TROY BELL HIGHLIGHTS VS MONTEGRANARO

Troy Bell who plays for Vanoli Cremona in Italy sent me some highlight video clips of his game as his team cruised past Montegranaro on Sunday November 29th. Here is the video clip of #10 Troy Delvon Bell.

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MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY DELVON BELL DROPS 23 POINTS IN VICTORY

Minneapolis native Troy Delvon Bell, who is playing professional basketball in Italy for Vanoli Cermona, scored 23 points in a 90-63 victory over Montegranaro.

Troy is averaging 14.9 points per game this season.

IN THE CLASS AAAA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IT WAS TOTINO GRACE

Sartell-St. Stephen took on Totino Grace in the Class AAAA Minnesota State High School League championship game.

STS got the ball to begin the game. They were not able to do anything on the first drive. TG got the ball back and then they fumbled the ball back to STS. It was a soppy start.

With 3:42 Jeremy Kline got a fumble recovery and a long touchdown run for Totino Grace. The extra point was good. With that touchdown the score was Totino Grace 7 and STS 0.

Totino Grace’s Ashford made a huge running play to set up John Crocket on a four-yard touchdown run. The extra point was no good.

Totino Grace was able to find the end zone again with under a minute to go in the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Totino Grace 21 and STS 0.

Totino Grace’s Ashford Kromath scored on a touchdown pass with 6:47 left to go. The extra point was good.
With five seconds left to go in the second quarter Mickey Kocon made a field goal to end the second quarter.
At the half the score was Totino Grace 31 and STS 0.

John Crockett really played well in the game. He has come up with some nice plays on the offensive end throughout the game. He really knows how to make a big play out of nothing. He made a two-yard touchdown run with 9:35 left to go in the third quarter. The extra point was good so that made the score Totino Grace 38 and STS 0.

Jake Schauer was able to pick off a STS pass and give the ball back to Totino Grace. Totino Grace looked to get the ball into the end zone. They were not able to get the ball into the end zone and they turned the ball over back to STS.

With 0:19 seconds left to go in the third quarter Totino Grace’s John Crockett made a long touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Totino Grace 45 and STS 0.

STS threatened to score midway through the fourth quarter. Josh Kermer scored on a short yard run. The extra point was good.

With 5:36 left in the fourth quarter the score was Totino Grace 45 and STS 7.

In the Minnesota State High School rules, if a team is leading by more than 35 points in the fourth quarter the time will run. If the score dips below 30 points, the time will go back to stop time.

John Crockett came up again on special teams on the kickoff. He made a nice return.

John Crockett played an outstanding game. He was all over the field. He tied a prep bowl record with 4 rushing touchdowns.

Totino-Grace was able to come away with the 45-7 victory and claim the 2009 Minnesota State High School Class AAA boys’ football state championship.

After the game I was able to talk to the head coach of Totino Grace Jeff Ferguson and Johnny Crockett about the championship game.

NEW LONDON SPICER TOOK ON GLENCOE SILVER LAKE FOR THE CLASS AAA BOYS FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

New London Spicer (NLS) took on Glencoe Silver Lake in the Class AAA boy’s football state final at the Metrodome. Both teams came into the game undefeated.

With 7:06 New London Spicer got a touchdown on a Jake Essler one-yard run. The extra point attempt was not good.

GSL got the ball back after the NLS touchdown.

At the end of the first quarter the score was NLS 6 and GSL 0.

GSL got the ball to begin the second quarter. It was a fourth down play. They were not able convert and they turned the ball over to NLS.

With 7:53 left to go in the in the second quarter Aaron Lueders scored a touchdown on a nice reception. The extra point attempt was good. With that touchdown the score was GSL 7 and NLS 6.

Both of the defenses did a very good job defending in the first half. Neither team was able to give up a big play.
At half time the score was Glencoe Silver Lake 7 and New London Spicer 6.

NLS got the ball to begin the third quarter. They took to the air early in the third quarter. They were deep in their own territory. They had to punt the ball away to GSL on that drive. GSL got the ball back on the 34-yard line.

GSL wanted to look to score late in the third quarter. They did that at 3:23 with an Aaron Leuders 3-yard run. The extra point was good.

With that touchdown the score was GSL 14 and NLS 6. That was the score after the third quarter.

With 11:53 left to go in the fourth quarter NLS got a touchdown on a Luke Peterson 29 yard touchdown pass from Jayme Moten. The two-point conversion was no good. With that touchdown the score was GSL 14 and NLS 12.

Aaron Luders of GSL got another touchdown on a 65-yard catch and run to get into the end zone with 11:43 left to go in the fourth quarter. The extra point was good. With that touchdown the score was GSL 21 and NLS 12.
NLS’ Jayme Moten completed a pass to Erik Tengwall for 54 yards and a NLS touchdown. The extra point was good.

With that touchdown the score was GSL 21 and NLS 20.

NLS threatened to score late in the fourth quarter. And they did at 3:06 left to go in the fourth quarter with an Aaron Jennings touchdown reception. The two-point conversion was good.

New London Spicer was able to come away with the 28-21 victory. I was able to talk to New London Spicer head coach Dan Essler and Jayme Moten about the championship game.

CRETIN DERHAM HALL TOOK ON EDEN PRAIRIE FOR THE CLASS AAAAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Eden Prairie took on Cretin Derham Hall for the Class AAAAA boy’s football championship game. Eden Prarie kicked off to Cretin Derham Hall.

With 3:26 left to in the first quarter Brooks Hitchcock scored a touchdown on a 75-yard pass from Mark Alt.
At the end of the first quarter the score was Cretin Derham Hall 7 and Eden Prairie 0.

Both teams’ defenses came up to play. Both of them have been able to come up with some good stops in critical parts of the game.

In a game that was a defensive battle Cretin Derham Hall had a 7-0 advantage over Eden Prairie at the halftime break.

Eden Prairie got the ball to begin the third quarter. They were not able to do anything with it on their first drive.
With 6:25 left to go in the third quarter Mark Alt completed a pass to Clay Horne for a touchdown for Cretin Derham Hall. With that touchdown the score was Cretin Derham Hall 13 and Eden Prairie 0.

Eden Prairie got a safety with 49 seconds left in third quarter to make the score Cretin Derham Hall 13 and Eden Prairie 2.

Eden Prairie looked to score midway through the fourth quarter. They were able to score on a 25-yard field goal by David Planter.

With that field goal the score was Cretin Derham Hall 13 and Eden Prairie 5.

With 2:26 left to go in regulation Mark Alt made a field goal.

This game was definitely a defensive battle. Both teams really stepped up on the defensive end. In the end Cretin Derham Hall was able to come away with the 16-5 victory. With that victory they are the 2009 MSHSL Class AAAAA state football champions.

MOOSE LAKE/WILLOW RIVER TOOK ON WATERVILLE-ELYSIAN MORRISTOWN IN THE CLASS AA 2009 BOYS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Moose Lake Willow River (MLWR) took on Waterville-Elysian Morristown (WEM) in the Class AA Minnesota State High School Championship.

WEM controlled the ball for most of the first quarter. They were able to get the ball, keep it and march down the field. They found the end zone late in the first quarter. Zech Geyer scored a touchdown for WEM with 1:04 left to go in the first quarter. The extra point was good.

With that touchdown and extra point the score was WEM 7 and MLWR 0. That was also the score after the first quarter.

With 10:34 left to go in the second quarter Jordan Gregor scored on a scamper for the touchdown. The extra point was good. With that touchdown the score was WEM 14 and MLWR 0.

MLWR looked to air the ball out and take to the sky as they wanted to throw the ball midway through the second quarter. They also mixed in the run in there a little bit.

WEM looked to score late in the second quarter. They were able to go around the MLWR defenders. Reid Roemhildt ran the ball and got the ball into the red zone. That set up a scoring drive to set up Brady Ayes on a short touchdown run. The extra point was good. With 3:16 left in the second quarter the score was WEM 21 and MLWR 0.

At the end of the second quarter the score was WEM 21 and MLWR 0.

WEM came out and scored a touchdown as Reid Roemhildt scooped up a pass and ran it in for the touchdown.

With 11:11 left in the third quarter the score was WEM 27 and MLWR 0.

