ALEXANDRIA WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A CLASS AAAA BOYS’ BASKETBALL STATE QUARTERFINAL GAME

Alexandria and Maple Grove went up against each other in a Class AAAA state boys’ basketball quarterfinal game.

Maple Grove looked to push the tempo of the game early. It took both teams a while to get used to playing on the bigger NBA floor.

Alexandria’s Gavin Roderick and Talan Witt both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups early.
It took a while for each team to figure out the other team. Maple Grove attacked the basket and scored in transition. They used a lot of time off the 35-second shot clock.

There were many ties and multiple lead changes early on. Neither team went on a large run early.

Alexandria used a man-to-man defense, and they looked to put pressure on Maple Grove.

Talan Witt kept on coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the first half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 8:24 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 24, Alexandria 20.

Maple Grove’s Max Iverson and Henry Kuntson both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half.

The game remained close late in the first half. Both teams attacked the basket and looked for their shots.

Kuntson stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Alexandria called a timeout with 4:16 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 34, Alexandria 28.

Both teams went after the ball and looked for their shots in their offense. The pace of the game slowed down late in the first half. Both teams were able to make shots that they were put up.

Both teams played hard throughout the first half. The score at halftime was Maple Grove 40, Alexandria 34.

As the second half got underway, Alexandria came out firing and looking to attack the basket.

Iverson kept on coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the second half. He kept Maple Grove in the game.

Alexandria called a timeout with 14:41 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 50, Alexandria 39.

Maple Grove came up with baskets early in the second half. They were able to make shots that they took.

Maple Grove was patient on the offensive end. They got everyone involved in the offense. Iverson was all over the floor. On the offensive end, he was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

Alexandria called a timeout with 10:52 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 58, Alexandria 46.

Maple Grove used a zone defense to spread Alexandria out. Alexandria struggled to score in the second half. Even though they struggled to shoot, they kept attacking the basket.

Both teams played hard, but Alexandria couldn’t make shots down the stretch. Even though they struggled shooting the ball down the stretch, they didn’t give up.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 7:42 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 67, Alexandria 53.

Both teams left it all on the floor. Maple Grove was quicker than Alexandria. Alexandria continued to look for their shots late in the game, but that wasn’t enough.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 5:49 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 68, Alexandria 57.

Maple Grove kept attacking the basket late in the game.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 3:58 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 72, Alexandria 59.

Both teams dove on the floor late in the game after loose balls.

Maple Grove’s Baboucarr Ann was all over the floor. He was able to get his teammates the ball where they could shoot, and he also stepped up late, knocking down mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove came away with the 82-65 victory over Alexandria. The leading scorers for Alexandria were Talan Witt with 24 and Mason Witt with 17. The leading scorer for Maple Grove was Iverson with 41 points.

MAPLE GROVE WENT UP AGAINST ROBBINSDALE COOPER IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec. 13, Maple Grove and Robbinsdale Cooper squared off in a boys’ basketball game.

Maple Grove started the game off in a zone defense. They wanted to try to make Cooper take deep 3-point shots. Cooper did take deep 3-point shots but was not able to make them early.

Maple Grove looked to push the ball down the floor and take time off the clock.

Both teams got off to a slow start offensively as neither team made shots early.

Maple Grove got the ball into the hands of Alex Battist. Battist came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the first half.  

The Cooper defense tried to make it difficult for the Maple Grove offense to come up with shots throughout the first half.

Maple Grove was able to hit shots late in the first half. 

Cooper called a timeout with 2:58 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 26, Cooper 20.

As the first half winded down Maple Grove continued to come up with shots. At halftime the score was Maple Grove 33, Cooper 20.

As the second half got underway Maple Grove continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Coper did a good job of attacking the basket and looking for their shots in the second half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 14:05 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 39, Cooper 32.

Cooper’s Jalen Justice came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 12:08 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 44, Cooper 40.

Maple Grove passed the ball around the 3-point line to take time off the clock and look for their shots.

Cooper’s Nathan Hill came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the second half.

The game was close midway through the second half.

Cooper’s Jalen Justice came up with deep 3-point shots in the second half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Cooper called a timeout with 6:26 left in regulation. The score was tied at 50.

There were multiple ties and lead changes late in the second half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 4:12 left in regulation. The score was Cooper 54, Maple Grove 52.

The score remained close. Both teams looked for steals on defense and looked to take the ball hard to the basket.

