DULUTH EAST WENT UP AGAINST ROBBINSDALE COOPER IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Duluth East and Robbinsdale Cooper squared off in a boys’ basketball game. East raced down the floor as they were able to get everyone involved in the offense. 

East started the game in a zone defense. That made Cooper swing the ball around the 3-point line. That took time off the clock. 

It took Cooper a while to get into and offensive shooting rhythm. They were not able to make shots that they put up. 

East’s Will Van Scoy took the ball strong to the basket. He was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot. 

The defensive pressure that East put on Cooper made it difficult for Cooper to get open looks at the basket.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls on both ends of the floor. 

East’s Noah Paulson came up with rebounds on both ends of the floor. 

Cooper struggled to shoot the ball throughout the first half.

Cooper spent a lot of time swinging the ball around the 3-point line. They looked to get the ball inside to Damarri Bankhead who looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

East called a timeout with 3:35 left in the first half. The score was East 32, Cooper 15.

East wasn’t afraid to take long 3-point shots. 

East continued to run their offense. 

At halftime the score was East 37, Cooper 19.

As the second half got underway Cooper continued to get to take the ball strong to the basket.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. 

Cooper’s Cam Vaughn came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Cooper struggled to shoot the ball throughout the game. Even though they were not able to make shots they were still taking them.

East called a timeout with 12:17 left in regulation. The score was East 45, Cooper 24.

Cooper couldn’t get their shots to fall. Even though they had a difficult time shooting the ball they still took shots.

East stayed in a zone defense throughout the second half. That made it difficult for Cooper to shoot the ball. 

East called a timeout with 5:02 left in regulation. The score was East 56, Cooper 41.

East was quicker than Cooper was. Cooper had trouble shooting the ball throughout the game. 

Cooper’s offense came to life late in the game. But that wasn’t enough. 

East called a timeout with 1:14 left in regulation. The score was East 61, Cooper 46. 

Cooper attacked the basket late but East came away with the 65-46 victory over Cooper. 

The leading scorers for East were Mattie Thompson and Noah Winesett each with 16 points. 

The leading scores for Cooper were Cam Vaughn with 9 points and Quincy Snoddy with 6 points.

DULUTH EAST TOOK ON EAST RIDGE IN THE BOYS’ SOCCER STATE TOURNAMENT

On Oct. 22 Duluth East and East Ridge squared off in a boys’ class AA state quarterfinals of the Minnesota State High School League’s state tournament.

East Ridge got to the ball as they came up with good shots on goal.

Duluth East’s Brandon Adams was all over the field. Adams did a good job of getting past the defenders and getting good shots on goal.

East Ridge spread the field as they wanted to keep the Duluth East defenders going after the ball.

Both teams went after the ball. Neither team gave up any easy shots on goal.

At halftime the score was tied at 0.

As the second half got underway both teams looked to keep attacking the goal.

Henderson had a few chances at looks at the goal, but he was unsuccessful.

Both teams had good looks at the goal throughout the second half.

East Ridge’s Samuel Ruiz Plaza came up with a shot on goal but the Duluth East goalkeeper was able to stop it. Plaza’s teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Duluth East’s goalkeeper Hugh VanScoy came up with huge saves that kept them in the game. He had to jump and dive to deflect the balls that were coming at him.

The score was tied at 0 after regulation.

The game went into an overtime period.

As the overtime period got underway both teams continued to move the ball down the field. With 3:16 left in the overtime period Plaza came up with the winning goal.

East Ridge came away with the 1-0 victory over Duluth East.

AKOLDA MAYANG COMMITS TO OKLAHOMA

Former Duluth East boys basketball player Akolda Mayang has committed to playing basketball at Oklahoma.

According to RJ Young of SoonerScoop.com: “Oklahoma landed a commitment from one of the top junior college players in the 2015 class in the country on Father's Day.

Indian Hills Community College 7-footer Akolda Manyang made his decision and informed Oklahoma's coaching staff that he wanted to be a Sooner.”

Mayang spent one year at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa.

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.”

TYUS ROBERT JONES AND AKOLDA DEAR MAYANG OUT FOR THE SABLES INVITATIONAL

Apple Valley and Howard Pulley 17U guard Tyus Robert Jones and Duluth East Akolda Dear Mayang are not participating in this year’s Sables Invitational Tournament which is taking place the weekend of May 4-6, 2012 at the High Performance Center in Eagan.

Tyus Robert Jones is home sick and Akolda Dear Mayang has a sprained ankle. 

