concussions are also a significant injury to all high school athletes, including cheerleaders, which is why the NFHS added language to all its rules books – including spirit – specifying how athletes should be treated when suspected of having a concussion. The guidelines include being immediately removed from activity and being examined by an appropriate health-care professional before returning to activity. In addition, the free online course “Concussion in Sports – What you Need to Know” has been taken by almost 600,000 individuals at www.nfhslearn.com
 
The NFHS strives to minimize risk for all high school athletes, including cheerleaders. The spirit community – administrators, coaches, parents and cheerleaders – should know that this support system of rules, education and research exists to provide a safer environment for all cheerleaders."

DAVID JOEL STERN TO RETIRE IN 2014

According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, "NBA commissioner David Stern will retire on Feb. 1, 2014, completing a 30-year run in which he helped grow the league to dramatic new heights of popularity.

The elevation of Adam Silver, Stern's deputy, to commissioner was unanimously approved Thursday by the NBA Board of Governors.

Stern, 70, has been the NBA's commissioner since Feb. 1, 1984. Last December, at the time a new collective bargaining agreement was announced, he predicted it would be the final labor deal before he steps down.

"This is a 10-year (labor) deal, with a re-opener at six," Stern said at the time, explaining that either the owners or the players union can opt out after six seasons. "I'm not planning to be here certainly for the 10 and probably not the six."

Stern's first work for the league came in 1966 as outside counsel. As commissioner, he has guided the league through the eras of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. For many NBA fans, he is the only commissioner they have known."

Prairie Seeds Academy Disqualified from State Soccer Tournament‏

According to the Minnesota State High School League Prairie Seeds Academy disqualified from state soccer tournament.

Use of an ineligible player during the entire 2012 soccer season has led the Minnesota State High
School League to disqualify Prairie Seeds Academy from the State Class A Boys’ Soccer Tournament.
 
During its investigation of an altercation that broke out following the Section 5A championship
soccer match between Prairie Seeds Academy of Brooklyn Park and Totino-Grace of Fridley, the League
received information that questioned the eligibility of a Prairie Seeds Academy player that was involved in
the post-game altercation.
 
Records showed that the student attended a different school during the 2011-12 school year and
transferred to Prairie Seeds Academy this fall. A Student Transfer Online Form was never initiated by
Prairie Seeds Academy. Thus, the student was never eligible to participate in varsity soccer, and per
League Bylaw 304—Ineligible Player, the game and honors shall be forfeited.
 
Prairie Seeds Academy defeated Totino-Grace 2-1 on Oct. 18 to advance to this week’s
quarterfinals. Prairie Seeds Academy was seeded No. 2 by the qualifying team coaches and Marshall
School of Duluth was randomly selected to face them this Friday, Oct. 26. Due to the disqualification,
Marshall School will advance to next week’s semifinal at the Metrodome. Totino-Grace will not replace
Prairie Seeds Academy because of the uncertainty of which team may have advanced earlier in the section
tournament had Prairie Seeds Academy not played.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors and League staff are extremely
disappointed by the action of individuals immediately following, and connected directly to, the Oct. 18,
2012, Section 5A Championship Soccer Game held at Maple Grove High School,” said League Executive
Director Dave Stead. “Such behavior is not condoned and should never be a part of any high school game
or school activity.”
 
The constitution of the League provides that “… member school(s) will abide by and enforce the
Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations of the League.” Both Prairie Seeds
Academy and Totino-Grace have submitted 2012-2013 Resolution for Membership forms to the League
office. —MORE—
 
The constitution of the League further provides that the League Board of Directors:
 
“… has general supervision over all interscholastic contests between members of the League and
shall make arrangements for and have full charge of all state tournaments and state interscholastic meets.
 
“It shall also exercise authority over all eligibility problems and cases which are not specifically
provided for.
 
“It shall have control of all sub region, region and section contests, but each region committee is
charged with their immediate management.
 
“It shall provide penalties for violations of the bylaws of the League when they are not specific in
the Constitution and/or Activity Bylaws.
 
“It shall interpret all bylaws and provisions set forth in this Constitution, the Activity Bylaws and
other bylaws and regulations of the League. The Board may delegate this responsibility to the executive
director for periods between meetings.”
 
On Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, members of the League staff and the coaches and administrative
representatives from Prairie Seeds Academy and Totino-Grace High School met in the League office to
review and discuss the facts surrounding the altercation that occurred in the vicinity of the Totino-Grace
team bench with no time remaining on the clock at the conclusion of the Oct. 18, 2012, Section 5A
Championship Soccer Game.
 
Following a thorough, frame-by-frame review of video that was provided to the League by
Channel 12 of Northwest Community Television, Brooklyn Park, League staff and the coaches and
administrative representatives from both schools agreed that six players from each school had been
involved in the altercation in varying degrees.
 
Five players were determined to have thrown punches at or kicked players or coaches from the
opposing team, and five players were determined to have been involved to a lesser degree. It was also
agreed that two players identified in the video were not involved in the altercation.
 
