BALDWIN-WOODVILLE TOOK ON ST. CLOUD TECH IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Baldwin-Woodville took on St. Cloud Tech on a boys' basketball game. Baldwin-Woodville came into
the game with a record of 11-3 and St. Cloud Tech came into the game with a record of 5-12.
 

Baldwin-Woodville started out playing a zone defense. Neither team shot the ball well to start off the
game.
 

St. Cloud Tech looked to push the ball down the court after Baldwin-Woodville made the basket.

Baldwin-Woodville did a good job of passing the ball around the three-point arch. They looked to take
as much time as possible off the clock as they could.
 

With 7:24 left to go in the first half the score was St. Cloud Tech 20 and Baldwin-Woodville 10.
 

St. Cloud Tech did a good job of getting the ball down the court. The guards did a good job of getting
the ball up the court.
 

Baldwin-Woodville didn’t give up in the first half. They were not able to hit their shots that they were
putting up.
 

At halftime the score was St. Cloud Tech 34 and Baldwin-Woodville 21.
 

St. Cloud Tech continued to shine in the second half.
 

Baldwin-Woodville tried to make a comeback late in the contest. St. Cloud Tech continued to penetrate
to the basket. They did a good job of driving and kicking the ball to the open man.
 

Alex Matchinsky played well for St. Cloud Tech. He was all over the court and he was able to knock
down some key shots for his team throughout the game.

Balwdin-Woodvlille tried hard to come back in the second half but they were unsuccessful. St. Cloud
Tech came away with the 71-57 victory over Baldwin-Woodville.

The leading scorers for Baldwin-Woodville were Tyler Heitmann with 20 points and Ryan Benoy with
15 points. For St. Cloud Tech Alex Matchinsky scored 30, Andy Foley eared 19 and Nick Baker got 12
points.

RICE LAKE TOOK ON ST. CLOUD APOLLO IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Rice Lake took on St. Cloud Apollo in a boys' basketball game as part of the Minnesota Border Battle
that took place at St. Cloud Tech High School. Rice Lake came into the game with a record of 10-5 and
St. Cloud Apollo came into the game with a record of 11-3
 

The game started out as each team trading baskets. Both teams started out the game on fire.
 

St. Cloud Apollo looked to get the ball into Ibrahim Bashir Abukar's hands. Aubkar did a good job of
knowing where his players were on the court.
 

Rice Lake didn't back down. They were able to attack the St. Cloud Apollo's defense. St. Cloud Apollo
mostly used a man-to-man defense. Rice Lake used both zone and man-to-man defense.
 

St. Cloud Apollo looked to get the ball out of the net on the defensive end and take it to the offensive
end.
 

The scoring in the first half went back and forth. St. Cloud Apollo did a good job moving without the
ball.
 

At halftime the score was Rice Lake 34 and St. Cloud Apollo 29.
 

St. Cloud Apollo came out on the offensive in the second half. Abukar got hot in the beginning of the
second half. He took the ball strong to the basket. He was not afraid to draw contact.
 

Rice Lake continued to make shots that they were putting up. Rice Lake looked to spread St. Cloud
Apollo out when Apollo had the ball on offense.
 

The score was tied at 45 with 10:20 left to go in regulation.
 

Abukar continued to drive to the basket. He was able to get fouled on a few possessions and make his
shots from the free throw line.
 

Walley Ellenson from Rice Lake had a good game. He was all over the court. He played with a lot of

passion on the floor. Ellenson dove after loose balls.
 

The game went down to the wire. Walley Ellenson's deep three-point shot at the buzzer won the game
for Rice Lake as they came away with the 66-63 victory over St. Cloud Apollo.

The leading scorers for Rice Lake were Walley Ellenson with 25 points and Taylor West with 12 points.
The leading scorers for St. Cloud Apollo were Simon Krych with 23 points, Brett Maslonkowski with
12 and Ibrahim Bashir Abukar with 9 points.

I was able to talk to Walley Ellenson and head coach Kevin Orr about the game.

MADISON EAST TOOK ON #1 HOPKINS IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME AS PART OF THE MINNESOTA BREAKDOWN BORDER BATTLE

Madison East from Wisconsin took on Hopkins in a boys' basketball game at St. Cloud Tech as part of
the Minnesota Breakdown Border Battle.

Madison East came into the game with a record of 9-6. Hopkins came into the game with a record of
14-0 and were ranked #1 in the state in Class AAAA.
 

Hopkins came out on fire. They were able to connect on most of their shots. They built a 11-2 lead with

13:34 left in the first half. Madison East didn't give up though they kept on going strong to the basket.
 

Madison East's Nimrod Hillard was able to connect on his shot.
 

Joe Coleman had a nice slam dunk midway through the first half.
 

Hopkins came out on fire. Madison East was not able to make a shot throughout the first half.
 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 52 and Madison East 19.
 

Madison East tried to rally as they came out shooting. Hillard continued to shine for Madison East.

Both teams continued to play hard in the second half. Hopkins continued to do what they wanted to do
on the offensive end. Madison East did not have an answer for Hopkins. Hopkins was a quicker and
stronger team than Madison East.

Hopkins came away with the 93-53 victory over Madison East. The leading scorers for Hopkins were
Nick Jorgensen with 20, Joe Coleman 17, Marvin Singleton 13 and Jake White with 13. The leading
scorers for Madison East were Nimrod Hilliard with 20 and Rudy Bentley with 13.

