NCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVE EXPANDED MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The NCAA's Board of Directors approved an expanded men's basketball tournament Thursday, passing a proposal that will take the field from 65 teams to 68 next season.

The move comes one week after NCAA officials recommended the first expansion of March Madness since 2001, when the tourney added one team to the 64-team field that was established in 1985.

Still to be determined: How the format will work.

The board is hoping that by adding three opening-round games to the one already played, it will eliminate the stigma of a what outsiders have dubbed the tourney's ``play-in'' game.

Thanks to the new 14-year, $10.8 billion television package with CBS and Turner Broadcasting, announced last week, fans will be able to choose which games they want to watch. It will be the first time that every game will be televised live nationally.

And now the tourney will have three more teams competing - fewer than most people were expecting.

Four weeks ago during the Final Four in Indianapolis, NCAA officials discussed the possibility of expanding to 80 or 96 teams, proposals that were rejected after television executives said additional games would not affect their bids for broadcast rights and the public complained that so many more teams would water down the competition.

While the NCAA kept the ability to expand at will, it went with the much more modest 68-team format that likely means three more at-large bids.

``Expanding to 68 teams gave us an opportunity to involve more teams in the championship, and in doing that, we were able to enhance the experience of the opening-round game,'' said Clemson president James Barker, the committee chairman. ``Expansion enables us to give more exposure to the universities and provide more opportunities for student-athletes.''

Committee members were not immediately available to answer questions on a day they were also scheduled to discuss legislative proposals regarding the use of athletes' names, images and likenesses in commercial products, concussions and tougher academic standards for junior college transfers.

But the top of the agenda was the NCAA's marquee event.

``We will spend the next two months studying various options and garnering feedback from the membership in an effort to finalize a format for the four opening-round games that makes the most sense for everyone involved,'' UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero, the outgoing selection committee chairman.

Guerrero also chairs the Division I men's basketball committee, which must approve format changes.

THE BARNSTORMERS TOOK ON THE PUMP N RUN FOR THE 17U CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The Barnstormers took on the Pump N Run for the 17 and under division championship boys’ basketball contest.

The Barnstormers are from different parts of Iowa. Pump N Run is made up of players from the twin cities metro area.

Pump N Run started the game playing in a man-to-man defense. They wanted to slow the Pump N Run team down. Pump N Run likes to run as much as possible.

Pump N Run wanted to get the ball into the hands of Roosevelt Scott. Scott felt comfortable with the ball the whole tournament.

Pump N Run took their time with the ball on the offensive end. They burned a lot of time off the clock as they controlled the tempo of the game. They also did a good job of scoring quick baskets in transition.

At halftime the score was Pump N Run 35 and The Barnstormers 23.

As the second half got underway The Barnstormers continued to push the ball up the court. They wanted to get into some sort of offensive rhythm. They kept on looking for their shots and they were not discouraged that they were not falling.

Midway through the second half The Barnstormers went on a run midway through the second half. They were able to make their shots that they were putting up and the Pump and Run team went cold.

The game was tied at 38 with 10:15 left in regulation. The game continued to go back and forth in the second half.

Jonah Travis really did a good job around the basket for the Pump and Run. He was able to get some nice layups close to the basket. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in key points in the game.

At the end of regulation the score was tied at 52. The game went into a double overtime because the score was tied at 57 at the end of the first overtime.

The Barnstormers were able to come way the 65-60 double overtime victory over the Pump and Run.

MINNESOTA PUMP N RUN TOOK ON WEAR OUT THE NET IN A 17U BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

The Minnesota Pump N Run took on Wear Out the Net in a boys’ basketball AAU basketball contest at Jefferson.

Both of these teams wanted to get a fast start to the game. They each wanted to control the tempo of the game from the beginning.

Minnesota Pump N Run’s guard Roosevelt Scott directed the offense. He knew where his players were supposed to go on the court and he was directing traffic on the court. His other teammates were looking for Scott to get them into the game. Scott was continually able run the Pump N Run’s offense.

The pace was slow from the beginning. Neither team was able to get into the flow. Once teams settled down they found a good pace.

Pump N Run looked to score most of their baskets in transition. As soon the ball left the net they were off to the races to the other end of the court to try to score a basket.

Joel Lindberg for Pump N Run made some nice baskets. He knew where his shot was and he was able to knock down some big shots.

The game was very evenly matched. The score went back and forth throughout the first half.

At the end of the first half the score was Wear Out The Net 34 and Pump N Run 28.

As the second half got underway both teams seemed to come out and play with a lot of intensity. Wear Out The Net did a good job of protecting the basketball and they were smart with the ball.

