SIMLEY WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS DELASALLE IN A GIRLS’ CLASS 3A STATE SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On March 12, Simley and Minneapolis DeLaSalle up against each other in a girls’ basketball Class 3A State semifinal game. 

Both teams got off to a fast start as each team raced up and down the floor looking for their shots. 

The score went back and forth early. Neither team went on a run. DeLaSalle’s Sydney Runsewe and Kiani Lockett both came up with jump shots and layups in the first half. 

DeLaSalle called a timeout with 13:03 left in the first half. The score was tied at 8.

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

Simley used a zone defense. That made DeLaSalle swing the ball around the 3-point line as they were able to get into their offense. 

There was a media timeout with 10:45 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 10, Simley 9.

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

Simley was able to come up with steals on the defensive end and turned them into layups on the offensive end. 

There was a media timeout with 6:49 left in the first half. The score was Simley 18, DeLaSalle 17.

Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half. 

Simley got everyone involved in the offense. 

There was a media timeout with 3:13 left in the first half. The score was Simley 25, DeLaSalle 23. 

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

At halftime, the score was DeLaSalle 33, Simley 25. 

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

DeLaSalle came out running in the second half. They were able to come up with layups and baskets in transition. 

DeLaSalle was able to make shots throughout the second half. 

There was a media timeout with 11:14 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 51, Simley 35.

DeLaSalle was able to move the ball around the court well throughout the game. They were able to slow Simley down on the offensive end. 

The defensive pressure that DeLaSalle applied made it difficult for Simley to come up with shots in the second half. 

Simley called a timeout with 8:24 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 62, Simley 37. 

Both teams played hard throughout the game. Even though Simley had a hard time scoring throughout the game they fought hard throughout.

The game kept on going late in the game DeLaSalle kept on attacking the basket late in the game.

DeLaSalle passed the ball around the 3-point line as they got everyone involved in the offense. 

There was a media timeout with 3:55 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 68, Simley 44. 

DeLaSalle used their quickness to get past the defense and get to the basket. Simley didn’t get down on themselves, even though they struggled shooting the ball throughout the game they kept on looking for their shots. 

DeLaSalle came away with the 74-52 victory over Simley. 

HOLY ANGELS WENT UP AGAINST SIMLEY IN A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Holy Angels and Simley went up against each other in the girls’ Class 3A State quarterfinal game.

Holy Angels looked to take their time on the offensive end as they passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to take time off the clock.

It took a while for each team to get involved in the offense. Simley was able to pass the ball around the 3-point line and get everyone involved in the offense.

Holy Angels’ Francesca Vascellaro came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the first half. Her teammates were able to get her the ball in spots where she could shoot it.

Holy Angels struggled shooting the ball early. Even though they struggled they kept on attacking the basket.

Holy Angels kept on attacking the basket and came up with shots late in the first half.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 5:09 left in the first half. The score was Simley 26, Holy Angels 24.

Holy Angels continued to come up with shots late in the first half. They did a good job of attacking the basket.

Simley went to a zone defense and that made Holy Angels swing the ball around the 3-point line.

At halftime, the score was Simley 33, Holy Angels 30.

As the second half got underway Simley continued to push the ball down the floor and looked for their shots.

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

Simley called a timeout with 12:12 left in regulation. The score was Holy Angels 41, Simley 40.

The score remained close throughout the second half.  Neither team went on a run.

Simley came up with layups and mid-range jump shots midway through the game. They were able to slow down Holy Angels on the offensive end.

Holy Angels struggled shooting the ball in the second half. They were not able to come up with shots in the second half. They were able to cut into the deficit with just under 7:00 left in regulation.

Holy Angels came up with shots late in the game. They were able to get steals and layups after the steals. 

Holy Angels came off screens and was able to get to the baskets off screens.

Holy Angels called timeout with 4:32 left in regulation. The score was Smiley 61, Holy Angels 55.