LACROSSE AQUINAS TOOK ON ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL CONTEST

LaCrosse Aquinas took on St. Cloud Cathedral in a boys' basketball game. LaCrosse Aquinas came into
the game with a record of 14-1 and was ranked #1 in Division 3. St. Cloud Cathedral came into the
game with a record of 10-6.
 

The game got off to a to a quick start as each team game out on fire trading baskets.
 

Aquinas did a good job of getting the ball out of the basket and scoring baskets in transition. That is
how they got most of their points.
 

St. Cloud Cathedral passed the ball around well from just outside of the three-point line. They looked
to in side to there big man and was able to make shots from inside the pant.
 

The game was close throughout the first half neither team was able to go on a run in the first half.
 

Both teams did a good job of going after loose balls by diving on the ground.
 

At halftime the score was tied at 32.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to shoot the ball well. Neither team was able to
go on a run. They were both evenly matched.
 

St. Cloud Cathedral looked to get the ball into the hands of Joseph Burt. Burt played well the entire
game. He was able to hit a nice mid-range jump shot. He was also able to get his teammates involved in
the plays.
 

The score went back and fourth the entire second half. Both teams played extremely well on both ends
of the court.
 

Bronson Koneing for LaCrosse Aquinas also found his shot late in the second half. He was not afraid to
shoot the ball. His teammates did a good job of him getting him the ball where he was able to score
baskets at will.
 

LaCrosse Aquinas pulled away late in the game. They were able to come away with the 71-64 victory
over St. Cloud Catherdral.
 

The leading scorers for LaCrosse Aquinas were Bronson Koenig with 26 points, Jimmy Ancius with 16
points and Michcheal Conwell with 19 points.

For St. Cloud Cathedral they were lead in scoring by Joseph Burt with 23, Bjorn Bjorklund had 20
points and Scottie Rucks with 11 points.

#16 MANITOWOC RONCALLI TOOK ON #14 ROCORI IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Manitowoc Roncalli took on Rocori in a boys' basketball game as part of the Minnesota Breakdown
Border Battle. Manitowoc came into the game with a record of 14-1 and they were ranked #6 in
Division 3 in Wisconsin. Rocori came into the 12-5 and were ranked 14 in Class AAA.

Manitowoc Roncalli came out in a tough man-to-man full court press. They looked to apply pressure to
Rocori from the beginning of the game.

Rocori did a good job of getting the ball out of the basket on the defensive end and getting it to the
other end of the court.
 

Both teams traded baskets in the first half. The defense that was played was very good by each team. It
took each team a while to get into the flow of the game.
 

Mike Gresl for Manitowoc connected on some deep three-point shots that gave them confidence.
 

The game was close throughout the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run.
 

Manitowoc used a strong man-to-man defense. Rocori had a hard time getting to the basket because of
Manitowoc’ pressure.
 

At halftime the score was Manitowoc 40 and Rocori 29.
 

As the second half got underway Rocori came up in a strong man-to-man defense. They wanted to slow
down Manitowoc.
 

Mantiowoc did a good job of swinging the ball around the three-point line.
 

Rocori didn't back down from Mantiowoc as they were able to fight back and cut into the deficit.
 

Rocori went on a run midway through the second half. They got within four points. At 5:32 left to go
in regulation the score was Manitowoc 54 and Rocori 50.
 

Both teams battled to the end. Rocori went cold the last 5:32 of the game.

Manitowoc came away with the 54-64 victory over Rocori. The leading scorers for Manitowoc were
Ben Stelzer with 41 points that included 10 three-pointers, and Mike Gresl with 11 points. The leading
scorers for Rocori were Jonah Eisenschenk with 24 points and Nathan Meyer with 14.

#2 SEYMOUR TOOK ON #2 TARTAN IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Minnesota Break Down basketball publication put on a boys’ basketball showcase. The game was
played at St. Cloud Tech High School.
 
In the first game Seymour took on Tartan. Both teams came into the game with records of 14-1.
 
Seymour came into game the ranked # 2 in Wisconsin in Division 2. Tartan was ranked #2 in
Minnesota in Class AAAA.
 
The game got out to a quick start as each team was able to make their shots.
 
Tartan got hot midway through the first game as they were able to hit off their shots that they were
making.
 
Seymour had a hard time making their shots. Tartan did a job of moving the ball around the three-point
line. They were able to take a lot of time off of the clock.
 
In a first half that went back and fourth throughout, the score at halftime was Seymour 28 and Tartan
27.
 
Seymour came out of the halftime break in a zone defense. They continued to look to spread Tartan out.
 
Seymour caught fire as they were able to drain three-point after three-point shots to start the second
half.
 
Troy Rottier made some nice shots for Seymour.
 
For Tartan Luke Prenier was all over the court. He knew where he was supposed to be on the court. His
teammates did a good job of getting him the ball close to the basket. Prenier took some and made some
very good shots throughout the game.
 
Seymour caught fire midway through the second half. They went on a little run. Tartan had a rough
time making a shot during a large portion of the second half.
 
Tartan went to mostly a man-to-man defense in the second half. They wanted to slow down the
Seymour offense.
 
