APPLE VALLEY TOOK ON BLAINE IN THE SECOND QUARTERFINAL GAME IN STATE BOYS’ SOCCER

In the other quarterfinal it was Apple Valley against Blaine. Apple Valley came into the game with a 21-0-0 record and Blaine had a record of 13-7-1. Both teams came out showing a lot of enthusiasm as they both came out cheering.

Apple Valley got on the board in the early goings of the game as Stephen Johnson scored a goal. That was followed up by another goal but this time it was Tom Obarski.

Apple Valley’s Bijan Jabari scored a goal making the score Apple Valley 3 and Blaine 0.

Apple Valley continued to attack the goal coming close to making shots throughout the first half.

Blaine didn’t give up at all in the first half. They kept battling back and they were making some nice shots on Apple Valley’s goals but they were not going in.

At the half the score was Apple Valley 3 and Blaine 0.

Just as the second half got underway Apple Valley Tom Obarski scored a quick goal. Then a minute later he scored another goal making the score Apple Valley 5 and Blaine 0.

Apple Valley’s Simon Goettl scored a goal midway through the second half. With that score the score became Apple Valley 6 and Blaine 0.

Apple Valley played with a lot of emotion and pride. They looked like they were really out there having fun and they were really playing hard the whole game. Blaine didn’t give up.

Apple Valley’s Dane Grundstrom scored a goal in the second half. With that goal Apple Valley lead by the score of 7-0.

Apple Valley’s Alex Schams scored a goal in the second half to make the score Apple Valley 8 and Blaine 0.

I was able to talk to Apple Valley’s Head Coach Chuck Scanlon and Tom Obarski.

THE ELK RIVER ELKS AND THE NORTHFIELD RAIDERS SQUARE OFF IN BOYS’ SOCCER QUARTERFINAL GAME

The 2009 Minnesota State High School League boys’ state soccer tournament got under underway with soggy and cold conditions as rain moved across the metro. The rain was on and off throughout the game. The game was played at Hopkins high school which had an artificial turf soccer field.

The class AA boy’s quarterfinal game put Elk River against Northfield. The cold weather didn’t seem to bother either team at the beginning of the game.

Both teams were able to use the whole field trying to score. Both teams attacked their opponent’s goals.
At half the score was all knotted at 0.

Both teams had their chances to score in the second half and were able to keep their footing in this game.
Neither team was able to score in regulation. The score was tied at 0 at the end of regulation and the game went into overtime.

Northfield’s Scott Abdella made a shot in the second overtime for Northfield to win the game 1-0.

I was able to get post game quotes from Northfields head coach Jorge Zuccolotto and Scott Adbella.

REGION 6AAAAA QUARTERFINAL GAME HOPKINS AND MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TOOK TO THE FIELD

In region 6AAAAA football it was Minneapolis Southwest against Hopkins in the quarterfinal game. Hopkins was seeded second in the region and Southwest seventh. Hopkins was 6-2 coming into the game. Southwest was 4-4.

Southwest kicked off and Hopkins took it to the 35 yard line where they started out running the ball. On Hopkins’ first drive Jonny Mydra caught a pass for touchdown. The extra point was good. With 9:45 left in the first quarter the score was Hopkins 7 and Southwest 0.

Southwest got the ball after the Hopkins touchdown. They looked to keep the ball on the ground. Evan Gray was Southwest’s main receiver. Aryton Scott did his share of keeping the ball and running with it under center. Aryton Scott found the end zone with 4:45 left in the first quarter. The two point conversion was no good. After that touchdown the score was Hopkins 7 and Southwest 6.

Hopkins got the ball back after the Southwest touchdown. Hopkins’ Treyvon Smith caught some nice passes early in the game. He was able to catch passes when he was triple teamed. Hopkins’ Trevon Smith rushed for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. With 50.4 seconds left in the first quarter the score was Hopkins 14 and Southwest 6.

Southwest got the ball back after the Hopkins touchdown.

After the first quarter the score was Hopkins 14 and Southwest 6.

Southwest got the ball to begin the second quarter. They started with third down and on fourth down they decided to punt the ball away.

Hopkins got the ball back and they were on an attack in the end zone, sending receivers toward the end zone on almost every play. Ben Christopher caught a pass for a Hopkins touchdown with 9:26 remaining in the second quarter.

After the touchdown the score was Hopkins 20 and Southwest 6.

Hopkins quarterback Bill Gregg did a good job directing the Hopkins offense. He knew where his players were on the field.

Southwest got the ball back and they tried to get to the end zone. Aryton Scott used some nice footwork to fend off defenders as he scampered down the field. When he was not running the ball himself he was handing off to his running backs.

Aryton Scott was picked off by Tavaughn Blair in the end zone to give Hopkins the ball back. Romar Danals had a nice gain to set up Adam Bevis for a Hopkins touchdown. With 4:11 in the second quarter the score was Hopkins 27 and Southwest 6.

Hopkins looked to score late in the second quarter and they were able to do that as Romar Daniel found the end zone for a touchdown with 2:15 left in the second quarter. The extra point was good the score after the touchdown was Hopkins 34 and Southwest 6.

Hopkins kicked off to Southwest to begin the third quarter. Even Gray looked sharp after the half time intermission. He was able to skirt around the field with the ball when he was given it. Southwest threatened to score midway through the third quarter. With 7:12 in the third quarter Aryton Scott scored a short run touchdown. Sam Beaver scored the 2 point conversion. The score was Hopkins 34 and Southwest 14.

Hopkins was able to string together a nice long drive and they chewed up a lot of time on the clock in the third quarter. DeAndre Adams scored a Hopkins touchdown with 27.9 seconds left in the third quarter.