Smiley looked to take time off the clock late in the game. They were able to keep the ball away from Holy Angels.

Simley called a timeout with 2:48 left in regulation. The score was Simley 64, Holy Angels 57.

Simley used their speed to get past the Holy Angels defense. Simley looked to hold the ball late in the game.

In a hard-fought and well-played game by both teams, Simley came away with the 70-62 victory over Holy Angels.

SIMLEY WENT UP AGAINST RICHFIELD IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Dec. 6, Simley went up against Richfield in a boys’ basketball game. Simley moved the ball down the floor as they were able to come up with layups.

Richfield called a timeout with 16:32 left in the first half. The score was Simley 4, Richfield 2.

Both teams raced up and down the floor looking for layups in transition. 

Richfield’s Ryan Miles came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. He wasn’t afraid to take mid-range jump shots and layups. If he didn’t think that he was able to make shots he would pass the ball around the 3-point line and took time off the clock. 

Neither team went on a huge run throughout the first half. 

Simley’s Breyton Buysman came off the bench and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the first half. The offense went through Buysman’s hands. He was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

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

Richfield made mid-range jump shots and layups late in the first half. The Simley Spartans couldn’t make shots that they put up.

At halftime, the score was Richfield 37, Simley 26.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to push the ball down the floor as they both looked for layups in transition.

Neither team went on a run in the second half. 

Simley’s Even Gray came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the second half. 

Simley called a timeout with 9:07 left in regulation. The score was Richfield 53, Simley 44.

Sjmley continued to attack the basket late in the second half. They made a comeback late in the second half.

Simley’s Breyton Busyman kept on coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups late in the game. 

Both teams played. hard throughout the game. In the end, Richfield came away with the 78-67 victory over Simley. 

SIMLEY WENT UP AGAINST ST. THOMAS ACADEMY IN A SECTION 3 CLASS 3A SECTION SEMIFINAL BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 10, Simley and St. Thomas Academy squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Both teams pushed the ball down the floor and scored layups in transition. 

St. Thomas Academy got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and talked on both ends of the floor. 

Simley took a timeout with 11:04 left in the first half. The score was St. Thomas Academy 23, Simley 12. 

Simley struggled to shoot the ball for a period in the first half. 

St. Thomas Academy called a timeout with 6:31 left in the first half. The score was St. Thomas Academy 30, Simley 17. 

St. Thomas Academy pushed the ball down the floor and could score layups in transition. They could get everyone involved in the offense. 

Simley struggled to shoot the ball throughout the first half. 

At halftime, the score was St. Thomas Academy 48, Simley 31. 

As the second half got underway St. Thomas Academy continued to push the ball down the floor and score layups in transition. 

St. Thomas Academy continued to attack the basket and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. They got the ball into the hands of Jack Thompson, Eddie Perry and Sam Schleper all who could make shots.

Simley called a timeout with 14:03 left in regulation. The score was St. Thomas Academy 54, Simley 37. 

Simley continued to push the ball down the floor as they looked to score layups in transition. St. Thomas Academy came up with layups and mid-range jump shots midway through the second half. 

St. Thomas called a timeout with 4:13 left in regulation. The score was St. Thomas Academy 60, Simley 49. 

Simley struggled shooting the ball throughout the game. Even though they had a tough time shooting the ball they kept on flinging it toward the basket.

St. Thomas Academy came away with the 71-52 victory over Simley.

The leading scorers for Simley were Jake Binley with 15 points, DeAndre Smith with 13 points and Arik Johnson with 8 points. 

The leading scorers for St. Thomas Academy were Jack Thompson with 22 points, Louis Ballion with 12 points and Sam Vascellaro with 10 points.

 

SIMLEY WENT UP AGAINST HASTINGS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 29, Simley and Hastings squared off against each other in a boys’ basketball game. The score went back and forth early.

Hastings looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. They did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense.

