EDINA WENT UP AGAINST MINNETONKA IN A BOYS’ FOOTBALL GAME

On Oct. 6, Edina and Minnetonka squared off in a football game. Both teams were 5-0 going into the game.

Edina kicked off to Minnetonka to start the game. Minnetonka looked to get into the end zone early. Minnetonka scored a touchdown on a run by Adam Livingston for a 2-yard gain. The extra point was good by Grant Altman.

With 6:36 left in the first quarter the score was Minnetonka 7, Edina 0.

On the next drive Edina took over on their own 34-yard line. Edina got a touchdown with 4:00 left on clock with a 58-yard touchdown run by Matt Cavanagh. The extra point was good.

With 4:00 left in the first quarter the score was tied at 7.

Minnetonka kept the ball on the ground and looked to get into the end zone late in the first quarter.

After one quarter of play the score was tied at 7.

Minnetonka’s quarterback Aaron Syverson came up with big runs. The Edina defense stepped up and stopped the Minnetonka offense. Minnetonka punted on 4th-and-long.

Edina took over on their own 1-yard line. Edina moved the ball field. Minnetonka’s Nehemiah Montague came up with an interception. Minnetonka took over on their own 22-yard line. Minnetonka punted on 4th down.

Edina looked to the air to get the receivers the ball. Edina got a touchdown on a 4-yard by Nick Bloom. The extra-point attempt was blocked.

With 51 seconds left in the second quarter the score was Edina 13, Minnetonka 7.

Minnetonka looked to get the ball down the field as quickly as they could. Minnetonka’s Daniel Viger came up with huge receptions late in the second quarter. Minnetonka’s Viger came up with an 18-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good.

With 18.5 left in the second quarter the score was Minnetonka 14, Edina 13.

Edina took over on their own 32-yard line. Edina got the ball into the hands of Matt Cavanagh. On 4th-and-inches Anders Nelson came up with a 55-yard reception. The two-point conversion was good as Nick Suedbeck came up with it.

With 10:04 left in the third quarter the score was Edina 21, Minnetonka 14.

On the next drive Minnetonka’s Viger came up with 44-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good.

With 9:41 left in the third quarter the score was tied at 21.

Edina got the ball back near midfield. The Minnetonka defense stepped up on 4th down as Edina elected to punt.

Minnetonka took over on their own 14-yard line. Minnetonka used both the running and passing attacks in the third quarter. Minnetonka punted on 4th down.

Edina got a touchdown on a Ryan Meyer 25-yard run.

With 4:00 left in the third quarter the score was Edina 27, Minnetonka 21.

Minnetonka got the ball back on their own 49-yard line. Viger came up with another big reception that got the ball on the 23-yard line. Minnetonka’s Aaron Syverson had huge passes to his receivers.

After three quarters of play the score was Edina 27, Minnetonka 21.

Minnetonka’s Adam Livingston came up with a 2-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was good.

With 10:35 left in the fourth quarter the score was Minnetonka 28, Edina 27.

Edina took over on their own 27-yard line. Edina kept moving the ball down the field, Anders Nelson came up with receptions in traffic. Nelson could keep his feet moving as he looked to come up with yards after the tackle.

Edina took a timeout with 6:02 left in the fourth quarter. The score was Minnetonka 28, Edina 27.

Edina’s Matt Cavanagh looked to chew up turf as he was dragged by defenders.

Minnetonka took a timeout with 3:21 left in the fourth quarter. The score was Minnetonka 28, Edina 27.

Edina was intercepted by Raheem Brown. Minnetonka took over on the 5-yard line.

Edina called a timeout with 2:27 left in the fourth quarter. The score was Minnetonka 28, Edina 27.

Minnetonka punted on 4th down. Edina took over on the 46-yard line.

Edina looked to get into the end zone with less than a minute to go in the game.

Minnetonka came away with the 28-27 victory over Edina.

RICHFIELD AND HOLY ANGELS WENT UP AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE BATTLE OF THE TRACKS

On Sept. 29, Richfield and Holy Angels went up against each other in the Battle of The Tracks. There are train tracks that separate these two schools and they are about a mile apart.

Richfield kicked off to Holy Angels to start the game. The Stars started on their own 16-yard line.

The Stars got on the board first with a 38-yard reception from quarterback Joe Heimbold to John Kosmach for a touchdown.