The score at the end of the third quarter was Hopkins 41 and Southwest 14.

Southwest found the end zone on a Damian Papenfus touchdown. The two point conversion was not good. With 10:30 left to go in regulation the score was Hopkins 41 and Southwest 20.

Danny Kernan made a huge reception for a touchdown and Sam Beaver made a catch for the two-point conversion. With 3:21 left in regulation the score became Hopkins 41 and Southwest 28.

Hopkins was able to come away with the victory over Minneapolis Southwest by the final of 41-28.

I was able to talk with the Hopkins players and Head Coach John DenHartog and Trevon Smith and Bill Gregg about the season and the game.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY DELVON BELL DROPS 16 POINTS IN VICTORY

Minneapolis native Troy Delvon Bell scored 16 points and helped Vanoli Ceremona get the 91-82 victory over Carife Ferrara. Vanoli Ceremona is now 1-2. Bell is averaging 15.7 points per game.

Bell graduated from Holy Angles in 1999.

ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG AND BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S COME DOWN TO THE WIRE

Benilde-St. Margaret's took on Robbinsdale Armstrong. Both teams started out strong making shots that they were putting up. Benilde was able take a lead early in the first half as they came out of the gates strong. Armstrong didn’t back down. They took it right to Benilde throughout the first half.

Both teams kept it close in the first half. Benilde played a strong man-to-man defense. They were setting a lot of good picks. It was hard for the Armstrong players to get through them.

Both of these teams were evenly matched. It was a close first half as each team battled each other. In the first half both teams played really well. They each had balanced scoring.

Armstrong had a 47-38 lead at the half.

Both teams started out playing aggressively. Armstrong went flat midway through the second half. They were not able to make a shot for a while in the second half.

Armstrong played a zone defense in the second half. They were able to get out and box out the shooters.

Both teams played hard and were evenly matched. Benilde tied the game at 65 with 11:00 left to go in regulation.

Neither team backed down they kept playing hard and going after each other. The game was close throughout. Neither team gave in. The game came down to the end.

Peter James Crawford for Benilde-St. Margarets really played well. He played well on the defensive end and he got his team involved in the plays on the offensive end. He played aggressively the whole game.

Benilde St. Margarets was able to pull away with the 95-84 victory late in the second half.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TOOK ON HOPKINS IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Hopkins took on Columbia Heights in the Minnetonka fall basketball league. Both teams started out hot, as they both knocked down shots in the early going.

Both teams played strong and went at each other in the early goings. Hopkins came into the game playing a strong man-to-man defense.

Hopkins made a run mid way through the first half. Columbia Heights did not give up though they kept on fighting and playing hard.

Both teams pushed the ball up the court. There were a lot of baskets made in transition. Hopkins was able to make shots in quick order, as they were able to string baskets together.

Hopkins was able to put on a show. They were making the game look easy as they were putting up shots and they were going in.

In a half that was one sided Hopkins had a 63-43 lead over Columbia Heights.

The second half started out with Hopkins on fire they were able to knock down shots that they were putting up with ease.

The Columbia Heights players were getting visibly frustrated during the second half. They knew that there shots were not dropping and they couldn’t go anything about it but keep shooting.

Hopkins continued to make shots in the second half. They didn’t back down. Hopkins was just a much bigger and more physical team than Columbia Heights.

Columbia Heights made a run late in the second half as they tried to catch up to Hopkins. With 1:44 left in regulation the score was Hopkins 106 and Columbia Heights 93.Even with the late second half rally Hopkins was able to and come away with the 111-99 victory over Columbia Heights.

DULUTH EAST SQUEAKS OUT VICTORY OVER ST LOUIS PARK

Duluth East took on St Louis Park in the Minnetonka basketball fall league. Duluth East started playing in a man-to-man defense. Both teams looked to push the ball up the court in the early goings of the game. They each wanted to control the tempo of the game.

Both teams went hard at each other hard in the first half. They traded baskets through the first part of the first half.

Both teams looked to play transition basketball. After each shot whoever had the ball would make a dash to the basket and try to get a shot up at their end.

Both of these teams played like they were trying to figure out their own squads. The teams are made mostly of high school teams with an assistant coach coaching. The high school varsity coach is not allowed to coach the teams at this time in the fall. Assistant coaches do the coaching. There are a handful of head coaches who attend the games.

At the half the score was St Louis Park 41 and Duluth East 40.

St Louis Park came out playing strong man-to-man defense to begin the second half. They knew that whoever was able to knock down shots in the early goings of the second half would come away with the victory.

For Duluth East Dyami Romell Starks played well throughout the game. He made smart plays and make some nice passes to his open teammates.

St Louis Park was just flying around the court. They really were pestering the Duluth East players.

Duluth East was able to make a run at St Louis Park midway through the second half and they were able to take the lead mid way through.

Duluth was able to make a comeback into the game as each team played really aggressively throughout.

Both teams were not afraid to go after loose balls as each team played aggressively.

Duluth East was able to come away with the 89-82 victory over St Louis Park.

START OF THE 2009 MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

The 2009 Minnetonka basketball Fall League got underway. In the first game it was Winona against Holy Angles.

Winona was able to get up big on Holy Angles early in the game. They were able to knock down shots in the early going. Holy Angles battled in the first half. They did not give up playing strong despite their shots not falling.
Holy Angles played mostly man-to-man defense in the first half. They put a lot of pursuit on Winona.
Holy Angles had a hard time finding the basket in the first half. They were not getting frustrated though. They kept shooting the ball and going after rebounds.

Winona had a 42-17 advantage at half time.

Holy Angles started the second half playing a zone defense. Winona also came out and played zone defense in the second half.