Neither team gave up an uncontested shot late.

Cooper called a timeout with 9.2 left in regulation. The score was tied at 58.

The score was tied at 58 at the end of regulation.

As the start of the overtime period Cooper passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to get into their offense. They went to a motion offense as they looked to take as much time off the clock as they could.

Maple Grove’s Alex Battist and Jared Rainey both came up with huge baskets throughout the game. They were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 1:23 left in the overtime period. The score was Cooper 63, Maple Grove 60.

Both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with layups and jump shots.

Maple Grove’s Jared Rainey got fouled with 3.0 seconds left in the overtime period. That made the score Maple Grove 65, Cooper 64. Cooper called a timeout right after the free throw.

Maple Grove came away with the 65-64 over Cooper.

The leading scorers for Cooper were Justice with 21 and Nathan Hill with 16 points.

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Rainey with 13 points and Battist with 10 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Maple Grove Cooper boys’ basketball game.

ROGERS WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

December 8 was the opening of the 2017-2018 boys’ high school basketball season for me. I decided to head up to Maple Grove for the Rogers vs. Maple Grove boys’ basketball game.

Rogers started the game in a zone defense. That made Maple Grove pass the ball around the three-point line. They took a lot of time off the clock early all while attacking the basket. Maple Grove also took deep three-point shots.

Maple Grove also started the ball in a zone defense. Maple Grove did a good job of talking on both ends of the floor.

It was a very physical start as both teams dove on the floor going after loose balls and going after rebounds.

It took awhile for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm.

Maple Grove’s Alex Battist came off the bench and provide an offensive charge as he looked to score baskets on mid-range jump shots and layups.

The Rogers offense had a slow start, they had tough time making shots early. Maple Grove attacked the basket and was able to get past the defense.

Neither team took a lot of shots in the zone defense. They took a lot of time off the clock swinging the ball around the three-point line.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 9:12 left in the first half. The score was Rogers 13, Maple Grove 6.

Rogers Justin Dorr came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

The Male Grove offense went cold for a period in the first half.

Rogers called a timeout with 4:57 left in the first half. The score was Rogers 18, Maple Grove 8.

Battist was all over the floor on the offensive end he found his mid-range jump shot and made layups. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guy that he was guarding.

Maple Grove came up with steals on the defensive end and they were able to convert the turnovers to layups on the offensive end.

At halftime the score was Rogers 24, Maple Grove 16.

As the second half got underway both teams kept attacking the basket. Rogers looked to get the ball into the hands of Jordan Belka. Belka made mid-range jump shots and layups in transition and in traffic in the lane.

Rogers Brandon Vazquez got hot in the second half. He came off screens and made mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove looked to take deep 3-point shots in the second half. The defensive pressure that Rogers applied made it difficult for Maple Grove to get open looks at the basket.

Maple Grove’s Jered Rainey got hot along with his teammates as they came up with 3-point shots.

Rogers called a timeout with 12:27 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 30, Maple Grove 29.

The score went back and forth midway through the second half. Neither team went on a significant run.

Belka stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots in the second half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 9:36 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 37, Maple Grove 32.

Rogers kept on passing the ball around the 3-point line getting everyone involved in the offense.

Rogers called a timeout with 8:20 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 39, Maple Grove 32.

Belka continued to come up with shots in the second half. The Maple Grove defense had a difficult time slowing him down.

Maple Grove guard Ian Lim took the ball hard to the basket. If Lim didn’t think he had a good shot, he would pass it off to one of his teammates.

Rogers kept attacking the basket and getting the ball into the hands of Belka.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 4:34 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 46, Maple Grove 37.

The Rogers offense went stagnant for a period. They couldn’t make a shot that they put up.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 2:48 left in regulation. The score was Rogers 46, Maple Grove 42.

Rogers looked to take time off the clock by passing the ball around the 3-point line. That made Maple Grove apply pressure out side of the 3-point line.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 34.1 seconds left in regulation. The score was Rogers 47, Maple Grove 46.

Rainey made a free throw to tie the game at 47.

The score was tied at 47 at the end of regulation.

In the overtime period Maple Grove looked to take time off the clock by passing the ball around the 3-point line. Battist came up with a slam dunk that gave Maple Grove a 2-point lead.

Maple Grove kept on feeding Battist. Battist came through coming up with two-handed slam dunks and layups.

