Friday, January 29, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TOOK ON CROSSTOWN RIVAL MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH IN GIRLS BASKETBALL

Southwest traveled to Minneapolis South for a girls’ basketball contest.

South is younger than years past, but they are still a strong team. They were 10-5 coming into the game.

Southwest had an 8-8 record coming into the game. South was able to jump out and take a quick lead.

Southwest looked to attack the basket.


South wanted to push the ball up the court and they wanted to run the fast break as much as they could.

Southwest wanted to slow South down and did not want them to get them into a shooting rhythm.

South went on a run midway through the first half. At half time the score was South 40 and Southwest 21.

Senior Guard Armeshia Kearney led the South Tigers with 19 points. Her backcourt mate Tyisha Smith added 10 points as well. Sophomore Guard Mariah Adanene led the Lakers with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
South was able to come away with the 73-45 victory.
Check out photos of the game on f/go. www.elemenoP.us/f-go.html

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TOOK ON THE WASHBURN MILLERS IN AN INNER-CITY RIVALRY

Minneapolis Washburn and Minneapolis Southwest are two big rivals in the Minneapolis Conference.

Both teams wanted to get out to a fast start. Southwest started playing man-to-man defense. They wanted to put as much pressure on Washburn as they could.

Washburn wanted to pass the ball around and chew a lot of time off the clock. After a slow start they were able to go on a run. With 13:53 left in the first half Washburn had an early 9-7 lead.

Washburn went on a run after that time out. Southwest used a zone defense in the first half. Southwest wanted to control the tempo of the game. They didn’t want Washburn to be in control.

Southwest used a zone defense. The zone defense didn’t seem to have an effect on Washburn. They tried both a 2-3 and a 3-2 zone.

Washburn’s defense gave Southwest trouble in the first half. Southwest was not able to set up in their offense. Southwest was not able to get the shots that they wanted.

Turnovers were also an issue for Southwest. They were turning the ball over at times.

Washburn was able to go on a run midway through the first half. With 6:20 left in the first half the score was Washburn 27 and Southwest 14.

Washburn played both man-to-man and zone defense. Both worked well against Southwest. They were able to frustrate Southwest.

At halftime the score was Washburn 42 and Southwest 21.

Southwest continued to play hard throughout the second half. They were not able to come back against a strong Washburn team.

Washburn came away with the 86-58 victory over Southwest.

Monday, January 25, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS ROOSEVELT TOOK ON MINNESOTA TRANSITIONS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST AND KEVIN NOREEN BREAKS SCORING RECORD

Minneapolis Roosevelt took on Minnesota Transitions Charter School in a nonconference boys’ basketball game. MTS looked to push the ball up the court from the beginning of the game.

Both teams started the game at a frantic pace as they each wanted to get the tempo in their favor. MTS looked to press from the beginning of the game.

MTS was looking to get Kevin Noreen the ball on the low block. He was able to shoot the ball from the low block with success in the first half. Coming into the game Kevin needed 28 points to surpass Cody Schilling from Ellsworth to break the Minnesota state career scoring record who currently has the record of 3,428 career points.

MTS was able to get a 19-6 lead over Roosevelt with 10:45 left in the first half. Roosevelt had trouble shooting the ball. Their offense was stagnant and they couldn’t find an open man to make a shot. Roosevelt didn’t give up. They kept on attacking MTS and playing aggressively.

For Roosevelt, Franscois Davis was not afraid to shoot the ball. He looked to shoot the three-point shot every chance he could. He basically had a green light to shoot the ball in the first half.

MTS went to a zone defense. They wanted to try to stall the game out. Roosevelt played them tough. They looked to attack the defense and they were looking to get shots in the zone.

At half time MTS had a 34-24 lead over Minneapolis Roosevelt.

As the second half got underway both teams came out and played aggressively. Roosevelt looked determined to chip into the deficit.

MTS looked to move the ball well on the offensive end. On the defensive end they played in a zone defense.

With 3:28 left to go in regulation, Kevin Noreen for MTS broke the all-time state scoring record. The score was 73-41.

MTS was able to pull away with the victory in the second half. The final of the game was MTS 81 and Minneapolis Roosevelt 51.

Kevin Noreen finished the game with 39 points and currently has 3,429 career points. I was joined by the Czar from Twin Cities Boys Hoops. You can read about his thoughts on the MTS Roosevelt game here. The Czar and I was able to get an interview with Kevin Noreen as he talked about the game and breaking the record.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

SHAKOPEE TRAVELED TO CHANHASSEN FOR A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Shakopee took on Chanhassen in a boy’s basketball contest in Chanhassen. Chanhassen came into the game with a 2-11 record. Shakopee had a 8-4 record coming into the game.

As the game got underway Chanhassen started playing in a zone defense. Shakopee started playing in a zone defense to begin the game.

The score was close through the beginning of the first half. Chanhassen reversed the ball around the three-point arch to take some time off the clock in the first half.


Chanhassen was able to rattle Shakopee midway through the first half. They were able to get a few good steals.

Both teams played a little cat and mouse midway through the first half. They each were trading baskets for a period of time.