MLWR came out in the third quarter and they looked to air the ball out. They started throwing the ball a lot more in the third quarter as they have done previously. MLWR’s Chris Gassert came up with a nice running play. On the next play Reid Roemhildt came up with the interception. Jordan Gregor came through with a touchdown with 3:53 left to go in the third quarter. The extra point attempt was no good. With that touchdown the score was WEM 33 and MLWR 0.

At the end of the third quarter the score was WEM 33 and MLWR 0.

With 6:44 left to go in the fourth quarter Austin Jacobson made a touchdown for Moose Lake Willow River. The extra point was good.

With 2:42 left to go in the game MLWR scored a touchdown on a 72 yard run. The extra point was good. With 2:42 the score was WEM 33 and MLWR 14.

With :13 seconds left in regulation MLWR’s Holden Olson scored a touchdown on a 55 yard run. The two point conversion was good.
The final of the game was Warterville-Elysian Morristown 33 and Moose Lake Willow River 22.

After the game I was able to talk to WEM’s head coach Jon Bakken, and players Reid Roemhildt and Conrad Masberg.

MINNEOTA TOOK ON ADRIAN IN THE CLASS A BOYS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Adrian took on Minneota in the Class A boys state final game. Minnneota was able to get on the board early in the game. They were able to get a touchdown on a Brandon Anderson 19 yard run. Victor Santos’ extra point attempt was good.

Minneota was able to get another touchdown with 5:42 left to go in the first quarter. Will Kruka caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Sam Derynck. The extra point was good.

Adrian got the ball back when Minnetoa got the touchdown. They went to the air early in the in the game as they looked to strike in the first quarter. They were able to get a touchdown with 1:02 left to go in the first quarter. The extra point was good. With that touchdown at 1:02 in the first quarter the score was Minneota 14 and Adrian 7.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Minneota 14 and Adrian 7.

With 10:39 left to go in the second quarter Jesus Macias scored a touchdown on a reception for Minneota. The point after was no good.

Adrian threatened to score late in the second quarter. Brett Nowotny scored a touchdown on 3-yard run with 4:56 left in the second quarter. The extra point attempt was good.

Minneota scored with 54 seconds left in the quarter. Adam Dieckman’s kick was good.

At halftime the score was Minneota 28 and Adrian 14.

Adrian got the ball to begin the third quarter. They wanted to try to get a quick start early in the third quarter.

Adam Dikemann scored a touchdown on a 20-yard touchdown catch with 7:02 left to go in the third quarter.

Dikemann also scored the extra point. With that touchdown the score was Minneota 28 and Adrian 21.

Minneota was able to get a touchdown late in the third quarter. The touchdown came on a Brandon Anderson short yard run. The extra point was good. With 1:23 left to go in the third quarter the score was Minneota 35 and Adrian 21.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Minneota 35 and Adrian 21.

Minneota wanted to control the clock throughout the second half and they did just that. With 6:25 left to go in the fourth quarter Tony Noyes scored a touchdown for Minneota. The extra point was good.

With 6:25 left to go in regulation the score was Minneota 42 and Adrian 21.

Both teams played a good game. They both came out to battle. But in the end Minneota was able to come away with the 42-21 victory.

I was able to talk to Mineota players Sam Derynck, Tony Noyes and head coach Chad Johnston about the victory.

2009 MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS 9 MAN CHAMPIONA WERE THE STEPHEN-ARGYLE CENTRAL STORM

Stephen Argyle and Nicollet squared off in the Prep Bowl . Stephen Argyle Central (SAC) kicked off to Nicollet.

Nicollet was not able to convert on the first play and they had to punt the ball away to SAC.

SAC was able to march down the field after they got the ball back from Nicollet. Hayden Sczenpanski for SAC made a nice run play to set up a one-yard touchdown by Evan Schnindele. The two point conversion was not good.

With 6:35 left in the first quarter the score was SAG 6 and Nicollet 0.

SAC got the ball back from Nicollet and they continued to pound the ball down the throats of Nicollet.

With 1:47 left to go in the first quarter Evan Schindele got another touchdown on a five yard run. The two point conversion failed. With that touchdown the score was SAG 12 and Nicollet 0.

John Safranski for SAC picked off Nicollet late in the first quarter to give SAG the ball back to end the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was SAC 12 and Nicollet 0.

With 10:52 left to go Jamison St. Germain made a touchdown for SAG. The extra point attempt was no good. With that touchdown the score was SAC 18 and Nicollet 0.

Nicollet’s Nick Mans came up with a big play to get Nicollet into the red zone. They wanted to get the ball into the end zone. With 10:01 left in the second quarter Jordan Rudnick made a short run touchdown. The extra point was blocked.

With that touchdown the score was SAC 18 and Nicollet 6.

SAG got the ball back after the Nicollet touchdown. SAG tried to keep the ball on the ground for most of the first half. They wanted to get the ball into the hands of their running backs. SAG fumbled the football and Nicollet came up with the football.

Nicollet came up with the interception to give them the ball back.

At the end of the first half the score was Stephen-Argyle Central 18 and Nicollet 6.

Nicollet kicked off to SAC to begin the third quarter. SAC was not able to convert in the beginning of the third quarter and then Nicollet got picked off and SAC got the ball back.

Nicollet was not able to convert on third down and they had to punt the ball back to SAC.

At the end of the third quarter the score was SAC 18 and Nicollet 6.

SAC Evan Schindele made another touchdown with 9:25 left in the fourth quarter.

With 8:53 left to go in regulation Nicollet’s Jamie Fischer made a touchdown. Jordan Rudenick made the two point conversion. With that touchdown the score was SAC 24 and Nicollet 14.

With 5:02 left in regulation Jamison St. Germain scored another touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good. That touchdown made the score SAC 30 and Nicollet 14.

Nicollet was not able to do anything with the ball and SAC’s John Safranski was able to score a touchdown. The extra point was good.

With 17 seconds left in regulation Nicollet’s Jordan Rudenick made a one yard touchdown run. The two point conversion was good.

Stephen-Argyle Central was able to come away with the 37-22 victory. They are the 2009 Minnesota State High School League football class Nine Man champions.

I was able to talk to Stephen Argyle’s Evan Schindele and Head Coach Mark Kroulik.

2009 MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL PREP BOWL GOT UNDERWAY

The 2009 Minnesota State High School League boy’s football championships are taking place at the Metrodome in Downtown Minneapolis. I will be there blogging the championship games. Check back to the web site often for recaps of all of the final action.

CONCORDIA ST PAUL HOSTED VALLEY CITY UNIVERSITY IN A MEN’S BASKETBALL CONTEST

Concordia St Paul took on Valley City University in a nonconference men’s basketball game. Concordia was able to start off hot as they opened up strong. They were making most of the shots that they put up in the early goings.

Valley City was able to hit some shots midway through the first half. That didn’t detour Concordia because they continued to play hard in the first half.

Valley City looked to push the ball up the court in transition. They wanted to get the ball out of the rim and they got the ball up the court quickly.

For Valley City State University Mark Klingberg played well. In the first half he propelled the Valley City comeback. He played on the low block and he was a force in the middle. Valley City looked to get the ball inside to him before they looked to the outside to get a shot.

Valley City started out cold but they were able to make a run at Concordia St Paul. Concordia was able to withstand the run in the first half.

Sammy Ricks for Concordia St Paul stepped up and was able to knock down some big shots late in the first half. Matt Hackl was able to drain a nice two point shot as time expired in the first half.

Matt Hackl was able to nail a two point shot at the buzzer for Concordia. At half time the score was Concordia St Paul 40 and Valley City State University 27.

Concordia stated out playing in a tough man-to-man defense early in the second half. They were able to shut down Valley City in the early goings in the second half.

Valley City State was in a zone defense for most of the second half. They were not able to slow down Concordia. Concordia kept playing strong throughout the second half.

Valley City State was not able to sink shots that they were putting up in the second half. Concordia St Paul was able to come away with the 79-60 victory. The leading scorers for Valley City State were Mark Klingberg with 13 points and Calvin Kraft with 12 points. The leading scorers for Concordia University were Mike Cunninghan and Craig Heiman with 16 points.

EDEN PRAIRIE COMES OUT QUICK AND BEATS MOUNDS VIEW IN THE CLASS AAAAA BOYS FOOTBALL SEMI FINAL

In one of the most anticipated semifinal games Mounds View took on Eden Prairie. There was a lot of talk leading up to this game.