Pump N Run played a zone defense in the second half. They wanted to spread the floor out and tried to slow down Wear Out The Net.

Wear Out the Net didn’t back down. They kept going strong at Pump N Run. Both teams continued to play extremely hard throughout the second half. Pump N Run was forced to take long outside three point shots. They were able to make them but Wear Out the Net did a good job contesting their shots from all over the court.

Pump N Run went on a run midway through the second half. Both teams did a really good job of forcing the other team to run plays that they were not intended to run. Once these teams felt each other out the intensity of play really stepped up.

They game came down to the wire. Neither team gave in. Both of these teams really gave it their all. Pump N Run came away with the thrilling 67-66 victory over Wear Out the Net.

MCTC PLAYERS MOVE ON TO PLAY AT DIFFERENT COLLEGES

Former Minneapolis Community and Technical College men’s basketball players Marshaan Johnson and Ronald Kelly Jr. visited MO Valley.

Brothers Peter and Kenny Olafeso who also played at MCTC have signed letters of intent to play basketball at Concordia St Paul.

PUMP N RUN TOOK ON EOTO ORANGE IN THE 17U DIVISION

The Pump n Run took on the Eoto Orange team in the 17U division. Pump n Run looked to get to push the ball up the court as quickly as they could. The Pump n Run looked to get into the scoring column from the early goings as they were able to find the basket with ease.

Eoto Orange was able to apply pressure to Pump n Run but they were able to overcome it. Both teams went hard after the ball.

Pump N Run went on a run late in the first half. They played tough man-to-man defense.

It was all Pump N Run in the first half. They were able to score baskets in bunches and go on little runs.

At halftime the score was Pump N Run 54 and Eoto Orange 26.

As the second half got underway Pump N Run came out on fire and they went on a run to open the second half.

Eoto got into the game. Pump and Run came away with the 98-56 victory over Eoto.

MINNESOTA PUMP N RUN TOOK ON THE MINNESOTA COMETS NORTH IN THE 17U DIVISION OF THE PUMP N RUN TOURNAMENT

The Minnesota Pump n Run took on the Minnesota Comets in the 17 and under division in the Pump n Run tournament.

The Comets came out in a zone defense. They also wanted to look to push the ball when they were in transition.

The Pump n Run team was able to come out and attack the basket early in the game. There shots fell throughout the first half.

Jason Perkins for Pump n Run was able to make a lot of shots in the early goings. On the defensive end he was able to shut down his opponent.

Pump n Run was able to find their shots early in the game and they were not afraid to shoot the ball in the first half. They made most of their shots that they were putting up.

At half time the score was Pump n Run 47 and Minnesota Comets 16.

Pump n Run came out on fire in the second half. They still looked to push the ball up the court and they still were able to command the tempo throughout the second half. The Comets didn’t back down they kept of playing hard even though they were down by as many as 30 points. They didn’t give up playing hard and going after loose balls.

The Minnesota Pump n Run was in control of the game from the start. They were able to come away with the 73-25 victory over the Minnesota Comets.

MINNESOTA PUMP N RUN TOOK ON THE MINNESOTA COMETS NORTH IN THE 17U DIVISION OF THE PUMP N RUN TOURNAMENT

The Minnesota Pump n Run took on the Minnesota Comets in the 17 and under division in the Pump n Run tournament. The Comets came out in a zone defense. They also wanted to look to push the ball when they were in transition.

The Pump n Run team was able to come out and attack the basket early in the game. There shots fell throughout the first half.

Jason Perkins for Pump n Run was able to make a lot of shots in the early goings. On the defensive end he was able to shut down his opponent.

Pump n Run was able to find their shots early in the game and they were not afraid to shoot the ball in the first half. They made most of their shots that they were putting up.

At half time the score was Pump n Run 47 and Minnesota Comets 16.

Pump n Run came out on fire in the second half. They still looked to push the ball up the court and they still were able to command the tempo throughout the second half. The Comets didn’t back down they kept of playing hard even though they were down by as many as 30 points. They didn’t give up playing hard and going after loose balls.

The Minnesota Pump n Run was in control of the game from the start. They were able to come away with the 73-25 victory over the Minnesota Comets.

MINNESOTA PUMP AND RUN HOSTS A BOYS’ BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AT BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON

The Minnesota Pump and Run AAU basketball program hosted a boys’ basketball spring tournament in Bloomington. In the 16U division, the Rosemount-based Fighting Irish took on the Wisconsin Swing.