On the next drive, Richfield scored a touchdown on a 75-yard reception. The extra point attempt was good.

With 8:22 left in the first quarter the score was tied at 7.

The Stars looked to move the ball down the field again on their next drive. The Stars punted on 4th-and-9.

Both teams had trouble moving the ball down the field and coming up yards. Neither team came up with big plays.

The Stars found the end zone again on a 21-yard touchdown reception from Heimbold to Ryan Mazurek. The extra point attempt was good.

With 11:17 left in the second quarter the score was Stars 14, Richfield 7.

Richfield got the ball back after the touchdown. But the Stars got the ball back on an interception and then Heimbold found Mazurek for a 21-yard touchdown with 10:16 left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was good.

With 10:16 left in the second quarter the score was Stars 21, Richfield 7.

Richfield couldn’t come up with a first down so they punted on 4th down.

The Stars found the end zone on a 42-yard touchdown reception from Heimbold to Kosmach. The extra point attempt was good.

With 8:55 left in the second quarter the score was Holy Angels 28, Richfield 7.

Richfield fumbled and recovered the ball. Richfield was picked off by Mason Wolf. Holy Angels took over on the Richfield 37-yard line.

Holy Angles found the end zone on a 24-yard touchdown reception by Keontay Shorter. The extra point attempt was good.

With 6:42 left in the second quarter the score was Holy Angels 35, Richfield 7.

Richfield took over on their own 18-yard line. Richfield used both the run and the passing attack as they looked to move the ball down the field. On 4th-and-18 Richfield punted.

Holy Angels also used both the running and the passing attack late in the second quarter. Holy Angels Tommy Shelstand found the end zone on a 10-yard run. The extra point attempt was good.

With 3:14 left in the second quarter the score was Holy Angels 42, Richfield 7.

Richfield punted on 4th-and-12. Holy Angles wide receiver Keonta Shorter came up with big plays. Heimbold came up with a 30-yard touchdown run with 51 seconds left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was good.

With 51 seconds left in the second quarter, the score was Holy Angels 49, Richfield 7. That was the score at halftime.

Holy Angels kicked off to start the third quarter. Richfield started on their own 15-yard line. Richfield turned the ball over on downs.

Holy Angels' Rook Rowe came up with big runs throughout the game. Heimbold did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could run.

Holy Angels looked to get into the end zone late in the third quarter. Holy Angels Rook Rowe came up with a 6-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good.

With 3:32 left in the third quarter the score was Holy Angels 56, Richfield 7.

Richfield took over on their own 26-yard line. Hoard came up with big runs late in the third quarter. Richfield turned the ball over on downs.

After three quarters of play, the score was Holy Angels 56, Richfield 7.

Holy Angels tuned the ball over on downs. Richfield’s Javonte Howard came up with a 47-yard carry. Richfield’s Dylan Jagdeo came up with a 5-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was no good.

With 7:07 left in the fourth quarter the score was Holy Angels 56, Richfield 13.

Holy Angels turned the ball over on downs.

Holy Angels was too much for Richfield. Richfield couldn’t get their offense going and Holy Angels was hitting on all cylinders.

Holy Angel came away with the 56-13 victory over Richfield to win the Battle of The Tracks Traveling Trophy.

SPORTS TEAMS PROTEST AFTER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S REMARKS

During Week 3 of the 2017 NFL season, many teams took a knee or showed signs of protest.

On Friday, Sept. 22 president Donald Trump held a rally in Alabama. According to BleacherReport.com, "President Donald Trump held a rally Friday night in Alabama ahead of the state's Sept. 26 primary election, and he didn't shy away from commenting on the NFL's television ratings and players who have decided to protest social injustice during the national anthem.

"NFL ratings are down massively," Trump said, according to CNN's Brian Stelter. "Now, the No. 1 reason happens to be that they like watching what's happening...with yours truly."

Speaking of anthem protesters, Trump asserted he would like to see owners take charge and cut those players from their respective teams: "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out. He's fired. He's fired.'"

With that statement, it started off a firestorm of reactions across the NFL. The prior week, only six players protested the national anthem, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In the NFL owners and management protested alongside their teams. Owners and teams locked arms or took a knee while the National Anthem was played.

Many teams also came out with releases supporting the protests and for standing up for what they believe in and what they think was the right thing to do.