Hastings’ Joe Dittrich came up with 3-point baskets. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Hastings center Brady Gullicks came up with mid-range jump shots. He wasn’t afraid to shoot the open jump shots if he hand one.

Simley used both man-to-man and zone defense in the first half. Hastings used a lot of time off the clock as they swung the ball around the 3-point line against the zone.

Hastings Craig Nielsen came up with rebounds and layups in the first half. He also came up with some big defensive stops.

Simley struggled to hit shots for a period of time in the first half. Hastings used that to their advantage as they were able to come up with the ball off Simley missed shots.

Simley attempted a lot of deep 3-point shots in the second half. They were not able to hit the 3-point shot consistently in the first half.

Simley called a timeout with 4:19 left in the first half. The score was Hastings 24, Simley 14.

Hastings looked to score baskets in transition. They did a good job of getting the ball down the floor.

Smiley was able to get to the basket and look for mid-range jump shots late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Hastings 26, Simley 19.

As the second half got underway Simley came out defending hard. They put a lot of pressure on

Hastings and communicating through screens. Simley attacked the basket and came up with layups.

Simley’s Alex Anderson and Matthew Amspoker both did a good job of hitting mid-range jump shots and making layups.

Hastings came up with fast break layups. Hastings guards Christian Bronner and Dittrich both hit layups and jump shots effectively. Teammate Sam Skoyen also took 3-point shots.

Simley called a timeout with 11:28 left in regulation. The score was Hastings 39, Simley 25.

Hastings continued move the ball around the 3-point line and attack the basket late in the game.

Both offenses sputtered in the second half. Hastings was a little quicker than Simley.

Hastings came away with the 56-42 victory over Simley.

The leading scorer for Simley was Anderson with 15 points.

The leading scorers for Hastings were Nielsen and Dittrich with 15 points, and Gullicks with 10 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Simley vs. Hastings boys’ basketball game.

FOLEY WENT UP AGAINST SIMLEY IN A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Foley and Simley went up against each other in a girls’ basketball game at Hopkins High School as part of the Minnesota Breakdown Tip Off Classic.

Simley pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to score baskets in transition. They did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense.

Simley struggled shooting the ball in the first half. They were not able to get into a shooting rhythm early.

Simley’s Katie Atkins was all over the floor. She was able to come up with some big shots throughout the first half.

Simley started out the game very sluggish. They struggled to shoot throughout the first half.  

At halftime the score was Foley 30, Simley 14.

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

Foley took their time of the offensive end. They swung the ball around the three-point line and everyone was able to get their hands on the ball. Foley got the hands of Kenzie Dingman who was able to take the ball hard to the basket and hit her shots.

Foley got the ball into the hands of Tara Dusharn who was able to score layups. She was also able to step up and knock down mid-range jump shots.

Simley struggled shooting the ball throughout the game. Foley took the ball to the basket and was able to hit their shots.

Foley came away with the 55-31 victory over Simley.

The leading scorer for Simley was Atkins with 10 points.

The leading scorers for Foley was Dingmann with 14 points.

SIMLEY WENT UP AGAINST SPRING LAKE PARK IN THE SEMIFINALS OF THE STATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Simley and Spring Lake Park squared off against each together in the state semifinals. Spring Lake Park kicked off to Simley to start the game. 

Simley’s Michael Busch came up with some huge runs. On 4th-and-1 went for it but Busch came up short. Simley turned the ball over on downs.

Spring Lake Park couldn’t move the ball down the field and they punted on 4th down.

After one quarter of play the score was tied at 0.

Sinley punted the ball on 4th-and-long.

Spring Lake Park got the ball back and Josh Bauer came up with a 64-yard run. That set up a 1-yard run touchdown by Isley Carrington.

The score with 9:26 left in the first quarter the score was Spring Lake Park 7, Simley 0.

Spring Lake Park’s Josh Bower couldn’t find a receiver and as a result he couldn't get a first down and turned it over on downs.