The game was close throughout. Neither team let the score get out of hand. These teams were evenly
matched.
 
Tartan did go on a run late in regulation. The score went back and forth late in the game.
 
Tartan came away with the 62-59 victory over Seymour.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY TOOK ON THE UNIVERSTIY OF MINNESOTA IN A MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME AT WILLIAMS ARENA

The Northwestern Wildcats took on the University of Minnesota Gophers in a men’s basketball
game at Williams Arena. Northwestern entered the game with a record of 13-5 overall and 3-5 in
the Big 10. Minnesota entered the game with a record of 15-4 overall and 4-3 in the Big Ten.
Minnesota was ranked number 18 in the most recent USA Today/ESPN coaches’ poll.
 

Minnesota won the tip. Minnesota looked to push the ball up the court. They also spread the ball
out on the offensive end. They wanted to get everyone involved in the play. Blake Hoffarber
looked to shoot the ball. His teammates knew where he was on the court and they were able to
get him the ball in spots where he knew where he would be able to make shots.
 

The game was close in the opening minutes. The scoring went back and forth for a period of
time. Both teams did a good job of feeling each other out.
 

At the first media timeout the score was Minnesota 8 and Northwestern 5.
 

Minnesota came out of that timeout in a zone defense. Minnesota did a good job of switching
between man-to-man defense and zone defense. It really confused the other teams because they
didn’t know what the Gophers are doing on defense.
 

Rodney Maurice Williams for Minnesota came down with a nasty two-handed slam-dunk that
got the crowd into the game.
 

With 11:42 left on the clock the score was Minnesota 15 and Northwestern 8.
 

Minnesota looked to push the ball down the court. Minnesota went on a run after the 11:42
timeout.
 

With 7:35 left in the first half the score was Minnesota 23 and Northwestern 14.
 

Minnesota stayed in a zone defense. They did a good job of closing out Northwestern.
 

Northwestern had a hard time of making their shots in the first half.
 

Austin Hollins for Minnesota came up with a few good shots. The Gophers looked dead on with
their shooting. It looked like they knew where each other were on the court. They did a good job
communicating on the floor.
 

With 3:35 left in the first half the score was Minnesota 29 and Northwestern 24.
 

Northwestern got hot and they went on a run late in the first half. Minnesota continued to shoot
the ball well late in the half.
 

At halftime the score was Northwestern 34 and Minnesota 33.
 

As the second half got underway Northwestern came out in a came out in a zone defense.
 

Iverson came out hot in the second half as he was able to step up and make some big shots early
on in the second half.
 

The score went back and forth for a good portion on the second half. Hoffarber drained a threepoint
shot with 16:37 left in the second half.
 

Northwestern called a timeout with 16:37 left in the second half. The score was Minnesota 46
and Northwestern 39.
 

For Northwestern Dew Crawford was all over the court. He was able to knock down shots for
them and keep Northwestern in the game.
 

Northeastern kept on making their shots. They were able to get to within 3 points of the Gophers.
 

With 10:49 left to go in the second half the score was Minnesota 53 and Northwestern 50.
 

Michael Thompson came through in the second half for Northwestern, as he was able step up and
knock down some three-point shots.
 

With 7:54 left in regulation the score was Minnesota 60 and Northwestern 53.
 

Minnesota continued to attack the basket on the offensive end. They also continued to look for
Mabakwe or Sampson on the low block for scoring chances.
 

With 3:27 left to go in regulation the score was Minnesota 70 and Northwestern 60.
 

The game came down to the wire. Minnesota was able to come away with the 81-70 victory over
Northwestern. The leading scorers for Northwestern were Michael Thompson with 18 points,
John Shurna with 16 points and Drew Crawford with 15 points. They shot 24-64 from the field.
Northwestern also shot 12-39 from the three-point line and 10-11 from the free throw line.
 

Minnesota was led in scoring by Blake Hoffarber with 20 points, Trevor Mbakwe with 18,
Colton Iverson with 15, Ralph Sampson with 14 and Chip Armelin with 10 points. They shot 24-
45 from the field. Minnesota also shot 2-11 from the three-point line and 31-46 from the free
throw line.

After the game Northwestern head coach Bill Carmody addressed the media to talk about the game. Also Minnesota’s Ralph Sampson and Blake Hoffarber addressed the media. Minnesota
head coach Tubby Smith also talked about the victory over Northwestern.

COON RAPIDS TOOK ON #5 OSSEO IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Coon Rapids took on Osseo in a boys’ basketball contest. Coon Rapids came into the game with a
record of 0-14. Osseo came into the game with a record of 14-2 and were ranked #5 in the state in Class
AAAA.

Osseo won the tip. From the start of the game Osseo looked to get the ball up the court as quickly as
they could.

Osseo came out and used a half court man-to-man defense. They wanted to apply as much pressure as
they could to Coon Rapids. Coon Rapids did a good job of handling there half court man-to-man
pressure.

Osseo took their time on the offensive end. They wanted to take as much time off the clock as they
could.

Coon Rapids looked to trap Osseo in the corners. Osseo did a good job of keeping the ball out of the
corners.

Osseo looked inside to Ian Theisen . Theisen did a good job of attacking the basket. Joey Curtis
Sonnenfeld made some nice baskets midway through the first half.