Other sports teams also took notice.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell, took a knee during the national anthem. According to Gabe Lacques, of USA TODAY Sports, Maxwell, who hinted at such an action earlier in the day, knelt during the national anthem before Saturday night's 1-0 win over the Texas Rangers.

Maxwell, a 26-year-old catcher from Alabama, composed several tweets Saturday in the wake of President Trump's comments Friday night to "fire the sons of bitches " in the NFL who kneeled for the anthem. Kaepernick's protest was conceived in the wake of social injustices and the shooting of unarmed African Americans by law enforcement.”

During the WNBA playoffs, on Sunday, Sept, 24 according to the Swish Appeal, “Expressing their solidarity with the nation, the Los Angeles Sparks were not present on the court during the national anthem prior to tip-off of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.

The Minnesota Lynx elected to be on the court and linked arms with one another.”

In my own thoughts, for the leader of our nation to come out and criticize a whole group of sports teams and calling them “Sons of Bitches” isn’t right on any level.

I think that people should be able to protest any injustices that they feel that they should be able to do. I also think when sports teams get involved in the protests it brings it to a whole new level. The reason is because athletes are looked up to as role models and when they band together and make a statement people with listen. How people respond to athletes taking a stand on the national platform will be shown on how they respond to different situations. 

As I have said before when I wrote about this issue last year, “The fight for justice will continue on and off the field/courts around the country.”

I also think what gave this motivation was that here you have the leader of our country coming out and calling a group of people, “Sons Of Bitches” has some really negative effects on the whole country.

Athletes are people also, they have feelings and they are active members of their communities and leaders as well. People look athletes and will continue to do that.

I know that high school teams from not only Minnesota but around the country have also taken notice. High school teams have “Taken a knee” before games across the state. Players and coaches have talked about this topic at length.

It will be interesting in seeing where these protests are headed and what forms and what teams are protesting and for how long now.

Just know I support what these teams are doing. #TAKEAKNEE

SMB WENT UP AGAINST WASHBURN IN A BOYS’ FOOTBALL GAME

SMB and Minneapolis Washburn went up against each other in a boys’ football game on Sept. 22, SMB is a cooperative sponsorship team between the high schools of Hope Academy, The Blake School, Minnehaha Academy, St. Paul Academy and Summit School. Going into the game both teams had a record of 2-1. The game was played at Washburn High School.

SMB kicked off to start the game. Washburn started on their own 17-yard line. Washburn’s Andrew Gotziaman started at quarterback. Washburn tried to use the running and passing attacks early. Washburn punted on 4th-and-8.

SMB took over on the Washburn 40-yard line. SMB got the ball into the hands of Jalen Suggs. Suggs was able to run the with ball and come up with first downs. Suggs also got the ball into the hands of his receivers. If Suggs thought that he had room to run, he would run and get yards on the ground. SMB looked to get into the end zone in the first quarter. Suggs came up with a 6-yard touchdown run with 6:00 left in the first quarter. The extra point attempt by Theo Crosby was no good. 

With 6:00 left in the first quarter the score was SMB 6, Washburn 0. 

Washburn took over on their own 20-yard line. Washburn got the ball into the hands of Jamar Nelson. Nelson came up with a 26-yard run for a first down. Washburn fumbled the ball and SMB took over on the Washburn 49-yard line.  

SMB’s Terry Lockett Jr. found holes in the Washburn defense. SMB fumbled the ball and Washburn took over on their own 32-yard line.  

Washburn’s Sir'Vell Miller came up with runs that produced first downs late in the first quarter. 

Washburn took a timeout with 1:00 left in the first quarter. The score was SMB 6, Washburn 0. 

Washburn’ s Jamar Nelson also came up with huge runs for first downs. 

After one quarter of play the score was SMB 6, Washburn 0.  

Washburn turned the ball over on downs. 

SMB’s Suggs could get through the Washburn defenders and come up and make big plays. Suggs found Terry Lockett Jr. for first downs. Suggs found Lockett for a 48-yard touchdown reception. The two-point conversion was no good. 

With 9:09 left in the second quarter the score was SMB 12, Washburn 0. 

Washburn took over on their own 39-yard line. Washburn kept the ball on the ground late in the second quarter. Washburn was picked off by SMB’s Noah Hanson on the 29-yard line. Suggs kept the ball in his hands as he could get past the Washburn defense and come up with big plays. 