At 10:24 Gage Shaeffer for Eden Prairie made a nice reception for a catch for the first touchdown of the game. The extra point was good.

With 5:50 left to go in the Gage Shaeffer found the end zone again as he scored his second touchdown of the game. The extra point was good.

After the end of the first quarter the score was Eden Prairie 14 and Mounds View 0.

Neither team was able to score in the second quarter. At the half the score was Eden Prairie 14 and Mounds View 0.

Both teams knew that it would be a close game throughout and that is what it was. Mounds View stepped up on the defensive end they were able to come up big and stop Eden Prairie.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Eden Prairie 14 Mounds View 0.

With 11:11left in the game David Planter made a field goal for Eden Prairie. With that field goal the score was Eden Prairie 17 and Mounds View 0.

Eden Prairie would come away with the 17-0 victory. I was able to talk to Eden Prairie’s head coach Mike Grant and Gage Shaeffer about the game.

That win that puts Eden Prairie into the Minnesota State High School League class AAAAA championship game against Cretin-Derham Hall.

WATERVILLE-ELYSIAN-MORRISTOWN TOOK ON EDEN VALLEY WALKINS IN BOYS FOOTBALL STATE CLASS AA SEMI FINAL GAME

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown took on Eden Valley Walkins in the class AA semi final game. EVW came out pumped up as they were looking to score early in game. EVW tried to find the end zone but they instead turned it over on downs.

After the first quarter the score was tied at 0.

WEM threatened to score early in the second quarter. With 11:41 left to go in the second quarter Conrad Musburg scored a two-yard rushing touchdown and Tyler Ranslow made the extra point. With that touchdown the score was WEM 7 and EVW 0.

EVW was able to make a drive after the WEM touchdown. Ryan Tri made a one-yard rush for EVW. The extra point was good.

At the end of the second quarter the score was tied at 7.

Both teams came out and wanted to put points on the board early. EVW took the air early in the third quarter. They were going to 10-yard plays. They were looking to also go to air early in the third quarter. EVW looked to score on short yardage. They had to settle for a field goal. Then they decided to try a trick play. Kevin Kramer scored the touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good.

After that touchdown the score was EVW 13 and WEM 7.

At the end of the third quarter the score remained EVW 13 and WEM 7.

WEM drove down the field and threatened to score and they did they did just that with a Conrad Masburg touchdown. The extra point was no good. The score was again tied, this time at 13.

With 1:39 left, Kevin Kramer went to the ground and got roughed up. He has come up with big plays throughout the game. He has really done a good job on the defensive end.

The game went into over time. Grant Pope was able to come up with the winning touchdown. WEM came away with the 21-20 victory. I was able to talk to the head coach Jon Bakken and Conrad Masberg from WEM.

NICOLLET COMES AWAY WITH THE LAST SECOND VICTORY OVER ADA BORUP IN THE 9 MAN SEMI FINAL

Nicollet took on Ada Borup in the Class 9 Man semi final game. Ada Borup was able to score a touchdown in the early goings.

Ada Borup controlled the first quarter and they had an 8-0 lead after the end of the first quarter. Nicollet was not able to get anything going on the offensive end in the first quarter.

Nicollet was able to get their offence going in the second quarter. They wanted to try to get the ball into the end zone.

Nicollet was able to get a touchdown with 8:43 left to go in the second quarter Matt Runne scored a touchdown on a reception. The two-point conversion was good.

Aaron Olson found the end zone for Ada Bourp with 1:12 left to go in the second quarter. The two-point conversion was good. With that touchdown and two-point conversion the score was Ada Bourp 19 and Nicollet 9.

At half time the score was Ada Bourop 19 and Nicollet 8.

Both teams came out fired up in the second half.

Nick Mans for Nicollet had 12-yard touchdown run with 10:45 left in the third quarter. The extra point was good. With that touchdown and extra point the score was Ada Bourp 19 and Nicollet 15.

Ada Bourp’s Aaron Olson was able to find the end zone with 6:26 left to go in the third quarter. The two-point conversion was good.

With that touchdown the score was Ada Bourop 27 and Nicollet 15.

Nicolet was able to get a touchdown on a Sean Murfery run.

Ada Bourop’s Yuri Johnson was able to come up with a touchdown with 1:03 left to go in the third quarter. He then made the two-point conversion. With that touchdown the score was Ada Bourup 35 and Nicollet 23.

Nicollet’s Matt Renne scored a touchdown with 9:46 left to go in the fourth quarter for Nicollet. The extra point was no good. With that touchdown the score was Ada Bourop 35 and Nicollet 29.

With 1:49 left to go in the game Nicollet was able to score on a Nick Mans four-yard pass from Jordan Rudnick.
The final of the game was Nicollet 36 and Ada-Borup 35.

MOOSE LAKE/WILLOW RIVER TOOK ON LUVERNE IN THE CLASS AA SEMI FINAL GAME

ML/WR got on the board early as Austin Jacobson was able to make a rushing touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. With that early touchdown the score was ML/WR 7 and Luverne 0.

Luverne was able to find the end zone with 2:38 left to go in the first quarter. The extra point attempt was no good.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Luverne 6 and ML/WR 17.

Austin Jacobson had a three-yard run for a touchdown with 11:25 left in the second quarter.

Both of these teams were playing hard and looked well throughout the first half.

At the end of the first half the score was ML/WR 17 and Luverne 6.

ML/WR was able to find the end zone again with a touchdown by Michael Unzen’s 22-yard run.

Luverne was able to score a touchdown with 3:14 left to go in the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter the score was 24-12.

Mike Bennett for Moose Lake was able to make a field goal with 9:33 left to go in the fourth quarter.

Luverne was able to get into the end zone on a Talyor Mulder four-yard touchdown run. The extra point was no good.

The final score of the game was ML/WR 27 and Luverne 21.

ML/WR was able to come away with the victory. I was able to talk to ML/WR head coach Dave Louzek and Austin Jacobson about the contest.

GLENCOE-SLIVER LAKE TOOK ON MORA IN THE CLASS AAA STATE FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL GAME

Glencoe-Silver Lake took on Mora in the state Class AAA semi-final game at the Metrodome.

Aaron Luters got a touchdown with 2:32 left in the first quarter to give Glencoe-Silver Lake a 6-0 lead. The extra point attempt was good.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Glencoe-Silver Lake 7 and Mora 0.

In the second quarter both teams continued to go strong.

At half time the score was Glencoe-Silver Lake 7 and Mora 0.

Glencoe-Silver Lake’s Ryan Style scored on a one-yard touchdown run for Glencoe-Silver Lake. The extra point was good.

Glencoe-Silver Lake’s Cody Christensen was able to score a touchdown. The extra point was good.

Jorrin Pautz was able to score on a 65-yard interception. He scored a touchdown to end the third quarter.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Glencoe-Silver Lake 28 and Mora 0.

Glencoe-Silver Lake was able to hold off Mora in the fourth quarter and came away with the 28-0 victory.

I was able to talk to the Glencoe-Silver Lake head coach Scott Tschimperle and Aaron Lueders.

ST THOMAS ACADEMY TOOK ON SARTEL-ST.STEPHEN’S IN THE CLASS AAAA STATE FOOTBALL GAME

St Thomas kicked off to Sartell-St.Stephen’s to begin the Class AAAA semi-final game. Sartell-St.Stephen’s threatened to score early in the contest. They did just that as Joshua Kremer scored a touchdown with 5:49 left to go in the first quarter.

Sartell-St.Stephen’s made a drive late in the first quarter. They scored a 23-yard touchdown with 19 seconds left to go in the first quarter.

The first quarter ended with the score Sartell-St.Stephen’s 14 and St Thomas Academy 0.

St Thomas Academy got the ball in the second quarter and they wanted to get a touchdown and with 10:07 they did just that as Danny Abbott found John Gray in the end zone on a 9-yard pass in the end zone. John Garry made the extra point attempt. With that touchdown the score was Sartell-St.Stephen’s 14 and St Thomas Academy 7.

Both teams played very hard in the first half. Both teams came out with a lot of energy from the start of the game.

St Thomas Academy threatened to score late in the second quarter. They were able to find the end zone on a Dan Freund five-yard run.

