LONG TIME BASKETBALL REFEREE JIMMY ROBINSON HAS PASSED AWAY

Jimmy Robinson who was a basketball referee passed away on Monday Nov. 30, 2020. Robinson was 88 years old.

Robinson was a native of St. Paul, MN he graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in 1951. He was one of the first black basketball officials from Minnesota.

Robinson was the state coordinator of basketball officials since 1991. He was also a board member of the MSHSL from 1988 through 1992.

BLAKE GUARD ROBERT LEE GRACE IV HAS COMMITED TO PLAYING BASKETBALL AT MACALESTER COLLEGE

Blake guard Robert Lee Grace IV has committed to play basketball at Macalester College in St. Paul.

Grace was a guard at Blake who has played with multiple AAU programs. He was an outstanding guard in the Blake program.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA HAS CANCELLED THE NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL GAME

The University of Minnesota has canceled the Dec. 5 football game against Northwestern due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the University of Minnesota, “COVID-19 outbreak that has affected 47 players and staff.”

This is the second game in a row that the University of Minnesota has been canceled because of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.

The University of Minnesota is scheduled to play at Nebraska on Dec. 12, 2020.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S RASHOD BATEMAN HAS DECIDED TO ENTER THE NFL DRAFT

University of Minnesota junior wide receiver Rashod Bateman has decided to forgo the rest of this season and enter the NFL draft due to Covid-19 concerns.

On Aug. 4, 2020, Bateman announced that he was forgoing his remaining eligibility at the University of Minnesota because of personal health concerns surrounding COVID-19 Coronavirus. On Sept. 30, 2020, his eligibility was restored by the NCAA and he is immediately available to play for Minnesota.

The 2021 NFL draft is scheduled to be held from April 29 – May 1, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.

ARIZONA CARDINALS WIDE RECEIVER LARRY FITZGERALD HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has tested positive for Covid-19 Coronavirus. Fitzgerald will sit out Sunday’s Nov. 29, game against New England.

Fitzgerald is from Minneapolis, MN. He has played for the Arizona Cardinals since the 2004 season.

RECONNECTING WITH JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS

I was able to get a hold of Jayson Anderson Edwards who came back to the United States because of the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic. He was staying in Frankfurt, Germany.

He flew back to the United States on Thursday, Oct. 29 because of the pandemic. Edwards told me, “As soon as I touched down, I connected with my skills trainer, Jonathan Brown. I improved on my basic skill set. We usually work on my shooting mechanics and technique. Enhance shooting off the dribble and simply basic ball handling. On my own, I put in the work. I am fortunate enough to have a gym inside my garage, where I can lift weights and do cardiovascular exercises. As a point guard overseas, it is important for me to stay sharp.”

He told me that his next plan is, “I stay ready for the upcoming season in Germany. Where I will have the opportunity to participate with the club Nue-Isenburg. A city near Frankfurt. I will return to Frankfurt Germany in December. I will get acclimated with the culture, the language and just enjoy time with my teammates. At this time there is no idea when the season will reopen due to COVID-19. There has been rumors that they may continue the season in February if the COVID rates lower. We will see.

He also told me that, “I will go wherever ball bounces to be honest. I am not really focused on jumping around but to lay a foundation and a name for myself in Germany. This is a place I can see myself living and improving as a man. My goal is to make an immediate impact to a team that needs a winning Point Guard. This will improve their record and will jump the team to a higher league.

Edwards was also able to explain the pro basketball leagues in Europe. “Germany is in the EuroBasket. Within the EuroBasket, there are several leagues a player can play in. From the lowest league to the best league. BBL, ProA, ProB and 1/2.R-LIGA to lowest League Landisliga. These leagues are considered pro leagues and have numerous of outstanding players. American players you play against and several players not only from Germany, but guys from Croatia, France and Italy. It can be difficult to understand so I advise people to do your research. On teams, players, leagues. You will gain more knowledge.”

He also told me, “For my first time being in Europe and seeing how the game is played I had the opportunity to play with Ts Frankfurt Griesheim which is 1/2.R-Liga. I believe this is a league I belong in and I can see myself improving within years. My goal is ProB, it is a vision that I have and the goals that I set out for myself that I have to get done no matter what.”