Rogers couldn’t get their shots to fall in the overtime period. Maple Gove took advantage of that as they came up with rebounds and layups on the offensive end.

Rogers called a timeout with 13.2 left in the overtime period. The score was Maple Grove 56, Rogers 50.

Maple Grove looked to take as much time as they could off the clock late in the contest.

After a slow start by both teams the offenses came together. Rogers went through spells throughout the game where they were not able to score from either the inside or the outside.

Maple Grove kept the ball moving and kept on feeing Battist and Rainey.

Both teams played hard throughout the game.

Maple Grove came away with the 57-50 victory over Rogers.

The leading scorers for Rogers were Belka with 22 points and Vazquez with 13 points.

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Battist with 19 points and Rainey with 18 points.

OSSEO WENT UP AGAINST PARK CENTER IN A BOYS’ SECTION SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On March 14, Osseo and Park Center squared off in a boys’ basketball game. This game was a semifinal of the Section 5 Class 4A tournament. The game was played at Maple Grove High School. Osseo was the number 3 seed in the section and Park Center was the number 2 seed in the section.

Osseo pushed the ball down the floor and came up with a layup and a 3-point shot by John Bezdicek.

Park Center called a timeout with 17:06 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 5, Park Center 0.

Osseo got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and looked for their shots.

Park Center took a lot of time off the clock also by passing the ball around the 3-point line. 

On the defensive end, Park Center played a zone defense. They didn’t want Osseo to penetrate the middle and get to the lane. 

Osseo came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. They were also able to hit 3-point shots. Osseo used their quickness to get past the Park Center defense. 

Park Center’s Derrick Ogechi scored his team’s first five points. His teammates got him the ball in the paint in which he could made shots. 

After a slow start, offensively for Park Center they came up with layups and jump-shots. They got everyone involved in the offense.

Osseo’s Zach Theisen came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Theisen called for the ball in the paint. That’s where he made most of his baskets. Theisen also stepped up and attempted 3-point shots.

Neither team took a lot of time off the clock on the offensive end mid-way through the first half.

Park Center did a good job of feeding Ogechi the ball in spots where he could shoot it. Ogechi was also able to slow down the guy he was guarding on the defensive end. 

Osseo wasn’t afraid to take deep 3-point shots. Everyone on the floor rebounded when the shot went up. 

Park Center called a timeout with 4:31 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 26, Park Center 19. 

Park Center’s Dainja took the ball hard to the basket. He wasn’t bothered by the Osseo defensive pressure.

The very physical throughout the first half. The officials let both teams play. 

Osseo’s Marice Nelson came up with 3-point baskets late in the first half. Park Center had a difficult time slowing Nelson down from behind the 3-point line. 

At halftime, the score was Osseo 37, Park Center 24. 

As the second half got underway Osseo took a lot of time off the clock by dribbling the ball around out-side of the 3-point line. That made Park Center come out and guard them from behind the 3-point line. 

Park Center struggled shooting early in the second half. Their shots were not falling for them. Park Center continued to get the ball into the hands of Losini Kamara, Derrick Ogechi and Dainja. All of whom looked to score by taking mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Osseo called a timeout with 11:44 left to go in regulation. The score was Osseo 47, Park Center 36.

Theisen continued to come up with layups. He could beat his guy off the dribble and got to the basket for layups. There were multiple guys guarding him. 

Osseo took as much time as they could on the offensive end by dribbling and passing the ball around the 3-point line. 

Park Center came up with steals and layups. Their offense started to click with just under 7:45 left in regulation. Osseo didn’t give up however they kept on attacking the basket and kept on coming up with shots. 

Park Center was active on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end, they passed and cut a lot and on the defensive end they could get Osseo frustrated by their pressure. 

Park Center called a timeout with 6:17 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 54, Park Center 48.

Osseo took a lot of time off the clock late in the game. 

Park Center went to a full court man-to-man defense as they wanted to slow the Osseo defense down.

Osseo called a timeout with 2:26 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 58, Park Center 52. 

Osseo called another timeout with 2:16 left in regulation. The score remained 58-52 Osseo. 

Park Center trapped Osseo and could force them to turn the ball over. 

The Park Center offense came up with some huge shots late in the game. 

Osseo called a timeout with 40.2 seconds left in regulation. The score was Osseo 61, Park Center 57.

Park Center looked to take quick shots late in the game. 

Both teams played well throughout the game. Osseo got up big early and Park Center clawed their way back. 