At the end of the first half the score was tied at 14.

Both teams came out fired up and ready to play in the third quarter. St.Stephen’s got the ball to begin the third quarter. St. Stephen’s threatened to score midway through the third quarter. They found then end zone on a Joshua Karmmer touchdown. The extra point was good.

With that touchdown the score was Sartell-St.Stephen’s 21 and St Thomas Academy 14.

St Thomas Academy threatened to score late in the third quarter.

St.Stephen’s Joshua Krammer scored another touchdown making it his third touchdown of the day. The score after that touchdown made it Sartell-St.Stephen’s 28 and St Thomas Academy 14.

With 6:48 left in the fourth quarter, St Thomas Academy found the end zone on a zz touchdown. The extra point was good with that touchdown. The score was Sartell St. Stephen’s 28 and St Thomas Academy 21.

With 1:14 left in regulation Augie Braddock had a 46-yard pass from John Gray for a St Thomas touchdown.

Cole Karsky scored a 28-yard field goal for Sartell-St.Stephen’s .

Sartell-St. Stephen’s was able to come away with the 31-29 victory. I was able to talk to Sartell- St. Stephen’s head coach John Russ, and player Rob Vershell.

ADRIAN TOOK ON FOSSTON IN THE CLASS A SEMI FINAL GAME IN THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE

Adrian took on Fosston in the Class A semi-final football game. Adrian scored the first touchdown on a Brett Nowothy 10-yard run. Adam Diekmann’s kick was good.

With that touchdown the score was Adrian 7 and Fosston 0.

With 1:05 left in the first quarter Fosston got on the scoreboard with a Jake Juve rushing touchdown. Steven Lyseng made the extra point for Fosston.

At the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 7.

Fosston threatened to score midway through the second quarter. Both teams used the pass and the run early on in the game.

Adrian was looking to score late in the second quarter. Adrian was able to find the end zone with Kyle Kilgore’s snagging a catch for the touchdown. The extra point was good. With that touchdown the score was Adrian 14 and Fosston 7.

At the half the score was Adrian 14 and Fosston 7.

Adrian kicked off to Fosston to begin the third quarter. Fosston wanted to come out and score early.

Both teams kept the ball on the ground for most of the third quarter.

Neither team was able to find the end zone in the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter the score remained 14-7 in favor of Adrian.

Adrian was on the attack again but came up short early in the fourth quarter.

Adrian was able to come away with the 14-7 victory over Austin. I was able to talk to Adrian players Kyle Kilgro, Brett Nowotny and the head coach Randy Strand.

THE 2009 MINNESOTA SATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL GAME BETWEEN CLINTON-GRACEVILLE BEARDSLEY AND STEPHEN-ARGYLE CENTRAL

In the first football semi-final game it was Clinton-Graceville Beardsley (CGB) and Stephen-Argyle Central. (SAG).

SAG kicked off to CGB. CGB started out with the ball. Both of these teams are mostly running teams. Throughout the year most of the plays were rushing plays. CGB got intercepted and that meant that SAG got the ball back. SAG was not able to convert and they had to boot the ball back to CGB.

Stephen-Argyle kept the ball on the ground for most of the first quarter. With 32 second left in the first quarter Josh Sundby scored a touchdown and a 23-yard reception. The two-point conversion was good.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Stephen Argyle Central 8 and Clinton-Graceville Beardsley 0.

Stephen Argyle’s defense came up big early in the second quarter. John Safranski found Steven Widner on a diving catch for Stephen Argyle. They went to the air a little bit in the second quarter. John Safranski got picked off by Michell Andrews of CGB.

With 18 seconds left in the second quarter CGB’s Nate Vogt had an 11-yard touchdown run.

At half time the score was Stephen-Argyle Central 8 and Clinton-Graceville Beardsley 6.

CGB kicked off to Stephen-Argyle Central to start of the third quarter. Stephen-Argyle Central turned the ball over on downs.

CGB wanted to get a quick start in the third quarter. CGB tried to keep running the ball. Stephen-Argyle’s defense came up big, as they wanted to stop CGB.

With 3:22 left to go in the third quarter Jamison St. Germain caught a nice pass for the Stephen-Argyle Central. The extra point was good. With that touchdown the score was Stephen-Argyle Central 15 and Clinton-Graceville Beardsley 6.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Stephen-Argyle Central 15 and Clinton-Graceville Beardsley 6.

Levi Nelson had a six-yard touchdown run for CGB and the extra point was not good. With that touchdown the score was Stephen-Argyle Central 15 and Clinton-Graceville Beardsley 12.

Jamison S. Germain had a nice 67-yard run and that set up a John Safanski touchdown. With that touchdown the score was Stephen Argyle Central 21 and Clinton-Graceville Beardsley 12.

CGB threatened to score late in the fourth quarter. They moved the chains and came close to scoring.

Levi Lupkes had a seven-yard touchdown run for CGB but the extra point attempt was no good.

Stephen Argyle Central was able to come away with the 21-18 victory over CGB. I was able to talk to Stephen Argyle Central head coach Mark Kroulik and players John Safranski and Steven Wilder.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA GOPHERS TOOK ON UTAH VALLEY IN MEN’S BASKETBALL AT THE BARN

The University of Minnesota Gophers took on Utah Valley in men’s basketball. The Gophers won the tip. They wanted to try to set the pace early in their favor in the game. They wanted to control the game from the get go.

Neither team was able to make a shot early on. Damian Johnson made the Gophers first basket with 16:16 left in the first half.

The Gophers looked to push the ball in transition early on in the game. Whenever they got a defensive rebound they looked to get the ball out of the net and get the ball up the court in a hurry.

The Gophers played a tough man to man defense early on in the first half. They wanted to try to pester Utah Valley and try to have them create turnovers.

Rodney Williams, who got his first start of the season, came up big in the first half. He was all over the place making good plays for the Gophers.

Utah Valley played very aggressively in the first half. They really put pressure on the Gophers in the first half.

Utah Valley played well in the first half. They kept the game close throughout the first game.

At half time the score was Minnesota 32 and Utah Valley 24.

The Gophers started out the second half in a full court press. They wanted to try to disrupt Utah Valley at the start of the second half as they did to begin the game.

Rodney Williams had a nice two handed slam dunk with 14:30 left in the second half to give the Gophers a 43-32 lead. He played well throughout the game. He played really hard.

With 8:48 left in regulation Rodney Williams hit and fell to the floor hard on a slam-dunk attempt but he bounced back up and was fine. He was fouled hard by Justin Baker.

The Gophers were able to take over in the second half. Rodney Williams had his coming out party in this game. He finished the game with 17 points. I thought he played really well on both ends of the court.

Minnesota was able to come away with the 76-51 victory over Utah Valley. Minnesota was lead in scoring by Rodney Williams with 17 points. Damian had 15, Al Nolen 11 and Paul Carter 10. Jordan Sawrbrick had 11 points for Utah Valley.

After the game Minnesota players Al Nolen and Damian Johnson talked about the game. Tubby Smith also talked about his thoughts on the contest.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY DELVON BELL DROPS 15 POINTS IN A VANOLI CERMONA VICTORY OVER MATOS NAPOLI

Troy Bell, who went to Holy Angles in Richfield Minnesota and then became a star at Boston College, scored 15 points to help his team earn an 81-66 victory over Vanoli Cremona.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA GOPHERS MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM TOOK ON STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team took on Stephen F Austin in their second game of the season.

The Gophers won the tip and Ralph Sampson III made the first basket of the game. The Gophers came out with a lot of energy. They wanted to attack the basket from the start of the game.

Stephen F Austin came out and really took it to the Gophers in the first half. They were playing very aggressively from the beginning. Coming into the game the Gophers knew that they would have their hands full in this Stephen F Austin team. This team is a good quality team and an early test for this Gopher team.

Stephen F Austin was able to run some nice plays on back door cuts. They knew how to attack the basket and they didn’t play into Minnesota’s hands early on.

The Gophers played tough aggressive man to man defense throughout the first half. They wanted to try to use both and man to man full court press and they also wanted to try to trap the ball in the back court.

The Gophers continued to go after loose balls in the first half. They were diving after loose balls. They were also making some costly errors in the first half. They were not getting to the rebounds and Stephen Austin players were getting some of the rebounds under the Gophers basket.