I also asked him, “Is there anything else you want people to know about your travels overseas or overseas basketball?” He told me, “You really have to understand being an overseas basketball player is tougher than it seems. The 17-20hr flights across the water. Not being able to watch Sunday Minnesota Vikings football games because of the time difference. Not only are you away from your friends and family, but sometimes even after games, it is even hard to find a regular face in the crowd to celebrate with. The language barrier there is much different. Food is cooked quite different from America, but I would say it is healthier. Overall, it is all about how you see things. The process.... You must fall in love with the process and loving the journey is the reason why I played today’s game.”

MINNESOTA VS WISCONSIN FOOTBALL GAME HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19

According to the University of Minnesota, their football game against Wisconsin has been canceled due to Covid-19.

The Gophers missed 22 players when they played Purdue on Friday, Nov 20.

The Gophers held meetings virtually this week as players tested positive for Covid-19.

Wisconsin was also dealing with players and staff members.

Minnesota is scheduled to play Northwestern on Nov. 5 at TCF Bank Stadium.

RICHFIELD WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IN A BOYS’ FOOTBALL GAME

On Nov. 6, Richfield went up against Minneapolis Southwest in a boys’ football game.

Southwest kicked off to Richfield to start the game. The ball went into the end zone for a touchback. Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield could not do anything with it.

On the next drive, Nick Flaskamp came up with a 20-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was good. With 10:35 left in the first half the score was Southwest 7, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield was intercepted by Southwest’s Marcus Madoxx. Southwest took over on their own 46-yard line.

Southwest looked to get the ball into the hands of Flaskamp. Flaskamp came up with big runs throughout the first quarter. Southwest kept the ball on the ground and got the ball into the hands of Flaskamp. Flaskamp came up with short runs that were able to get Southwest first downs. Southwest looked to get into the end zone on a Flaskamp short run. The extra point attempt was no good.

The score with 3:07 left in regulation was Southwest 13, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield kept the ball on the ground on their next drive. They were not able to move the ball down the field. They punted on 4th-down.

Southwest took over on their own 35-yard line. Southwest looked to the air on their next drive as they tried the passing attempt. Southwest kept on getting the ball to Flaskamp. Southwest’s Madoxx came up with passes that set up first downs.

After one quarter of play, the score was Southwest 13, Richfield 0.

Southwest continued to move the ball down the field. Flaskamp had a 10-yard run for a touchdown. The two-point conversion by Nick Flaskamp was good.

With 10:46 left in the second quarter was Southwest 21, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. They punted on 4th-and 10. Southwest tried to move the ball down the field after the punt. They got the ball into the hands of Flaskamp and Madoxx again as they moved the ball down the field. There was an interception and Richfield recovered.

Richfield looked to move the ball down the field again. Richfield’s Malachai Peterson came up with receptions that moved the ball down the field for Richfield. Richfield attempted a 40-yard field goal but was unsuccessful.

Flaskamp came up with an 88-yard run for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good.

With 3:07 left in the second quarter, the score was Southwest 28, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield used both the running and passing attack in the second quarter. On fourth-and-10 Richfield punted the ball.

Southwest took over on their own 49-yard line. Southwest moved the ball down the field again. Madoxx came up with nice catches. Flaskamp came up with a 10-yard run for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was not good.

At halftime, the score was Southwest 34, Richfield 0.

Richfield kicked off to Southwest to start the third quarter. Flaskamp came up with the ball again as he looked to come up with a first down, but the Richfield defense stepped up and forced Southwest to punt.

Richfield could not move the ball and they punted on 4th down. Southwest could not move the ball down the field as Southwest punted on 4th-and-10.

Richfield moved the ball down the field once again as they looked to get past the Southwest defense. They kept the ball on the ground as they looked to move the ball down the field once again.

Richfield found the end zone on a Tritian Zornes run. The extra point attempt was good. That marked the end of the third quarter. The score was Southwest 34, Richfield 7.

Southwest looked to take the ball down the field. Southwest punted on 4th down. Richfield was picked off by Reed. Madoxx came up with a 5-yard touchdown catch for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was a trick play for a 2-point conversion which was good.