Osseo was able to put together a nice run with just over 13:00 left in the first half.

Osseo's head coach Tim John Theisen did a good job on the substitution patterns. Tim Theisen usually
plays eight to nine guys regularly.

Coon Rapids took a timeout with 11:28 left to go with the score Osseo 18 and Coon Rapids 9.

Coon Rapids went to a full court man-to-man press after that time out. Osseo did a good job of
responding as they were able to get the ball down the court quickly and break the Coon Rapids defense.

Osseo switched up between zone and man-to-man defense.

Osseo's Darren James Herbert did a good job of taking the ball hard to the basket. He knew where he
was on the court and he called for the ball in spots where he would get a nice shot.

Osseo was able to score six-eight points in a row. Coon Rapids would score two to four points in a row.

Coon Rapids looked to get the ball into the hands of Pierre Roddy. Roddy was ready to shoot the ball. It
didn't matter where he was on the court Roddy would look to shoot the ball from anywhere.

Osseo continued to hit their shots late in the half. Coon Rapids went dormant from the floor for a
period late in the first half. They could not make shots that they were taking.

Osseo took a timeout with 3:08 left to go in the first half. The score was Osseo 42 and Coon Rapids 23.

Both teams continued to go at each other late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Osseo 47 and Coon Rapids 27.

As the second half got underway Osseo looked to keep pushing the ball down the court. They were
able to come out on fire.

With 15:01 left in regulation the score was Osseo 55 and Coon Rapids 28. Coon Rapids took their first
timeout of the half.

Coon Rapids looked to push the ball down the court in the second half. They had to work hard for all of
the shots they took.

VanPelt continued to make his shots. On the defensive end he also stepped up his pressure.

Coon Rapids continued to stay in the zone defense. They wanted to spread Osseo out and force them to
shoot deep three-point shots. Osseo was able to exploit that as they were able to shoot from both the
inside and the out side.

Both teams played very hard. Osseo was able to come out hot and make their shots. Osseo came away
with the 85-45 victory over Coon Rapids.

The leading scorers for Coon Rapids were Pierre Roddy with 16 points and Malcom Farley with 10
points . The leading scores for Osseo were Ian Theisen with 18 points and Bridge Tusler with 15 points.

#2 OSSEO TOOK ON SPRING LAKE PARK BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

The #2 ranked Osseo Orioles took on the Spring Lake Park Panthers in a boys’ basketball contest. Osseo was ranked #2 in the state in class AAAA.

Osseo looked to get the ball out of the basket and run with it in transition. Osseo looked to get the ball into the hands of Terez Wayne VanPelt. VanPelt knew where his teammates were supposed to be on the court. He did a good job of directing traffic.

Spring Lake Park looked to put a little pressure on Osseo. They used a three quarter press. Spring Lake Park tried to get Osseo out of rhythm. Osseo’s Joey Curtis Sonnenfeld found the basket midway through the first half. He was able to step up and knock down shots.

A Bryce Williams slam dunk and a three-point shot by Sean Scott got Spring Lake Park back into the game. Williams scored on the next two possessions and he tied the game at 19.

Michael Brush for Osseo stepped up and knocked down a few consecutive shots. That kept Osseo in the game.

Sean Scott for Spring Lake Park was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. He was able to get them in the game in the first half.

At halftime the score was Osseo 45 and Spring Lake Park 30.

Osseo looked to get the ball inside to Ian Theisen. Theisen did a good job of powering the up to strong to the basket. He was able to get a lot of easy shots from doing that.

VanPelt connected on some deep three-point shots early in the second half. He was feeling shit shot. His teammates did a good job of getting him open and he was able to step up and drain the jump shot.

Osseo did a god job of getting the inside to their big men for easy baskets.

Spring Lake Park didn’t give up. They kept on fighting. They didn’t back down to Osseo’s pressure.

Osseo was able to take a 20 point lead at 64-44 with 10:30 left to go in the contest.

Osseo continued to run the court and score baskets in transition. Spring Lake Park didn’t have an answer to the shots that Osseo was taking.

Osseo continued to make the shots that they put up in the second half. Osseo came away with the 91-60 victory over Spring Lake Park.

GET TO KNOW REBEKKAH WHITE BRUNSON

Rebekkah White Brunson grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Burnson became interested in basketball when she was about 9 or 10 years of age. Growing up she had a rough childhood. She always dreamed of playing professionally when she was growing up. Brunson is currently playing in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx.

When things were not going right for her she would turn to basketball. She went to Oxon Hill High School where she played basketball.

After high school she attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She played on the women’s basketball team.

After college she was drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs for six seasons. The franchise collapsed after the 2009 season.

Brunson thinks that the NWBA, “has created an opportunity for women to do something they love while inspiring young girls around the world to chase their dreams and aspire to do the same. It has created a great and positive atmosphere to share in the universal love of basketball and female athletics”

After the WNBA season she goes and plays professional basketball overseas. She has played in countries like Belgium, Russia, Italy and Spain and has traveled to many more. This enables her to maintain her peek physical conditioning and see sights that most people will not be able to see in their lifetimes.

Off the court she has her own foundation called the 32 Foundation. It works towards the betterment of youth in the metro areas of the Washington DC areas and Minnesota.

This off season she is currently playing in Valencia, Spain for Ros Casares.