League staff then reviewed the powers and duties of the League Board of Directors, the most
current League Official Handbook and the current NFHS Soccer Rules Book. Then League staff consulted
individually with members of the League Board of Directors Executive Committee, which authorized the
League executive director to take the following action:
 
Five players will be ineligible for a minimum period of four weeks;
 
Five other players will be ineligible for one game;
 
Two players will have no penalty.
 
In addition, the full League Board of Directors will review the entire incident when they meet in
regular session on Dec. 6, 2012. Additional action may be taken at that time as determined by the Board.
The League has no further comment.
— 30 —

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

UNLOST CAUSE: Hope for football at South

Click here to find out more!
 By Jason Gonzalez, Star Tribune,

"Lenny Sedlock's face shows the battle wounds of 13 years as football coach at Minneapolis South High School. Deep furrows under his prominent brow and lines under his blue eyes.

The 52-year-old's stubby, bitten fingernails and cracking voice hint of the daily struggles at the most populated city school, which sits near Lake Street and Cedar Avenue in the heart of one of the Twin Cities' most challenged neighborhoods.

South, one of the state's oldest high schools, boasts a 91 percent graduation rate and attracts students with its high academic standards. It has fielded top teams in boys' soccer and girls' basketball.

Football is a different story.

High on a brick wall in the school cafeteria hang six state championship banners, remnants of South's football pinnacle dating to the 19th century. The last one was won in 1923. These days even titles in the relatively weak seven-team conference of Minneapolis schools elude South's grasp. With the area's top football players best known for leaving South to play in more successful programs, such as rival Washburn or in the suburbs, and academic and off-field problems an ongoing issue, Sedlock's program isn't focused only on wins and loses. Against that backdrop, the coach dreams of restoring the glory that was once South football, replete with players who view the game as a priority and a privilege, a community that turns out for games, and a team that competes every Friday.

But for now, the biggest battles at South are ones of player survival, attracting and maintaining top talent, dealing with grade-challenged athletes and teaching hard life lessons to young adults.

On the first day of practice, Aug. 13, just 55 players showed up. Sedlock watched kids in jean shorts struggle to perform basic athletic fundamentals. Others in shoes unfit for athletics fell behind during conditioning drills. Some arrived late and left early. Among his better players, three were borderline academically ineligible.

Sedlock is tired of reliving this scene each season. Convinced the decline will continue if nothing is done, he set out this year to radically change South football against seemingly impossible odds. He raised the standards of accountability. He turned his focus to building a program around underclassmen. With the team now competing in the newly formed Class 6A of Minnesota's 32 largest high schools, he advocated for the team's jump to the Lake Conference. His bid, which was rejected, would have meant playing much better teams and learning, most likely through blowouts, what it would take to compete.

To make it work will mean instilling Sedlock's intense brand of South pride into players. He learned that appreciation when he was a standout player for South in the '70s, and it pulled him back to coach his alma mater after several successful stints elsewhere.

"A lot of who I am is from here. A lot of my values were instilled at South. People want to go back and give where they received,'' he said. "I knew it'd be hard but didn't know how hard it'd be. To change the culture ... is very difficult.

"They have so many different things going on in life. Football players have to work, babysit, or take care of their elders. Our trainers come over and tell us, 'Did you know that kid hasn't eaten all day?' It's not like a private school here, or the suburbs. Surviving is a tough task with all those things out of our control."

Sedlock granted the Star Tribune total access to his program. Here are scenes from a 4-4 season that will continue Friday night when South plays at suburban powerhouse Wayzata in the first round of the 6A playoffs.

A family of 55

Eager to unveil his expectations for a better South, Sedlock let loose on opening day.

Hovering over his new crop of Tigers on the school's grass field, Sedlock immediately addressed the obvious: The team needs more players.

"We're a 6A school. We have 55 guys here today!" he screamed. "I will tell you, almost every 6A school in the state of Minnesota has five times that amount."

His players, sitting on the ground or hunched on one knee, listened quietly. He told them freshmen and sophomores would have a real shot at a varsity job. He warned upperclassmen that there were no longer guarantees.

"This year is a year of firsts," he said, revealing part of his strategy for reversing the trends that defined the program for most of his time as coach. "We're going to ask you to do things that are pretty tough. We're not going to ask you to do things that are impossible."

Talent in trouble

Plopping down the front steps of his home, Jaylin Bynum knew he'd be late for school.

If he timed it right, his trek from his home near Roosevelt High School to South would take about 20 minutes: a nearly mile-long walk to the 38th Street light-rail station, ride to Lake Street, then walk to school.

He needed to be out the door at 7:50 a.m. But on this chilly September morning, the returning football starter -- blessed with uncommon speed and the ability to play any position -- was 12 minutes late.

He needed to be more punctual, he knew, pointing out how his tardiness cost him a chance to eat breakfast served at the school.

Bynum walked past old mills and industrial buildings on the south side before squeezing into a train full of mostly adults. Along the way the 16-year-old discussed "The Great Gatsby'' and its author, F. Scott Fitzgerald. He added that creative writing had begun to interest him.

The discussion was unusual for someone who avoided the topic of schoolwork whenever possible as a sophomore. So much so that as his junior year approached, his name was at the top of a list of athletes who Sedlock believed to be academically ineligible.