DULTH EAST TOOK ON OSSEO IN THE QUARTERFINALS OF THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE STATE BOYS' BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Duluth East Greyhounds took on the Osseo Orioles in the quarterfinals of the Minnesota State High School League State tournament. Duluth East had a record of 20-8 and Osseo had a record of 27-2 going into the game.

As the game got underway both teams took their time on the offensive end. The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team got an easy shot as the defensive pressure was very good by both teams.

Duluth East went to a full court man-to-man defense. They wanted to frustrate the Osseo players. Osseo didn't bend to the pressure that was applied to them.

Both teams were very physical all over the court. There were many loose balls and rebounds. Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls.

Osseo had a tough time hitting shots in the first half. They didn't give up though. They kept on looking for shots.

Osseo went to a zone defense. They looked to spread the Greyhounds

The score at halftime was Duluth East 27 and Osseo 23. Duluth East was 10-27 from the field including going 2-5 from behind the three-point line. Osseo was 11-34 from the field including going 1-8 from behind the three-point line.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to penetrate to the glass and looked for their shots as they wanted to take time off the clock.

Osseo called a timeout with 10:27 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 40 and Duluth East 32.

East got the ball into the hands of guard Johnny Bernard Woodard. Woodard was all over the floor. He was able to hit shots that he put up from inside of the three-point line.

Throughout the second half both teams looked poised on the floor. East continued to get the ball into the hands of Woodard who was just an animal

Osseo's DJ Hebert was all over the floor. He was able to find his shooting touch in the game and made shots from everywhere on the floor throughout the game.

Both Ian Theisen and Bridge Tusler both played very well for Osseo. They knew where there teammates were on the floor and they got everyone involved in the offense.

In a very good game played by each team Osseo hung on and came away with the 62-51 victory over Duluth East.

Duluth East was lead in scoring by Taylor Stafford with 17 points, Shaq Coleman and Johnny Bernard Woodard each had 12 points. East shot 17-47 from the field. That included going 4-14 from behind the three-point line. They were 13-21 from the free-throw line. They brought down a total of 37 rebounds 22 of them on the defensive end.

Osseo was lead in scoring by DJ Hebert with 18 points, Ian Theisen and Bridge Tusler each had 11 points. Osseo shot 26-62 from the field that included going 4-12 from behind the three-point line. They were 6-11 from the free-throw line. Osseo brought down a total of 36 rebounds 19 of them on the defensive end.

DULUTH EAST WENT UP AGAINST HOLY ANGELS IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Duluth East Greyhounds traveled to Richfield, Minnesota for a basketball game against Holy Angels.

Holy Angels looked to set the tempo of the game early. Duluth East looked to use a full court man-to-man press. They made it hard for Holy Angels to get the ball down court.

Duluth East guard Johnny Bernard Woodard took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to get his defender to foul him and got to the free throw line.

Duluth East got the ball into the hands of Akolda Manyang the center. He took the ball hard to the basket and made nice layups close to the basket.

Duluth East looked to take time off the clock by passing the ball around the three-point line. It was easy for them to do that because Holy Angels was in a zone defense.

Holy Angels was worried if Duluth East took a long-range three-point shot. They would let them take that shot. They were more worried if they took shots within the three-point line.

Holy Angels got the ball into the hands of Danny Sullivan. Sullivan shot the ball well and hit shots.

Holy Angels was not afraid to shoot the ball. They looked to shoot the three-point shot. Duluth East did a good job of defending the Holy Angels shooters.

The speed of the game picked up for a bit with about 7:00 left in the first half. Both teams were settling on the first shot they could take and would shoot it on the first chance they got instead of getting into an offensive pattern.

Shaq Coleman for Duluth East did a good job of getting to the basket with the ball. He looked to get layups.

The score was close throughout the first half. Neither team went on a run in the first half.

Holy Angels took time off the clock late in the first half. They passed the ball around the three-point line just like Duluth East did earlier in the contest.

Taylor Stafford for Duluth East hit a three-point shot at the buzzer to make the halftime score Duluth East 32 and Holy Angles 30.

Holy Angels started the second half in a zone defense. They were successful in the zone the first half.

There were several ties and lead changes in the game. Neither team gave up easy shots.

Holy Angels came up with some defensive steals and they were able to score layups on the offensive end.

Duluth East went on a run midway through the second half. They were able to get a 50-42 lead with 11:25 left in regulation.

Duluth East did a good job of getting the ball down the court and scoring baskets in transition in the second half.