#5 MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TOOK ON HENRY SIBLEY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Maranatha Christian took on Henry Sibley in the Breakdown Tipoff Classic. Maranatha Christian Academy came into the game with a record of 9-1 and they were ranked #5 in Class A. Henry Sibley came into the game with a record of 3-7.

Henry Sibley looked to push the ball and set the tempo from the start of the game. Once Maranatha shot the ball they wanted to get the ball out of the net and go the other way with it.

Henry Sibley started out in a zone defense. They looked to spread Maranatha out on the offensive end.

Maranatha did a good job of swinging the ball around the ball three-point line. They were able to take time off the clock.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run.

Henry Sibley used a zone for most of the first half.

At halftime the score was Henry Sibley 34 and Maranatha Christian Academy 27.

As the second half got underway both teams came out shooting the ball.

Henry Sibley continued to pass the ball around the three point line as they wanted to take a lot of time off of the clock. They went on a run midway through the second half.

The score with 11:35 left to go in regulation was Henry Sibley 50 and Maranatha Christian Academy 39.

Maranatha was able to cut the deficit as they got within 10 points at 45-55 with 8:15 left to go in the contest.

Maranatha went on a run after that they were able to get within one point at 56-57 with 4:04 left in regulation.

The score went back and forth late in the contest.

Both teams launched three-point shots late in the game. They were both able to make shots. The end of the game was like a chess match as each team tried to figure out what the other was doing.

In a contest that went back and forth in the beginning Maranatha Christian Academy came away with the 71-66 victory over Henry Sibley.

The leading scorers for Henry Sibley were Adam Huessner with 22 points and Dante Grant with 9 points. The leading scorers for Maranatha Christian Academy were Josh Goldschmidt and John Neumann each with 21 points and Isaiah Hanson with 20 points.

MARSHALL TOOK ON BUFFALO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST IN THE BREAKDOWN TIPOFF CLASSIC

Marshall took on Buffalo in boys’ basketball as part of the Minnesota Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka. Buffalo came into the game with a record of 9-3. Marshall came into the game with a record of 8-3.

Both teams came out shooting. Buffalo started the game in a man-to-man defense. They wanted to apply as much pressure on Marshall as they could.

Marshall was able to handle the Buffalo pressure. They were able to hit the shots that they were putting up.

Marshall used a half court man-to-man defense. They picked up Buffalo in the half court.

Buffalo was strong with the ball in the first half. They were able to attack the glass hard.

Marshall’s Caleb Johnson was able to step up and knock down some three-point shots midway through the first half. That kept Marshall in the game.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. Neither team gave up in the first half.

At halftime the score was Buffalo 36 and Marshall 21.

As the second half got underway Buffalo continued to shoot the ball well. Marshall didn’t back down however.

Marshall got hot and they were able to sink consecutive shots.

On the defensive end Marshall continued to play a zone defense. They wanted to keep Buffalo out.

Marshall fought their way back and were down by four, 60-56, with 2:00 left to go.

Marshall’s Ben Sanders sank a basket with 1:34 left to go to make the score Buffalo 62 and Marshall 59.

Josh High for Buffalo sank a three-point shot at the buzzer to give Buffalo the 72-69 victory over Marshall.

The leading scorer for Marshall was Caleb Johnson with 22 points. The leading scorer for Buffalo was Dominic Gilmer with 18 points.

MINNESOTA TRANSITIONS TOOK ON DULUTH EAST IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Minnesota Transitions took on Duluth East in a boys’ basketball game in the Minnesota Breakdown Tipoff Classic.

Minnesota Transitions came into the game with a record of 7-3. They were ranked #1 in class A. Duluth East came into the game with a record of 7-5. Both teams started out the game hot as both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes.

Minnesota Transitions looked to get the ball into the hands of Rodney Eugene Owens. Owens was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court.

Duluth East went to a man-to-man defense. They were able to trap Minnesota Transitions in the corners.

Minnesota Transitions Darion Patterson led the offense. He would call out plays and was able to direct his players in the spots that he wanted them to be in.

It took a while for each team to feel each other out. They kept on trading baskets.

Neither team was able to get the ball out and score baskets in transitions. Duluth East controlled the tempo in the first half.

Minnesota Transitions Kyle Noreen found the basket late in the half. They were able to go on a run to close out the first half. (Deleted next sentence.)

At halftime the score was Duluth East 33 and Minnesota Transitions 32.

Minnesota Transitions came out looking to run and push the ball down the court. They wanted to get everyone involved in the offense.

The game was close throughout much of the second half. Neither team went on a run. The defensive pressure that each team displayed was very good. Owens continued to look for and received the ball in the top of the key area. He was able to knock down a short jump shot from the top of the key.

Duluth East kept attacking the basket. They were able to keep the game close. Neither team went on a run. There was no more than an eight-point swing in the second half.

Duluth East went to a full court press. They looked to pin Minnesota Transitions in the corners.

The score with 7:29 left to go in regulation was Minnesota Transitions 52 and Duluth East 45.

Both teams went at each other throughout the second half. Duluth East tied the game at 56 with 4:15 left to go.

The game came down to the wire. Duluth East came away with the 69-65 victory over Minnesota Transitions. The leading scorers for Minnesota Transitions were Matt Lanier with 25 points and Kyle Noreen with 21. The leading scorers for Duluth East were Johnny Woodard with 25 and Taylor Stafford with 21.