Shakopee was able to take a lead and in the first half and they didn’t want Chanhassen to have control of the basketball.


At the half the score was Shakopee 27 and Chanhassen 21.


As the second half got underway both teams really did a good job of keeping up the intensity that was displayed in the first half.

Chanhassen made a run in the second half. They knew that they had to keep fighting and try to make a run at this Shakopee team.

Shakopee was able to keep their lead in the second half. Shakopee was able to win the game by the final of 64-47.


I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boys Hoops. Check out his thoughts on the Chanhassen Shakopee game.

MILWAUKEE VINCENT TOOK ON ST PAUL CENTRAL IN BOYS’ BASKETBALL IN THE EAST METRO SHOWCASE

St. Paul Central came into the game ranked number 10 in the state in class AAA. Milwaukee Vincent out of Wisconsin took on St. Paul Central. Both teams started out playing tough man-to-man defense.

Vincent wanted to swing the ball around the three point line on the offensive end. They wanted to take St. Paul Central in the early goings.

Central used a full court press in the early goings in the first half. Both teams also looked to push the ball up the court on both ends. The pace of the game was quick.

Vincent did a good job of getting the ball reversed on the offensive end. They made really good passes.

Central played tough man-to-man defense. They were really getting up in the Vincent players faces.

Both teams got into foul trouble in the first half. There were a lot of fouls that were called.

At half time the score was St. Paul Central 29 and Milwaukee Vincent 26.

As the second half got underway both teams came out and kept the intensity up. Central went on a 6-0 run to open the second half.

Milwaukee Vincent cooled off Central and they were able to make a run at Central midway through the second half.

Milwaukee Vincent continued to play zone defense in the second half. They really wanted to frustrate Central.

Vincent had a hard time holding on to the ball. They had many turnovers throughout the game.

The quick pace of the game continued throughout the second half.

Vincent was able to go on a run late in the second half. The quick pace of the game was held up by both teams.

Milwaukee Vincent came away with the 68-60 victory over St. Paul Central.

The leading scorers for Vincent were Phillip Nolan who had 16, 14 of them in the second half, and Shakli Lea with 13 points. Martell Collins scored 12 points and Steve Durham 10. For St. Paul Central Marlon Speed scored 18 points and Taylor Smaller 11 to lead the Minutemen.

I was joined by the Czar of the Twin Cities Boys Hoops. Check out his thoughts on the East Metro Show Case.

LA CROSSE AQUINAS WISCONSIN TOOK ON NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN IN THIRD GAME OF THE EAST METRO SHOWCASE

In the third game of the East Metro Showcase at St Paul Johnson, La Crosse Aquinas took on Northwestern high school from Maple, Wisconsin. Maple Northwestern came into the game ranked number 6 in Wisconsin in Division Two.

Northwestern started out playing strong man-to-man defense. They didn’t want Aquinas to get the ball. Northwestern opened the game scoring seven straight points before Aquinas was able to get on the board.

Northwestern continued to shoot well in the first half. They were able to knock down some big shots in the early goings.

Aquinas started the game playing strong zone defense. They didn’t want to let Northwestern to get into a shooting grove.

Northwestern didn’t want to let Aquinas get into the game. They kept playing strong defense throughout the first half.

At halftime the score was Northwestern 26 and Aquinas 20.

As the second half got underway both teams played with a lot of intensity. Northwestern looked to get the ball into the low post. Donnie Hissa camped out in the low block. His teammates got him the ball and he went to work and was able to find the basket from the low block.

The game was close throughout the second half. Aquinas was able to come back and cut the deficit to 1 with 6:30 left to go in regulation. The score was Northwestern 47 and Aquinas 46.

The tempo and pace of the game heated up late in the second half. Northwestern continued to play tough aggressive defense.

The game was tied at 54 with 2:54 left in regulation.

The game was tied at 56 with 19 seconds left in regulation. No one scored at the end of regulation the score was still tied at 56.

With 1:24 remaining in the overtime period, the score was Northwestern 62 and Aquinas 58.

Both of these teams played very well throughout the whole game. Neither team let up.

Northwestern was able to come away with the 68-64 victory over Aquinas. Aquinas was lead in scoring by Bronson Koeing with 20 points. Evan Pederson scored 19 and Jimmy Ancius chipped in 11 points for Aquinas.

Northwestern was led in scoring by John Darwin with 23 points. Tyler Forythe scored 14 points. Donnie Hissa scored 13 points and Timmy Follis ended up with 9 points.

SAINT JOHN’S MILITARY ACADEMY TOOK ON THE EASTVIEW LIGHTNING IN THE EAST METRO BOYS BASKETBALL SHOWCASE

St. John’s Military Academy took on the Eastview Lightning in the East Metro boys’ basketball showcase at St Paul Johnson.

Both of these teams played really tough defense at the start of the game. St. John’s started out playing in a zone defense. They didn’t want Eastview to get the ball in the low post. Eastview passed the ball around the three point arch as they were trying to look for the open shot.