Washburn called a timeout with 6:11 left in the second quarter. The score was SMB 12, Washburn 0.

SMB’s Siegel Howard came up with a 30-yard run that set up a Suggs 1-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was good.  

With 5:54 left in the second quarter the score was SMB 20, Washburn 0. 

Washburn took over on their own 35-yard line. Washburn’s Jamarien Wheeler came up with a first down catch. Washburn punted on 4th-and-14.

SMB took over on their own 21-yard line. SMB kept the ball on the ground late in the second quarter. SMB’s Craig McDonald came up with a huge reception for a first down. 

At halftime, the score was SMB 20, Washburn 0. 

Washburn kicked off to start the third quarter. SMB recovered it on the 48-yard line. Suggs found Alexey Koeckeritz for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 10:58 left in the third quarter the score was SMB 27, Washburn 0. 

Washburn took over on their own 20-yard line. Washburn couldn’t move the ball down the field and they punted on 4th-and-20. 

Howard continued to move the ball down the field. He could get through the defense. SMB’s Suggs came up with a 10-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 4:45 left in the third quarter the score was SMB 34, Washburn 0. 

Washburn punted the ball and on 4th down. SMB looked to get into the late in the third quarter. 

Washburn called a timeout with 2:03 left in the third quarter. The score was SMB 34, Washburn 0. 

Suggs found Lockett for a 20-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was no good. 

With 1:01 left in the third quarter the score was SMB 40, Washburn 0. 

Washburn continued to try to move the ball down the field late in the quarter. 

After three quarters of play the score was SMB 40, Washburn 0. 

Washburn turned the ball over on downs. 

SMB kept on pounding the ball down the field in the fourth quarter.

SMB was too quick for Washburn. Lockett and Suggs came up with big plays throughout the game. 

Washburn couldn’t get their offense going and couldn’t get into the end zone. Both teams played hard. 

SMB came away with the 40-0 victory over Washburn.

 

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST WENT UP AGAINST PROVIDENCE ACADEMY IN A FOOTBALL GAME

On Sept. 15, Minneapolis Southwest and Providence Academy squared off in a football game. Providence kicked off to start the game. Providence’s Maxwell Anderson found Taylor Meissner for a 28-yard touchdown reception with 5:22 left in the first quarter.

After one quarter of play the score was Providence 7 Southwest 0.

Providence used mostly a running attack. The Southwest defense stepped up and Providence punted on fourth-and-short.

Southwest took over on the Providence 34-yard line. Southwest lost yards and was turned over on downs. Providence took over on their own 44-yard line.

The football changed hands multiple times throughout the first half. Providence’s Justin Mason came up with runs that became first downs.

Providence called a timeout with 1:08 left in the second quarter. The score was Providence 7, Southwest 0.

Providence fumbled the ball and Southwest came up with it.

At halftime, the score was Providence 7, Southwest 0.

Southwest kicked off to start the third quarter. Providence started on their own 34-yard line. Providence used both their running and passing attack in the third quarter.

Meissner continued to come up with huge runs for first downs. Southwest’s Dakota Michael Caige Vallone recovered a fumble on their own 45-yard line. Southwest punted on fourth down.

Providence took over on their own 19-yard line. Providence moved the ball down the field late in the third quarter.

After three quarters of play the score was Providence 7, Southwest 0.

Providence fumbled the ball and Southwest recovered it on their own 30-yard line. Southwest got everyone involved in the offense. They used different passing and running plays as they wanted to confuse the Providence defense.

Jayzee Brown found Levi Wilson for a 46-yard touchdown reception. The extra-point attempt was no good.

With 7:50 left in the fourth quarter the score was Providence 7, Southwest 6.

Providence’s Jeff Ekior came up with a 53-yard run to the Southwest 2-yard line. Ekior came up with a two-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was no good.

With 5:15 left in the fourth quarter the score was Providence 13, Southwest 6.

Southwest took over on their own 43-yard line. Southwest couldn’t come up with a first down and they punted on fourth down.

Providence ran out the time the last 15 seconds of the game.

In a game that saw the ball change hands quite a few times and a very competitive game Providence came up with the 13-6 victory over Southwest.