#1 HOPKINS TOOK ON #2 OSSEO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL CONTEST

Hopkins took on Osseo in a boys’ basketball game. Hopkins jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead. Osseo came out playing a man-to-man.

The lead went back and forth early in the game. Both teams looked to push the ball down the court.

Osseo looked to get the ball into the hands of Terez Wayne VanPelt. VanPelt did a good job directing his players to where they were susposed to be on the court.

Hopkins also did a good job of pushing the ball down the court. Hopkins was able to score baskets in transition.

Joe Coleman who is going to the University Of Minnesota next season stepped up and knocked down some big three-point shots.

Ian Theisen for Osseo was camped out on the low block. He was able to get the ball on the low block and power the ball strong to the basket.

VanPelt did a good job of getting the ball out of the net and getting it to the other end of the court.

Coleman was hot from all over the court. He was able to hit shots throughout the first half.

With 10:09 left to go in the first half the score was Hopkins 26 and Osseo 15.

Hopkins continued to shoot the ball and make shots.

Osseo had trouble making their shots. VanPelt took the ball hard to the glass. He had a few nice layups.

Osseo looked to penetrate to the basket. They were able to make their shots late in the half.

Nick Jorgensen for Hopkins knocked done a key three-point shot with 2:00 left in the half.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 46 and Osseo 31.

As the second half got underway Hopkins came out on fire. They were able to hit their shots.

Joey Curtis Sonnenfeld kept on shooting the ball well for Osseo.

Osseo got hot midway through the second half. They were not able to catch up to Hopkins however.

Osseo fought hard throughout the game. In the end Hopkins was too much as they came away with the 86-68 victory over Osseo.

The leading scorers for Osseo were Joey Sonnenfeld with 26 points and Terez Wayne VanPelt with 18 points. The leading scorers for Hopkins were Joe Coleman with 25 points and Siyani Chambers with 21 points.
 

CENTENNIAL TOOK ON #2 OSSEO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Centennial took on the #2 ranked Osseo in a boys’ basketball game at Osseo. Centennial came
into the game with a record of 2-11. Osseo came into the game with a record of 12-1.
 
Centennial started the game out on defense. They started out in man-to-man defense.
 
When Centennial was on offense they looked to take a lot of time off the clock. They passed the
ball around the three-point line. Centennial looked for Mitchell Kuck to shoot the ball.
 
Neither team took many shots in the opening minutes of the game. Both teams were going after
each other on the defensive end.
 
Centennial looked to push the ball in transition. After Osseo shot the ball, all of the Centennial
players crashed the boards and went after the rebound.
 
Centennial switched between man-to-man defense and zone defense.
 
Centennial called a timeout with 12:15 left to go in the first half. The score was Osseo 8 and
Centennial 7.
 
The defensive pressure that Osseo applied seemed to bother Centennial. They got frustrated
because they couldn’t make shots.
 
Osseo looked to get the ball inside to Will Johnson who was posted up on the low block. Johnson
was able to take the ball hard to the basket. Michael Fischer was able to step up and knock down
some key three-point shots.
 
Osseo did a good job of taking their time on the offensive end. They kept on swinging the ball
around the three-point line to take as much time off the clock as they could.
 
Centennial went cold for a period in the first half. They couldn’t make a shot. Osseo used that to
their advantage as they hit shots.
 
Osseo’s Michael Fischer used his quick skills to blow by the Centennial defenders.
 
With 5:07 left Centennial called a timeout. The score was Osseo 26 and Centennial 15.
 
After that timeout Centennial came out in a zone defense. They looked to spread Osseo out when 
Osseo was on offense. Darren James Herbert was able to find Terez Wayne VanPelt on a fast
break.
 
Osseo’s Joey Curtis Sonnenfeld stepped up and was able to knock down a few three-point shots
late in the half.
 
Centennial looked to shoot the ball throughout the first half. Their shots didn’t fall in the first
half. Centennial looked to get everyone on the court a chance to touch the ball on the offensive
end. They didn’t give up as they kept going after Osseo.
 
At halftime the score was Osseo 39 and Centennial 27.
 
Osseo started the second half with the ball. They looked go the ball inside to Ian Theisen.
Theisen who was camped out on the low block.
 
Osseo came out shooting and making a lot of three-point shots. Centennial didn’t defend Osseo
out on the three-point line.
 
Centennial countered with a three-point shooting display. They looked to shoot their way back
into the game.
 
Centennial gained more confidence in their shooting in the second half. They didn’t seem scared
to shoot the ball in the second half.
 
Johnson made some impressive moves as he drove to the basket and made lay-up after lay-up.
 
Centennial called a timeout with 9:15 left to go in the second half. The score was Osseo 65 and
Centennial 48.
 
Centennial was able to score a few baskets on fast breaks. Osseo had a difficulty containing
pressure on the fast breaks.
 
Osseo called a time out with 5:20 left to go in regulation. The score was Osseo 73 and
Centennial 58.
 
Both teams battled down the stretch. Neither team gave up.
 
Osseo came away with the 89-72 victory over Centennial. I thought that everyone played hard
for both teams.
 