St. John’s was able to jump out to a quick 11-9 lead with just under 12:00 left in the first half.

Eastview was looking for Carl Otto to shoot the ball. Otto put the ball up every time he touched it in the first half.


At the half the score was St. John’s Military Academy 28 and Eastview 26.

The leading scorers at halftime for St. John’s were Kevin Mays with 11, DJ Mlachnik with 7 and Chris McFarlane with 6 points. For Eastview, Jordan Kuhn scored 9 points and Oshari Arnett had 4 points. Eastview was 1 of 4 on free throws in the first half and St. John’s was 9 of 13 from the free throw line.

With 16:48 left to go in the second half Eastview took a 31-30 lead. That was the first time they had the lead since it was 2-0 to start the game.

Eastview played strong man-to-man defense in the second half. They wanted to slow the St. John’s team down. They wanted to contest all of the shots that they were putting up.

For St. John’s, Chris McFarlane played very aggressively. He really pushed the ball up the court and he really did a good job of handling the ball.

The game was close throughout the game. Both teams played aggressively and neither team was able to go on a run. The game came down to the wire.

Donald Jackson for St. John’s was fouled at the buzzer. He made two free throw shots and that tied the game at 59 a piece at the end of regulation.

The game remained close in the extra session but in the end St. John’s came away with the 70-65 victory in overtime.

Eastview was lead in scoring by Chris Narum with 19 points and Jordan Kuhn with 12 points. St. John’s was led in scoring by Kevin Mays with 25 points. Isaiah Gray scored 14 points, which all came in the second half, and D J Mlachnilk finished with 12 points.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN TOOK ON SUPERIOR IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL MATCH UP

Minneapolis Washburn took on Superior Wisconsin in the East Metro boys’ basketball showcase at St Paul Johnson. Superior came in with an 11-1 record and was ranked number 8 in Wisconsin. Minneapolis Washburn had a 4-6 record coming into the game.

Both teams looked to push the ball up the court in the early goings of the game. Superior looked to push the ball in transition.

Superior looked to press full court from the beginning of the game. The press seemed to bother Washburn at the beginning of the game.

Superior’s Josh Kimmes went after rebound after rebound in the low post. He did a really good job of boxing out his defenders on the low block. He was able to find his guards and they were able to drive to the basket.

Throughout the first half Superior played mostly in a zone defense. They were able to extend the zone defense and that kind of gave Washburn some problems.

Washburn went in to a scoring drought midway through the first half. They were not able to score for a period of time. Superior was able to find the basket in the scoring lull that Washburn had in the first half.

Superior did a good job of controlling the tempo in the first half. The zone defense was a big problem for Washburn. Superior was able to make shots in the first half. They did a good job of getting down the court in transition.

At half time the score was Superior 37 and Minneapolis Washburn 20.

As the second half got underway Washburn really came out with a lot of intensity. They did not want this game to get out of hand.

Superior continued to show poise and focus. They kept playing hard. Superior stayed in zone defense for most of the second half.

I really thought that Superior came out and played very tough and aggressively. They were able to take it to Washburn in the early goings. Washburn didn’t give up they also played hard. Washburn couldn’t make shots as they had struggled all day from the field.

Superior won the game by the score of 71-54. Joel Lindberg lead Superior in scoring with 30 points. Josh Kimmes scored 15. Minneapolis Washburn was lead in scoring by Clarence Thomas who scored 13 points.


Friday, January 22, 2010

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA JR GUARD AL KING NOLEN RULED ACADEMICALLY INELIGIBLE

According to Myron Page Medcalf of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, University of Minnesota junior guard Al King Nolen has been ruled academically ineligible. He is preparing to file an appeal based on a family matter.

Nolen who is from Minneapolis and graduated from Minneapolis Patrick Henry has played in all 18 of Minnesota games and started 17 of them. He currently averages 6.7 points per game.

ROYCE ALEXANDER WHITE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF TRESPASSING

According to Myron Page Medcalf of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, University of Minnesota freshman basketball player Royce Alexander White has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor trespassing.

Royce White got into trouble with the law in early November with two different incidents.

The charges are in relation to an account where he allegedly stole a laptop from a campus dorm room on Saturday November 7th 2009.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN AND HENRY MATCH UP IN BOYS' BASKETBALL

The Minneapolis Washburn Millers took on the Patrick Henry Patriots in a boys’ basketball contest at Minneapolis Washburn. Washburn came into the game with a record 4-5 record. Henry came in with a 7-6 record.

Washburn looked to push the ball in transition from the beginning of the game. They really wanted to control the tempo of the game from the start.

Washburn started the game playing in a zone defense. They wanted to try to get out on the Henry shooters.

Henry looked to shoot the ball from the beginning. They also looked to attack the basket in the early goings. They were able to knock down some quick open shots in the beginning of the game. They were able to turn Washburn over early in the first half.

Washburn was able to tie the score at 18 with 9:40 remaining in the first half. The lead went back and forth midway through the first half as each team was able to take the lead.

Henry Kameron Fisher was all over the floor. He was able to find his shot early on. He really played aggressively all over the court. On defensive he played very aggressively.