As the game began both of these teams took their time bringing the ball up the court. They each wanted to feel each other out. The Fighting Irish was in a zone defense. They wanted to get the Swing out of tempo early in the game.

The Swing also opened the game in a zone defense. Both teams looked to push the ball up the court and they did a very good job of doing that throughout the first half.

Midway through the first half the Wisconsin Swing was able to go on a run. They were able to score quick shots and the Fighting Irish was not able to control the tempo.

Both teams had their scoring difficulties in the first half. They wanted to combat the inside shots that were not falling with outside three point shots.

At half time the score was Wisconsin Swing 36 and The Fighting Irish 24.

As the Second half got underway the Wisconsin Swing really came out and put it to the Fighting Irish. They went on a run to open the second half up.

The Wisconsin Sting was able to sting the Fighting Irish. The sting came away with the 65-37 victory over the Irish.

2010 MINNESOTA’S MR. BASKETBALL RELEASED FROM SCHOLARSHIP

Kevin Noreen from Minnesota Transitions who had signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Boston College has been granted a release from his scholarship. He will continue to look at different colleges.

CORY JOSEPH WILL BE A LONGHORN

Cory Joseph the younger brother of University of Minnesota’s Devoe Joseph has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Texas.

Joseph had been considered one of the best prospects in this year’s recruiting class. He picked Texas over Connecticut, Villanova, and UNLV.

BRITTANY MCCOY AND ASHLEY ELLIS-MILAN SIGN TRAINING CAMP CONTRACTS WITH THE LYNX

Golden Gopher seniors Brittany McCoy and Ashley Ellis-Milan have signed training camp contracts with the Minnesota Lynx, the team announced today. McCoy and Ellis-Milan are members of a 16-player training camp roster.

The Lynx will open training camp on Sunday, April 25 with the team's first practice from 3 - 5 p.m. in the Lynx practice facility. The Lynx will open the season on the road at Tulsa on Saturday, May 15, before returning to Target Center for the team's home opener on Sunday, May 16 vs. Washington.

McCoy, a 5-10 point guard from Lincolnwood, Ill., earned honorable mention accord by both the Big Ten’s coaches and media and was named the Golden Gopher MVP for the 2009-10 season. McCoy ranked second in the Conference in assists, dishing out 5.1 per game, and third in steals (2.1 spg.) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.79). In addition, she averaged 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds a game. McCoy has put her mark on Minnesota women’s basketball history becoming the first player to start every one of her 127 career games. McCoy also compiled over 500 career assists to rank third all-time in Gopher history.

Ellis-Milan, a 6-2 center from St. Paul, Minn., started 123 games and finished her Gopher career ranked 12th in Minnesota history with 1,281 points and fifth in rebounding with 860 boards. The Gophers’ MVP in 2008-09, Ellis-Milan was selected to the 2009 Big Ten Third Team by both the Big Ten coaches and media. Ellis-Milan averaged 9.4 and 5.5 rebounds per game last season.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST HAS HIRED JOHN BIEZUNS AS THEIR HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

The Minneapolis Southwest Lakers has hired John Biezuns as their new head football coach. Biezuns coached at Robbinsdale Cooper last year. He replaces David Coffee who left Southwest after last season.

IN THE SECOND GAME OF THE MSHSCA ALL STAR GAME IT WAS CLASS AA TAKING ON CLASS AAAA

Class AA took on class AAAA in the second game of the Minnesota State High School Girls Basketball Coaches Association all star game.

Class AAAA was able to get out to a huge 14 lead to begin the game. Class AA was able to make some shots midway through the first half.

Class AAAA came out strong and they were able to dominate throughout the first half. At half time the score was class AAAA 52 and Class AA 21.

As the second half got underway both teams came out fired up. Class AA found themselves in a big hole they had to climb out of.

In a game that was lopsided from the start class AAAA was able to come away with the 95-47 victory over class AA.

THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION HOSTED THE GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL ALL STAR GAME

The Minnesota state high school girls basketball coaches association put on an All Star Game at Macalester College. In the first game it was class A against class AAA.

Class AAA started in a straight man-to-man defense. They wanted to put as much pressure on class A as they could.

Both teams scored a bunch of points to begin the game. Neither team went on a run.

Class A played a zone defense to begin the game. They really wanted to extend the shooters.

Both teams looked to push the ball in transition. Both teams were able to score in transition also. For Class AAA Itisha Alexander from Benilde-Saint Margaret’s really found her shot in the first half. She played very aggressively on both ends of the court.

Class AAA was not afraid to drive the ball to the basket. Carissa Wolyniec did a really good job of getting the ball up the court.

With 5:56 left to go in the first half the score was Class AAA 35 and Class A 20.