Holy Angels tried to get back in the game but Duluth East stepped up their defensive pressure and that made it difficult to make shots.

Duluth East held the ball and swung it around the three-point line late in the game to take as much time off the clock.

In a hard fought game Duluth East came away with the 81-68 victory over Holy Angels.

I thought that both teams played well throughout the game. I was impressed by the play of Duluth East's Woodard and Akolda Manyang.

The leading scorer for Holy Angels was Danny Sullivan with 29 points. The leading scorers for Duluth East were Johnny Woodard with 34 points, Taylor Stafford with 24, and Akolda Manyang with 17 points. 

 

RICE LAKE TOOK ON DULUTH EAST IN BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Rice Lake took on Duluth East at the Target Center in the second game of the 2012 Minnesota Timberwolves Shootout.

University of Minnesota men's basketball coach Tubby Smith was in attendance to watch this game. He had his eye on Rice Lake senior guard Wally Ellenson who committed to play at the University of Minnesota.

Both teams took their time on the offensive end. They both wanted to get the feel of what the other team was doing.

Duluth East got the ball into the hands of Johnny Bernard Woodard. Woodard was all over the court. He was able to blow by his defenders and score easy baskets on lay-ups.

Rice Lake had a hard time hitting shots early on. They didn't get frustrated as they kept on shooing the ball.

Rice Lake took a timeout with 11:27 left in the first half. The score was Duluth East 16 and Rice Lake 4.

Rice Lake used a zone defense. The Duluth East players were able to drive through to the basket and weave their way between the defenders.

Duluth East shot the ball well in the second half. The guards were able to make shots.

Taylor Stafford for Duluth East got his teammates involved in the offense.

At halftime the score was Duluth East 44 and Rice Lake 27.

Rice Lake forward Alex Cuskey took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to get his shot to drop at the start of the second half.

Duluth East continued to feed Woodard. Woodard was all over the court. He had the ability to shoot the ball from anywhere he wanted to and he did just that.

Ellenson fouled out with about 5:00 left in regulation. He finished with 10 rebounds.

Duluth East came away with the 88-69 victory over Rice Lake.

I liked the way that Wally Ellenson played. He knew the game and he knew where his teammates were supposed to be on the floor. Ellenson did a good job of getting his teammates involved in the offense. I think that he will be a good asset to the University of Minnesota program.

The leading scorers for Duluth East were Johnny Woodard with 33 points, Taylor Stafford with 20 points, and Matt Lochner with 12points. They shot 34-63 from the field that included going 7-15 from behind the three-point line. They were 13-19 from the free throw line. They grabbed a total of 36 rebounds, 29 of them on the defensive end.

The leading scorers for Rice Lake were Alex Cuskey with 17 points, Henry Ellenson with 11 points, and Walley Ellenson with 9 points. They shot 28-64 from the field that included going 3-15 from behind the three-point line. They were 10-19 from the free throw line. They grabbed a total of 40 rebounds, 26 of them on the defensive end.

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.

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.

MINNESOTA TRANSITIONS TOOK ON DULUTH EAST IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Minnesota Transitions took on Duluth East in a boys’ basketball game in the Minnesota Breakdown Tipoff Classic.

Minnesota Transitions came into the game with a record of 7-3. They were ranked #1 in class A. Duluth East came into the game with a record of 7-5. Both teams started out the game hot as both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes.

Minnesota Transitions looked to get the ball into the hands of Rodney Eugene Owens. Owens was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court.

Duluth East went to a man-to-man defense. They were able to trap Minnesota Transitions in the corners.

Minnesota Transitions Darion Patterson led the offense. He would call out plays and was able to direct his players in the spots that he wanted them to be in.

It took a while for each team to feel each other out. They kept on trading baskets.

Neither team was able to get the ball out and score baskets in transitions. Duluth East controlled the tempo in the first half.

Minnesota Transitions Kyle Noreen found the basket late in the half. They were able to go on a run to close out the first half. (Deleted next sentence.)

At halftime the score was Duluth East 33 and Minnesota Transitions 32.

Minnesota Transitions came out looking to run and push the ball down the court. They wanted to get everyone involved in the offense.

The game was close throughout much of the second half. Neither team went on a run. The defensive pressure that each team displayed was very good. Owens continued to look for and received the ball in the top of the key area. He was able to knock down a short jump shot from the top of the key.

Duluth East kept attacking the basket. They were able to keep the game close. Neither team went on a run. There was no more than an eight-point swing in the second half.

Duluth East went to a full court press. They looked to pin Minnesota Transitions in the corners.