Washburn’s Dwight Anderson really got his shot clicking in the first half. Henry had a hard time containing him.

Jordan Hughes for Henry ran the offense. He was able to find his shot. He looked to score as his teammates found him and they were looking for him to shoot. His shot was dropping in the first half.

Henry continued to push the ball up the court. They kept looking for Hughes to knock down shots. He began to heat up late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Washburn 46 and Henry 42. Dwight Anderson for Washburn scored 20 points in the first half.

As the second half got underway Washburn again wanted to score quick in transition. They were able to do a good job of that in the first half.

Dwight Anderson was the spark for the Washburn offense. He really knew what to do with the ball when he got it. He was not afraid to go to the rack if he knew that he would have an open layup. He also could shoot a nice mid-range jumper.

Henry was able to go on a little bit of a run in the second half. They were able to knock down shots and Washburn was not able to make shots in the second half.

Henry was able to shut down Washburn in the second half. Henry’s defense was just too much for Washburn to handle.

Henry won the game by the final of 94-69. The leading scorer for Washburn was Dwight Anderson with 27 points. Henry was led in scoring by Jordan Hughes with 32 points.

I was joined at the game by the Czar from Twin Cities Boys Hoops. Check out his thoughts on this game.
f/go photography covered this game. To see photos, go to f/go,
www.elemenoP.us/f-go.html.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST GIRLS ROLL OVER MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN IN A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

This is from Minneapolis Southwest head coach Rob Grace. The Minneapolis Southwest Lakers used a halftime lead of 48-14 and never looked back as they were able to beat Washburn 71-33.

Southwest was led by Sophomore Guard Mariah Adanene with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Junior Post Micah Thornquist added 12 points and 7 rebounds and senior post Grace Theisen chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds.

Washburn was led by Junior guard Shanice Sullivan's 9 points. There is a four way first place tie for the Minneapolis Conference with South, Roosevelt, North and Southwest, all with 3-1 records. The Lakers play at Roosevelt on Friday.

THE CHASKA HAWKS HOSTED THE EDEN PRAIRIE EAGLES IN A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Chaska hosted the Eden Prairie Eagles in a girls’ basketball contest. Coming into the game Chaska had a 10-2 record and was ranked number 6 in the latest rankings. Eden Prairie had a 10-4 record and was ranked number 3 in the state.

As the game got underway Chaska started out playing in a zone defense. They wanted to try to frustrate Eden Prairie early in the game.

Eden Prairie looked to put on the full court press early on in the game. They wanted it to try to make it hard for Chaska to make a shot in the early goings.

As soon as Chaska scored a basket Eden Prairie got the ball out of the net and they looked to go the other way with it. They were able to baskets in transition in the early goings.

Brooke Brown for Chaska was the point guard. She really looked to score in the early going of the game. Her teammates were looking to get her the ball from the beginning of the game.

Eden Prairie was able to build a 15-5 lead with 11:00 left to play in the first half. Chaska had a hard time finding the basket in the early goings. They kept on shooting shots throughout first half.

Eden Prairie played zone for a while once they were able to build the 15-5 lead. They played a few series of zone defense. They also did a good job of switching into man-to-man defense when they saw fit.

Chaska didn’t give up in the first half. They kept on fighting and they kept on shooting the ball. They were able to get on a roll midway through the first half and they were able to make some shots before the score got to out of control. Chaska is a team I am told that can really turn on the jets and just score in bunches when they can.

This Eden Prairie team wanted to control the Chaska runs. They kept on playing tough defense throughout the first half and they were able to keep the pace of the game at their tempo.

Eden Prairie made some key turnovers late in the first half. Chaska had difficulty converting on the Eden Prairie turnovers.

At the half the score was Eden Prairie 30 and Chaska 18.

As the second half got underway Chaska came out playing in a zone defense. They wanted to slow the tempo down and not get into an up and down track meet style pace game with Eden Prairie.

Chaska was able to go on a run to open the second half. Eden Prairie was surprised when Chaska was able to knock down three quick 3-point shots.

Chaska continued to pound the ball inside and find their shots in the early goings of the first half.

Megan Evangelista for Chaska had her shot dead on as she came up big in the second half. She was able to knock down some key three-point shots to keep Chaska in the game.

Megan Evangelista was able to give Chaska the lead midway through the second half. With 8:43 left in regulation the score was Chaska 41 and Eden Prairie 37.

Chaska was able to go on a run midway through the second half, keeping the Eden Prairie Eagles at bay. Chaska was able to come away with the 55-49 upset victory over Eden Prairie.

The leading scorers for Eden Prairie were Morgan Van-Riper Rose with 13, Jackie Johnson 13, and Karin Gibson 11 points. The leading scores for Chaska were Brianna Tisch with 15, Megan Evan Evangelista 13 and Brooke Brown 9 points.