TRE JONES VERBALLY COMMITS TO DUKE UNIVERSITY

Apple Valley guard Tre Jones verbally committed to Duke University. Jones' older brother Tyus played a year at Duke before joining the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

DELASALLE GUARD GABE KALSCHEUR COMMITES TO MINNESOTA

Minneapolis DeLaSalle guard Gabe Kalscheur has verbally committed to Minnesota. Kalscheur will graduate from DeLaSalle in 2018. Kalscheur had offers from Pittsburgh, North Dakota, Drake, Northern Iowa and Bowling Green before committing to Minnesota.

XAVIER LAWRENCE-VINCENT JONES IS ON THE BASKETBALL GRIND

Xavier Lawrence-Vincent Jones was born in 1990 in Minneapolis. He also grew up on the North Side of the city.

Jones has two brothers and three sisters. He has grown up around basketball. Jones describes one
of his best moves on the court is his crossover.

Asked what his favorite style of basketball that he likes to play, Jones said, "I like both styles. I think
there's a time and place for each and as a point guard I have to recognize when it's time to run and
when it's time to slow down set something up and get a good shot."

He has played at Missouri State University on their basketball team.

Jones would like to play at the professional level at some point. He intends to keep working on
his game and try out for different teams and hopefully get connected to a team soon.

Jones has a great work ethic and the drive to take his game to the next level.

 

GET TO KNOW MARQUEZ DETAVIOUS REAVES

Marquez Detavious Reaves is from Reddick, Fla. and goes to North Marion High School. He was born on Oct. 4, 1999. He will graduate from High School in 2019. Reaves looks up to Antonio Blakeney. Blakeney plays basketball for the Chicago Bulls' NBA G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls.

 

Even though Reaves is 5-foot-4 and 130 pounds, he still likes to get out and play basketball. Reaves has played on his varsity basketball team since his freshman year. When he is not in class he finds time to work out with his friends on the basketball court. 

 

MINNESOTA’S MR. BASKETBALL MCKINLEY WRIGHT IV REOPENS HIS RECRUITING PROCESS

Champlin Park’s McKinley Wright IV has reopened his recruiting process. Wright had verbally committed to Dayton University. 

Archie Miller who was the head coach at Dayton University and who recruited Wright is now the head coach at Indiana University. 

It is unclear where Wright will end up. 

The National Signing Date for Division 1 men’s basketball is April 12, 2017 until May 17, 2017.

Wright will graduate from Champlin Park High School in June of 2017.

2017 MINNESOTA BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION ALL STAR GAME

On March 31, The Minnesota Boys’ Basketball Coaches Association put on an all-star boys’
basketball game. The teams were selected by coaches from high schools from
around the state.

In the first game, it was the Blue team against the Green team. The score went back
and forth early. Both teams took a lot of 3-point shots and a lot of dunks.

Both teams played soft on the defensive end as both teams raced up and down the floor and
got everyone involved in the offense.

Both teams subbed every 5 minutes.

At halftime, the score was Blue 63, Green 57.

As the second half got underway, the Green team looked to get the ball into the hands
of Ishmael El-Amin. El-Amin came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

The Blue team looked to get the ball into the hands of Parker Fox and Sean Sutherlin
both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

The Green Team struggled shooting the ball in the second half. The Blue team took
advantage of that by getting to the basket and making dunks.

The Green Team got close late in the second half but were not able to take the lead.

Blue came away with the 132-113 victory over the Green team. 

In the second game, it was the Gold team against the Maroon Team. Both teams pushed
the ball down the floor and came up with shots.

Maroon’s Jordan Horn came up with deep 3-point baskets to help keep his team in the
game.

The Gold offense came alive midway through the first half.

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

At halftime, the score was Maroon 66, Gold 63.

As the second half got underway the score went back and forth, there were many ties
and lead changes in the second half.

Gold’s Isaac Johnson got his teammates involved in the offense. He did a good job of
passing the ball to his teammates and communicating with them on both ends of
the floor.

Both teams played little defense. The atmosphere was very exciting as teams showed their
offensive scoring abilities.

Gold came away with the 131-108 victory over Maroon.

All-Star Basketball Rosters: March 31 and April 1.

MCKINLEY WRIGHT OF CHAMPLIN PARK WINS MR. BASKETBALL FOR THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

On March 26, 2017, according to the Minnesota Mr. Basketball Committee, McKinley Wright of Champlin Park is the winner of the 2017 Mr. Basketball Award.

Wright will be attending college at Dayton University in the fall of 2017.  