Stephen F Austin’s defensive pressure was getting to the Gophers. Stephen F Austin is a team known for its defense.

The Gophers went on a run late in the first half. Neither team was able to put up shots in the first half. It was a defensive battle for both teams.

I thought Ralph Sampson came really ready to play. He made some very nice moves in the first half. He had a nice drop step jump shot on the low block and he was able to make a few of those shots. He also had some nice slam dunks throughout the game. On the defensive end he really played up in his opponents face. He guarded really well.

At half time Minnesota lead the game by the score of 26-19.

As the second half got underway Rodney Williams scored the first two points with a monstrous slam dunk. On the next play Lawrence Westbrook nailed a deep three pointer. That caused Stephen F Austin’s coach to call a time out with 18:55 left in the second half with the score Minnesota 31 and Stephen F Austin 19.

After that time out the Gophers caught fire. They were able to go on a run and rattle off a bunch of points in a row. Damian Johnson made a nice turnaround jumper in the beginning of the second half. Then right after that the Gophers continued to go on a run. With 15:42 left in the second half the score was Minnesota 42 and Stephen F Austin 21.

Blake Hoffarber came in the game and he nailed a few three pointers to give the Gophers energy in the second half.

At the 10:46 media time out the score was Minnesota 53 and Stephen F Austin 31.

The Gophers continued to show patience on the defensive end. The defensive pressure seemed to bother Stephen F Austin in the second half when they had trouble making shots.

Rodney Williams came through and made some nice plays in the second half. He had a few nice easy two hand slam dunks.

The Gophers were able to come away with the 82-42 victory over Stephen F Austin. Here is what Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith had to say about the victory. Here is what Minnesota’s Lawrence Westbrook and Devoe Joseph had to say about the victory.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY DELVON BELL SCORES 11 IN VICTORY

Minneapolis native Troy Bell scored 11 points for Vanoli Cermona in their 95-73 victory over Benetton Treviso.

Troy Bell went to the Academy of Holy Angles. He graduated from there in 1999 and then went on to play in college at Boston College. He has played professionally in both the United States and overseas.

HENRY SIBLEY TOOK ON DULUTH EAST AT THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Henry Sibley took on Duluth East in the Minnetonka boys’ basketball fall league. Both teams came out playing very aggressively. Neither team was able to go on a run early in the first half.

Henry Sibley started out in a full court press. They wanted to put pressure on Duluth East from the beginning.
Henry Sibley was able to knock down some three-point shots in the middle of the first half.

Duluth East played mostly tough man-to-man defense in the first half. They didn’t give up. They really fought for the ball, often diving on the ground for loose balls.

At the end of the first half the score was Henry Sibley 34 and Duluth East 42.

Both teams came out fired up to play in the second half. Sibley was able to come out and make shots early in the second half.

Both teams really dove after loose balls throughout the game. There were many jump balls in the game. Dymai Starks played a good game for Duluth East. He got his teammates involved in the plays. He was not afraid to take it strong to the basket.

Both teams did a really good job on the defensive end by boxing out around the basket. Both teams didn’t give up. They both played hard throughout the game. Even though the Duluth East players were visibly upset with some of the calls that were being made they came out and played hard the whole game.

Henry Sibley was able to come away with the 75-61 victory. They really did a good job of finding the basket and they knew where they were supposed to be on the court.

PATRICK HENRY TOOK ON HOPKINS IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Minneapolis Patrick Henry took on Hopkins in the Minnetonka fall league. Both teams looked to push the ball up the court quickly to begin the game.

Henry came out wanting to put a lot of pressure on Hopkins from the beginning. Henry was able to sink some shots early on and kept up with Hopkins at the beginning of the game.

Throughout the first half the game was very close. Neither team was able to go on a run early on. Henry tried a three quarter press late in the first half. That worked well. That press was bothersome to Hopkins. They were not able to do what they wanted to do with the ball. Hopkins was still getting the shots off that they wanted. It was just taking them a bit longer than they wanted.

Hopkins used a motion offense in the second half. They did a lot of passing and cutting. They wanted to get good looks at the basket.

Both teams played well but in the end Hopkins came away with the 120-107 victory.

HOPKINS TOOK ON ST LOUIS PARK IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Hopkins took on St Louis Park in the Minnetonka fall league. Both teams looked to push the ball up the court to begin the game. The pace was fast.

Hopkins was able to go on a run midway through the first half. They played really good defense. St Louis Park was sharp in their game but they were not able to make shots that they were putting up.

At half time the score was Hopkins 48 and St Louis Park 33.

The second half both teams showed the same intensity they had been showing the in the first half. St Louis Park went on a run midway through the second half. Hopkins was not able to score for some time in the second half.

St Louis Park played very well on the offensive end. They spread the ball around and made sure that everyone touched the ball before they shot the ball.

Hopkins went back to a half court defense midway through the second half. This was effective for them. They were able to get some nice steals at the half court line.

St Louis Park made a comeback once again late in the second half. They were able to string together a flurry of shots that went in. Hopkins was not worried though. They still played tough defense.

St Louis Park once again made a late push in the game. They wanted to get the ball out of the net and tried to get a shot as quickly as they could.

Hopkins was able to come away with the 86-78 victory.

PARK CENTER TOOK ON WAYZATA IN FINAL WEEK OF THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

In the final week of the Minnetonka fall league, the first game was Park Center against Wayzata. Both teams started out slow. Neither team was able to get shots that they were looking for early in the game.

Neither team was able to go on a run early in the first half. Both teams were trading baskets midway through the first half.

Park Center really fought for the rebounds on both ends of the floor. Both teams played very good defense throughout the first half.

At the end of the first half the score was Park Center 42 and Wayzata 39.

Both teams came out and played aggressively in the second half. Wayzata looked to score points quickly in transition.

The score went back and forth in the second half. Each team was trading baskets. Neither team was able to go on a run in the second half. The game was close throughout.

Wayzata had a one point 65-64 lead with 2:45 left in regulation.

Park Center used a full court press in the last two minutes in the game. They wanted to try to distract Park Center and not have them get the ball up the court.

In a game that came down to the wire, Park Center was able to come away with the 71-69 victory.

CRETIN-DERHAM HALL TOOK ON EASTVIEW IN THE STATE FOOTBALL QUARTERFINALS

Cretin-Derham Hall took on Eastview in the Minnesota State High School league. Eastview kicked off to Cretin to begin the game. Cretin was not able to convert on third down.

On Eastview’s the first play of scrimmage Alex Suker was able to go the distance and he had a touchdown to begin the game.

Cretin-Derham Hall got the ball and they wanted to try to punch the ball in to the end zone. Cretin got a touchdown by Tommy Crosby.

At the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 7.

Both teams really played aggressively throughout the first half. Cretin used both the run game and the pass game. Mark Alt for Cretin was intercepted.

Rex Sanders got a touchdown for Eastview with 2:16 left in the second quarter. The score after the touchdown and extra point was 14-7.

Clay Horne for Cretin-Derham Hall made a diving reception with 1:16 for a touchdown.

Mark Alt found Elliot Owusu for a 35-yard touchdown for Cretin-Derham Hall.

At half time the score was Cretin-Derham Hall 21 and Eastview 14.

As the second half got underway both teams came out fired up as the intensity continued in the third quarter.

Eastview got a touchdown with 5:06 left in the third quarter. Rex Sanders got the touchdown and the extra point was good.

Eastview had an onside kick. They recovered it and got the ball back. Both teams were playing aggressively.

Eastview had a field goal by Peter Burke with 1:21 left in the third quarter. With that field goal the score was 24-21, Eastview with the lead.

Cameron Clarkson had a 51-yard touchdown run for Cretin-Derham Hall. The extra point attempt was no good.

Cretin-Derham Hall came away with the 27-24 victory.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA OPENED THE 2009-2010 MEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON AGAINST TENNESSEE TECH

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team took on Tennessee Tech in their first regular season game.
The atmosphere to begin the game was electric. The Gophers wanted to try to establish the pace early in the game.

The Gophers started out playing tough man-to-man defense. The Gophers wanted to try to shut down Tennessee Tech’s offense early in the game.

With 15:31 the score was Minnesota 6 and Tennessee Tech 3.