Class A went on a run to end the first half. Class AAA tried their best to keep Class A from getting close to them in the first half.

At halftime the score was Class AAA 48 and Class A 40.

As the second half got underway both teams came out really on fire. Class A went on a run midway through the second half. Class AAA was not able to slow Class A down for a period of time in the second half.

The second half was very intense. Both teams played with a lot of emotion and they really went hard after the ball. Neither team was afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls.

Class AAA ran away with the victory in the second half. There was nothing that the Class A could do. Class AAA was able to make their shots throughout the game.

Class AAA did a good job of defending. They played very scrappy on the defensive end.

Class A did a good job of making a run on Class AAA but in the end. Class A was only down 1 87-88 with 1:08 left to go in regulation. Katrina Newman gave Class A up 1. Class A was able to come away with the 91-90 victory over Class AAA.

THE 2010 MINNESOTA GIRLS BASKETBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION ALL STAR SERIES IS SET

The Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association will be holding their annual All Star series this weekend at Macalester College. Forty of the top graduating seniors will show their stuff Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The first game is at 6:00pm and the following game 20 minutes after conclusion of first game. Then on Saturday April 17 the games are at 1:30pm and the following game 20 minutes after conclusion of first game.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SIGNS MAURICE WALKER TO A MEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL LETER OF INTENT

Maurice Walker who went to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Minnesota.

During his senior season Walker averaged 20.0 points per game.

JUSTIN COBBS LEAVES THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

University of Minnesota Freshman Justin Cobbs who is from Los Angeles, California has decided he is going to be transferring from the men’s basketball team.

He has not decided where he is going to be going next year. He played in 33 games and averaged 2.1 points per game during the 09-10 season.

GET TO KNOW MARCUS CHRISTIAN ALIPATE

Get to know Marcus Christian Alipate. He was born in Brooklyn Coney Island New York. He is of Tongan-American.

His dad played for the Oakland Raiders. His family lived in Union City, California for awhile. He said that he is “just enjoying the nice weather. It feels like I am back in California.”

He goes to Bloomington Jefferson High School. He will graduate from Jefferson in 2011.

I asked him if he has played with any of his relatives.”Yes, I played with my brother Moses, who now plays for the Minnesota Gophers as QB, and now people should watch out for my younger brother Mikias Alipate. 

He’s a beast on the football and basketball court and is already getting college looks as a freshman. He says playing with his brother, “was fun, I mean my brothers are my best friends. It’s always nice to play with someone you have been with your whole life. I think we have a chemistry that not a lot of people have.”

In his free time he said that, “usually I like to write and record songs. Also, I like to volunteer around the community with “Hope for the City”. I also read on a monthly basis to elementary schools and talk about being a good role model.”

Marcus and I have been friends for a while. He said, “It’s fun knowing someone you can talk to that’s a friend and not just a reporter.”

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S LAWRENCE WESTBROOK SCORED 8 POINTS IN THE THIRD PLACE GAME

University of Minnesota’s Lawrence Westbrook scored 8 points in a 87-84 victory over Norfolk Sports’ Club in the Portsmith Invitational third place game.

Westbrook averaged 8.33 points per game during the three games of the tournament.

The Portsmith Invitational Tournament has invited 64 of the best college basketball players (seniors) from across the nation to participate in a four-day, twelve game tournament in front of representatives from every NBA team.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA'S LAWRENCE WESTBROOK PLAYS IN THE SEMIFINAL GAME OF THE PORTSMOUTH INVITATIONAL

The University of Minnesota’s Lawrence Westbrook scored 3 points and his team the Portsmouth Partnership came up on the losing end in the second game of the Portsmouth Invitational.

His team plays for third place on Saturday.

UNIVERISTY OF MINNESOTA’S LAWRENCE WESTBROOK SCORED 8 POINTS IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE PORTSMITH INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Lawrence Westbrook of the University of Minnesota scored 8 points for the Portsmith Partnership in the first game of the Portsmith Invitational Tournament.

The Portsmith Invitational Tournament has invited 64 of the best college basketball players (seniors) from across the nation to participate in a four-day, twelve game tournament in front of representatives from every NBA team.

SHEROME MILON VERBALLY COMMITS TO ST. SCHOLASTICA IN DULUTH MINNESOTA

Sherome Milon of Minneapolis De LaSalle has verbally committed to the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth Minnesota. It is a division 3 school located in Duluth, MN.