MOUNDS VIEW WENT UP AGAINST CHAMPLIN PARK IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL SECTION GAME

Mounds View and Champlin Park squared off in a boys’ basketball game. This game was a semifinal of the Section 5 Class 4A section tournament. The game was played at Maple Grove High School. 

Champlin Park moved the ball down the floor well early. They got everyone involved in the offense. 

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls and went after rebounds. 

Champlin Park did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and took their time on the offensive end. 

The game was very physical. Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls and went after rebounds. 

Champlin Park’s McKinley Wright IV took the ball strong to the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. If he didn’t think that he had an open shot, he passed it off to one of his teammates. 

Champlin Park’s Theo John came up with layups and slam dunks on the offensive end. On the defensive end, John could slow the guy down that he was guarding. 

Mounds View called a timeout with 9:41 left in the first half. The score was Champlin Park 16, Mounds View 9. 

Mounds View walked the ball down the floor and looked to get their offense going. The defensive pressure that Champlin Park applied made it difficult for Mounds View to come up with an open shot. 

Wight used his quickness to get past the Mounds View defense. He could get his teammates involved in the offense. 

Mounds View called a timeout with 3:21 left in the first half. The score was Champlin Park 28, Mounds View 17.

Both offenses stalled late in the first half. The defensive pressure made it difficult for both teams to take open looks at the basket. 

At halftime, the score was Champlin Park 30, Mounds View 17.

As the second half got underway Champlin Park kept on feeding Hunter and Wright the ball. They both came up with huge baskets. 

Mounds View struggled to shoot the ball in the second half. They were not able to make shots that they put up. 

Champlin Park used their quickness to their advantage as they got to the basket and made shots. 

Mounds View called a timeout with 7:29 left in regulation. The score was Champlin Park 48, Mounds View 31.

The game was very physical. Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. There were many jump balls in the second half. 

Champlin Park was much quicker than Mounds View was. Mounds View didn’t give up. They attacked the basket late in the contest and looked for their shots. 

Champlin Park came away with the 69-40 victory over Mounds View. 

The leading scorers for Mounds View were McMillan with 16 points and Stone with 13 points. 

The leading scorers for Champlin Park were Wright with 21 points, Hill with 11 points and Josiah Strong with 7 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.

DELANO WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS DELASALLE IN A BOYS’ SECTION SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On March 11, Delano went up against Minneapolis DeLaSalle in a boys’ Class 3A Section 6 boys’ section basketball game. Going into the game Delano had an overall record of 20-7 while DeLaSalle’s overall record was 22-3.

Fans crammed into them DeLaSalle gym to watch the game. Both student sections were full of cheering students.

DeLaSalle pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score layups in transition. 

Delano started the game in a zone defense. They wanted to make DeLaSalle take long shots. 

DeLaSalle got the ball into the hands of Gabe Kalscheur and Sage Booker. Both Kalscheur and Booker made mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Delano’s Calvin Wishart brought the ball down the floor and got his teammates involved in the offense. Even though it took Delano awhile to get into an offensive shooting rhythm they kept on shooting the ball. 

Delano called a timeout with 14:57 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 13, Delano 0. 

Delano called another timeout with 14:48 left in the first half. The score remained DeLaSalle 13, Delano 0.

The defensive pressure that DeLaSalle applied made it difficult for Delano to get a shot off. Delano didn’t get any open looks at the basket. They shot with a hand in their face. 

DeLaSalle did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. They talked on both ends of the floor calling out screens and could get through screens. 

DeLaSalle’s Dominic Bledsoe took the ball strong to the basket. He came away with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

There were multiple jump balls in the first half. Both teams went after loose balls and rebounds on both ends of the floor. 

Delano called a timeout with 11:31 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 21, Delano 5.

Delano left DeLaSalle shooters open from behind the 3-point line. The DeLaSalle players were not afraid to shoot shots that they thought that they could make. Delano had a hard time defending players behind the 3-point line. 

Wishart’s teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. Delano looked to create steals and looked to score layups off seals. 

Delano’s Derek Techam got into foul trouble and came out with just under 8 minutes to play with his fourth personal foul. 

Wishart came up and drained a big 3-point basket on the offensive end. Then on the next play he raced down the floor and defended well.

The Delano offense started to click late in the first half. Their shots started to drop and they came up with steals on the defensive end. 