Going through the motions the first day of practice, Bynum couldn't help but wonder if it would also be his last. Whether it was nerves or poor conditioning, he threw up halfway through the morning workout.

Later in the day, standing in front of Sedlock to learn his fate, Bynum's dripping sweat couldn't hide the hopeless look on his face. He remained silent as long as possible.

"Am I going to be OK?" he finally asked.

Sedlock paused before looking him in the eye.

"We'll see. ... We'll see."

The future, age 14
Payton Bowdry is the type of student-athlete South can't afford to lose.

His 6-foot-1, lean frame is defined by already-chiseled muscles with plenty of room to grow. Even at 14, the freshman shows leadership, barking at upperclassmen despite dirty looks he sometimes gets in return. He's engaged in class and sits near the front of the room. In the halls, he shows a confident personality and makes time to talk to anyone he meets.

On the field, Bowdry attracts attention when he hurdles a defender or runs him over. He has made a mark already as both a running back and a safety. Those qualities, and his athletic abilities, could make him a

Division I prospect, a rarity at South, Sedlock believes.

Keeping him enrolled is important to the future success of the program.

In the moments after an impressive homecoming victory over Minneapolis North, Sedlock was told a parent wanted to talk with him. While normally agreeable, Sedlock groaned and preferred to bask in the victory a bit longer.

"It's Payton's mom," assistant coach Byron Carter told him.

This was Sedlock's chance to make his case. Racing in their direction, he greeted Payton, his mother, Belinda, and his stepdad, Oscar Robinson.

The four stood quietly for a moment, the usually boisterous Sedlock at a loss for words. The coach had wondered if the meeting would ever happen and, if it did, how'd he handle it. Whatever he said could determine whether the freshman and his family would commit to South beyond this year.

"So, yeah," Sedlock finally began, breaking an awkward silence.

Carter, chimed in: "We want to keep him here. Keep him with the same team, good friends."

Belinda told the coaches the family was considering a move to north Minneapolis and she was concerned about how Payton would get to school each day.

Robinson suggested that it was time for Payton to learn to use the city bus system.

"I'm glad he's got a support system in sports," Belinda said while Sedlock embraced her son.

The moment was bigger than Sedlock could have anticipated.

More titles than players

Bouncing down the freeway, the yellow bus full of Tigers remained silent. An 18-mile drive to Eden Prairie provided a chance to reflect before meeting the defending Prep Bowl champion.

It was the only Class 6A team they would face until this week's playoffs.

Underneath his bulky headphones, Bynum maintained a look of determination. One row back, captain T.J. Mattson's head fell on the shoulder of quarterback Anthony Hockett as the pair welcomed a quick nap.

Near the front of the bus, the coaching staff reviewed the game plan.

What was the point of this trip, some wondered, given Eden Prairie's lopsided advantage in players and talent? But Sedlock had sought out the Eagles. They had first played last season. He knew the result likely would be a rout again. But if his players could be on the same field as the state's best and get a glimpse of what it takes to reach that level, it was worth it.

Any comfort players had worked up disappeared as the bus pulled up to the stadium. Hanging at the entrance was a list of Eden Prairie's 41 conference, section and state championships, more than the number of South players on the bus.

And players couldn't help but notice the massive marching band warming up nearby.

The Eagles' overwhelming crowd had some Tigers thinking it must be the school's homecoming. South's veterans explained to the newbies that sold-out crowds in Eden Prairie are normal.

The bleachers on the South side were mostly empty.

By halftime, huddled underneath the stadium in a makeshift locker room, the team was shell-shocked. It hadn't scored. Eden Prairie was already playing reserves, on its way to a 42-0 victory.

After the game, back on the bus, any sense of glumness appeared to vanish in a hurry, as players hollered at a group of girls walking by.

One player yelled to his teammates in protest, "I want to know why ya'll so happy after losing to Eden Prairie?" It did little to change the mood.

Alone at the front of the bus, Sedlock lay back and let out a sigh. He was disappointed the offense didn't score. But he took solace in the words of Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant, who addressed the Tigers with an unusual postgame message of hope.

"I can't tell you how much we appreciate you guys coming out to play us. You guys play hard every play, right to the end. We have all the respect in the world for you," Grant had said. "Great, classy group. We're really proud of the opportunity to be on the field with you."

Poised to keep battling

For the first time in South history, night lights flooded the Les Barnard Field, marking the Tigers' final home game of the 2012 season.

Sedlock peeked beyond the portable lights at the crowd. He had dreamed of this moment for years.

He saw bleachers full of students and alumni. Community leaders, including the Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent and the Augsburg football coaching staff. Most important of all, he saw parents of players who had never seen their sons play.

Senior captain Brandon Strong scored three touchdowns as his mother, Barbara, smiled from the stands. Her tattooed name on his chest never meant more. Boisterous cheers, rarely heard at day games, drowned out the hum of the portable lights.

Team captain Mattson heard those cheers, but he wasn't on the field. Staying warm in his letter jacket, he stood behind a chain-link fence separating the team from the spectators and held a sign: "Yay South."