The score with 7:29 left to go in regulation was Minnesota Transitions 52 and Duluth East 45.

Both teams went at each other throughout the second half. Duluth East tied the game at 56 with 4:15 left to go.

The game came down to the wire. Duluth East came away with the 69-65 victory over Minnesota Transitions. The leading scorers for Minnesota Transitions were Matt Lanier with 25 points and Kyle Noreen with 21. The leading scorers for Duluth East were Johnny Woodard with 25 and Taylor Stafford with 21.

DULUTH EAST TRAVELED TO HOPKINS TO TAKE ON THE ROYALS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

The Duluth East Greyhounds traveled to Hopkins to take on the Royals in a boys’ basketball contest. Duluth East entered the game ranked #9 in the state in class AAAA according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Duluth East had a 9-4 record coming into the game. Hopkins entered the game ranked #4 in the state in class AAAA according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Hopkins had a 9-2 record coming into the game.

Both teams looked to push the ball on the offensive end to begin the game. Duluth East wanted to get the ball into Dyami Romell Starks’ hands. Dyami was not afraid to shoot the ball.

Johnny Woodard of East also looked to be one of the early shooters early on in the game. They were able to hit some shots that they were putting up.

Joe Coleman of Hopkins found his shot early in the first half. Coleman also played very good defense. Hopkins used a full court trap and that was able to fluster Duluth East.

At 12:34 Dyami Starks rolled his ankle and came out of the game. Starks is one of East’s leading scorers. East looks for Starks to shoot when he is on the court.

Hopkins played very aggressive man-to-man defense throughout the first half.

Dyami Starks returned to the game with 10:06 left in the first half. His ankle seemed to be fine. Starks was also able to step up and knock down some three point shots in the first half.

Duluth East continued to push the ball up the court. Hopkins’ defensive pressure in the first half kind of gave Duluth East fits throughout the first half. They didn’t know how to respond to the pressure.

Hopkins’ Siyani Chambers played well in the first half. He was able to step up and knock down some shots throughout the first half.

At the end of the first half the score was Hopkins 53 and Duluth East 39.

As the second half got underway DJ Peterson was able to come out on fire and drop some three point shots.

In the second half Hopkins was able to run away with the victory. Duluth East didn’t give up but Hopkins was too much for them to handle.

Hopkins was able to come away with the 104-64 victory over Duluth East.

I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boys Hoops. Check out his thoughts of the Duluth East Hopkins battle.

DULUTH EAST BASKETBALL COACH CHUCK TOLO TALKS ABOUT THE SEASON AHEAD AND GUARD DYAMI STARKS

I asked Duluth East’s head boys basketball coach Chuck Tolo to fill me in on the upcoming basketball season and his thoughts on Dyami Starks:

Our overall expectations are to immediately improve our defense and to be in the section 7AAAA mix with teams like Blaine, Forest Lake and Cambridge.

We are very young and the core of our team is underclassmen. But the majority of our players went through their growing pains last year. A major strength of our team is that many of our key players put in a lot of time this summer and have made great improvement.

We are an independent so we do not play in a conference but like I said earlier, we aspire to play with the top teams in our section.

Dyami Starks works tirelessly at trying to improve his overall game. When we did individual evaluations after last season, we talked about many parts of his game that he needs to improve upon. He really worked hard at improving his weaknesses and making the strong parts of his game even stronger.

Dyami sacrificed a lot of exposure this summer to predominantly stay in Duluth and work out with his teammates. He wants to have a successful season at Duluth East this year.

Dyami is a gifted shooter, one of the best if not the best that I have ever coached. What I continue to stress to Dyami is that he needs to become a complete player. He is definitely working hard on all aspects of his game. Dyami is becoming a strong leader and is the captain of our squad this season.

I believe that we will go as far as Dyami is able to lead us. The more he gets his teammates involved, the tougher we are going to be. I know that Dyami is getting a ton of D1 interest. Whoever gets him is going to be lucky in the long run.

You have to keep remembering that Dyami is still only a junior and he has a long ways to go. But his potential and upside are huge.

DULUTH’S DYAMI STARKS IS GETTING NATIONAL ATTENTION

I have gotten word that Duluth East’s Dyami Starks is getting a lot of attention from numerous colleges. The current schools contacting him are Clemson, Drake, Creighton, USC, Columbia University, University of Northern Iowa, Wisconsin and Iowa State.

Dyami is a nice player with an excellent jump shot. It will be interesting to see what happens and where he ends up going to college.