DeLaSalle called a timeout with 3:53 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 34, Delano 18. 

Delano’s Dylan Gilmer came up with mid-range jump shots and layups that gave his team energy. 

Booker and Mar both had good court awareness as they knew were their teammates were on the floor. They set screens for each other and made shots. 

At halftime, the sore was DeLaSalle 39, Delano 22. 

As the second half got underway DeLaSalle continued to look to get the ball into the hands of Kalscheur, Mar and Bledsoe on the offensive end.

Delano called a timeout with 16:25 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 43, Delano 25. 

Delano attempted a lot of 3-point shots early in the half. Both teams rebounded the ball well. 

Terry split his defenders and got to the basket and made layups. He used his quickness to his advantage. The defense had a hard time slowing Terry down.

Delano attacked the basket and attacked the DeLaSalle defense. They didn’t back down to the defensive pressure that DeLaSalle applied. 

The pace of the game slowed down midway through the second half. DeLaSalle passed the ball around the 3-point line as they took time off the clock. 

Delano called a timeout with 7:33 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 65, Delano 45. 

Both teams kept attacking the basket late in regulation. DeLaSalle spread the ball around and passed the ball around the 3-point line even though they didn’t go into a stall offense they took time off the clock on each possession let in the game. Both teams played their bench players late in the game as well. 

DeLaSalle came away with the 82-62 victory over Delano. 

I thought that both teams played well throughout the game. DeLaSalle was too powerful for Delano. Delano’s Wishart impressed me with his play. DeLaSalle could get Wishart in foul trouble as he fouled out of the game in the second half. The whole Delano team stepped up with Wishart fouled out and they rallied around each other and kept on attacking the basket. 

The leading scorers for Delano were Wishart with 18 points and Gilmer with 10 points. 

The leading scorers for DeLaSalle Mar with 25 points, Bledsoe with 13 points, Christian Dickson with 12 points, and Kalscheur with 11 points.

HOPE ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS NORTH IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 11, it was a section boys’ basketball game where Hope Academy went up against Minneapolis North. 

Hope passed the ball around the 3-point line looking for their shots. They looked to push the ball down the floor and score layups in transition. 

North called a timeout with 16:24 left in the first half. The score was Hope 5, North 2.

North pushed the ball down the floor and looked to get everyone involved in the offense. North’s JaQuan Sanders-Smith took the ball hard to the basket. He came up with mid-ran jump shots and layups. Sanders-Smith slowed down his man that he was guarding. 

Hope struggled shooting the ball in the first half. Even though they struggled they kept on shooting the ball. 

Hope called a timeout with 6:54 left in the first half. The score was North 47, Hope 14.

The Hope offense struggled and the North offense woke up. 

North pushed the ball down the floor and came up with fast break layups off turn overs.

At halftime, the score was North 72, Hope 27.

North continued to push the ball down the floor and score layups in transition.

Hope struggled to shoot the ball in the second half. They kept attacking the basket but were not able to come up with layups or jump shots.

North called a timeout with 11:50 left in regulation. The score was North 87, Hope 40. 

North continued to push the ball down the floor and came up with baskets. 

Hope called a timeout with 5:35 left in regulation. The score was North 100, Hope 45.

North was too quick for Hope. Hope struggled to shoot the ball throughout the game. 

North came away with the 111-50 victory over Hope. 

The leading scorers for Hope were, Nate Elifson, Joey Erickson, and Johnny Erickson all scoring 14 points each. 

The leading scorers for North were Isaac Johnson with 26 points, Wilson with 19 points and Tayler Johnson with 16 points.

RICHFIELD WENT UP AGAINST ST. PAUL HIGHLAND PARK IN A BOYS’ SECTION BASKETBALL GAME

In the second game of the Class 3A Section 3 boys’ basketball section semifinals Richfield went up against St. Paul Highland Park. 

Richfield started the game in a full court press. They looked to turn Highland Park over and score layups in transition. 

Richfield called a timeout with 10:48 left in the first half. The score was tied at 8.

Highland Park got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and took their time on the offensive end. 

Richfield looked to score mid-range jump shots and layups in transition. Richfield’s Devin Wade-Henderson and Anthony Sanders came up with big shots late in the first half. 

Highland Park attacked the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Highland Park called a timeout with 1:06 left in the first half. The score was Highland Park 29, Richfield 22.