In August, Mattson drew strength from Vice President Joe Biden, who dropped in on a South practice during a Twin Cities visit. Mattson aspired to be the kind of person who stood by his teammates, as Biden urged, and a team leader, as Sedlock preached during six weeks of special summer classes he put his team through to help them make better choices with their lives.

For two months Mattson exemplified those standards. He got to practice on time, helped coaches maintain structure and fulfilled his academic responsibilities.

Then came two overwhelming shutout losses, to Eden Prairie and Southwest.

A year ago, after a similar letdown on the heels of defeats, 14 players were suspended for violating team rules.

After the Southwest loss, Sedlock asked players to keep their poise. But three days before the Edison night game, a number of players skipped practice and violated other team rules. Sedlock suspended seven of them -- five were seniors, including Mattson -- for the big game.

The decisions weren't easy, especially the one involving Mattson. Tuesday afternoon before the historic night game, Sedlock sat with the crestfallen player, skipping practice himself rather than leave his side. Three hours passed as they talked about mistakes and finding a path to mending them.

"I felt like I needed to," Sedlock said about sacrificing his afternoon. "Spending time with him ... I wouldn't second-guess that for nothing. To me, he's more important than winning football games."

The suspensions gave 13 freshmen a chance to dress and play in the 41-20 victory. In responding to adversity, Sedlock seized a chance to build for the future.

Sprinting along the sideline and jolting his fist in the air throughout the night, the rejuvenated coach celebrated his team's week long triumph and thought maybe his dream of rebuilding tradition could still be done.

"I've never had a feeling like anything tonight. I think it's a step forward," Sedlock said. "The last [13] years have been like this," jerking his hands in a roller-coaster motion. "This year we were on the way down. But, today, this week, we started on our way back up."

Jason Gonzalez • 612-673-673-4494 Twitter: @JGonStrib

Sunday, October 21, 2012

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ASSISTANT MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH SAUL LAMONT SMITH WAS ARRESTED FOR FOURTH-DEGREE DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED


According to a University of Minnesota press release, “University of Minnesota assistant men’s basketball coach Saul Smith was placed on indefinite unpaid administrative leave Sunday after he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Smith, the son of head men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith, was pulled over early Saturday morning after leaving a downtown Minneapolis restaurant.

“While we do not want to rush to judgment before the legal process proceeds, Coach Tubby Smith and I are taking this matter seriously,” said Gophers Director of Athletics Norwood Teague. “University of Minnesota values dictate that our coaches and staff be positive role models for our student-athletes. As such, we are taking disciplinary measures while the legal system takes its course.”

Smith, a first-time offender who is in his sixth season with the Gophers, is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 3, 2012.

Gopher Athletics will gather additional facts on this matter Monday. Teague will be available to the media early Monday afternoon.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TOOK ON ST. PAUL HIGHLAND PARK IN A FOOTBALL GAME

The Twin Cities cross over series took place as the two second place teams in the Minneapolis and St. Paul conferences went after each other in a football game. Each year the last regular season game each team plays the other team from the other conference. The first place team in St. Paul plays the first place team in Minneapolis. This was the battle of the second place teams in each conference, as Minneapolis Southwest went up against St. Paul Highland Park. Southwest came into the game with a record of 6-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference. Highland Park came into the game with a record of 5-1 in the conference and 5-2 overall.

Southwest kicked off to start the game. Highland Park got the ball on the Southwest 20 yard line on the first play of the game. Highland Park was picked off by Jimmy Roth on the first drive. That gave Southwest the ball.

Southwest got the ball on Highland's 44 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage Southwest turned it over and Highland came up with it.

Highland used both running and passing plays as they tried to get past the Southwest defenders. Southwest's Aden Lehman came up with a huge defensive play to send the Highland Park's punt team out to the field.

Southwest got the ball back and they looked to get Deanthony McKinley the ball and was all over the field as he looked to get by the Highland Park defenders. Southwest went for it on fourth down and 1 yard to go. Datavian Sears ran 38 yards for a Southwest touchdown. The two point conversion was good. With 7:04 left in the first quarter the score was Southwest 8 and Highland 0.

Southwest kicked off after the touchdown and Highland Park got the ball on their own 35 yard line. Highland was penalized for holding and they got the ball on the 25 yard line after the infraction. Highland was not able to get a first down and they punted the ball back to Southwest on fourth down and 12 to go. There was no return.

Southwest got the ball back near midfield. Southwest committed two offensive infractions on the same drive. They punted the ball on fourth drive.

Highland got the ball back and Ryan Marotz showed off his running skills as he tried to blow past the Southwest defenders. Highland went for it on fourth down and five yards to go and they pulled a trick play as they kicked it instead. Southwest got the ball back on their own 35 yard line.

Southwest fumbled the ball on the first play and Highland Park came up with the ball. They got the ball back on the 42 yard line. Highland tried to use some trickery in running plays as they tried to outsmart Southwest. Gram Fritz came up with an interception and gave Southwest the ball back.