Winona was able to make shots during the game. They kept the pressure on Holy Angles throughout the game. Holy Angles was not able to make shots that they were putting up. They were playing together as a team but there shots were not dropping.

Winona was able to come away with the 75-46 victory over Holy Angles.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IS THE 2009 TWIN CITIES VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS

The Minneapolis Southwest Lakers volleyball team took on the St Paul Central Minutemen for the Twin Cities volleyball title. Minneapolis Southwest won the title last season.

In the first game, St Paul Central was able to get up on the Lakers to begin the game. Central was getting the ball where the Lakers were not able to return the ball back to them. Both teams kept going strong and volleying back and forth to each other. Southwest went on a run midway through the first game but St Paul Central kept on playing strong and retuning the ball where the Lakers could not do anything with it. The first game was really close throughout.

St Paul Central won the first game 26-24.

Southwest came out on fire in the second game. Central did try to rally but were down 3-9 when they tried to get something going and that was not working to well. Central called a time out but Southwest went on a run after that.

Minneapolis Southwest won the second game 25-15.

St Paul Central was able to come out on fire in the third game and they got up on Southwest early on in the third game. But Southwest came fighting back. They were down 18-21 when they tried to go on a run but it was a little too late as St Paul Central came away with the 25-20 victory.

Both teams came out strong in the fourth game. The scoring went back and forth in the fourth game. The score went back to Central’s favor as they were able to gain a 17-13 advantage. Southwest came within two points, 17-19. And then Southwest scored again on a Central miss queue and they were able to tie the game at 19. Southwest was able to come away with the 25-21.

In the fifth and final game they only play to 15 rather than 25.

Both of the coaches really showed intensity throughout the game. They were up instructing their players. The game was close. Neither team got more than 4 points ahead or behind in the early goings on the game.

Minneapolis Southwest won the match 15-9. They also win the contest 3-2 and they are the 2009 Twin Cities volleyball champions.

TWIN CITIES CHAMPIONSHIP: IT WAS ST PAUL HIGHLAND PARK AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN

Washburn got the ball to start off the game. They were picked off by Highland Park. Highland punted the ball back to Washburn.

Both teams started out playing aggressively. Myint Mang from Highland made a long running play to set up Tarell McDuffe for the touchdown. The two point conversion was good.

Both teams really went after each other in the first quarter. The Millers were able to make first downs in the second quarter and they threatened to score midway through the second quarter.

With 1:39 left Tyler Morrow caught a touchdown reception for Highland Park. The two point conversion was no good.

Washburn’s Montrell Wade found the end zone for a touchdown. He made a nice rushing touchdown. With 9:22 left in the third quarter the score was St Paul Highland Park 14 and Minneapolis Washburn 6.

Minneapolis Washburn elected to do an onside kick and Washburn recovered. Washburn looked to keep their running attack going. Highland Park tried to figure out what Washburn was going to do.

Darius Flowers caught a pass for a Highland Park touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good.
At the end of the third quarter the score was Highland Park 20 and Washburn 6.

Washburn went to a hurry up offense and it went well as Chdric Chapell was open in the end zone for a touchdown. The two point attempt was no good.

The final in this game was St Paul Highland Park 20 and Minneapolis Washburn 12. With this victory Highland Park is the 2009 Twin Cities boys football champion.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST AND ST PAUL HUMBOLDT SQUARE OFF IN TIWN CITIES FOOTBALL

The Minneapolis city conference and the St Paul city conference play each other in the last game of the regular season. This series is also known as the Twin Cities Crossover Series . Minneapolis Southwest kicked off to St Paul Humboldt. Humboldt was not able to convert on their first series.

Matt St Anthony caught a pass from Ayrton Scott for a Southwest touchdown. Scott scored the two point conversion. Humboldt fumbled the kickoff and Southwest got the ball back.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Southwest 8 and Humboldt 0.

Southwest’s Scott found the end zone on a quarterback keeper and scored a touchdown. The extra point was no good. With that touch down the score was Southwest 14 and Humboldt 0.

Davon Massie scored a Humboldt touchdown with 1:53 left to go in the second quarter. The two point conversion was no good.

Danny Kernan caught a pass from Scott for a Southwest touchdown. The two point conversion was no good.
At the half the score was Southwest 20 and Humboldt 0.

Humboldt kicked off to Southwest to start the third quarter. Southwest got the ball to begin the third quarter. Southwest took to the air to being the second quarter.

Southwest was not able to convert on fourth down and they turned the ball over to Humboldt. Humboldt kept the ball on the ground for the most part in the third quarter.

Southwest was able to march down the field and score a touchdown.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Southwest 26 and Humboldt 6.

Southwest’s Sam Beaver found the end zone and got a Scott pass for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good.

Both teams played really aggressively throughout the game. Even though the field conditions were wet, cold and soggy each team was able to play within themselves.

Minneapolis Southwest was able to come away with the 32-6 victory over St Paul Humboldt.

THE SHAKOPEE SABERS TAKE OUT THE HOLY ANGELS STARS

Holy Angels kicked off to the Shakopee Sabers. Shakopee was not able to convert on downs on their first drive and they had to punt the ball to Holy Angels.

Holy Angels looked to get the running game going early on as they were looking to get the ball into their running backs hands. Danny Shields the Holy Angels quarterback looked sharp to begin the game. His passes were right on. They were able to convert and pick up a few quick first downs early.

Shakopee was able to convert on third down quarterback Scott Hauer made good decisions early on in the game as he knew what play he was going to run and he was able to guide his offensive players.

Willie Dellwo for Shakopee had a nice yard touchdown run with 4:44 in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was no good.

Holy Angels got the ball back after the touchdown. Holy Angels was not able to convert on third down and they had to kick the ball back to Shakopee.