I thought that Terez Wayne VanPelt and Darren James Hebert along with the whole team played
well for Osseo. Joey Sonnenfeld also stepped up big and was able to knock down some key
shots and critical times in the game.

MAHTOMEDI TOOK ON ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

The Mahtomedi Zephyrs took on the St. Anthony Village Huskies in a boys’ basketball game.
Mahtomedi came into the game with a record of 9-5. St. Anthony Village came into the game
with a record of 9-3.

Both teams came out going after each other. On their first defensive possession Mahtomedi went
after St. Anthony.

Mahtomedi found their shots early in the game as they were able to come out on a 9-0 lead with
15:39 left to go in the first half.

St. Anthony called its first timeout with 15:13 left in the first half with the score being

Mahtomedi 9 and St. Anthony 0.

Mahtomedi looked to get the ball into the hands of Dane Schmid the 6’9” center who was posted
up on the low block. Schmid was able to power the ball up to the rim.

Mahtomedi used both a man-to-man as well as a zone defense in the first half. They looked to
get St. Anthony off guard.

St. Anthony went on a run with 13:00 left. They were able to cut the deficit to 10 points, 19-9
with 10:45 left.

Both teams continued to go after each other on the defensive end late in the half. St. Anthony
did a good job of passing the ball around the three-point line to take time off the clock. They
were able to get the shots that they wanted to shoot.

Mahtomedi was able to get out to a comfortable lead in the first half. St. Anthony’s shots were
not falling.

At halftime the score was Mahtomedi 41 and St. Anthony 28.

St. Anthony came out and looked to shoot the ball early in the second half. They didn’t waste
much time looking for their shots. Mahtomedi took advantage of that as they were able to get the
rebounds and go the other way. Mahtomedi was able to consistently make their shots that they
were putting up.

There was a lot of body contact in the second half. Both teams dove on the ground for loose
balls.

St. Anthony went on a run with 7:00 left to go in the contest. The score with 6:00 left was 

Mahtomedi 57 and St. Anthony 45.

Mahtomedi was able to withstand St. Anthony’s run late in the contest.

St. Anthony’s Jamari Roland found his shot late in the contest. He was able to hit his shots late in
the game.

Mahtomedi came away with the 71-50 victory over St. Anthony. The leading scorers for
Mahtomedi were Zach Lindquist with 25 points and Andrew Lindquist with 13 points. The
leading scorers for St. Anthony were Stephen Couillard with 15 points and Dustin Iannazzo with
14 points.

I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boys’ Hoops. Check out his thoughts about the Mahtomedi versus St. Anthony Village boys’ basketball game.

 

#1 IN CLASS AAA ST. PAUL JOHNSON TOOK OUT ST. PAUL HARDING IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

St. Paul Johnson traveled to St. Paul Harding for a boys’ basketball game. Johnson came in with
a record of 9-2. Harding came into the game with a record of 5-7. Going into the game St. Paul
Johnson was ranked #1 in the state in class AAA.

Johnson won the tip to start the game. On the first possession Harding’s Viseth Koumarn picked
up two quick fouls. He was sent to the bench. Both teams started out shooting the ball. Neither
team could make shots early. It took a while for each team to get the feel for each other.
 

Johnson wanted to push the ball in transition. They looked to get the ball into the hands of
Roosevelt Scott.
 

Johnson took their time on the offensive end. They looked to pass the ball around the three-point
line.
 

Johnson used a full court press. They were able to get easy steals and score baskets off the steals.
Harding got into foul trouble early.
 

With 13:35 left to go in the first half Harding called a timeout with the score Johnson 13 and
Harding 3.
 

Johnson played with a lot of intensity and emotion in the first half. Harding was not able to
match Johnson’s intensity. Johnson’s bench was into the game. They were cheering and shouting
encouragement to the guys on the court.
 

Harding called a timeout with 12:23 left to go in the first half. The score at the time was Johnson
20 and Harding 3.
 

Harding mostly used a zone defense. They wanted to slow Johnson down and spread them out.
 

Harding called a timeout with 10:54 left in the first half. The score was Johnson 24 and Harding
6.
 

Harding didn’t give up throughout the first half. They kept on shooting the ball and driving to the
basket. They didn’t back down to Johnson.
 

Johnson continued to push the ball down the court as they kept on looking for baskets in
transition.
 

On the defensive end they picked up Harding at half court. Harding had a difficult time handling
the pressure Johnson was applying.
 

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. The Harding players were getting frustrated
because their shots were not dropping.
 

Anthony Lee hit a three-point shot at the buzzer for St. Paul Johnson to end the first half.
 

At halftime the score was St. Paul Johnson 51 and St. Paul Harding 18.

As the second half got underway Johnson continued to hit their shots. They also continued to
push the ball up the court.

Johnson continued to push the ball in down the court. They were also able to score baskets in
transition in the second half.

Harding continued to shoot the ball but they were off in the second half.

Johnson came away with the 76-37 victory over St. Paul Harding. Johnson was way too quick for
Harding. They were able to get on a shooting rhythm and they couldn’t miss. Harding couldn’t
find the basket from the beginning of the game. Harding didn’t give up and they kept on fighting
throughout the game.

The leading scorers for St. Paul Johnson were Estan Tyler with 22 points and Marcus Marshall
with 15 points. The leading scorer for St. Paul Harding was Johnathin Hall with 13 points.