Simley took over on their own 25-yard line. Simley did a good job of moving the ball down the field but fumbled the ball and Spring Lake Park recovered it.

At halftime the score was Spring Lake Park 7, Simley 0. 

 Simley kicked off to start the third quarter. Spring Lake Park continued to get the ball into the hands of Carrington. Carrington was stopped on third down. On 4th-and-6 Spring Lake Park punted the ball.

Simley continued to get the ball into the hands of Busch. Simley kept on pounding the ball down the field. Busch came up with a 2-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was good.

With 4:30 left in the third quarter the score was tied at 7.

Spring Lake Park got the ball back but came up just short on 4th down. Simley took over on the 45-yard line. Simley did a good job of moving the ball down the field. Simley’s Michael Avwunuma came up with a 1-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was good.

With 1:13 left in the third quarter the score was Simley 14, Spring Lake Park 7.

Spring Lake kept the ball on the ground late in the third quarter.

After three quarters of play the score was Simley 14, Spring Lake Park 7. 

 Carrington got the ball back in his hands as he looked to get the ball into the end zone. They did that as Zach Ojile came up with a 1-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was good.

With 8:04 left in the fourth quarter the score was tied at 14.

Simley continued to pound the ball on the ground. Busch kept on coming up with huge runs late in the game. Avwunuuma kept on coming up with huge plays. Simley got the first down on an penalty on Spring Lake Park. Avwunuuma came up with a 5-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was good.

With 1:12 left in the fourth quarter the score was Simley 21 Spring Lake Park 14. That would be the final of the game. 

 After the game I was able to talk to Avwunuuma and Simley head coach Rex King about the game.

SIMLEY TOOK ON PARK CENTER IN THE CLASS 3A STATE QUARTERFINALS

Simley and Park Center went up against each other at the Target Center in the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

 

Simley looked to push the ball down the floor and score in transition. Simley’s Abby Kain and Maya DeLao came up with mid-range jump shots in the first half.

 

Park Center looked to score baskets in transition. They were able to get the ball into the hands of Cayla McMorris and Mikalya Hayes. They were able to make mid-range jump shots throughout the first half. Their teammates did a good job of getting them the ball in spots where they could shoot it.

 

Kain kept on coming up with big mid-range jump shots late in the first half.

 

At halftime the score was Simley 30, Park Center 26.

 

Park Center’s McKena DuBois came up with three point shots to give her team energy to start the second half.

 

Park Center came out scoring multiple baskets to start the second half. They looked like they were more aggressive on both ends of the floor.

 

Both teams battled after loose balls and rebounds.  

 

Park Center gained the lead and kept attacking the basket.

 

Simley called a timeout with 6:41 left in regulation. The score was Park Center 50, Simley 44

 

Park Center kept on hitting shots. They looked to score baskets in transition.

 

Park Center called a timeout with 5:36 in regulation. The score was Park Center 54, Simley 44.

 

Park Center kept the scoring throttle on.

 

Park Center was too much for Simley to handle. They were able to wear Simley down

 

Park Center came away with the 68-53 victory over Simley.

 

The leading scorers for Simley were Brown with 14 points, Paulsen with 12 points and DeLao with 10 points.

 

The leading scorers for Park Center were McMorris with 24 points and Hayes with 13 points.

SIMLEY TOOK ON MONTICELLO IN A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Simley and Monticello went up against each other at Hopkins High School as part of the Breakdown USA Tip Off Classic.

 

Monticello started the game in a man-to-man defense. Neither team went on a run early in the first half. There were many ties and lead changes in the first half.

 

Monticello was able to slow down the Simley offense as they made it difficult for them to score.  

 

Simley was really able to slow down the Monticello offense.

 

Simley strung some baskets together late in the first half.

 

At halftime the score was Monticello 26, Simley 22.

 

As the second half got underway the score went back and forth. Neither team went on a run. Simley strung some baskets together and they were able to take a lead early in the second half.