Matthew Sotelo had a nice short run for Shakopee as he found the end zone for the touchdown. He also ran in for the two point conversion. After the touchdown and two point conversion the score was Shakopee 14 and Holy Angels 0.

Dylan Ufers intercepted a Holy Angels pass late in first quarter to give the ball back to Shakopee.

At the end of the first quarter the score was the Shakopee 14 and Holy Angels 0.

Shakopee got the ball to start the second quarter. They used a running attack to open the second quarter.

Shakopee used both a running and air attack in the first half. Shakopee threatened to score midway through the second quarter. Willie Dellwo made a short rushing touchdown with 6:26 remaining in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was good. After that touchdown and extra point the score was Shakopee 21 and Holy Angels 0.

Willie Dellwo scored a touchdown with 1:53 remaining in the second quarter. The extra point was also good. The score was Shakopee 28 and Holy Angels 0.

In a first half that was played both in the air and on the field the Shakopee Sabers had a 21-0 lead advantage at the half.

At the beginning of the third quarter Holy Angels tried to get things going as they aggressively looked to get the ball into the end zone.

Danny Shields was able to find the end zone for a Holy Angels touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. With 8:44 left in the third quarter the score was Shakopee 28 and Holy Angels 7.

Shakopee’s DeShawn Goines found the end zone with 8:03 remaining in the third quarter as he scored a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. With that touchdown and point after the score were Shakopee 35 and Holy Angels 7.

Holy Angels looked to get the ball down the field and try to get the ball into the end zone. Holy Angels offense was having difficulties converting on third down conversions.

Shakopee’s offense looked way to powerful in the third quarter as they were all over the field. Near the end of the third quarter Joel Hergott got a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. With 1:25 remaining in the third quarter the score was Shakopee 42 and Holy Angels 7.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Shakopee 42 and Holy Angels 7.

Jason Mareck intercepted a Holy Angels pass and he ran it back for a Shakopee touchdown. The extra point was good. With 11:08 in the fourth quarter the score was Shakopee 49 and Holy Angels 7.

Shakopee has able to pick the Holy Angels team apart for most of the game. They did a good job of knowing what plays Holy Angels was going to run.

Holy Angels was able to hold off Shakopee deep into their territory and they forced Shakopee to turn the ball over on downs.

Danny McMahon for the Stars found the end zone with 45 second left for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good.

Shakopee was able to come away with the 49-13 victory over Holy Angles.

WAYZATA UPSETS MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IN A SHOOT OUT

The #1 seed in section 6 class AA Minneapolis Southwest hosted the Wayzata Trojans. Coming into the game Southwest was ranked #5 in class AA Wayzata has the #4 in region. This was the first meeting between these two schools all season.

Both teams came out playing very aggressive. They were trying to find the goal very early on in the contest.

Wayzata’s defense really stepped up early in the first half. They were really putting the heat on the Southwest defense.

Southwest was able to get the ball up the field pretty quickly in first half. Both teams flew out of the gates. They were really scrambling around the ball attacking the goal.

In a very tough aggressive first half the score at the half was Wayzata 0 and Southwest 0.

The second half started out with a bang as both teams really going after each other to begin the half. Both teams defenses stepped up.

Both teams played a close tough game throughout the game. Neither team backed down. They kept going after each other the whole game.

At the end of regulation the score was tied at 0.

The first overtime was 10:00. Both teams really played hard throughout the game. Wayzata did have their chances in the overtime as they had some nice goal kicks and bounced off.

After the first overtime the score was still tied at 0. The second over time was 10:00.

Both teams never gave up they kept going after each other in the overtime periods. Tied after the second overtime, the game went to a shoot out to determine the outcome.

In the shoot out, the first shooter was Southwest’s Antoine Eam. He scored a goal. For Wayzata, Andrew Zarrgoza scored. For Southwest, Edi Becerra missed. For Wayzata Ellis Andres scored. For Southwest, Elliot Emerson scored. Wayzata’s Calvin Keop scored. Southwest’s Dennis Skoglund scored. Wayzata’s Michale Kirsh scored. Southwest’s Liban Anayle scored. Wayzata’s Robert Hill scored. Wayzata won 1-0 in the shoot out victory.

With the victory Wayzata advances to the region final.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY DELVON BELL SCORES 21 POINTS

Minneapolis native Troy Bell scored 21 points for Vanoli Cremona in a 103-104 loss to NGC Cantù.

His team is now 0-2. Bell averages 15.5 points per game.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY DELVON BELL BACK PLAYING IN ITALY

Minneapolis native Troy Bell is back playing basketball in Italy again this season. He is playing for Vanoli Cremona. He has played professionally in both the United States and overseas. He played for this team last year and they won their league. They are in the top league this season.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE LAWRENCE ARMAND-JAMES MCKENZIE SIGNS WITH THE LA DEFENDERS

Lawrence Armand-James McKenzie has signed a contract with the La Defenders of the National Basketball Association Development League

McKenzie is from Minneapolis and he went to Patrick Henry high school and then onto Oklahoma and the University of Minnesota where he played ball.

WAYZATA’S AARON ROTH BREAKS ANKLE

Wayzata’s running back and defensive back broke his ankle in Wayzata’s game Thursday night against Wisconsin Rapids. He is expected to miss the rest of the season.

MINNESOTA STATE OFFICIALS LOOKING AT TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR STREAKING

Streaking at high school football games this season is on the rise across Minnesota. There is concern among high school administrators and local law enforcement officials that this problem is getting out of hand.

They want tougher penalties for people who are found streaking at high school contests. At St. Francis High School this has become such a problem the district has pressed criminal charges against people who are found streaking at high school games.