Tennessee Tech came out playing very aggressively on both ends of the court. They were not going to let Minnesota roll over them.

With 11:45 remaining in the first half the score was Minnesota 15 and Tennessee Tech 7.

The Gophers were really getting after it on both ends of the court. They were really making shots inside of the three-point range. They started out having trouble making three point shots.

Both teams turned the ball over a lot in the first half. Both teams looked well but they were a little nervous in the opening half.

Rodney Williams looked good so far. He really went after it on both ends of the court and his athletic ability is like no other. He can jump out of the arena if he wanted to and he dove on the floor going after loose balls. Lawrence Westbrook made a shot at the buzzer for the Gophers to end the first half.

The score at half time was Minnesota 37 and Tennessee Tech 22.

The Gophers came out hot in the second half. They were really trying together on both ends of the court. In the second half they came out on fire as they were able to keep making shots.

With 11:33 left in regulation the score was Minnesota 53 and Tennessee Tech 27.

The Gophers continued to look good in the game. They shut Tennessee Tech down in the second half and they were able to come away with the victory.

I thought Minnesota played well throughout the game. It was a good victory for the Gophers. The Gophers were able to come away with the 87-50 victory over Tennessee Tech. After the game Head Coach Mike Sutton talked about the game. Minnesota players Lawrence Westbrook and Ralph Sampson talked about the game. Also head coach Tubby Smith addressed the media and talked about the game.

HARRISON BARNES ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP RECRUIT HAS SIGNED WITH NORTH CAROLNIA

Harrison Barnes has signed with North Carolina. One of the top boy’s basketball recruits has signed with North Carolina. He had received scholarship offers from across the nation but in the end he decided to sign with North Carolina.

THE 2009 MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL SEASON STARTS ON NOVEMBER 23 2009

The 2009 boys Minnesota state high school basketball season gets underway on November 23rd 2009. I will be covering the basketball season in earnest again this year. Teams are now getting their squads together.

I was able to go over to Champlin Park High School and watch their pre-season workouts. Parents who are part of the basketball community and who have coached at different levels conducted the workouts.

The purpose of these types of events is for the players to do drill work that will help them out in the upcoming season. They also play some of competition they will see during the season.

After the drill work, the players split up into teams picked by the coaches and play a series of 5-5 to work up a sweat.

Overall I think this is a good way for the ball players to get a feel of where they now stand and what they still need to work on throughout the season.

ROYCE ALEXANDER WHITE IS A SUSPECT IN UOFM CAMPUS THEFT

University of Minnesota basketball player Royce White is a possible suspect in a theft on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The theft apparently occurred on Saturday November 7th 2009.

Royce White is currently suspended indefinitely from the basketball team after being arrested on October 13th on allegations of shoplifting and fifth degree assault of a security officer at Macy’s at the Mall Of America.

MINNEAPOLIS ROOSEVELT SURIYA MCGUIER VERBALS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

One of the top basketball players in the Minneapolis city conference is Minneapolis Roosevelt’s Suriya McGuire. She was heavily recruited by Kansas, Texas Southern and Southern California. She verbally committed to the University of Miami.

IF YOU ARE A PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER AND KNOW SOMEONE WHO’S SIGNED WITH A COLLEGE TEAM, PLEASE LET ME KNOW

If you are a high school or junior college basketball player and you have either verbally committed or have already signed your nation letter of intent, I would like to know about it.

I am going to be putting together a list and announcements of players who have signed to play at the college level. Send me an email at stevenmgr@hotmail.com with the players’ full name, the last school they are attending, and the school with which they signed.

SAM LOFQUIST LEAVES HOCKEY TEAM

Minnesota sophomore defenseman Sam Lofquist has decided to leave the university's men's hockey team and withdraw from school.

Lofquist, a Somerset, Wis. native, has played in three of the Gophers' eight games this season and did not register any points. He appeared in 35 of the team's 37 games as a freshman, totaling one goal and three assists.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MENS BASKETBALL TEAM HOSTED MINNESOTA STATE MOORHEAD IN THEIR SECOND EXHBITION GAME

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team hosted Minnesota State Moorhead in their final exhibition game of the season.

The Gophers wanted to try to get the tempo going in their favor early in the game. That was a concern for Tubby Smith against UMD in their first game.

The Gophers really came out of the gates strong as they were able to get a big lead Moorhead State. They were able to hit the shots that they were putting up.

The Gophers played tight defense in the first half. They were in the Morehead State players’ faces as they were going after every loose ball.

Rodney Williams went hard after rebounds when he was in the game. He was diving on the ground and playing really aggressively.

Moorhead State really didn’t know what hit them. The Gophers were just too much for them. The Gophers were playing hard. They didn’t back down.

The pace of the game was in the Gophers’ favor. They were able to get the ball and run in transition. Damian Johnson was able to get the ball out in transition and he got the ball and made some nice dunks.

The Gophers looked to spread the floor in transition. Rodney Williams has explosive energy and he can jump out of the gym. He has energy that can lead to good shots and great dunks.

The Gophers had a 42-20 half time lead.

The Gophers came out in the second half on fire and they were hitting shots that they were putting up. Lawrence Westbrook played well during the game.

Everyone for the Gophers team played with a lot of enthusiasm throughout the game. They were really into the game.

Ralph Sampson was able to show his skills on the low block as he was able post his defender up. He was also able to shoot a little soft jump shot and make it from the low block.

With 4:14 left in regulation redshirt freshman Dominique Dawson entered the game.

The Gophers were able to come away with the 98-49 victory. Here is what head Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith had to say along with Devoe Joseph about the game.

The attendance at the game was 11,439.

OSSEO OVER BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Both teams stayed close in the first half as neither team was able to go on a run in the first half. Peter Crawford did a good job of getting the ball in the post and he has able to create his own shots.

Benilde-St. Margaret's took on Osseo in the Minnetonka fall league. Both of these teams started out playing strong as they each were able to score baskets at will to start the game.

The first half was very competitive as both teams found their shots. At half time the score was Osseo 39 and Benilde 38.

Both teams dove on the floor for the ball during the game and they were both playing aggressively.

The score went back and forth in the second half. Neither team was able to go on a run in the second half. They fought it out till the end.

Osseo was able to come away with the 79-69 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

THIRD WEEK OF MINNETONKA BASKETBALL FALL LEAGUE

It is the third week of the Minnetonka fall boy’s basketball league. In the first game of the day it was Wayzata against Benilde-St. Margaret's. Both teams got off to good starts, as they were each able to get their shots in early.

Neither team was able to go on a scoring run early in the first half. Peter James Crawford for Benilde-St.Margaret’s really played well in the first half. He made some nice moves around the basket. He really played aggressive on both ends of the court.

At the half the score was Wayzata 46 and Benilde-St. Margaret’s 48.

Wayzata came out and played tough half court defense to start the second half. They did a good job of talking and calling out screens.

Peter James Crawford had some really nice rebounds in the second half. He really did a good job on both ends of the court.

Both of these teams played hard and aggressive. This game was close throughout. Neither team was able to go on a run. Both teams defended well. There were not many guys for either team getting free looks at the basket.

The lead went back and forth between these two teams. Neither team was going to give up. They kept playing hard and the score went back and forth between the two teams.

Benilde-St.Margaret’s was able to come away with the 87-75 victory over Wayzata.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS SR BASKETBALL PLAYER JACOB THOMAS COMMITS TO LONG BEACH STATE

Columbia Heights boys’ basketball player Jacob Thomas has verbally committed to Long Beach State University.

MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE TOURNAMENT GETS UNDERWAY

The 2009 Minnesota State High School League will conduct another state tournament. The next tournament will be the 2009 Boys State High School League Football tournament.

I think that this year’s state football will be of interest because of a few teams that have made it. Minneapolis De LaSalle under first year head coach Sean McMenomy He is undefeated going into the tournament.

The other city school that is in the tournament is Minneapolis North. Minneapolis North had a 9-2 record overall.
Check back throughout the tournament to recaps of all the games I do. I plan on being at the entire semi finals and prep bowl at the Metrodome.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MENS BASKETBALL TEAM HOSTED THE DULUTH BULLDOGS IN THE FIRST EXHIBITION GAME OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team hosted the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Gophers looked like they wanted to start off trying to get the ball up the court as quickly as they could.