Osseo came away with the 62-61 victory over Park Center. 

The leading scorers for Osseo were Theisen and Nelson each with 18 points and Bezdicek with 13 points. 

The leading scorers for Park Center were Broadway with 17 points, Kamara with 14 points and Dainja with 12 points.

ELK RIVER WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 1, Elk River went up against Maple Grove in a boys’ basketball game. It was senior night at Maple Grove so all the seniors were introduced. 

It took a while for each team to get into a shooting rhythm. 

Maple Grove looked to get the ball into the ball into the hands of Brad Davison. Davison took the ball hard to the basket and could make mid-range jump shots and layups.             

Maple Grove continued to push the ball down the floor and could get everyone involved in the offense.

Even though the Elk River offence struggled they attacked the basket and looked for their shot. Elk River looed to make layups in transition. 

After a slow start, Elk River strung some baskets together late in the first half. 

At halftime, the score was Maple Grove 29, Elk River 18.

As the second half got underway, both teams continued to attack the basket. Elk River looked to get the ball into the hands of Wyatt Morrell. Morrell came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. The defense had a difficult time slowing him down on the offensive end. 

Maple Grove got the ball into the hands of Davison. Davison came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. If he didn’t think that he had an open shot, he would pass it to one of his teammates. 

Elk River called a timeout with 13:38 left in regulation, the score was Maple Grove 35, Elk River 21. 

Elk River kept on attacking the basket as they looked to penetrate the gaps in the Maple Grove defense. 

Elk River called a timeout with 5:51 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 44, Elk River 32.

Pickford continued to make shots in the paint and mid-range jump shots. Everyone on Maple Grove touched the ball on the offensive end. 

Maple Grove took a lot of time off the clock late in the game by passing the ball around the 3-point line. 

Maple Grove came away with the 56-38 victory over Elk River. 

The leading scorers for Elk River were Morrell with 11 points and Jack Burger with eight points. 

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Davison with 15 points, Pickford with 13 points and Hutchison with 9 points. 

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Elk River vs. Maple Grove boys’ basketball game.

MAPLE GROVE TOOK ON OSSEO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 27, Maple Grove went up against Osseo in a boys’ basketball game. Both schools brought a lot of students to the game. The stands were full but it wasn’t a sellout. 

As the game got underway, both teams looked to set the tempo of the game early. Osseo passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to take time off the clock early. 

Maple Grove looked to get the ball in the hands of guard Brad Davison. Davison took the ball hard to the basket and looked for mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Osseo stepped up and knocked down 3-ponit baskets. They got the ball into the hands of Zach Theisen. Theisen took the ball hard to the basket. He came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. Theisen also could make layups coming off screens.

There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the first half. Neither team went on a huge run. 

Maple Grove also looked to get the ball into the hands of Tyhon Pickford. Pickford did a good job of getting to the basket and made layups and jump shots. 

Osseo’s Jazz Boker came off the bench and provided an offensive presence. He made his mid-range jump shots and layups. Teammate Maurice Nelson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 10:05 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 15, Maple Grove 11. 

Pickford came up layups and jumpers in the key. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. 

There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the first half. Neither team went on a run. 

Both teams dove on the floor and went after loose balls. They also battled for rebounds on both ends of the floor.

At halftime, the score was Maple Grove 31, Osseo 26. 

As the second half got underway Osseo continued to push the ball down the floor and got everyone involved in the offense. 

Davison continued to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the second half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. 

Pickford and Davison both came up with huge deep 3-point shots. There teammates knew where they were on the floor always.

 Osseo called a timeout with 11:05 left in regulation, the score was Maple Grove 47, Osseo 39.

Osseo looked to trap Davison as he drove to the basket. Davison could get past the traps and make baskets.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 7:34 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 53, Osseo 45. 

Maple Grove used their quickness to get past the Osseo defense. Pickford and Davison both took the ball hard to the basket and came up with shots throughout the game.

Osseo’s Zach Theisen came up with huge mid-range jump shots and layups late in the game. 

The game came down to the wire. Neither team gave up and easy look at the basket. 

Maple Grove called a timeout with 1:15 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 61, Osseo 59. 

As the clock wound down Osseo looked to find their shot.

Osseo called a timeout with 42.1 seconds left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 63, Osseo 59.

As the clock wound down both teams continued to attack the basket. 