TUBBY’S TIP OFF GETS THE START OF THE 2009 2010 MEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON UNDERWAY

The 2009-2010 University of Minnesota men’s basketball team got off to a hot start literally appearing out of a shadow and smoke and a little background information as the players were introduced to the public.

After the introductions were over it was time to get to work. The team started out doing some full court drills.

The first contest that was put on was the three point contest. These are the number of three point shots each player had in the first round of the three point contest.

Al Nolen 9

Devron Bostick 8

Devoe Joseph 6

Paul Carter 7

Blake Hoffarber 10

Damian Johnson 7

Justin Cobbs 11

Lawrence Westbrook 8

After the first round Blake Hoffarber and Justin Cobb’s went head to head to determine the winner of the contest. Blake Hoffarber was the three point shooting championship with 14 shots made to Justin’s 10.

Next was the slam-dunk contest. Devron Bostick did a nice two hand slam dunk.

Justin Cobbs came through with a nice backhanded slam dunk.

Royce White was able to tap the back of the backboard and slam the ball down.

Trevor Maakwe tried to dunk two balls at the beginning and then he only ended up dunking one ball with a two handed slam-dunk.

Rodney Williams brought Goldy out and with everyone standing he dunked over Goldy Gopher.

Damian Johnson had three managers that he swung over.

On Justin Cobbs’ second dunk attempt he was trying to do different complex dunks.

Royce White started out with two balls and he basically laid them in.

With the help of Paul Carter who tried to lay the ball off the backboard he missed those so he just ended up doing a one-handed power dunk.

With Blake Hoffbarber in the upper deck it wasn’t working so he just took off from the free throw line and did a one-handed slam-dunk to win the slam-dunk championship.

Rosters Maroon

Blake Hoffarber

Al Nolen

Devron Bostick

Paul Carter

Colton Iverson

Dominique Dawson

Justin Cobbs

Trevor Mbawke

GOLD ROSTER

Devoe Joseph

Lawrence Westbrook

Royce White

Rodney Williams

Damian Johnson

Ralph Sampson III

After the slam dunk contest the team took to the court for an inner squad scrimmage. The teams were coached by the assistant coaches. Both teams were putting on a show but they were taking it seriously. They were trying to run their offensive sets.

Tubby Smith had a microphone and he was shouting encouragement to his players. I really thought everyone looked good in the scrimmage. It is hard for a team to really try to outsmart everyone else when they know what everyone is running when they are going up against their own team.

At the half time of the first 10 minute scrimmage the score was Gold 17 Maroon 22. The Maroon team came away with the victory.

Rodney Williams put on a heck of a show in the scrimmage. He really played well. He was making cuts and making shots that I have never seen anyone make in my whole life.

Trevor Mbakwe did participate in both the media day event and the scrimmage with the team. There are questions regarding a legal matter and his future as playing but as of right now he is cleared to practice and partake in all team activities.

Over all I was pretty pleased with what I saw out of the Gophers. I am excited about the upcoming basketball season. I think this team can jell together and I do think that they will be a factor again this season in the Big Ten Conference. This team is eager to getting better everyday on and off the court. They have the work ethic that is one of a champion describes Tubby Smith. They go to battle everyday knowing that they have to get better.

I thought Trevor Mbakwe did a nice job in the scrimmage. He played with a lot of intensity and also knew that he wanted to have some fun.

The final of the scrimmage was 49 Maroon-33 Gold.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA OPENS ITS DOORS FOR THE PRESS

The Twin Cities media got a chance to get to know the University of Minnesota Men’s Basketball players and Tubby Smith At its annual media day event. This year’s team is ready to get going and play. Domnique Dawson who is from Minneapolis Southwest is probably going to red shirt this season according to Tubby Smith.

Coach Smith is expecting a physical season this year. Players know that they are going to have to bring something to the table and get better everyday. Smith pushes his coaches everyday to get better. Everyday before practices he asks his coaches how they are going to help his players get better and stronger. They have to have the ability to shoot the ball better than they did last year.

Smith thinks that this off season the guys did a good job of working on their games. He thinks that they know what takes now because they got a taste of post season play.

All of the players are excited to get the season underway. They will have their first chance when they are introduced to the public at Tubby’s Tip Off. It features all of the Gopher players. They will take part in a three-point contest a slam-dunk contest.

All of the Gophers spent a lot of time in the off season in the weight room. All of the guys are stronger, quicker and faster.

We will have to see how things will stack up this season for the Gopher team.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN EXCAPES IN OVERTIME TO BEAT MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST

The Minneapolis Washburn Millers took on the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers in a heated rivalry. Southwest got the ball to begin the game. Southwest was able to use the pass and the run game early in the first quarter. Southwest was on fourth down with 17 to go for the first down and lined up like they were going to go for the first down. But Aryton Scott the quarterback punted the ball away into an empty backfield where Washburn took over.

Washburn was not able to convert on fourth down and they punted it back to Southwest. Southwest looked to get the ball into Evan Gray’s hands. Gray is a quick running back and he is best when he can get into the open field and run. He also can juke around his defenders and make long runs easy. Classic.

The Washburn defenders did a good job of covering Southwest in the first quarter. They made it difficult for Southwest to complete passes.

At the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 0.

Both teams played very aggressively. They were looking to get at each other the whole first half.

Aryton Scott’s passes were a little off in the first half. He was over throwing his receivers. Southwest was not able to convert on third downs and that forced them to punt the ball more often than they would have liked.
Both of the defenses have put on a good showing in the first half. Neither team was able to go for the big play yet at this point in the game.

Southwest kicked off to Washburn to begin the third quarter. And they were off running as Cedric Chappell found big holes in the Southwest defense.

Washburn’s Montrell Wade found the end zone to score a touchdown with 9:09 left to go in the third quarter. The extra point was no good. With that touchdown the score was Washburn 6 and Southwest 0.