I really thought that Megan Evangelista stepped up and led the way for Chaska. She was able to make shots in the second half for Chaska. That gave Chaska the lead and they never looked back.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

VANOLI CREMONA BEATS CIMBERIO VARESE IN ITALY LEAGUE A PLAY

Vanoli Cremona rolled past Cimberio Varese by the score of 78-71. Marco Cusin scored 16 points and made 5 steals to lead the hosts. Mauricio Aguiar added 15 points and 6 steals in the victory. Jobey Thomas responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Cimberio Varese. Giacomo Galanda had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

Minneapolis native guard Troy Delvon Bell scored 11 points for Vanoli Cremona.

Friday, January 15, 2010

BENILDE ST MARGARET’S TOOK ON COLUMBIA HEIGHTS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Benilde St Margaret’s traveled to Columbia Heights for a boys’ basketball game. Coming into the game BSM had a record of 8-2 and were ranked #2 in the state Class AAA. Columbia Heights had a record of 9-2 and they were ranked #6 in the state Class AAA.

Columbia Heights looked to push the ball up the court and really looked to run in the first part of the game. They wanted to set the tempo early in the game.

Both teams scored quickly, early and often in the first half. BSM was able to jump out to a 16-9 point lead with 11:50 remaining in the first half.

The game remained close throughout the first part of the first half. Peter James Crawford played really strong in the first half. He really was able to take it to the glass strong for BSM. He knew where his teammates were on the court.

Columbia Heights looked to shoot the ball in the first half. They wanted to get the ball into Jacob Thomas’s hands. When he had the ball he felt confident that he would hit the shot. He looked to shoot from anywhere on the court.

Jacob Thomas for Columbia Heights was able to knock down some key shots in the first half to keep Heights in the game.

At halftime the score was Benilde St Margaret’s 39 and Columbia Heights 30.

As the second half got underway BSM was able to sink two quick shots. They really came out and played aggressively on the offensive end.

Columbia Heights was able to go on a run early in the second half. Jacob Thomas was a key to the run as he was able to knock down shots to get them back into the game.

Columbia Heights clawed their way back but then Benilde was able to go on a little run midway through the second half.

Benilde looked to get Peter James Crawford the ball and he found his shot and they were able to drop for him.
Columbia Heights went on a run with about 8 minutes left in the second half. With 7:29 left to go the score was BSM 63 and Columbia Heights 59.

Both teams continued to go at each other throughout the second half.

Both teams went back and forth throughout the second half. The game came down to the end. In the end Benilde-St Margaret’s was able to come away with the 86-74 victory over Columbia Heights.

Jacob Thomas scored 47 points for Columbia Heights.

I was joined by the Czar from Twin Cities Boys Hoops. You can read about his thoughts of this game here.

DULUTH EAST TRAVELED TO HOPKINS TO TAKE ON THE ROYALS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

The Duluth East Greyhounds traveled to Hopkins to take on the Royals in a boys’ basketball contest. Duluth East entered the game ranked #9 in the state in class AAAA according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Duluth East had a 9-4 record coming into the game. Hopkins entered the game ranked #4 in the state in class AAAA according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Hopkins had a 9-2 record coming into the game.

Both teams looked to push the ball on the offensive end to begin the game. Duluth East wanted to get the ball into Dyami Romell Starks’ hands. Dyami was not afraid to shoot the ball.


Johnny Woodard of East also looked to be one of the early shooters early on in the game. They were able to hit some shots that they were putting up.

Joe Coleman of Hopkins found his shot early in the first half. Coleman also played very good defense. Hopkins used a full court trap and that was able to fluster Duluth East.

At 12:34 Dyami Starks rolled his ankle and came out of the game. Starks is one of East’s leading scorers. East looks for Starks to shoot when he is on the court.

Hopkins played very aggressive man-to-man defense throughout the first half.

Dyami Starks returned to the game with 10:06 left in the first half. His ankle seemed to be fine. Starks was also able to step up and knock down some three point shots in the first half.

Duluth East continued to push the ball up the court. Hopkins’ defensive pressure in the first half kind of gave Duluth East fits throughout the first half. They didn’t know how to respond to the pressure.

Hopkins’ Siyani Chambers played well in the first half. He was able to step up and knock down some shots throughout the first half.

At the end of the first half the score was Hopkins 53 and Duluth East 39.

As the second half got underway DJ Peterson was able to come out on fire and drop some three point shots.

In the second half Hopkins was able to run away with the victory. Duluth East didn’t give up but Hopkins was too much for them to handle.

Hopkins was able to come away with the 104-64 victory over Duluth East.

I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boys Hoops. Check out his thoughts of the Duluth East Hopkins battle.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

THE ROSEMOUNT IRISH HOSTED THE APPLE VALLEY EAGLES IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

The Rosemount Irish boys’ basketball team went up against the Apple Valley Eagles. Tyus Jones who is an 8th grader started the game for Apple Valley. He will graduate from high school in 2014. He is considered one of the top players in the state of Minnesota according to some statewide basketball publications.

Apple Valley looked to push the ball up the court from the beginning of the game. They looked to get the ball into to Tyus Jones’ hands from the start of the game. Tyus Jones played very aggressively throughout the first half.

Apple Valley looked inside to 6’ 7’ forward Tom Schalk to go to town in the low block. He made some nice moves around the basket where we had a few nice little lay ups.