With 9:59 left in the fourth quarter the score was Southwest 42, Richfield 7.

Richfield’s Zornes came up with a huge catch for a first down. Richfield tried to get into the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Richfield turned the ball over on downs.

Southwest continued to push the ball down the field late in the fourth quarter.

Southwest came away with the 42-7 victory over Richfield.

SID HARTMAN HAS DIED

Legendary sports columnist Sid Hartman has died. Hartman was 100 years old at his time of death.

Hartman was best known for a long run as a sports columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He also had a weekly radio show on WCCO radio.

I have been able to work with Sid as I have seen him at multiple college games where we would be covering the same game.

His son Chad Hartman is also a radio personality on WCCO radio as well.

RIP Sid Hartman.

LEGENDARY BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACH BOB MCDONALD HAS PASSED AWAY

Bob McDonald has died. McDonald was from Chisholm, Minn. McDonald coached basketball for 59 years. His coaching career began in 1959 at McGregor where he coached for four seasons. Then he coached two more years at Barnum. He returned to Chisholm for the 1961-62 season.

McDonald’s coaching record for 59 years was 1,012-428.

McDonald coached high school boys’ basketball in Minnesota for 59 years, compiling a record of 1,012 wins and 428 losses. He began his coaching career in 1959 with four seasons at McGregor, then two at Barnum before returning to his hometown of Chisholm for the 1961-62 season.

McDonald had tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). He was 87 years old.

RASHAAN ROLAND ROSS STILL PLANS ON PLAYING BASKETBALL FOR SOMEONE SOON

I was able to get in contact with Rahsaan Roland Ross. Ross graduated from Minneapolis Southwest High School in 2012. Ross took a year off and then he played basketball for Minnesota State at Fergus Falls in 2014-16. He has not finished his degree yet, but he plans on getting it soon.

He said,” My plan for this upcoming season is to be working, maintain my game and staying fit, play in some leagues and get some more highlight films out there for this year! My game for basketball is that I play a huge role on the court, which is the point guard position, I love to score, shoot, pass, dribble, and play defense! My goals on the basketball court is to of course obviously to WIN, get my teammates involved, and have a great stat line as well to contribute to those wins. Basketball means A lot to me! I eat, sleep and breathe basketball literally I love to watch or play it each and every day of my life and wish and hope for the dream or Reality to come true if I keep working hard.”

Ross continues to work hard on his game and get into weight rooms and get on the court to play pickup basketball. Look for Ross on a basketball court near you.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WENT UP WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IN A BOYS’ FOOTBALL GAME

On Oct. 9 Columbia Heights and Minneapolis Southwest went up against each other in a football game. The game was played at Southwest High School. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were no fans allowed in the stands. This was the first game played by each team this season.

Columbia Heights kicked off to start the game. Southwest got the ball on their own 25-yard line. Southwest got the ball into the hands of Nick Flaskamp. Flaskamp looked to keep the ball on the ground and get first downs.

Southwest called a timeout with 9:07 left in the first half. The score was tied at 0.

Southwest’s Flaskamp came up with a short run for a first down. Southwest went long as they look to get into the end zone midway through the first quarter. Southwest was able to get past the first down. Marcus Mattox came up with a 30-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good.

With 6:32 left in the first quarter, the score was Southwest 7, Columbia Heights 0.

Columbia Heights took over on their own 20-yard line Columbia Heights continued to look to get the ball down the field. The defense stepped up big and was able to slow down the Columbia Heights offense. They punted on 4th-and long.

Southwest once again got the ball into the hands of Flaskamp. Flaskamp came up with big runs throughout the first quarter. Southwest kept the ball on the ground on their next drive. Southwest came up with a 35-yard pass attempt by Jaden Reed. The extra point attempt was a fake and it was a two-point conversion by Maddox good. With 2:32 left in the first quarter, the score was Southwest 15, Columbia Heights 0.

Columbia Heights took over on their own 20-yard line. Columbia Heights continued to look to move the ball down the field. Columbia Height’s quarterback Matt Rockwell looked to get his receivers the ball. The defensive pressure made it difficult for him to get the ball down the field.

Columbia Heights Amil Clark came up with a long run for a first down.