Southwest threatened to score late in the third quarter. They got the ball inside the 20-yard line. Washburn’s defense stood strong though as they were able to wrap the Lakers up. The Lakers went for it on fourth down and 6 yards to go. Southwest was not able to convert the fourth down and they turned the ball over to Washburn.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Washburn 6 and Southwest 0.

As the fourth quarter started Southwest threaded to score. Southwest was not able to convert on fourth down and they turned the ball over on downs.

Southwest’s Evan Gray was able to find the end zone with 8:41 left to go in regulation to tie the score at 6 apiece. The extra point attempt was no good.

Southwest marched down the field again and they were determined to find the end zone.

With 3:42 left in the fourth quarter back Aryton Scott was able to find the end zone for a Southwest touchdown. The extra point was no good. With that touchdown the score was Southwest 12 and Washburn 6.

With 32 seconds left in regulation, Washburn’s Marchea Wade scored on a running touchdown. The extra point was no good.

At the end of regulation the score was tied at 12. Each team got four downs and they started on the 10 yard line to either score a touchdown or a field goal.

Washburn got the ball first and they made touchdown on a Montrell Wade running play. The two point attempt was good making the score Washburn 20 and Southwest 12.

On Southwest’s attempt Aryton Scott scored the touchdown. The two point conversion was no good. The final was Washburn 20 and Southwest 18.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TOOK ON ROBBINSDALE COOPER IN REGION 6AA BOYS SOCCER

It's regional tournament time for boys’ soccer. Robbinsdale Cooper had the number eight seed and Minneapolis Southwest had the number one seed in the region. Southwest is ranked fifth in class AA in the state according to the rankings released on October 13 2009.

Both teams really tried to get a feel for each other in the first half.

With 31:00 left to go in the first half, Fidel Chenoweth scored Robbinsdale Cooper’s first unassisted goal from about 15 yards out.

Both teams continued to battle each other throughout the first half. They were both going after the ball.

With 10:01 left in the first half Shane Marshall scored a Southwest goal from about two feet away from the goal. With that goal the score was tied at one apiece.

With 36:00 left in the second half Forrest Theisen scored a goal for the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers. With 34:52 left in the second half Theisen scored another goal on a short shot. With that goal the score was Minneapolis Southwest 3 and Robbinsdale Cooper 1.

Southwest’s Garrett Powell scored a goal with 28:00 left in regulation scored a goal for making the score Minneapolis Southwest 4 and Robbinsdale Cooper 1.

Both teams played a very physical game. In the end Minneapolis Southwest was able to come away with the 4-1 victory.

ELLIOTT ELIASON TO BE A MINNESOTA GOPHER

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team has gotten a verbal commitment from Chardon high school senior Elliott Eliason. Eliason is 6-11 and is 245 pounds. During his junior year he averaged 14.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He also blocked 99 shots.

MINNEAPOLIS DE LA SALLE RUNNING BACK EVAN WILLIAMS GETS AN OFFER FROM THE MINNESOTA GOPHERS

Minneapolis De La Salle running back Evan Williams has been offered a scholarship to play with the Minnesota Gophers. He is considered one of the best running backs in the state of Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS ROOSEVELT TOOK ON MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IN A CONFRENCE FOOTBALL SHOW DOWN

The Minneapolis Southwest Lakers and the Minneapolis Roosevelt Teddies football teams clashed in early October. The Lakers kicked off to the Roosevelt Teddies. On Roosevelt’s first drive Devante Riser came up with some good running plays. early in the first quarter. Roosevelt looked to keep the ball on the ground early. They threatened to score on their first dive but they could not convert on fourth down.

Starlon Pruitt for of Roosevelt played very aggressively in the first quarter. He was all over the field. He was used to carry the ball in short yardage situations.

At the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 0.

The start of the second quarter the Roosevelt Teddies threatened to score as they got the ball with in the twenty yard line. Roosevelt was able to find the end zone when Devante Riser had a short yard touchdown.

With that touchdown the score was the Minneapolis Roosevelt Teddies 7 and Minneapolis Southwest 0.

Minneapolis Southwest got the ball back and they were looking to score. Then they coughed it up and they gave it back to Roosevelt deep in their territory.

Both teams really got after it. Khalf Vant found Shane Hollie in the end zone in a 47-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. With 1:20 left to go in the second quarter the score was Roosevelt 14 and Minneapolis Southwest 0.

At the half the score was Roosevelt 14 and Southwest 0.

Southwest got the ball to begin the third quarter. They were looking to score quickly. Danny Kernan found the end zone with 11:37 left in the third quarter for the touchdown from a pass from Aryton Scott. With 11:37 left in third quarter the score was Roosevelt 14 and Minneapolis Southwest 6.

Khalef Vant found a big hole in the Southwest defense as he was able to gain major yardage and then On the next play Judge Rissman intercepted the ball to give Southwest an interception possession.

Aryton Scott was tacked in the end zone for a Roosevelt safety. Roosevelt looked to score again late in the quarter as they kept driving the ball into the end zone. Then they were intercepted to give Southwest the ball back.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Roosevelt 16 and Southwest 6.

Roosevelt threatened to score on their first drive of the fourth quarter. They did just that as Khalef Vant had a two-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown. The extra point was good. With 9:04 remaining the score was Roosevelt 23 and Minneapolis Southwest 6.

With 7:24 left in the fourth quarter Aryton Scott found Danny Hupp in the end zone for a Southwest touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good. With 7:24 left in the fourth quarter The score was Roosevelt 23 and Southwest 12.

Devante Riser came up with a nice catch and a long reception to bring the Teddies into scoring chances. But Southwest’s Sam Beaver intercepted the ball on the two-yard line.