Tyus Jones was all over the court in the first half. On the defensive end he played with a lot of intensity and emotion. On offence he tried to run the Apple Valley offense. In the first half it took Apple Valley a while to hit their shots that they were putting up.

Apple Valley played man-to-man defense throughout the first half. They were trying to slow Rosemount down offensively. Rosemount kept feeding the ball into Andrew Nelson or Justin Lawson where their low post players looked to score on the low block. Their guards did a good job of bringing the ball up the court.

One of the interesting match ups that happened was Toriano Tatum for Rosemount guarding Tyus Jones. I thought that they did a good job of guarding each other. Tatum didn’t give Jones any problem. He made him work for everything he got. Jones didn’t give Tatum fits either. They did a very good job of guarding each other.

Both teams played very hard throughout the first half. Tyus Jones hit a three point shot at the buzzer to bring the teams into the half. At the half time intermission the score was Rosemount 37 and Apple Valley 30.

Apple Valley continued to look for Tom Schalk in the low bock. Schalk was camped in the low box and was looking to get the ball in the middle of the key where he would do a turnaround jump shot. He also had a nice little jump shot that he used. He was guarded by Rosemount’s Justin Larson who tried to bang him around when he got the ball in the low part of the key. Both of these players played aggressively throughout the game.

Apple Valley came out on fire in the second half. They tied the score at 40 apiece with 15:04 left in regulation when Rosemount called a time out.

Rosemount used a zone defense coming out the time out. They had mostly used a man-to-man defensive matchup throughout the game.

Tom Schak hit a go ahead three point shot that gave Apple Valley confidence.

Rosemount didn’t give up. They continued to look took inside to get the ball to their big men who were camped out on the low block. The Rosemount guards continued to penetrate to the basket. They wanted to get open shots. They were able to do that. The score got tied back at 53 with 8:00 left remaining in regulation.

Apple Valley continued to look to get Tyus Jones the ball. When he had the ball we would also look to shoot the ball. If he was not in a place to take a good shot he wouldn’t mind passing it up if his teammate was open. He always looked to get his teammates involved in the play.

The game came down to the end. Both teams battled and the score was a 1 point Apple Valley lead 64-63 with a minute left to go.

Apple Valley’s Tyus Jones got knocked down hard to the ground with 45.1 seconds left to go in regulation. After being attended to by medical staff he remained in the game.

The game was tied at 66 at the end of regulation.

In the overtime period Rosemount hit a couple of shots. Apple Valley was just not able to hit shots in the extra session.

In a tough hard fought game Rosemount was able to come away with the 76-71 victory over Apple Valley.

Apple Valley was lead in scoring by Tyas Jones who scored 25 points. Tom Schalk scored 22 points for Apple Valley. Apple Valley shot 37.7% from the field and 69 % from the free throw line.

For Rosemount they were led in scoring by Matt Nelson who scored 18 points and Matt Larson and Toriano Tatum who each had 16 points. Rosemount shot 35.6% from the field and 54.3% from the free throw line.

I thought that Tyus Jones is a very good player. I think that for him just starting on a varsity game is a major step in a right direction for him. I really thought that he proved himself and he was very impressive in his shot selections and his decisions on the court. He is a quick guard who has nice handles and who can use both hands effectively. I think as time progresses he will continue to grow and become a better basketball player.

I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boys Hoops. You can read about what he thought of the Apple Valley Rosemount game here.


Monday, January 11, 2010

WAYZATA TRAVELED TO LAKEVILLE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL TO TAKE ON THE COUGARS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Wayzata came into Cougar country as they traveled to Lakeville South for a boys’ basketball game. Wayzata and Lakeville South each have 5-4 records.

Both teams came out fired up. They really started out the game with a lot of energy. Wayzata started out playing zone defense.

Lakeville South looked to take their time on the offensive end. They wanted to chew as much time off the clock was they could. They looked to get everyone involved in the offense in the early goings.

Wayzata’s Eric Robertson played very aggressively in the first half. He did a good job of boxing out on the low block.

Lakeville South opened up the game on a run. Wayzata wasn’t fazed as they kept their composure throughout the first half. They kept on battling for all of the loose balls.

Alex Richter played well for Lakeville South in the first half. He was all over the court and he really played good defense. He also was able to find the basket and he had a nice little jump shot.

At the half the score was Lakeville South 41 and Wayzata 20.

As the second half began Lakeville South continued to make shots. Wayzata didn’t give up. They knew that their shots weren’t falling in the first half. They wanted to see if they could change the tide in the second half.

Lakeville South was able to come away with the 68-55 lopsided victory over Wayzata. I was joined by the Czar from Twin Cities Boys Hoops. Check out his thoughts about the game
.

BANCA TERCAS TERAMO HOLDS ONTO AN 85-74 VICTORY OVER VANOLI CREMONA IN ITALY SERIES A MEN’S BASKETBALL

Banca Tercas improved to a 7-6 record as they nipped Vanoli Cremona by the final score of 85-74. Goran Jurak accounted for 19 points for the hosts. Giuseppe Poeta and Valerio Amoroso contributed 15 points each in the win. Gary Forbes answered with 21 points and 6 rebounds for Cremona.