Southwest kept attacking the ground game as they looked to chew up clock midway through the second quarter. They kept on looking for ways both on the ground and in the air to get the ball into the end zone. Southwest threatened to score midway in the quarter. Highland's Jakeise Jako came up with a nice sack for his team. Deanthony Mckinley came up with a 5 yard touchdown run. The two point conversion by Dantavin Sears was good.

With 4:46 left in the second quarter the score was Southwest 16 and Highland Park 0.

Southwest kicked off after the touchdown and Nick Lannier had a nice run of 40 yards on the return. Highland Park looked to score late in the quarter. A personal foul on Southwest gave Highland Park the ball to Highland park on the 9 yard line. Tycel Page received a pass for a 9 yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good. With 3:46 left in the second quarter the score was Southwest 16 and Highland Park 7.

Southwest got the ball back after the touchdown. Southwest kept on looking to pound the ball down the field. Southwest punted the ball on fourth down.

At halftime the score was Southwest 16 and Highland Park 7.

Highland kicked off to Southwest to start the third quarter. Southwest got the ball on their 24 yard line. Dantavian Sears was all over the field. He came up with some good runs throughout the game. Highland had trouble slowing him down. Southwest was not able to convert on the first drive of the quarter. They punted the ball to Highland Park. The snap was botched and Southwest was not able to get the kick off.

Highland Park got the ball on their 25 yard line. They looked to get into the end zone once again. Joe Page did a good job of keeping his feet moving after he was wrapped up. Highland's Joey Silversmith attempted a 24 yard field goal and it was good.

With 6:13 left in the third quarter the score was Southwest 16 and Highland Park 10.

Highland Park kicked off after the field goal. Southwest looked to get back into the end zone again as they kept on finding ways to pound the ball down the field either by running or by the air. They had success in doing that.

Southwest was riddled with infractions throughout the game. That didn't slow down the Lakers though as they kept on grinding and trying to make plays down the stretch.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Southwest 16 and Highland Park 10.

Southwest got the ball to start the fourth quarter. Southwest continued to look for holes in the defense. Datanvian Sears came up with some nice runs that kept Southwest in the game.

Southwest was able to get the ball into the red zone with just over 8:00 left in regulation. Alfred Hartwell came up with some good plays late in the contest that set up late touchdown by Darin Richardson on a seven yard run. The two point conversion was not good.

With 5:35 left to go in regulation the score was Southwest 22 and Highland Park 10.

Southwest kicked off to Highland after the touchdown. Highland got the ball back on the 20 yard line. Highland was able to get a first down on the ground kept their drive going.

On the last drive of the game with just under a minute in regulation Highland looked to go deep as they aired the ball out as they looked to score one more touchdown in the final minute of the game.

In a hard fought game Minneapolis Southwest game away with the 22-10 victory over St. Paul Highland Park. 

EAGAN TOOK ON MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IN THE BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE

Eagan went up against Minneapolis Southwest in the Breakdown Fall Basketball League. The game got off to a quick start as each team traded baskets in the opening minutes of the game.

Southwest passed the ball around the three-point line to take time off the clock. They wanted to get Eagan out of the game.

Eagan did a good job of disrupting Southwest in the offensive end. Both teams traded baskets throughout the first half.

At halftime the score was Eagan 33 and Southwest 28.

Southwest's Tyler Eric Wayne Porch was all over the floor. He got his teammates involved in the plays and was a vocal leader on the floor. Porch knew where his teammates were on the court at all times and got them involved in the offense.

The score went back and forth early in the second half as both teams traded baskets. Neither team went on a run.

Southwest didn't back down from the pressure that Eagan applied to them throughout the game. Eagan made it difficult for Southwest to get a good look at the basket. Eagan was also able to get the Southwest guards flustered as the pressure they applied kind of bothered the guards. The Southwest guards didn't back down from the pressure as they battled on every play and looked to get the ball to their teammates.

The game was close throughout and it came down to the wire. Eagan came away with the 63-62 victory over Southwest. 

NEW LIFE ACADEMY TOOK ON MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IN THE BREAKDOWN USA FALL LEAGUE

New Life Academy and Minneapolis Southwest went up against each other in a varsity match up in the Breakdown USA Fall League. This league gives high school teams a chance to play games in a regular tempo game.

The game got off to a quick start as each team raced up and down the court looking to make shots that they put up.

Southwest was a step quicker than New Life Academy and they were able to knock down some quick shots. Southwest was able to get shots inside the three-point line.

Southwest did a good job of spreading the ball around to all of the players. It looked like they knew where everyone was supposed to be on the floor.

Southwest's Tyler Eric Wayne Porch did a good job of finding his teammates. He knew where they were at all times and he was not afraid to pass them the ball if he thought that they had a good shot. His teammate Terral Dojorn Sampson did a good job of getting rebounds in the paint and putting the ball back up in the basket.

New Life Academy struggled to score in the first half. That didn't get to them as they kept on shooting the ball.

At halftime the score was Southwest 26 and New Life Academy 17.

New Life Academy came out and looked for quick shots early in the second half. They were not able to get the shots to fall in the opening minutes of the second half. They kept on plugging away anyway.