Ayrton Scott found major ground and found Sam Beaver who was covered by five Roosevelt players for a Southwest touchdown. The two-point conversion was intercepted by Devante Riser. With that touchdown the score was Roosevelt 23 and Minneapolis Southwest 18.

Both teams played very well the whole game. Minneapolis Roosevelt was able to come away with the hard fought 23-18 victory.

ST PAUL COMO PARK AND ST PAUL HARDING SQUARE OFF ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD

The St Paul Como Park Cougars faced off against the St Paul Harding at Griffin Stadium in a conference match up. Coming into the game St Paul Como Park had a record of 3-2 and St Paul Harding also had a record of 3-2.


St Paul Como Park got the ball first on the offensive end. Como Park tried short running plays on their first drive. They were able to convert on fourth down and short yardage on their first drive. Como Park was just able to keep pounding the ball down the field in the opening series. Jon Carr did a nice job running the ball in the early goings for Como Park. Como wanted to try to get it in his hands in the early goings. With 6:09 remaining in the first quarter Jon Carr found the end zone with an 18-yard touchdown scamper. The extra point was no good.

With 6:08 remaining in the first quarter the score was Como Park 6 and St Paul Harding 0.

St Paul Harding got the ball back after the touchdown but they were not able to do anything with the ball. John Carr once again came up big on their next series but they were not able to convert and they ended up punting the ball to Harding.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Como Park 6 and St Paul Harding 0.

Como Park got the ball to start the second quarter and Angelo Williams made a nice running play to start off the quarter. Como Park kept the ball on the ground for the most part in the first half. They kept looking to run the ball rather then pass it. They were having success making short running plays. That is what lead them to another touchdown as John Carr found the end zone again for a Como Park touchdown on a short yard run.

Como Park intercepted a pass late in the second quarter and they were not able to find the end zone. At half time the score was Como Park 12 and Harding 0.

As the second half got underway Harding got the ball to begin the third quarter. They were determined to find the end zone. They were not able to get the first down so they turned the ball over to Como Park.

Terrance Williams for Como Park came up with a big running play with about 5:00 left in the third quarter as he was able to find a hole and go in for a first down.

Harding tried to use some trickery in the third quarter as they tried a reverse option. They wanted to just find the end zone for once in this game. They were having difficultly doing that the whole night. They did give it their all and they did give Como Park all that they could handle.

John Carr found the end zone again as he ran for 35 yards for the Como Park Touchdown. John Carr also ran it in for the successful two-point conversion.

With 45 seconds left in the third quarter the score was Como Park 20 and Harding 0. That was the score at the end of the third quarter.

Harding got the ball to start the fourth quarter. They really wanted to get something together in the fourth quarter. They were trying to do all they could. They were just not able to convert on plays that they needed to. That was one of the major factors all evening.

Both teams really went at each other throughout the game. It was a very physical game. Both teams played with intensity. It was also a very crisp cold evening. A few of the players who got banged up had to be attended to by trainers and coaches. They bodies were not able to sustain getting hit and injured in the cold. Both teams were dealing with guys cramping up in the legs. No one got seriously hurt in the game.

I thought both teams played very well. The intensity was there by both teams throughout the whole game. St Paul Como Park was just able to get the ball into the end zone and they didn’t cough if up in critical times in the game. They were able to make plays in critical points in the game especially in third and fourth down situations.

I really thought that John Carr was the player of the game because of his play on the field. He was able to find the end zone and he kept his players into the game.

St Paul Como Park was able to come away with the 20-0 victory.

STEVEN’S SPORTS REPORT TO COVER BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER AND FOOTBALL STATE TOURNAMENTS

I am pleased to announce that I will be covering the boys and girls state soccer tournaments and the boys football tournament. The boys and girls state soccer tournament dates are October 28 - November 5, 2009 and the boy’s football state tournament dates are November 12 - 28, 2009.

Look for recaps of the tournament games on the web site throughout the tournaments. I will begin the winter season with basketball coverage later in October when games get fully underway.

THE MINNESOTA TWINS ARE HEADED TO THE PLAY OFFS

The Minnesota Twins are headed to the post season. After a one game playoff game with the Detroit Tigers in which the Twins won 6-5 in 12 innings to win the American League Central division, they will now play the New York Yankees in the first round of the American League Divisional Series.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA OPENS ITS DOORS TO TCF BANK STADIUM

The University Of Minnesota opened its doors as they held an open house. They gave free tours of TCF Bank Stadium.

This was the first time that I had been inside the TCF Bank Stadium. I have driven around the Stadium and I when I first got to the stadium I was amazed at all the buzz around it. When I got into the parking lot, parking at the stadium for this event was $3.75. I was surprised at first that they were charging for parking but then again I wasn’t because I figured that they wanted to simulate a game situation.

I arrived at the field and from the outside and the stadium was beautiful. There were all the names of all of the counties in Minnesota carved in brick lining the outside of the stadium.

I had to wait about 20 minutes before I was able to get into the stadium because I was early. The college radio station was there handing out free stuff. After about a 10-minute wait the doors were opened to the Stadium.

After I got past security I walked up a flight of stairs where there were tables of all of the colleges that the University of Minnesota provides. They were handing out information about their courses they offer. After all that they provided free tours of the locker rooms. The University of Minnesota locker room is the largest of any pro or college sports. The locker room is in a shape of a football. The only other stadium that has a locker room shaped like a football is the Green Bay Packers of the NFL.

After the locker room tour it was time to hit the field. The field was awesome. People were only allowed to stay in the end zone. When I was on the field it brought memories of screaming fans in a tournament appearance. When I go down and cover the Minnesota state football and you have thousands of screaming fans and I am trying to interview the players. There is a lot of happiness and emotion that the fans bring.