After one quarter the score was Southwest 15, Columbia Heights 0.

As the second quarter got underway Columbia Heights kept the ball on the ground. On 4th-and-long, Columbia Heights punted the ball and there was no return. Southwest took over on its own 5-yard line. Columbia Heights got a safety with 10:47 left in the second quarter.

The score with 10:47 left in the second quarter the score was Southwest 15, Columbia Heights 2.

Columbia Heights took over on their own 29-yard line. Columbia Heights continued to struggle to move the ball down the field.

Columbia Heights called a timeout with 7:10 left in the second quarter. The score was Southwest 15, Columbia Heights 2.

Columbia Heights kept the ball on the ground. The Southwest defense stepped up and slowed down the Columbia Heights offense. On 4th-and-6 Columbia Height’s went for it and they were not able to come up with a first down and Southwest took over on downs.

Southwest kept the ball on the ground as they looked for Flaskamp to come up with runs. On 4th-and short Southwest punted.

Columbia Heights took over on the 50-yard line. Columbia Heights punted on 4th down.

At halftime, the score was Southwest 15, Columbia Heights 2.

Southwest kicked off to start the third quarter. The ball went into the end zone for a touchback. Columbia Heights took over on their own 20-yard line.

Columbia Heights looked to move the ball down the field once again. Columbia Heights had trouble moving the ball down the field. Columbia Heights punted on 4th down.

Southwest took over on its own 35-yard line. Southwest once again looked to get the ball down the field and come up with a first down. Southwest turned the ball over on an interception.

Columbia Heights took over on their own 29-yard line. They once again tried to move the ball down the field and come up with a first down. Columbia Heights fumbled the ball and Southwest came up with the ball.

Southwest took over on its own 43-yard line. They had to punt on 4th-and short.

Southwest’s Jaden Reed intercepted a pass and Southwest took over on their own 40-yard line. Southwest kept on getting the ball to Flaskamp who came up with long runs for first downs throughout the third quarter.

Southwest continued to look to move the ball down the field. Southwest was intercepted by Jonathan Hackett. Columbia Heights took over on their own 20-yard line.

Columbia Heights continued to look to move the ball down the field they wanted to come up with first downs. On 4th- down Columbia Heights elected to punt but they fumbled the ball and were not able to punt the ball.

Southwest took over on the Columbia Heights 32-yard line. Flaskamp got the ball and was able to find holes in the Columba Heights defense.

After three quarters of play, the score was Southwest 15, Columbia Heights 2.

Southwest looked to get into the end zone once again early in the end zone. Southwest’s Charlie Boucher came up with a touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was not good. With 11:12 left in regulation, the score was Southwest 21, Columbia Heights 2.

Columbia Heights took over on their own 20-yard line. Columbia Heights went to a hurry-up offense as they looked to move the ball down the field quickly.

Columbia Heights continued to look to move the ball down the field. Jaden Reed incepted the ball, and they took over on their own 40-yard line.

Southwest stuck to their running attack as they kept the ball on the ground. Southwest kept on getting the ball into the hands of Flaskamp who came up with another 20-yard run for a first down. On 4th-and-short Southwest went for it and they came up with a Touchdown reception by Kaden Sullivan. The two-point conversion was good.

With 3:41 left in regulation, the score was Southwest 29, Columbia Heights 2.

Columbia Heights took over on their own 20-yard line. Columbia Heights punted on 4th-down.

Southwest took over on their own 40-yard line. The clock ran out.

Southwest came away with the 29-2 victory over Columbia Heights.

EDEN PRARIE’S MIKE GRANT TO STEP DOWN AS ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

Eden Prairie’s head football coach Mike Grant plans to step down as the school’s activities director on Jan. 1. He will remain the school’s varsity head football coach.

Grant has been the football coach since 1992. He is the son of former Minnesota Vikings coach Bud Grant.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WIDE RECEIVER RASHOD BATMEN HAS BEEN CLEARED TO PLAY IN 2020

Gopher Football WR Rashod Bateman has been cleared to play for the 2020 season. Batmen had thoughts of leaving the university and signing with an agent in August.

Bateman is considered a top draft prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft.