Maple Grove called a timeout with 22.5 seconds left in regulation, the score was Maple Grove 65, Osseo 51.

Maple Grove came away with the 65-61 victory over Osseo. 

The leading scorer for Maple Grove was Davison with 27 points. 

The leading scorer for Osseo was Nelson with 16 points.

MAPLE GROVE WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Maple Grove took on Hopkins in a boys’ basketball game. Maple Grove got out to a quick start. It took a while for each of these teams to figure the other team out. 

Hopkins took their time on the offensive end. They got everyone involved in the offense. 

Maple Grove’s Brad Davison and Tywhon Pickford. They both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. They both knew where their teammates were on the floor. 

Hopkins was all over the board. They could come down with rebounds. 

Davison took the ball hard to the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. The defense had a difficult time slowing Davison down. 

The pace was quick as neither team took a lot of time off the clock. 

Maple Grove did a good job getting the ball into the hands of Pickford. Pickford did a good job of getting to the basket make layups. 

There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout first half. 

Maple Grove called a timeout with 3:29 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 38, Maple Grove 37.

The score continued to go back and forth late in the half. 

At halftime, the score was Maple Grove 45, Hopkins 43. 

As the second half got underway both teams continued to score quick baskets in transition. 

Davison continued to get to the basket and came up with shots. On the defensive end, Davison could slow down the guy he was guarding. 

The score went back and forth midway through the half. 

Hopkins guard Blaise Beauchamp came up with deep 3-point shots in the second half. 

Hopkins called a timeout with 7:46 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 67, Hopkins 63. 

Maple Grove kept on coming up with baskets in the second half They got the ball into Davison’s hands. 

Maple Grove called a timeout with 3:14 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 72, Hopkins 65.

Hopkins couldn’t slow Davison down as he came up with huge baskets throughout the game. 

Maple Grove came away with the 81-70 victory over Hopkins.

Maple Grove was lead in scoring by Davison with 41points, Pickford with 22 points. 

Hopkins was lead in scoring by Blaise Beauchamp with 18 points, Joesph Headstrong with 16 points and Ishmael El-Amin with 14 points.

LAKEVILLE SOUTH WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Lakeville South and Maple Grove went up against each other in a boys’ basketball game at St. Cloud State as part of the Breakdown Sports USA Granite City Classic.

Maple Grove’s Brad Davison was all over the floor. On the offensive end, he could create his own shot. He could get his teammates involved in the offense. 

Lakeville South called a timeout with 14:22 left in the first half.

Lakeville South struggled to shoot the ball early. Even though they struggled they kept shooting. 

Maple Grove used both man-to-man and zone defense in the first half. They looked to and could confuse Lakeville South on what they were doing. 

Lakeville South’s Shae Mitchell came up with mid-range jump shots and layups on the offensive end. On the defensive end, Mitchell stepped up and could slow down the guy he was guarding. 

Davison and teammate Tywhon Pickford both fed off each others energy. They knew where their teammates were on the floor.

Neither team went on a run in the first half. There were several ties and lead changes in the first half. 

Pickford came up with steals and led to layups on the offensive end. The defense had a hard time slowing Pickford down. 

Lakeville South called a timeout with 1:32 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 36, Lakeville South 29.

Lakeville South looked to make layups and mid-range jump shots late in the first half. 

At halftime, the score was Maple Grove 41, Lakeville South 35. 

As the second half got underway Maple Grove continued to push the ball down the and score baskets in transition.

Lakeville South looked to get the ball into the hands of Boston Mast. Mast came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. He could come off screens and get to the basket. 

Lakeville South called a timeout with 8:49 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 66, Lakeville South 51. 

Lakeville South didn’t rush their shots late in the game but they didn’t look to take a lot of time off the clock either. 

Maple Grove called a timeout with 2:35 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 75, Lakeville South 61. 

Both teams played hard throughout the game. Lakeville South struggled to shoot the ball late in the game. Maple Grove came up with some big shots late. 

Maple Grove came away with the 85-65 victory over Lakeville South.

The leading scorers for Lakeville South were Mitchell with 23 points and Mast with 17 points. 

The leading scores Hutchinson with 24 points, Pickford with 22 points, Davison with 14 points, and Horton with 14 points.

MAPLE GROVE WENT UP AGAINST DELASALLE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Maple Grove and Minneapolis DeLaSalle squared off in a boys’ basketball game at Hopkins High School as part of the Breakdown Sports USA Tip Off Classic.