 

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

 

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

 

In a game that was close throughout Monticello came away with the 50-46 victory over Simley.

SIMLEY TOOK ON PRIOR LAKE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

In the varsity division of the Minnesota Breakdown boys’ basketball tournament Simley took on Prior Lake.

 

Prior Lake did a good job of moving the ball down the floor and were able to get a lot of good open looks at the basket early in the game.

 

Simley had a hard time making shots in the first half. They didn’t give up as they kept on looking for shots that they wanted to hit.

 

Prior Lake was in control of the game as they were able to hit pretty much any shot that they wanted to take.

 

Simley called a timeout with 12:23 left in the first half. The score was Prior Lake 15, Simley 4.

 

Simley was able to get the ball down the floor and hit shots in transition. Prior Lake was just a step quicker than Simley on both ends of the floor.

 

Simley was not afraid to shoot both the two and long three-point shots. If they thought that they could make a long three-pointer they would shoot it.

 

Prior Lake went to a zone defense. They looked to force Simley to take long three-point shots. Simley had trouble shooting the ball against the Prior Lake zone defense.

 

Prior Lake also was able to make a lot of shots in transition. As soon as Simley shot the ball Prior Lake looked to get the rebound and headed to their basket on the other end of the floor as they looked to get layups in transition.

 

At halftime Prior Lake led 29-17.

 

As the second half got underway both teams continued to attack the basket and look for shots that they thought that they could make.

 

Simley was able to make some fast break baskets that through Prior Lake off guard. Prior Lake was not able to slow down the Smiley shooters on defense and Simley was able to come up with some uncontested shots.

 

Both teams looked for fast break baskets and they were both able to score on them.

 

Simley kept in close as Prior Lake continued to find the basket. Prior Lake had a 37-28 lead with 12:00 left in the second half.

 

Both teams played hard throughout the contest. Prior Lake did a good job of talking on the defensive end as they were able to let their own teammates know where the other one was supposed to be on the floor and they did a good job of calling out picks on the pick and rolls.

 

SIMLEY HIGH SCHOOL WENT UP AGAINST RICHFIELD IN A BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAME

The Simley High School boys' basketball team traveled to Richfield High School for a boys' basketball game. Going into the game Simley had a record of 7-17 and Richfield's record was 13-10.

Richfield won the toss. On the first offensive series they looked to get a quick open shot. They were not able to get the basket.

Simley started in a zone defense. Each team looked to set the tempo in their favor.

Richfield looked to get the ball into Shawn Ray Bear's hands. Bear was all over the floor on both ends of the could.

Richfield's guard Lorenzo Evans ran the offense. He directed players on the court and told them where he wanted them to go.

Deshawn Jones for Richfield came up with some key steals on the defensive end. He was able to score baskets off steals.

It took a while for each team to get into the offensive flow. Neither team hit shots early.

Simley passed the ball around the three-point line to set up their offense.

Bear was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. He was able to drop some nice three-point shots.

Simley took a timeout with 11:59 left in the first half. The score was Richfield 16 and Simley 10.

Simley switched between man-to-man and zone defense. They wanted to confuse Richfield.

Jared Noonan for Richfield came up with some nice shots. He was also not afraid to shoot the ball. Dan Beyel was able to beat his man off the dribble and had a few nice lay-ups in the first half.

Simley called a timeout with 9:12 left in the first half. The score was Richfield 26 and Simley 10.

Simley went on a run midway through the first half. They were able to score some easy baskets in transition.

Richfield called a timeout with 7:30 left in the first half. The score was Richfield 26 Simley 18.

Simley spread the ball around and every one shot the ball.

Wibi MacDonald got into the game with 6:52 left in the first half. MacDonald was able to slow down his man. MacDonald mostly guarded Rashaun Baxter.