Troy Delvon Bell from Minneapolis scored 12 points for Vanoli Cremona. Bell currently averages 14.5 points per game.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

THE MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST LAKER GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM GETS UPENDED BY ARMSTRONG

The Minneapolis Southwest Lakers took a 24-20 halftime lead, but the Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons led by Seniors Alyssa Marschner's 19 points and Ali Hoefer's 18 points, gave the Falcons (7-4) the win at home. Minneapolis Southwest (6-4) was led by Sophomore Guard Mariah Adanene with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals.

The final score was Armstrong 52 and Southwest 49‏.

HOPKINS TOOK ON CHAMPLIN PARK IN THE 2010 MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES SHOOTOUT

The Hopkins Royals took on the Champlin Park Rebels in the 2010 Minnesota Timberwolves shoot out.

Both teams launched shots in the early goings. Both teams wanted to try to get into their shooting rhythm.

Champlin Park played very good defense throughout the first half. They mostly played man-to-man defense throughout the first half.

Champlin Park went on a run midway through the first half.

At half time the score was Champlin Park 38 and Hopkins 28.

Both of the teams came out red hot to start the second half. Hopkins took the lead early in the second half. They looked like they also turned up the intensity a little bit also.

Hopkins went on a run to open the second half. Both teams battled until the end.

Champlin Park put up a battle throughout the whole game. They went on a run at the end of the game. But Hopkins was able to come away with the 74-69 victory over Champlin Park.

The Czar from Twin Cities Boys Hoops was here covering these games as well. Check out his reports.


MINNETONKA TOOK ON LINN-MAR FROM IOWA IN THE 2009 MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES SHOOTOUT

The Minnesota Timberwolves hosted the 2010 Gatorade Shoot out at the Target Center. It is a boy’s basketball showcase of top teams from Minnesota.

Minnetonka took on Linn-Mar, a team from Iowa. The game got off to a quick start as each team was able to sink shots in the early goings.

Both teams were able to make some shots midway through the first half. At half the score was Minnetonka 36 and Linn Mar 31.

As the second half got underway both teams came out with a lot of energy.

Both of the teams did a good job of playing defense throughout the game. Lin Marr was able to go on a run midway through second half.

Minnetonka tried to make a comeback run midway through the second half. Linn-Mar was able to make shots throughout the game and they were able to come away with the 88-77 victory.

Friday, January 8, 2010

NORTHFIELD TRAVELED TO RICHFIELD FOR A BOYS’ BASKETBALL MATCHUP

The Northfield Raiders took on the Richfield Spartans in a boys’ basketball matchup at Richfield. Richfield came into the game with a 5-2 record and Northfield came into the game with a 1-6 record.

Northfield started out playing tight man-to-man defense. They wanted to put pressure on Richfield to begin the game.


Richfield wanted to get the ball into Jay Sewer’s hands. Sewer ran Richfield’s offense. He had a nice jump shot and he was not afraid to use both sides of the court.

Northfield looked to get the ball into Otto Pfeffle’s hands as he was camped on the low box. When he got the ball he went to work on the low block and posted up his defender.

Richfield looked to push the ball in transition. Once the ball was out of the basket they looked to attack the basket and push the ball up the court. On the fast break Richfield’s Jay Sewer was able to find Erik Jimson cutting to the basket and Jimson was able to come away with a nice layup.

Both teams looked to push the ball in the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half.

The defense that was displayed by both teams was very tight. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half.

At the half the score was Northfield 20 and Richfield 19. The first half both teams played very well. Neither of the teams was able to go on a run and the defense was very good by both teams.

As the second half got underway Richfield came out and looked to make a statement on the defensive end. They were playing very aggressively on the defensive end.

This was a defensive battle. Both teams played extremely hard on the defensive ends of the court. Northfield was not able to contain Richfield’s Jay Sewer. They had trouble containing him and he was all over the court.

Northfield didn’t give up. They were not able to open the second half strong and they missed a lot of shots that they were putting up early on and Richfield was able to capitalize and they were able to make shots.

Northfield was able to make a late rally and go on a run late in the game. With about 5 minutes left in the game


Richfield’s shots were not dropping and that is when Northfield was able to go on their run.

Both of these teams played extremely well. Northfield was able to make a late game run at Richfield.

Northfield’s Otto Pfefferle was able to make the tying basket at 49 with 5 seconds left.

In the overtime period both teams stepped up and Richfield continued to get the ball into Jay Sewer’s hand.

The game came down to the end. Both teams played extremely well and hard throughout the game.

Richfield was able to come away with the 54-52 overtime victory over Northfield. For Richfield Jay Sewer ended with 20 points.


Thursday, January 7, 2010

BRANDON BELL WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BASKETBALL

Brandon Bell wants to be the best basketball player he can be. He grew up in the Twin Cities. He went to St. Paul Harding for his 9th and 10th grade year, and then transferred to St. Paul Johnson to finish out high school.