DeLaSalle looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. They also could take time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line.

Maple Grove’s Tywhon Pickford came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. He also got his team involved in the offense. He was also able to knock down deep 3-point baskets.

Maple Grove’s Bubba Horton was also able to step up and knock down 3-point baskets and make mid-range jump shots.

DeLaSalle called a timeout with 8:20 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 22, DeLaSalle 13.

Maple Grove’s Brad Davison could get his teammates involved in the offense. He was also able to get to the basket and make shots.

The pace of the game quickened late in the first half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 6:05 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 27, DeLaSalle 17.

DeLaSalle’s Gabe Kalscheur could come up with steals on the defensive end and turn them into layups on the defensive end.

At halftime, the score was Maple Grove 40, DeLaSalle 32.

As the second half got underway DeLaSalle stepped up its defensive pressure in the second half. That could slow down the Maple Grove offense.

DeLaSalle got the lead back midway through the second half. Maple Grove continued to attack the basket and came up with layups.

DeLaSalle called a timeout with 6:48 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 58, Maple Grove 55.

The score went back and forth late in regulation. Neither team went on a huge run.

Brad Davison scored a 3-point basket with 2.1 seconds left in regulation to give Maple Grove a 67-64 lead.

Maple Grove came away with the 67-64 victory over DeLaSalle.

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Davison with 28 points and Pickford with 21 points.

The leading scorer for DeLaSalle was Kalscheur with 27 points.

ROGERS WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A SECTION 8 CLASS 4A BOYS’ SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 27 Rogers and Maple Grove squared off in the Section 8 Class 4A semifinals in a boys’ basketball game. 

Both teams pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition. 

Maple Grove’s Jack Hutchinson and Brad Davison both came up with mid-range layups and jump shots in the first half. 

Davison was all over the floor. On the offensive end he was able to get to the basket and make jump shots and layups. On the defensive end he was able to slow the guy down he was guarding.

Rogers called a timeout with 9:47 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 18, Rogers 12. 

Maple Grove pushed the ball down the floor and was able to get Davison the ball in the lane.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 5:11 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 29, Rogers 21. 

Rogers Steffan Musoke came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. If he didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it to one of his teammates.

Rogers called a timeout with 2:41 left in the first half. The score was Maple 39, Rogers 25.

Rogers struggled to shoot the ball late in the first half. Maple Grove took advantage of that as they were able to make shots. 

At halftime the score was Maple Grove 43, Rogers 32.

As the second half got underway Maple Grove continued to push the ball the court. 

Maple Grove continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Wilson stepped up and knocked down 3-point shots. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could knock down shots. 

Maple Grove called a timeout with 10:16 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 55, Rogers 46.

Davison was all over the floor, in the second half. He kept on coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Rogers got hot with just under 10 minutes to go in regulation. They came up with steals and were able to convert them into layups on the offensive end. 

Rogers called a timeout with 3:40 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 63, Rogers 56. 

Maple Grove continued to come up with huge baskets in regulation. 

Maple Grove came away with the 74-61 victory over Rogers. 

The leading scorers for Rogers were Will Alexander with 13 points, Wilson with 12 points and Musoke with 11 points. 

The leading scorer for Maple Grove was Davison with 30 points. 

The leading scorers for Rogers were Alexander with 13 points, Wilson with 12 points and Musoke with 11 points.

OSSEO WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Osseo and Maple Grove squared off in a boys’ basketball game on Feb. 19. Maple Grove looked to push the ball down the floor and looked to score basket in transition.

Osseo looked to get the ball into the hands of Allen Anderson. Anderson looked to push the ball down the floor and was able to get his teammates involved in the offense.

Osseo’s Damairo Armstrong was able to get to the basket and come up with layups. 

Maple Grove struggled shooting the ball early. 

Osseo was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of communicating with each other. 

Maple Grove’s Brad Davison came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. After a slow start by Maple Grove their offense came alive with just under 9 minutes left in the first half. 

Maple Grove went on a 9-0 run. 

The score went back and forth late in the first half.

Maple Grove’s Taron Pickford was able to get to the basket and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Anderson was able to come up with layups in transition. 

At halftime the score was Osseo 36, Maple Grove 30.

As the second half got underway Osseo continued to push the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition.

Osseo’s Kameron Bettie came up with layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Osseo continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Osseo was able to slow the tempo down and run their offense. 