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS SHUT DOWN TEAM FACLITY DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the Minnesota Vikings have shut down their team facility due to COVID-19 concerns.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Vikings hosted the Tennessee Titans in an NFL football game that had no fans due to the Vikings and the NFL Covid-19 policy.

On Monday, Sept 28, three Titans players and staffers test positive for COVID-19.

The Titans beat the Vikings 31-30 in a close game that came down to the wire.

The Vikings will continue testing players throughout the week. The Vikings are scheduled to play in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4. They are currently 0-3.

THE BIG-10 CONFERENCE WILL PLAY FOOTBALL IN THE FALL AFTER ALL

According to multiple news organizations, the Big Ten Conference will start playing football on Oct. 23-24.

 

The start of the season was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Each team will play eight games in eight weeks. Players will be tested daily for COVID-19.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CUTS SPORTS DUE TO COVID-19

On Sept. 10, the University of Minnesota announced that due to the Covid-19 pandemic the University came out with a statement that said, “we will discontinue men's indoor track and field, men's outdoor track and field, men's gymnastics and men's tennis at the completion of their 2020-21 competition season.

They will look to fund those sports after the 2020-21 season.

THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES WIN THE 2020 NBA DRAFT LOTTERY

On Aug. 20, 2020, the NBA held the draft lottery. These 14 teams that did not make the 2020 postseason were eligible for the Lottery. According to NBA.com, Golden State, Cleveland, Minnesota, Atlanta, Detroit, New York, Chicago, Charlotte, Washington, Phoenix, San Antonio, Sacramento, New Orleans and Memphis all took part in the NBA Draft Lottery.

Here is the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery Results.

1. Minnesota

2. Golden State

3. Charlotte

4. Chicago

5. Cleveland

6. Atlanta

7. Detroit

8. New York

9. Washington

10. Phoenix

11. San Antonio

12. Sacramento

13. New Orleans

14. Boston (from Memphis)

The 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled to be held on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020.

CATCHING UP WITH JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS

I was able to email Jayson Anderson Edwards who played at Benilde St.Margaret's High School in St. Louis Park. I asked him where he is playing now? Are you playing now? He told me, “Currently living in Frankfurt, Germany. I have had the opportunity to try out with a few teams after a breakout game against TVO Biggesee. (22 pts, 7 reb)

He told me that after he graduated high school, “I played college basketball after finishing high school. I also had a son; Kayden was born May 17, 2019.”

He graduated from Robbinsdale Cooper in 2015 and played division one junior college at Lake Region State in North Dakota.

He is currently staying in Frankfurt, Germany.

I was able to ask him,” How has COVID-19 affected basketball where you are playing?” He told me “COVID never affected my season for basketball here but it did make it difficult to fly to Europe."

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he told me that, “I’ve had time to self-reflect on my goals and ambitions and creatively finding ways to stay healthy. Also, value the time with my family.

He wanted to let people know about his playing career that, “I’m a fearless guard that loves to compete. Some shocked how well I can score despite my height disadvantage.”

He said that his typical day looks like, “I wake up 7 am go on a run 2 for miles and jump rope. Eat breakfast at around 915 AM. Then individual workout from 945-1145 AM. I go to lunch. After lunch, I lift heavy weights from 2-4 PM. Go back to the hotel eat dinner then I will have practice with a team who calls me.”

Edwards looks to keep up with the Covid-19 pandemic and looks to get back to playing soon.

MINNESOTA HAS MOVED SOME FALL SPORTS TO THE SPRING DUE TO COVID-19

One Aug. 4, the Minnesota State High School League announced that high school football and volleyball have been moved to the spring due to Covid-19. 

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune: Starting Aug 17, is the first day of practice for boys’ and girls’ soccer and cross-country, girls’ tennis and girls’ swimming and giving, with 20 percent shorter in duration and with 30 percent fewer competitions, limited to one or two per week. Postseason plans to be determined later. Cross-country meets cannot exceed three teams; tennis and swimming can only hold dual competitions.”

Starting in mid-March: Football season of six-regular season games, no scrimmages. Volleyball season will be reduced by 20 percent in length and with 30 percent fewer games, no multiteam invitationals. For both sports, fall practice permitted, postseason plans are to be determined.”