MacDonald left with 4:26 left in the first half. He returned with 3:54 left in the first half. MacDonald played hard on both ends of the floor. He did a good job of getting back on defense. He was subbed out with 2:00 left in the first half. Then he got back in with 57 seconds left in the first half and was out with 34.4 seconds.

At halftime the score was Richfield 46 and Simley 30.

Both teams looked to get back into the scoring column early in the second half.

Simley took a timeout with 16:49 left in the second half. The score was Richfield 48 and Simley 34.

Simley's Connor Wells found his shooting touch. He was on fire. Richfield was not able to slow him down.

Both teams shot the ball quickly in transition. Neither team took a lot of time off the clock.

MacDonald returned to the game with 12:49 left in regulation.

Simley called a time out with 12:26 left in regulation. The score was Richfield 62 and Simley 38.

MacDonald picked up his second foul with 11:03 left in regulation. He kept on playing hard. He looked like he twisted his ankle. He was taken out with 10:10 left in regulation.

Richfield called a timeout with 8:00 left in regulation. The score was Richfield 70 and Simley 52.

Simley didn't back down. They kept on fighting throughout the game. Richfield was just a little quicker and they were able to hit shots.

MacDonald got back into the game late in the second half. He continued to make his defenders pay for the pressure he applied to them on the defensive end. He subbed back out with 2:16 left in regulation.

Richfield came away with the 92-61 hard fought victory over Simley.

The leading scorer for Simley was Connor Wells with 14 points. The leading scorers for Richfield were Jared Noonan with 21 points and Shawn Ray Bear with 14 points.

SIMLEY TOOK ON FAIR ACADEMY IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Simley took on FAIR Academy in a boys' basketball contest. Coming into the game Simley had a record of 3-3 and FAIR had a record of 5-1.

Simley swung the ball around the three-point line to look for their shots and take time off the clock.

FAIR called a timeout with 13:57 left in the first half. The score was Simley 9 and FAIR 0.

After that timeout FAIR went on a run and tied the game at 12:50 in the first half.

FAIR attempted to work the ball around the three-point line and looked to get the ball inside.

FAIR got the ball into the hands of Andre Burton. Burton was all over the floor. He knew where his teammates were and was able to get them involved in the offense.

FAIR'S defense bothered Simley. Simley had a hard time getting the ball down the court. FAIR was able to get some steals and was able to convert on offense.

John Warren was able to step back and knock down some deep three-point shots for his team. Simley was not able to slow him down.

Simley called a timeout with 6:49 left in the first half. The score was FAIR 22 and Simley 17.

FAIR was able to get their shots to fall late in the first half.

Warren continued to take and make three-point shots late in the half.

Simley didn't back down. They kept on attacking the basket late in the half and were able to get some shots to fall.

At halftime the score was FAIR 42 and Simley 28.

FAIR started the second half out as they came out and hit most of the shots that they put up.

Simley was not able to slow down the FAIR offense.

FAIR called a timeout with 14:04 left in regulation. The score was FAIR 51 and Simley 39.

Aaron Gartner for Simley was able to knock down his shots. On the defensive end he was able to slow down his opponent.

Simley went on a run midway through the second half. FAIR was able to hold their ground and didn't get frustrated.

Simley called a timeout with 9:08 left in regulation. The score was FAIR 58 and Simley 51.

Dillon Kaup for Simley was all over the boards. He was able to grab rebounds on both ends of the floor.

Simley battled back and was able to keep the game close late in the contest.

Simley called a time out with 2:39 left in regulation. The score was Fair 66 and Simley 59. Going into the huddle Desmond Williams shoved a Simley player and was ejected from the game.

Simley went on a run after the timeout. The pace of the game was very frantic. Neither team was able to get their hands on the ball as both teams fumbled it.

FAIR was able to come away with the 80-66 victory over Simley. The leading scorer for Simley was Aaron Gartner with 21 points. The leading scorer for FAIR was Darrion Scott with 30 points.