He is currently attending Rainy River Community College in International Falls, Minnesota, a Division 3 junior college in the Minnesota Athletic Conference. After he gets his two-year degree he plans on going to a Division 1 program to finish out his basketball career and go on to play in the NBA or overseas.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

ELK RIVER TOOK ON ANOKA IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN AT THE TARGET CENTER

The Elk River Elks took on the Anoka Tornados at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. Elk River looked to push the ball to begin the game.

The scoring went back and forth early in the first half, as both teams were able to look to push the ball up the court in the early goings.

Elk River was able to go on an early run in the first half. Anoka didn’t give up. They were able to withstand an Elk River run.

Elk River was able to drop some shots in the first half. There was nothing that Anoka could do midway through the first half to slow down Elk River.

Elk River was able to make some shots in transition in the first half. Anoka had trouble making shots in the first half.

At the half, the score was Elk River 46 and Anoka 31.

As the second half got underway Anoka started out playing defense at the half court line. They didn’t come out and press Elk River. They were playing good man-to-man defense but they were just letting too many guys get to them.

Elk River was able to open the floodgates in the second half and really take it to Anoka early on. Elk River did a good job of making shots throughout the game. Anoka had trouble finding their shots.

I really thought playing on an NBA size floor played a huge role in this game tonight. I thought that it took a lot of the energy out of both teams. They were not used to playing on an NBA sized court.

Elk River was able to come away with the 90-56 victory over Anoka.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

LA FORTEZZA BOLOGNA WAS ABLE TO COME AWAY WITH A 79-64 VICTORY IN A SERIES A LEAGUE BASKETBALL GAME IN ITALY

Bologna overcame Vanoli Cremona on the road in a 74-69 road victory in a series A League in Italy. Michele Maggioli scored 19 points to lead the visitors. David Moss added 12 points and 7 rebounds in the winning effort. Brandon Brown responded with 14 points and 8 rebounds for Vanoli Cremona.

Minneapolis native Troy Delvon Bell scored 13 points for Vanoli Cermona.

Friday, January 1, 2010

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYER ROYCE ALEXANDER WHITE RETURNS TO PRACTICE

Royce Alexander White, who is on the University of Minnesota men’s basketball team, was at practice for the first time this season. He did not play in any of the pre season games. He did play in at Tubby’s Tip Off event in the first open practice of the season. White has had some off the court troubles that has kept him from participating in basketball. White was named the 2009 Mr. Basketball player out of Minnesota. He was also one of the nation’s top recruits coming out of high school.

On New Year’s Eve day White attended his first practice for the Minnesota Gophers.


A day before Royce White returned to practice it was said that Tubby Smith and Royce White were seen together watching a local high school basketball tournament together.

GET TO KNOW CARLOS ANTONIO EMORY

I have a friend by the name of Carlos Emory. I wanted to let him tell you a little bit about himself and his goals and what basketball means to him. Here is what he told me about himself.

My name is Carlos Antonio Emory. I was Born October 11th, 1991 and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I went to many different high schools throughout my life. These schools were Edison, Eastview, John F. Kennedy, and as senior at Jefferson. I started taking basketball seriously when I was a freshman at Edison high school. The AAU teams I played for were 43 Hoops with T.C. and Magic Elite and Minnesota Pump n Run with Jerry Robertson. I started really getting noticed after playing AAU ball with MN Pump n Run. We ended our season off really well. Carlos Emory is African American and Puerto Rican.

Right now I go to school at Howard College down in West Texas. My grades are the best thing that has happened to me since I’ve been down here. Basketball would have to be the second best thing that has happened since I’ve been here. I average about 15 points a game along with 8 to 9 rebounds. Our team is in the best conference in America with a record of 11-1 right now as of December 31st 2009. In my free time you will usually find me in the gym or watching basketball videos. I have constantly been in the gym trying to get better every day! A couple years from now, I want to find myself in the NBA draft with my family there and my name being called out loud to an NBA team. I have to keep up the hard work for that to possibly happen though. Kevin Drant is my Favorite basketball player.


Some other things people don’t know about me is that I played on the varsity football team in my freshman year at Edison! I was a multi-sport athlete. I played baseball at a boys and girls club named Southside Village. My dad Akua Kennedy always had my brothers and sisters and I involved in sports. My mother was a very smart woman and was also an athlete. But she had us at a very young age so that threw her sports life away and she concentrated more on her school which she was very successful in. My mom is not as active as she used to be, but she will do everything in her right mind to be there for us.

ST PAUL JOHNSON BEATS HOPKINS IN BOYS’ BASKETBALL. ENDS WINNING STREAK

The St Paul Johnson boys’ basketball team beat the Hopkins high school 86-78. Hopkins had won 38 consecutive games.

Minnetonka last beat Hopkins on Tuesday March 18, 2008 in the Class AAAA Section 6 final game.

According to the Minnesota Basketball News, a statewide basketball publication, Hopkins was ranked #1 in class AAAA and St Paul Johnson was ranked #1 in class AAA going into the game.