ST. PAUL JOHNSON TOOK ON WINONA IN THE BOYS’ STATE CLASS AAA SEMI FINAL GAME AT THE TARGET CENTER

St. Paul Johnson took on Winona in the boys’ state class AAA semifinals at the Target Center. Winona came into the game with a 28-1 record. St. Paul Johnson came in with a 30-0 record. The last time Winona was defeated was back on December 10, 2008 when they lost to Farmington. St. Paul Johnson’s was last defeat was to Minneapolis Washburn on March 26, 2009 in the state class AAA semifinal game.

The game got out to a quick start. Winona won the tipoff and they looked to push. St. Paul Johnson also looked to push the ball up the court. Johnson started playing man-to-man defense to begin the game.

Johnson did a really good job in transition. As soon as the ball got out of the net Johnson was on the run. They were able to make baskets in transition.

Winona was right there. They were able to counter on their end. Winona was looking to get the ball into their big man Alec Brown.

St. Paul Johnson looked for Roosevelt Scott who shot the ball really well. His shot kept falling and his teammates kept feeding him the ball.

The game went back and forth throughout the first half. Both teams’ defense really stepped up and played really hard.

The pace of the game was very quick. Both teams played very well in the first half. At halftime the score was St. Paul Johnson 32 and Winona 30.

As the second half got underway Winona kept feeding the ball to their big man Alec Brown. Brown was able to find the basket.

Johnson came out and played tough aggressive defense. They wanted to try to take Alec Brown out of the game. They were able to triple team Brown when he got the ball wherever he was on the court.

Winona made shots throughout the game. They were able to hang around and they played with a lot of emotion and energy. They were able to use that as motivation as they were able to stay in the game throughout.

Winona went on a run midway through the second half. With 12:08 remaining in regulation Winona tied it at 44.

Winona had a 46-45 lead with 11:50 left in regulation.

The game was very physical. Both teams dove after loose balls. Both teams fought very hard throughout the game.

Johnson went on a run with 10 minutes left in regulation. Winona kept the pressure on Johnson down the stretch.

Johnson was able to come away with the 80-55 victory over Winona.

St. Paul Johnson was led in scoring by Estan Tyler with 13 points, Maxie Rosenbloom with 15 points and Jordan Pluff with 20 points.

Winona was led in scoring by Mark Blacklock with 20 and Alec Brown with 15 points.

After the game I was able to talk to St. Paul Johnson’s Estan Tyler, Jordan Pluff, and Maxie Rosenbloom. I also talked to head coach Vernon Simmons.