Maple Grove couldn’t get their offense going in the second half. They were flat. Osseo kept attacking the basket and came up with shots.

Osseo came away with 67-49 victory over Maple Grove.

The leading scorer for Maple Grove was Davison with 20 points. 

The leading scorers for Osseo were Anderson and Armstrong each with 14 points. And Jones and Bettie each had 12 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts on the Osseo vs. Maple Grove boys’ basketball game. 

OSSEO WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 19 Osseo and Maple Grove squared off against each other in a girls’ basketball game. Osseo looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team went on a huge run in the opening minutes of the game.

Osseo called a timeout with 10:27 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 16, Osseo 5.

Maple Grove did a good job of getting the ball down the floor and getting everyone involved in the offense.

Osseo went into a scoring slump in the first half. They struggled to shoot the ball for a period of time.

Maple Grove’s Kenzie Barta and Maddie Tharp both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. The defense had a hard time of slowing them down.

Osseo went to a zone defense. That made Maple Grove have to pass the ball around the 3-point line and take time off the clock.

At halftime the score was Maple Grove 25, Osseo 16.

As the second half got underway Osseo struggled to shoot the ball. Maple Grove used that to their advantage as they were able to get to the basket.

Osseo got hot midway through the second half. They were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Maple Grove did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense.

Maple Grove came away with the 48-47 victory over Osseo.

 

 

MAPLE GROVE WENT UP AGAINST CHAMPLIN PARK IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 5 Maple Grove and Champlin Park squared off in a boys' basketball game. Champlin Park started in a zone defense.

 

Champlin Park Pushed the ball down the floor and scored baskets in transition.

 

Champlin Park’s McKinley Wright came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. The defense had a difficult time slowing him down.  

 

Maple Grove struggled to score early in the first half. They kept on attacking the basket.

 

Champlin Park’s Theo John and Maple Grove’s Reed Nikko battled after loose balls and layups.  

 

Neither team went on a run in the first half.  

 

Champlin Park’s Josiah Strong came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

 

Champlin Park struggled to shoot the ball late in the first half.

 

At halftime the score was Maple Grove 38, Champlin Park 31.

 

As the second half got underway Maple Grove continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

 

Maple Grove started the second half in a zone defense. They wanted to make Champlin Park take deep 3-point shots.

 

Maple Grove’s Brad Davison came up with huge 3-point baskets. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball where he could shoot it.

 

Champlin Park played man-to-man defense. They made it difficult for Maple Grove to come up with uncontested shots.

 

Champlin Park called a timeout with 10:47 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 47, Champlin Park 42.

 

Maple Grove got everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of passing the ball the 3-point line.  

 

Davison did a good job of moving the ball down the floor. They passed the ball with confidence.

 

Champlin Park continued to push the ball down the floor.

 

The defense couldn’t slow down Davison in the second half. Davison came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

 

Maple Grove came up with the 65-58 victory over Champlin Park.

 

The leading scorers for Champlin Park were Wright IV with 20 points and John with 13 points.

 

The leading scorers for Maple Grove were Davison with 26 points and Nikko 12 points.

 

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Maple Grove vs. Champlin Park game.

 

IOWA CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Iowa City West and Maple Grove squared off in a boys' basketball game at the Target Center. Maple

Gove looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

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

Maple Grove got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around the three-point line as they took time off the clock.

Neither team went on a run in the first half.

At halftime the score was Maple Grove 27, Iowa City West 26.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and scored baskets in transition.

Maple Grove got the ball into the hands of Tywhon Pickford. Tywhon Pickford came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Reed Nikko came up with a monster two handed slam dunk.

Iowa City West got the ball into the hands Devontae Lane and Connor McCaffrey. Mccaffrey came up with layups and jump shots.

Iowa City West called a timeout with 6:28 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 52, Iowa City West 40.

Maple Grove passed the ball around the three-point line and was able to everyone involved in the offense.

After a close start and a close first half, Maple Grove got their offense going. They were able to slow down Iowa City West on offense.

Maple Grove came away with the 70-57 victory over Iowa City West.

ST. CLOUD TECH WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

St. Cloud Tech squared off against Maple Grove in a boys' basketball game. Maple Grove got off to a quick start as they got up 11-2 with 15 minutes to go in the first half.

Maple Gove got the ball down the floor quickly as they looked to score baskets in transition.