Porch was able to get some easy looks at the basket and was successful and making wide open shots for his team.

Southwest was able to get everyone involved in the offense and they were able to chew up clock in the second half while making shots.

Southwest's Cameron James Ross was all over the floor. He took the ball hard to the basket and was not afraid to shoot the ball if he thought that he had a good shot. Ross was successful at making shots that he put up, mostly shots within the three-point line. He was not afraid to pull the three-point shot although.

New Life Academy tried to make a comeback but was unsuccessful. In the end Minneapolis Southwest came away with the 54-45 victory over New Life Academy. 

Championship soccer match breaks into on-field brawl

According to "Maple Grove Police are investigating an on-the-field brawl that broke out Thursday night in the final seconds of a high school soccer game.

The soccer section championship between Totino-Grace and Prairie Seeds Academy was supposed to determine who would advance to the state tournament, but now an end of the game fight involving multiple players puts into question whether all of the Prairie Seeds players will be able to advance to the state tournament.

Channel 12 Sports video of the game at Maple Grove's High School stadium shows multiple punches thrown between opposing teammates after Prairie Seeds Academy's 2-1 victory. The video also shows Totino-Grace's soccer coach getting a punch to the head by the Prairie Seeds Academy goalie as the coach tried to separate the feuding players.

At least one Totino-Grace player was injured in the fight and required stitches. Maple Grove Police Captain Keith Terlinden says it's too early to tell whether criminal charges will result.

"It's an active investigation, we're still trying to get all the facts surrounding it" said Terlinden. "Depending on the severity of the injuries is depending on what we would charge."

In a statement late Friday afternoon, the Minnesota State High School League said it has initiated its own investigation of the incidents and hopes to reach a conclusion on Monday.

Totino-Grace Athletic Director Mike Smith said Friday the whole point of the championship game is now unfortunately overshadowed by the end of the game brawl.

"These are teams that are very talented, they've worked really hard, they played a great competitive game, and unfortunately, right now, nobody is talking about that part," said Smith."


Monday, October 15, 2012

LIONS LAND SOME TOUGHNESS

According to Brian Snow from Scout.com, "Lions land some toughness: Penn State has landed the commitment from a floor leader who brings a lot of toughness.

 Penn State has it going in the 2013 class now. Needing to bring in a point guard, Pat Chambers and company went into the heart of Big Ten country and landed Minnesota Pump N Run floor general Graham Woodward

"Graham's toughness is unquestioned," said AAU Coach Tom Kroschell. "He went toe-to-toe against some of the best point guards in the country and held his own. His intelligence is terrific, and he sees the floor and I think he is a great point guard."

Following an official visit to Happy Valley, Kroschell says that choice was clear to Woodward.

"He had a terrific official visit and he really had a great relationship the staff at Penn State," said Kroschell."
Kroschell continued, "I think the lure of playing in the Big Ten was just too great. Kids in Big Ten country tend to favor in the Big Ten, and being from Minnesota and being in Big Ten country I think that was the deciding factor." 

Along with Penn State, Woodward also considered Gonzaga, Princeton, Drake, and Washington State."

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TOOK ON ST. PAUL JOHNSON IN A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME

Minneapolis and St. Paul squared off as Minneapolis Southwest and St. Paul Johnson played a high school varsity football game.

Southwest kicked off to Johnson to start the game. Johnson got the ball on their own 28 yard line. Johnson kept the ball on the ground in the opening series. Johnson got a first down on a Southwest infraction.

Johnson got the ball into the hands of running back Undre Smith-Brewer. Smith-Brewer was all over the field. Southwest had a hard time getting their hands around him. The Southwest defense stepped up big as Jimmy Roth came up with interception.

Southwest got the ball back on their own 44 yard line. Quarterback Darin Richardson made a nice pass to Roth on a slant for a first down. Southwest's DeAnthony McKinley was all over the field.

Southwest found the end zone. On a 15 yard touchdown pass to Darin Richardson to Jimmy Roth. The extra point attempt was good. With 5:43 left in the first quarter the score was Southwest 7 and Johnson 0.

Johnson got the ball back after the Southwest touchdown. Johnson got the ball into the hands of Smith -Brewer once again. He looked to use his quickness as he looked to try to outsmart the Southwest players. Johnson punted the ball back to Southwest on fourth down.

Southwest got the ball back and they got the ball into the hands of McKinley who was a over the field but was not able to get a first down so they had to punt the ball back to Johnson.

Johnson used both the air and the ground attacks to try to get Southwest off guard.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Southwest 7 and Johnson 0.

Johnson got the ball to open the second quarter. They were not able to get a first down and they punted the ball to southwest and Jimmy Roth returned the ball 60 yards for a touchdown . The extra point attempt was good.

With 10:53 left to go in the second quarter the score was Southwest 14 and Johnson 0.

Southwest kicked off after the touchdown. Johnson's running back Smith-Brewer tried to run through the Southwest defense but had trouble doing that. Southwest took over on downs.

The game got rough midway through the second quarter. Tempers flared up as there was some trash talking going on between the two teams. It was a very physical game.