After I got done with the field there was a tunnel that leads off the field and brought us out to the stadium entrance. There was an usher that was handing out free woman’s hockey tickets for the afternoon’s hockey game. The Gopher women’s hockey team was able to beat Syracuse 4-1. It was a fun and entertaining game. It was the first time that I had been in Ridder Arena. On the backside of Ridder Arena is the university tennis center. I walked around in there for a bit. That was the first time that I had been in either two of those arenas.

After I was done with tours I have to say I was pretty impressed with the new TCF Bank Stadium. That is a pretty cool complex.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TOOK OUT MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH IN CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN

Minneapolis South and Minneapolis Southwest took to the football field on a cloudy afternoon.

On the opening drive, Southwest’s John Berry scored a rushing touchdown to give the Southwest Lakers a 6-0 lead. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

The Minneapolis Southwest quarterback Ayrton Scott did a good job of getting set and people in place. John Berry got another Southwest touchdown.

The two-point conversion was good.

With 5:26 in the first quarter the score was Southwest 14 and South 0.

Southwest was looking to get the ball into Aryton Scott’s hands. He kept the ball a few times as he tried to juke and jive the South defenders.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Southwest 14 and South 0.

Both of these teams did a good on the defensive end as they both battled to get the ball. Southwest was able to keep pounding the ball up the field.

Southwest found the end zone again as Danny Kernan scored on a short touchdown run. The extra point was no good.

South got the ball back and they tried to make something happen. They did find the end zone as Lamarr Sulivan got the touchdown. He scored the touchdown but he made a dive in the end zone. The touchdown was good but the extra point was not.

After that touchdown the score was Southwest 20 and South 6.

Southwest looked to both air it out and run with it. Sam Beaver made some nice long passes from Aryton Scott in the first half.

Southwest was able to find the end zone again as John Berry scored another touchdown with under a minute left in the second quarter. The two-point conversion was no good.

South fumbled the ball on the 15-yard line to give the ball back to Southwest where they let the clock run out with 16.9 seconds left.

At half time the score was Minneapolis Southwest 26 and Minneapolis South 6.

Minneapolis Southwest got the ball to begin the third quarter. They were looking to get the ball into their quarterback’s hands. Aryton Scott has become very agile he knows the plays and he has been able to adjust. South has been able to pick off some his passes.

The Lakers have done a good job on both sides of the ball, as they have been able to fend off the tiger attack. South is playing very hard they have not given up.

Evan Gray for Southwest has done a good job in this game. He really has come up and made some nice catches during the game.

Aryton Scott has found the end zone as he scores a rushing touchdown for the Southwest Lakers. Damian Papenfuss made the two-point conversion. The score after that touchdown was Minneapolis Southwest 36 and Minneapolis South 6.

On South’s next drive they got intercepted and they gave the ball back to Southwest.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Minneapolis Southwest 34 and Minneapolis South 6.

As the fourth quarter got underway, the Southwest Lakers got very excited. They have played well throughout game.

Evan Gray found the end zone for the Lakers. They are going to try to find the end zone again and they do just that on a short run by Aryton Scott for the two point conversion. With that touchdown the score was Southwest 42 and South 6.

South went on the attack, as they wanted to find the end zone and try to get something going. They were able to find the end zone on a Chris Hatcher touchdown catch. With that touchdown with 2:04 remaining in regulation the score was Southwest 42 and South 12.

Minneapolis South gave it once last shot as they tried to make a mad dash to the end zone as time was winding down in the game. South was able to find a touchdown as Soly made a touchdown reception Chris Hatcher made the two-point conversion. With 29 seconds left in the fourth quarter the score was Southwest 42 and South 20.

Minneapolis Southwest was able to come away with the 42-20 victory over Minneapolis South.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN AND NORTH SQUARE OFF ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD

The top two teams in the Minneapolis City Conference squared off on a brisk raining night as Minneapolis North and Minneapolis Washburn.

North had the ball first and they got intercepted. So Washburn got the ball back and they were looking to both pass and run the ball. The field conditions were wet. There was a light mist throughout the night.

Montrell Wade for Washburn was able to find the end zone on a short yard run and a Washburn touchdown.

North tried to use both the run and pass in the first quarter. Both teams did their fair share of slipping and sliding on the field.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Minneapolis Washburn 6 and Minneapolis North 0.

As the second quarter got underway the Minneapolis North Polars threatened to get on the board. And they did as Carlton Littlejohn found the end zone for a touchdown. Littlejohn also found the end zone again on the two point conversion.

Montrell Wade for Washburn was able to find big yardage was he was able to find the red zone for the Millers.

Cedric Camble was able to come up with a touchdown for Minneapolis Washburn. With that touchdown the score was Minneapolis Washburn 14 and Minneapolis North 7.

On the next play Minneapolis North Lionel Dale was able to find the end zone for a north touchdown. He ran the ball back on the kick off for a touchdown. The score was tied at 14 and the half.

As the second half got underway North got the ball again to begin the third quarter.

Washburn’s defense came to play in the beginning of the third quarter.

Both of these teams mostly tried to run the ball in the third quarter. This was kind of interesting I thought because of the field conditions.

At the end of the third quarter the score was tied at 14.

Washburn looked to keep going in the fourth quarter as they kept on looking to score midway through the fourth quarter.

Minneapolis Washburn had the ball late in the fourth quarter as they wanted to run the ball up the field. This contest came down to the end.

Minneapolis Washburn tried a couple of long bombs late in regulations. But interceptions flagged Washburn. Kyle Hilding had a 14 yard field goal at the buzzer to win the game.

Washburn came away with the 17-14 victory.