St. Cloud Tech had trouble scoring in the first half.

Maple Grove’s Tywhon Pickford came up with big mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. The defense had a hard time slowing him down.

Maple Grove used their quickness to get past the St. Cloud Tech’s defense. They were able to make layups.

Maple Grove’s Brad Davison came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half.

Davison and Reed Nikko knew where their teammates were on the floor and got the ball to them in spots where they could shoot it.

At halftime the score was Maple Grove 42, St. Cloud Tech 22.

As the second half got underway Maple Grove continued to attack the basket, and come up with layups.

Maple Grove was quicker than St. Cloud Tech was.

Maple Grove cruised to an 84-40 victory over St. Cloud Tech.

APPLE VALLEY WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Apple Valley and Maple Grove squared off in a boys' basketball game. Apple Valley was all over the floor.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 13:41 left in the first half. The score was Apple Valley 11, Maple Grove 4.

Maple Grove’s Brad Davidson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

After a slow start by Maple Grove got their shots to drop in the first half.

There were many ties and lead changes in the first half. Neither team went on a run.

Apple Valley’s Gary Trent Jr. came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half.

In a very quick first half at halftime the score was Maple Grove 36, Apple Valley 35.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to look to push the ball down the floor.   

Apple Valley called a timeout with 14:32 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 45, Apple Valley 39.

The game was very close throughout. Neither team went on a run in the second half.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 12:51 left in regulation. The score was Apple Valley 49, Maple Grove 45.

Apple Valley looked to take as much time off the clock as they could in the second half.

Both teams fought hard throughout the second half. The score went back and forth late in the game.

At the end of regulation, the score was tied at 71. There was a 4-minute overtime period.

As the overtime period got underway both teams continued to go back and forth. Apple Valley came away with the 86-81 overtime victory over Maple Grove.

SPRING LAKE PARK JAMBOREE

On Nov. 18 Spring Lake Park hosted a boys basketball jamboree. Each game was played one 18 minute half.

 

OSSEO VS. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

 

Osseo and Columbia Heights squared off in the first scrimmage. Osseo moved the ball around the floor well late in the contest.

 

Columbia Heights struggled to shoot the ball. Osseo was a lot quicker than Columbia Heights.

 

Osseo came away with the 40-17 victory over Columbia Heights.

 

MOUNDS VIEW VS. IRONDALE

 

Mounds View went up against Irondale. Mounds View pushed the ball down the floor and looked for layups in transition.

 

The score went back and forth early. Neither team went on a run. There were many ties and lead changes.

 

Irondale moved the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to attack the Mounds View defense.

 

They took a lot of time off the clock.

 

Mounds View came away with the 23-21 victory over Irondale.

 

ST. FRANCIS VS. SPRING LAKE PARK

 

St. Francis and Spring Lake Park squared off against each other. St. Francis was able to make layups

off in transition.

 

Spring Lake Park found their shooting touch midway through the half. They started hitting mid-range jump shots and layups.

 

Neither team went on a run throughout the contest.

 

Spring Lake Park came away with the 19-17 victory over St. Francis.

 

TOTINO GRACE WENT UP AGAINST BLAINE

 

Totino Grace and Blaine squared off against each other. The game got off to a quick start as both teams raced up and down the floor trading layups and mid-range jump shots.

 

Totino Grace took a lot of deep three-point shots. They attacked the basket after each shot.

 

Blaine got hot midway through the contest. They were able to hit shots that they put up.

 

Totino Grace countered it as they came up with shots of their own.

 

The score went back and forth as there were many ties and lead changes throughout the contest.

 

Blaine came away with the 26-25 victory over Totino Grace.

 

FRIDLEY VS MAPLE GROVE

 

Fridley took on Maple Grove. Fridley took their time on the offensive end as they swung the ball around the 3-point line.

 

Maple Grove played a zone defense. Fridley wasn’t afraid to shoot deep three-point shots.

 

It took Fridley awhile to get into a shooting rhythm. They couldn’t find their shots.

 

Maple Grove did a good job of attacking the basket. They made layups in transition.

 

Maple Grove came away with the 41-23 victory over Fridley.

 

FOREST LAKE VS COON RAPIDS

 

In the final match up of the event Forest Lake went up against Coon Rapids. Both teams struggled to shoot the ball early.

 

Coon Rapids couldn’t get their offense going throughout the game.

 

Forest Lake was much more efficient in running their offense.