The Gophers started the game playing in a man-to-man defense. They were really trying to put pressure on the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were trying to trap the Gophers. They wanted to try to get the Gophers out of their rhythm. That approach by the Bulldogs didn’t work. The Gophers continued to look well and they didn’t bend to the pressure.
With 15:25 remaining in the first half freshman Rodney Williams entered the game. Williams is considered one of the top incoming freshmen this season.

With 11:53 left in the first half the score was Minnesota 12 and the University of Minnesota Duluth 6.

The Gophers had a 24-11 lead with 7:57 left in the first half. The Gophers continued to keep the pace in their favor as they were able to control the tempo.

The Gophers had a 50-13 lead at half time. UMD was in a shooting slump. Tubby Smith used a lot of different rotations in the game. He wants to make sure that he has the right rotations in the game.

Redshirt Freshman Dominique Dawson entered the game with 5:34 remaining in regulation. Dawson is from Minneapolis Southwest.

The Gophers were able to come away with the 114-47 victory. The leading scorers for the Gophers were Lawrence Westbrook with 19 points, Devoe Joseph with 18 points and Damian Johnson with 16 points.

After the game Gopher head coach Tubby Smith and players Damian Johnson and Lawrence Westbrook talked about the game.

University of Minnesota basketball players Royce Alexander White, Devron Bostick and Trevor Mbakwe who are all suspended from playing were in shirts and ties sitting at the end of the bench.

Here is the post game interview with Gopher players Damian Johnson and Lawrence Westbrook and head coach Tubby Smith.

IN THE GIRLS SOCCER CLASS AA FINAL IT WAS WAYZATA AGAINST WOODBURY

In the girls Class AA championship game it was Wayzata against Woodbury. Both of these teams came out with a lot of emotion and enthusiasm.

Neither of these teams was able to get a lot of shots on goal at the beginning of the game. Both teams did a good job scrambling around and getting the ball.

Both of the goalkeepers did a fine job keeping the ball out of the goal. Each team played with a lot of intensity in the first half.

Neither team was able to score during the first half.

As the second half got underway both teams came out on fire. Erin Krause scored a goal for Wayzata and Samantha Curtiss was credited with the assist.

With that goal the score was Wayzata 1 and Woodbury 0.

With 22:23 left in regulation Woodbury Catlin Graboski scored a goal on a penalty kick. With that goal the score was tied at 1 a piece.

With 11:31 left in regulation Wayzata’s Taylor Wodnick scored a goal for Wayzata. With that goal the score was Wayzata 2 and Woodbury 1.

Wayzata was able to come away with the 2-1 victory and they are the 2009 Girls Class AA soccer state champions.

ORONO IS THE CLASS A MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE GIRLS SOCCER CHAMPION

In the girls state soccer Class A championship game it was Blake against Orono.

With 27:21 left in the first quarter Kerrie Dingmann got a goal for Orono and Amy Larson got the assist. With that goal the score was Orono 1 and Blake 0.

With 21:52 left in the first half Orono scored another goal as Sophie Babo and Nikki Smith got the assist.
With that goal the score was Orono 2 and Blake 0.

Both teams played hard throughout the first half. Both teams were able to get the ball up the field with ease. They were both battling each other.

With 10:06 left in regulation Sophie Babo scored another goal for Orono and Nikki Smith got the assist. That was the same scoring as Orono’s first goal.

At the half time intermission the score was Orono 3 and Blake 0.

Orono came out strong in the second half. With 38:28 Nikki Smith scored a goal for Orono and Caitlyn Quilty got the assist.

With that goal the score was Orono 4 and Blake 0.

With 33:49 Sophie Babo scored another goal for Orono. Kerrie Dingmann got the assist. That made the score Orono 5 and Blake 0.

Sophie is the youngest player on the Orono team as she is only a seventh grader. She attends Orono Middle School.

Orono won the class AA girls state championship game by the final score of 5-0. I was able to talk to Orono’s head coach Erin Murray, forward Sophie Babo and Nikki Smith.

IN CLASS AA GIRLS THIRD PLACE GAME IT WAS EAGAN AGAINST EDNIA

In the Class AA third place game the Edina Hornets went up against the Eagan Wildcats. Both teams really started playing aggressively.

Neither team was able to score in the first half. The score at half time was tied at 0.

With 38:19 left in regulation Lauren Bauer scored a goal for Eagan and Courtney Vallarelli got the assist.
With that goal the score was Eagan 1 and Edina 0.

Both teams really went after each other in the second half. With 17:00 left in the second half Eagan’s Courtney Vallarelli scored her second goal of the game.

With that goal the score was Eagan 2 and Edina 0.

With 3:34 left in regulation Edina’s Jess Reiersgorg scored a goal. Olivia LaVercombe had the assist.

Eagan was able to come away with the 2-1 victory. I was able to talk to Eagan’s forward CourtneyVallarelli and Eagan’s head coach Mark Obarski about the third place game.

WOODBURY TOOK ON NORTHFIELD IN THE CLASS AA THIRD PLACE GAME

Woodbury and Northfield squared off in the boy’s class AA third place game. Both of these teams started out playing very aggressively.

Woodbury had more shots on goal throughout the first half. With 10:00 left in the first half Woodbury had 6 shots on goal to Northfield’s 2 shots.

Both teams played very hard in the first half. Neither team was able to score. At half time it was Northfield 0 and Woodbury 0.

With 25:16 left to go in the second half Eric Miller scored a goal for Woodbury.

Woodbury had an advantage in shots on goal throughout the game. The Northfield Raiders came away with the 1-0 victory.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA GOPHER MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYERS ROYCE ALEXANDER WHITE AND JUSTIN COBBS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED

According to multiple news organizations Minnesota Gophers Royce Alexander White and Justin Cobbs have been suspended indefinitely due to violations of team rules.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA GOPHER MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYER ROYCE ALEXANDER WHITE ARRESTED AT MALL OF AMERICA

According to a reliable source the University of Minnesota, basketball player Royce White was arrested at the Mall of America on October 13 on charges of shoplifting and fifth-degree assault at Macy’s.

A Macy’s employee alleged White and two other people stole about $100 worth of merchandise from the store.

EAGAN AND WOODBURY SQUARE OFF IN CLASS AA SEMI FINAL GAME

In the girls’ Class AA semi final soccer game Eagan and Woodbury squared off. The scoring got underway early. With 33:34 remaining in the first half Woodbury’s Caitlin Graboski scored the first goal of the game for Woodbury.

Both teams went after each other in the first half. They both played very hard.

At half time the score was Woodbury 1 and Eagan 0.

Both teams came out hungry in the second half as each of them wanted to score. Woodbury’s Alyssa Duval scored a goal with 30:54 remaining in the second half. Emily Erickson had an assist. With that goal the score became Woodbury 2 and Eagan 0.

With 24:30 left in regulation Woodbury’s Mary Kroening scored a goal and Kassey Kallman got the assist.
After that goal the score was Woodbury 3 and Eagan 0.

Woodbury was able to come away with the victory and earned third place in the girls’ state class AA title. I was able to talk to Woodbury’s head coach Bill Ebertz and players Alyssa DuVal and Caitlin Graboski.

IN THE GIRLS’ CLASS A THIRD PLACE GAME IT WAS CLOQUET VS LA CRESCENT

In the Class A third place girls’ soccer game it was Cloquet against La Crescent. With 26:35 left in the first half Jessie Ryan scored the first goal of the game. Emily Johnson delivered the assist.

Both teams played hard throughout the first half. They went after the ball aggressively in the first half.

At half time the score was Cloquet 1 and La Crescent 0.

Both teams came out strong in the second half. They each wanted to come out and score goals. They tried to do this by trying to get the ball down the field as fast as they could.

Cloquet was able to come away with the 1-0 victory. I was able to talk to Cloquet’s Jessie Ryan and head coach Dustin Randal about the game.

CLASS A THIRD PLACE GAME TOTINO GRACE WENT UP AGAINST SIMLEY

In the Class A Minnesota State High School League third place soccer game Totino Grace went up against Simley. On the first kick of the game Totino Grace’s Paul Yonga had the first goal of the game to make the score Totino Grace 1 and Simley 0.

Both of these teams really got after it in the first half. After that quick goal both teams played very solid. They were really trying to get the ball.