Richfield stepped up and looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups late in the first half. 

At halftime, the score was Highland Park 29, Richfield 25. 

As the second half got underway both teams pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to make layups in transition.

Highland Park called a timeout with 14:50 left in regulation. The score was Richfield 37, Highland Park 31.

Highland Park went to a zone defense. They wanted to make Richfield shoot 3-point baskets. Richfield could make shots and get past the zone defense. 

Richfield called a timeout with 12:08 left in regulation. The score was Richfield 40, Highland Park 35.

Richfield did a good job of attacking the basket and getting through the Highland Park offense. 

Highland Park’s Dreem Kelly-Jabbar came up with steals and layups that kept his team in the game. 

Highland Park went to a full court press. They looked to and could turn Richfield over. 

There were multiple ties and lead changes with under 8:00 left in regulation. 

Highland Park’s Amitri Collins-Westlund came up with 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. Collins-Westlund wasn’t afraid of contact when he drove to the basket.

Richfield got to the basket and made layups. Maddox and Wade-Henderson came up big on both ends of the floor late in the game. 

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

Highland Park’s Evan Brodtman came up with late steals and layups on the offensive end. 

Richfield called a timeout with 1:16 left in regulation. The score was tied at 59.

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

Richfield came away with the 63-59 victory over Highland Park.

The leading scorers for Highland Park were Collins-Westlund with 23 points, and Brodtman with 16 points. 

The leading scorers for Richfield were Wade-Henderson with 19 points and Maddox with 12 points. 

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

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.

 

CHESTERTON ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS NORTH IN A SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFF GAME

On March 9, Chesterton Academy and Minneapolis North squared off in a first round of the Class A Section 4 boys’ basketball tournament.

Both teams started out slow as neither team scored early. 

North pushed the ball down the floor and looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

North called a timeout with 15:34 left in the first half. The score was North 14, Chesterton Academy 0. 

North could get steals and made layups in transition. 

Chesterton Academy struggled shooting the ball. They were not able to make shots they put up. 

Chesterton Academy scored their first basket with 9:55 left in the first half. The score was 43-2.

Chesterton Academy called a timeout with 7:52 left in the first half. The score was North 54, Chesterton Academy 2. 

North’s Elijah Campbell came up with steals and layups. He was also able to get his teammates the ball where they could score it. 

At halftime, the score was North 98, Chesterton Academy 11.

As the second half got underway Chesterton Academy looked to take deep 3-point shots. Chesterton Academy’s Ben Bratt and Joe Boeser looked to score baskets in transition. 

North continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets.

Chesterton Academy struggled to score throughout the game. 

North ran away with the 141-22 victory over Chesterton Academy. 

The leading scorers for Chesterton Academy were Adam Niskanen with 7 points, and Zach Halpin with 6 points. 

The leading scorers for North were Tayler Johnson with 22 points, and Da'Koi Hines 18 points.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 8, Minneapolis Southwest went up against Hopkins in a Section 6 Class 4A section quarterfinal boys’ basketball game.

Southwest called a timeout with 14:42 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 9, Southwest 2.

Hopkins moved the ball down the floor well and got everyone involved in the offense. They talked to each other on the offensive end and knew where each other were on both ends of the floor. 

Southwest’s Brennan Hawkins was all over the floor. On the offensive end, Hawkins looked to score layups and mid-range jump shots. 

Both teams struggled shooting the ball mid-way through the first half. Hopkins attacked the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. Hopkins did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. 

Southwest called a timeout with 5:07 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 27, Southwest 12.

Southwest struggled to shoot the ball late in the first half. Even though they struggled to shoot the ball in the first half. Southwest continued to shoot it.

At halftime, the score was Hopkins 33, Southwest 19.

As the second half got underway Hopkins looked to get the ball into the hands of Anthony Davis and Joe Headstrom. Both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Southwest struggled to shoot the ball throughout the second half. Hopkins took advantage of the shooting struggles by Southwest. 

Hopkins got everyone involved in the offense. Southwest struggled shooting the ball throughout the game.

Hopkins came away with the 82-52 victory over Southwest. 

The leading scores for Southwest were Hawkins with 17 points and CK Deeq with 11 points.

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Simon Wright with 18 points, Ishmeal El-Amin with 14 points, and Zeke Nnaji and Joe Headstrom each with 13 points.