Milon will be playing football for the Saints. He also wants to run track as well.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN’S MONTRELL WADE RECOVERING FROM SURGERY AFTER BEING SHOT IN THE HEAD

Montrell Wade who was shot in the head by a relative is now recovering after having surgery. Wade is a student at Minneapolis Washburn high school. He plays football on their varsity team.

Check out the Kare 11 report on Montrell Wade.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYER PAUL CARTER IS TRANSFERRING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

University of Minnesota men’s basketball player Paul Carter will be transferring back to his home of Little Rock, Arkansas.

In a note to a basketball reporter Nadine Babu, Paul Carter stated, “I wanted to tell you how much I thank you and the Gopher Nation as a whole! I have some news, I will be transferring back home to be closer to my sister and play my last year. I just wanted you to thank the fans for me because of their support, I felt at home here at the U. It has been a really tough process dealing with this choice but I must be with my family at this time. I'm telling you this because you are a great person and you have such a caring heart! I am going to be forever Grateful for the support I received from you and the fans! I have had an awesome experience!!! I have been so blessed to play here the people are amazing the fans are amazing and the city is amazing!!!!!! My family and I thank you so much for the support for my sister and for me since I've put on that #1 jersey!!!! Please stay in touch and may God bless you and keep his grace over you in all that you do it’s been a great journey!!!!!! My teammates are my brothers and Gopher nation will forever be my family!!!!! With mad love!!! PC#1”

Paul Carter’s sister is dealing with cancer and has undergone chemo therapy.

HEY AAU COACHES DO YOU WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT OUT TO THE PUBLIC?

Hello AAU basketball coaches. As the summer basketball gets underway are you going to be running any tournaments? If you are going to be running any tournaments or if you want to get any information out to the public please send me an email at stevenmgr@hotmail.com . I will be looking to get summer AAU information out to the public.

Thanks for your time.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA'S LAWRENCE WESTBROOK TO PLAY AT PORTSMOUNTH TOURNAMENT

Minnesota senior guard Lawrence Westbrook was recently chosen to play in the 58th Annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament April 7-10 at Churchland High School gymnasium in Portsmouth, Virginia. Westbrook is one of eight players on the Portsmouth Partnership roster and one of only three Big Ten players to be selected to play in the tournament (Michigan's DeShawn Sims & Trevon Hughes from Wisconsin).

Westbrook finished his career at the University of Minnesota with 1,199 career points, tying him with Archie Clark for 20th all-time. He is one of only seven Gopher players to score 1,000 points and hit 100 three-pointers in a career.

Westbrook, whose 121 career games played is tied for ninth all-time, will go down as one of the best shooters to wear the Maroon & Gold. He leaves the "U" with 140 career three-pointers, which is sixth all-time, and a career three-point percentage of .379 (140-369), good for 10th all-time. He also holds a career free-throw percentage of .807, the third best in history, as well as the program's eighth and ninth best single-season free-throw percentages of .837 (2009-10) and .833 (2008-09), respectively.

Each year for 57 years the P.I.T has invited 64 of the best college basketball players (seniors) from across the nation to participate in a four-day, twelve game tournament in front of representatives from every NBA team. Today scouts from the NBA and numerous international leagues have joined in on the annual April pilgrimage to Portsmouth. Over the years the P.I.T. has been a showcase for five of the 50 greatest players in NBA History (Rick Barry, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Dave Cowens, John Stockton, Scottie Pippen) and for many others who have gone on to NBA stardom.

The Gophers wrapped up the 2009-10 with a loss to Xavier on Mar. 19 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This was the second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for the Gophers and the 16th overall appearance for a Tubby Smith-led team.

The Gophers finished 21-14 on the season, the 17th-straight season a Tubby Smith-led team reached the 20-win plateau. It is the longest active streak in the nation and the third-longest streak in NCAA history. Minnesota reached 20 total wins for just the 10th time in school history.

STEVEN MACDONALD FROEMMING WITH MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES JONNY FLYNN AND ALANDO TUCKER

ALL STAR SERIES SET FOR THIS WEEKEND

Forty of the state's outstanding senior boy’s basketball players will compete in the 28th annual Minnesota High School All-Star Basketball Series. Doubleheaders will be played Friday, April 9th at Halenbeck Hall on the campus of St. Cloud State University and Saturday, April 10th at Leonard Center on the campus of Macalester College in St. Paul

Friday's event will be tipped off by a contest between the Blue and Gold teams at 7:00 p.m. The Maroon and Green teams will culminate the evening's activities with an 8:45 p.m. contest. Saturday's schedule will include games at 2:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Three point shooting and Dunk contests will precede each of the games both dates. Tickets at the door are $8 for adults and $5 for students (5 & under are free).