At the end if the first half the score was Totino Grace 1 and Simley 0.

As the second half got underway both teams came out ready to play. They each wanted to win the game. They both wanted to score early in the second half.

With 18:31 Jack Kessler scored a goal for Simley. Ben Royce got the assist.

After that goal the score was tied at 1.

The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Both teams were awarded third place.

I was able to talk to both head coaches William Vance from Totino-Grace and Nole Quinn for Simley.

NORTHFIELD TOOK ON APPLE VALLEY IN CLASS AA STATE SOCCER SEMI FINAL ACTION

Tom Obarski lit up the scoreboard early for Apple Valley as he scored the first goal of the game. Apple Valley’s Bijan Jabari scored Apple Valley’s second goal.

Both teams played very well throughout the first half.

Northfield’s Caleb Yurek scored a goal midway through the first half. Both teams looked to attack the goal throughout the first.

At halftime the score was Apple Valley 2 and Northfield 1. Both of these teams did a good job of getting the ball up the field.

The second half started out with a bang as each team really dug in and played hard. With 33:34 remaining in the second half Apple Valley’s David Rosenthal scored a goal, assisted by Stephen Johnson. After that goal the score was Apple Valley 3 and Northfield 1.

Northfield’s Aaron Stets scored a goal as Adam Hadro assisted the goal. After that goal the score was Apple Valley 3 and Northfield 2.

I was able to talk to Apple Valley’s head coach Chuck Scanlon and forward Tom Obarski about the game.

HERMANTOWN WENT UP AGAINST SIMLEY IN CLASS A BOYS SEMI FINAL SOCCER

The Hermantown Hawks took on the Simley Spartans. Both teams came out and played very aggressively to begin the game.

With 24:28 remaining in the first half Kevin Danielson scored a goal for Hermantown.
Both teams really battled each other throughout the first half.

Simley’s Oja Ena scored a goal late in the first half to tie the game at one a piece.
At half time the score was 1-1.

Both of these teams really came out to play in the second half. They really went after each other, both fighting for the ball.

Brandon Crusan scored a goal for Hermantown with 1:27 left to go in regulation.

Hermantown won the game by the final of 2-1.

MAHTOMEDI AND TOTINO GRACE SQUARE OFF IN CLASS A SEMI FINAL GAME

Mahtomedi and Totino Grace squared off at the Metrodome in the state boy’s semi final action. Both of these teams attacked the goals early and often in the first half.

Both teams were playing very scrappy on both ends of the field. The goalies for each of these teams have done a good job blocking the balls that came towards them. They were able to block several balls and defend their goals.

Both teams went after each other in the first half. Neither team gave up.

One of the interesting things that I noticed was when Jon Ebert for Totino Grace throws the ball into play he does a frount flip with the ball on the ground he flips forward and then passes the ball in. I have not seen this done before.

At half time the score was tied at 0.

Both teams came out on the attack in the second half. Mahtomedi’s defenders played solid throughout the game. They were able to steal the ball away from Totino Grace.

Both teams played very aggressively throughout the game.

At the end of regulation the score was tied at 0. After the first overtime the score was tied at 0.

Neither team was able to score in the second overtime and the game went to penalty kicks.

Mahtomedi was able to win the game on penalty kicks. The final score was 1-0. I was able to talk to Tabor Wolde who scored the winning penalty kick and Paul Beggin Mahtomedi’s head coach.

GIRLS CLASS A SOCCER SEMI FINAL CLOQUET AND BLAKE

In the second semi final game it was Cloquet and Blake. Before the game started the Cloquet fans stood up and sang the national anthem on their own.

Both teams came out and played very strong to begin the game. Both teams played very solid defense
With 5:51 left to go in the first half Carrie Markusen scored a goal for Blake and Andi Frost got the assist.
At half time the score was Blake 1 and Cloquet 0.

As the start of the second half got underway each team played very aggressively as they each tried to score goals.

Neither team let down as they each continued to play hard aggressive soccer. At 22:15 Cloquet’s Emily Johnson scored a goal. The net was wide open. Blake’s goaltender was on the other side of the net when Emily scored the goal.

With that goal the score was tied at 1.

With 15:11 left in the second half Blake’s Lydia Sutton scored a goal and Meghan Bauer got the assist.
With that goal the score was Blake 2 and Cloquet 1.

Blake won the game and they will play Orono in the finals. I was able to talk to Blake’s head coach Paul Menge and midfielder Morgan Oie about the game.

CLASS A GIRLS’ STATE SEMI FINAL GAME ORONO VS LA CRESCENT

In the first semi final girls’ state soccer game it was Orono against La Crescent. Both teams started out the game playing very aggressively.

La Crescent’s Jenna McDonough scored a goal with 33 minutes left in the first half.

After that goal the score was La Crescent 1 and Orono 0.

Both teams really went after each other in the first half. Neither team let down their guard. Both teams did a good job of getting the ball down the field.

With 22:23 remaining in the first half Orono’s Amie Tunheim scored a goal. Kerrie Dingmann got an assist.
After that goal the score was tied at 1 a piece.

At the start of the second half each team played very aggressively. Neither team was able to score during the second half. At the end of regulation the score was tied at 1. The game went into overtime.

Karrie Dingmann scored a goal and Amy Larson got the assist for Orono in overtime to give Orono the 2-1 victory.

I was able to talk to Orono’s head coach Erin Murray and Kerrie Dingman about the game.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYER TREVOR MBAKWE NOT CLEARED TO PLAY

University of Minnesota’s Trevor Mbakwe has not been cleared to play basketball. He can however attend class, practice and be a part of the basketball program. He will not be allowed to dress for home games and will not be able to travel to away games until his legal matters are resolved. Mabakwe is facing assault charges against him from an accused fight in Florida on April 3, 2009.

AUSTIN HOLLINS COMMITS TO THE UNIVERSTY OF MINNESOTA MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM

Germantown, Tennessee guard Austin Hollins has committed to the Gophers’ men’s basketball program. He will be a freshman in the 2010-2011 season.

HOLY ANGELS TOOK ON PARK CENTER IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Holy Angels took on Park Center in the Minnetonka Fall League. Both teams started out on fire making their shots that they were putting up. Both teams were able to find their shots early in the contest.

Park Center looked to get the ball out of the net and push the ball up in transition. They tried to spread the floor and pass the ball around the perimeter before they looked to shoot the ball.

Holy Angels wanted to slow the game down in the first half. They used a walk up pace in the first half. That was done deliberately because they wanted to get into a half court offensive set.

The first half was competitive, as the score remained close. Park Center used a full court press in the later part of the first half.

The score at half time was Park Center 41 and Holy Angels 33.

Both teams really got after it in the second half. Holy Angels was able to keep hitting shots in the second half.

Park Center was able to go on a run in the second half. They were able to make shots at will. Holy Angels was not able to hit the shots that they were putting up.

Park Center was able to come away with the 75-65 victory over Holy Angels.

BENILDE VS MINNEAPOLIS PATRICK HENRY SQUARE OFF IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Benilde St. Margaret's High School took on Patrick Henry in a match up in the Minnetonka Fall Basketball League. Both of these teams got out to a quick scoring start as they were able to make their shots.

Both teams traded baskets in the early goings of the game. Peter James Crawford for Benilde St. Margaret's came off the bench and really played hard. He went after loose balls. He was able to find his shot in the early goings. He was able to make free throws. He played aggressively on the defensive end.

The game was close throughout. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half. Henry looked to push the ball up the court. They wanted to score in transition.

Henry was able to go on a run late in the first half. They really executed their offense and they were able to get the ball to drop. They were really playing with a lot of emotion. Benilde St. Margaret’s didn’t give in. They too were playing hard but their shots were not falling towards the end of the first half.

At half time the score was Patrick Henry 37 and Benilde St. Margaret's 28.

Henry went on a run to open the second half. Benilde came out of the break just cold. They couldn’t make a shot and they were turning the ball over to begin the second half.

Benilde didn’t give up they kept on playing hard. The Henry players were playing with a lot of emotion and energy.

Peter James Crawford continued to play strong throughout the second half. He really did a good job of going after loose balls and he continued to look for his shot on the offensive end.

Henry continued to play well in the second half. They were able to cruse to an 88-55 victory over Benilde St. Margaret’s.