Smith-Brewer came up with a nice run that gave Johnson a first down. Johnson wanted to try to move the ball down the field but were not able to and they had to punt the ball back to Southwest.

Johnson threatened to score late in the second quarter. But they were not successful in doing that.

At halftime the score was Southwest 14 and Johnson 0.

Southwest got the ball to start the third quarter. Roth also got it done on the ground as he got the ball and took off for a first yard run. McKinley and Roth switched up running plays as they were all over the field in the red zone. On fourth down and long Southwest went for it but were not able to get a first down.

Johnson got the ball on their own 17 yard line. Johnson went to the air as they tried to air it out. They had to punt the ball on fourth down and 6 yards to go.

Southwest got the ball back and they once again looked to get it into the hands of McKinley. Johnson did a good job of getting to the Southwest's interior players. McKinley received a 65 yard touchdown pass for a Southwest touchdown.

The extra point attempt was not good.

Darin Richardson for Southwest scored a touchdown on a skippered 46 yards. The two point conversion was not good.

With that touchdown the score was Southwest 26 and Johnson 0.

Johnson was not able to get a first down and they gave the ball back to Southwest.

Talon Benavides for Southwest scored a touchdown. The two point conversion was good.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Southwest 34 Johnson 0.

Southwest continued to pound the ball down the field.

In a game that went back and forth from the start. Southwest was able to pound the ball down the field as they were able to come away with the 34-0 victory over Johnson.

ZERO WEEK HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES GET UNDERWAY

The first batch of Minnesota High School football games get underway Friday and Saturday August 24, and August 25, 2012. These teams started practice a week earlier then everyone else.

The first regular season high school football games gets underway next week the weekend of August 30, 2012.

If a team plays in a zero week contest they will have to have a bye in their schedule later in the year.

ST. LOUIS PARK OPEN NEW SEASON WITH A NEW FIELD

St. Louis Park High School opened the 2012-2013 sports season with a new athletic field. Before they put down the new turf the field would only be used for Varsity games and graduation.

No sports teams, P.E. Classes or the community could not use the field. If there was poor weather events would be canceled or rescheduled because of poor field conditions.

Lots of support from the community. Pushing for a while. 15Years participation has grown. More kids less space.

The Athletic Director noted that St. Louis Park, The University of Minnesota Gophers practice field and Minnetonka all have the same type of surface. He also mentioned that the field has, “Been used more this season that all of last year. The project also came in under budget and it was school board supportive.” “Lots of support from the community. Pushing for a while. 15 years of sports participation has grown. More kids less space.”

ROBBINSDALE COOPER GAURD RASHAD VAUGHN PICKS UP SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

According to Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, “Minnesota, Iowa State, Iowa, Kansas Baylor, Texas, Syracuse, Tennessee, Colorado, Michigan State and Michigan have offered basketball tenders to Robbinsdale Cooper incoming senior guard Rashad Vaughn. 

RILEY DEARRING IS HEADED TO WISCONSIN

Minnetonka's 6-foot-5 combo guard Riley Dearring has committed to playing basketball at Wisconsin under head coach Bo Ryan.

RHETT MCDONALD IS DULUTH EAST NEW HEAD BOYS' BASKETBALL COACH

According to Duluth East Activities Director Shawn Rode, Duluth East hires Rhett McDonald as the head coach. Here is the press release from Duluth East.

“Duluth East fills basketball coaching vacancy.

The Duluth East Greyhounds have announced the hiring of Rhett McDonald as their new head boys basketball coach for the 2012-2013 season. McDonald takes over a prestigious East program that has qualified for 13 Minnesota State Tournaments, including the past two. The team will have a much different look in the coming season, as they replace five graduating seniors, including potential Division I talents Johnny Woodard and Taylor Stafford. Yet the most impactful change comes with the new head coach.

"We are very excited to hire a coach with such incredible energy and knowledge of the game," said Duluth East Activities Director Shawn Roed. "Rhett has played the game at a high level, and will coach beyond the scoreboard while instilling positive sportsmanship and class into the program."

McDonald, the grandson of legendary Chisholm head coach Bob McDonald, is a graduate of Cambridge-Isanti High School. He was a standout basketball player for the Bluejackets, earning All-State Honorable Mention and participating in the MBCA All-Star Series. He reached the 1,000-point milestone in his career, set a single-season record for 3-pointers with 99, and finished as the school's all-time assist leader. He also participated in football and track, and claimed a conference title in the shot put.

McDonald went on to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he was a four-year letter winner in basketball. He captained the Bulldogs in his senior season, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, graduating with honors. His former hoops coach at UMD couldn't be happier to see the opportunity arise for McDonald.

"Being a fan of basketball, I am excited to have Rhett McDonald back in Duluth as a coach," said Gary Holquist when told of McDonald's new position. "When Rhett played in the UMD program he was a student of the game and took every opportunity to improve his knowledge concerning all aspects of basketball. He understands that coaching encompasses many areas besides the technical approach to the game, which includes academic and social mentoring. Duluth East is extremely fortunate to have a person of his caliber and potential to lead their basketball program."

McDonald's coaching resume includes a stint last season as an assistant boys basketball coach for Owatonna High School (MN), where he helped lead the team to an appearance in the Section 1AAAA Final. He also had a tenure as the head coach of boys track and field at Blooming Prairie High School (MN).

McDonald also spends time in the summer working at basketball camps throughout Minnesota. He comes to East for his first head basketball coaching position, in what will be a year full of exciting firsts for the McDonald family. He and his wife Kayelyn are expecting their first child in December.

McDonald and the Greyhounds will open the season at Eastview on December 1, 2012.”

HOPKINS TOOK ON SAINT LOUIS PARK IN A GIRLS SOCCER GAME

Hopkins and Saint Louis Park girls soccer team squared off in a game. It looked like it took awhile for each of these teams to get used to the new turf field. This was the first season that St. Louis Park had turf on the field.

Hopkins scored a goal early on in the contest on a Jillaine Deyoung found the goal early in the contest. With that goal that made the score Hopkins 1 and Saint Louis Park 0.

Deyoung was all over the field. She was quick on her feet and was able to blow by her defenders. Saint Louis Park did a good job of spreading the field out and attacking the net.

Both teams did a good job of moving the ball around the field throughout the first half.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 1 and Saint Louis Park 0.

As the second half got underway both teams looked refreshed as they came out for second half action.

Both teams did a good job of getting up and down the field on the turf.

Hopkins scored a goal Rachael St. Clare scored a goal late in the second half that made the score Hopkins 2 and Saint Louis Park 0.

Claire McNary for St. Louis Park scored a goal with 1:24 left in the game.

It was a hard fought game. In the end Hopkins came away with the 2-1 victory over St. Louis Park. 

THE HORNETS STING THE STARS IN A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME

It is opening week for teams that participated in zero week games. The Holy Angels Stars and The Edina Hornets took that option and played each other in week zero.

Holy Angels kicked off to Edina to start the game. Edina got the ball on the 37 yard line on the first play from scrimmage. They looked to get the ball into the hands of Mohammed Malim. Malim did a good job of carrying the ball. Edina got a first down on Malim's short yard run. On first down and ten they kept the ball on the ground. On the next series Edina had to punt the ball on fourth down and four yards to go. They punted the ball to Holy Angels.

There was a flag on the kick fourth down punt. Holy Angles was hit with an infraction. They picked up a first down on a running attack by the running back . Holy Angels was not afraid to mix up the passing and running attacks as they wanted to try to throw Holy Angels off guard. Holy Angels had to punt the ball on fourth down.

Edina quarterback Mark Handberg did a good job of reading the defense and was able to get the ball to his receivers and running backs quickly and was able to get out of the pocket. Edina picked up a first down on a short run by Handberg.

Edina kept on pounding the ball down the field trying to get first downs. Ben Boone came up with a nice catch that gave his team a first down.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 1:20 left in the first quarter.

Edina threatened to score late in the quarter.

Edina went for it on fourth down and one yard to go on a quarterback sneak and Edina came up with a first down.

At the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 0.

On the first play from scrimmage. Colin Ritter came up with a 1 yard touchdown run. The extra point by Patrick LeCorre was good.











Holy Angels got the ball after the Edina touchdown. Sam Keys of Holy Angels ran 83 yards for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good.

With 10:22 left in the second quarter the score was tied at 7.

Edina got the ball after the touchdown. Marley Allison for Edina looked to slip through the Holy Angels defenders as he looked to scamper down the field. Allison came up with some nice catches to kept his team marching down the field. Edina was able to get first downs. Edina's Colin Ritter came up with a four yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt by Pattrick LeCorre was good.

With 4:43 left in the second quarter the score was Edina 14 and Holy Angels 7.

Holy Angels got the ball back after the touchdown. Quarterback Sam Keis was able to escape three guys who tried to tackle him. On the fourth try he was taken down.

At halftime the score was Edina 14 and Holy Angels 7.

Edina kicked off to Holy Angels to start the third quarter. Holy Angels punted the ball away on the first drive on fourth and one yard to go.

Edina got the ball on their 39 yard line. Sam Keis had trouble hanging onto the football. Marley Allison came up with a 66 yard run and gave Edina a first down on the one yard line. Collin Ritter came up with a one yard touchdown run. Patrick LaCorre came up with the extra point attempt.

The score was Edina 21 and Holy Angels 7.

Holy Angels got the ball back and they looked to get the ball down field but were not able to and they punted the ball back to Edina on fourth down.

Holy Angels Anthony Baysah scored a touchdown on a short run. The extra point attempt was good. With 1:52 left in the third quarter the score was Edina 21 and Holy Angels 14.

Edina's Ben Boone came up with a nice catch that gave his team an emotional lift.

After three quarters of play the score was Edina 21 and Holy Angels 14.

Edina fumbled the ball the ball and was not able to come up with the ball. Holy Angels was not able to get a first down and had to punt the ball back to Edina.

Edina got the ball back and looked to score midway through the fourth quarter. They did just that as Collin Ritter scored on a one yard touchdown run.

The extra point attempt was good.

In a hard fought game Edina came away with the 28-14 victory over Holy Angels.