I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boys’ Hoops. Check out his thoughts of the St. Paul Johnson vs. Harding basketball game.

THE #2 RANKED OSSEO ORIOLES TOOK ON THE FALCONS OF ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME THAT WENT INTO DOUBLE OVERTIME

The Osseo boys’ basketball team traveled to Robbinsdale Armstrong for a game. Osseo came
into the game with a record of 7-1 in the conference and 11-1 overall. Armstrong came into the
game with a record of 6-1 in the conference and 11-1 overall. Osseo came into the game ranked
#2 in the state in class AAAA behind Hopkins in the latest poll according to the Minneapolis
Star Tribune.

Armstrong started the game in a man-to-man defense. On the offensive end they looked to get
the ball into the hands of Levi Abercrombie.

Armstrong started on fire. They were able to make most of their shots that they put up. That
didn’t stop Osseo from playing defense.

Osseo was able to drop some shots. They didn’t get frustrated. They kept on going after
Armstrong.

Osseo looked to get the ball into the hands of Darren James Herbert. Herbert did a good job of
driving to the basket and he was able to make shots in transition.

Abercrombie did a good job finishing shots around the basket.

Armstrong got out to 19-10 lead with 10:30 left in the first half.

Osseo played an aggressive man-to-man defense. They were not able to contain the Armstrong
shooters in the first half.

KJ Bluford for Armstrong did a good job of knocking down shots in the first half. His
teammates knew where he was on the court. They did a good job of getting him the ball.

Armstrong came out on fire in the first half. They were able to knock down their shots. Osseo
had trouble shooting the ball in the first half.

At halftime the score was Robbinsdale Armstrong 35 and Osseo 21.

As the second half got underway Osseo looked much more patient on the offensive end. They
took their time on the offensive end. Osseo also did a better job of passing the ball around the
three-point line.

Abcrombie continued to go hard to the basket in the second half. The Osseo players had a hard
time of defending him. He continued to do a good job of penetrating to the basket.

Osseo came out and used a good man-to-man defense in the second half. They wanted to shut
down the shooters for Armstrong.

Osseo tried to make a comeback midway through the second half. They wanted to cut down the
deficit. Osseo went on a run.

Terez Wayne VanPelt did a good job of finding the basket in the second half. He did a good job
of running the Osseo offense.

Joey Sonnenfeld came up big as he also was able to knock down some key three-point shots in
the second half.

With 9:31 left in regulation the score was Armstrong 48 and Osseo 40.

Both teams continued to go hard at each other late in the contest. Both teams dove on the floor
after loose balls and got after it.

Osseo got within a point as Vanpelt shot a three point shot with 3:50 left to make the score
Armstrong 54 and Osseo 53.

The score went back and forth late in the game. Osseo called its last timeout with 45.8 seconds
left to in the game. The score was Armstrong 59 and Osseo 58.

Bridge Tusler for Osseo hit a shot at the buzzer to tie the game at 61.

In the overtime period both teams continued to shoot the ball well. They also played very tough
defense.

Armstrong made some shots midway through the overtime period. Osseo didn’t help themselves
as they committed some costly turnovers late in the overtime period.

Sonnenfeld hit a long three-point shot with less than 20 seconds to go to tie the game at 64.

At the end of the first overtime the score was tied at 64.

In the second overtime Curtis came out and drained a nice jump shot to give Armstrong a 2-point
advantage. The score went back and forth in the second overtime as each team traded baskets.

In a hard fought game Osseo came away with the 73-70 double overtime victory over
Robbinsdale Armstrong.

The leading scorers for Osseo were Joey Sonnenfeld with 25 points and Terez Wayne VanPelt
finished with 22 points. The leading scorer for Armstrong was Marquel Curtis with 28 points.

I thought that both of these teams played hard throughout the game. The game was played with a
lot of emotion and energy. It felt like two big time teams were going at it. The atmosphere in the
gym was electric. It was a fun game to do.

I was joined by the Czar of Twin Cities Boys’ Hoops. Check out his thoughts of the Osseo VS Armstrong match-up.

MACALESTER SCARES AUGSBURG AS GAME COMES DOWN TO THE WIRE IN MEN’S BASKETBALL ACTION

The Augsburg Aggies took on the Macalester Scotts in a men’s basketball game at Macalester
College. Augsburg came into the game with a record of 8-4. Macalester came into the game with
a record of 1-11.

Macalester started out the game in a man-to-man defense. They looked to apply full court
pressure.
 

Augsburg countered with man-to-man defense.
 

Neither team started out shooting the ball well as they both took their time on the offensive end.
 

Macalester’s Chris Quinn ran their offense. He did a good job of getting his teammates involved
in the offensive plays.
 

Macalester looked to push the ball in transition. As soon as Augsburg shot the ball the
Macalester players were fighting for the rebounds and they were looking to get the ball to the
other end of the court as quickly as they could.
 

Augsburg looked for Coty Polta on the low block. When Polta got the ball on the block he
dropped stepped and powered the ball strong to the basket.
 

Augsburg’s Anthony Humphrey did a good job of calling for the ball when he was open.
 

Humphrey was able to hit a few nice little jump shots from right inside the paint area. He was
also able to get his teammates in open positions on the court and feed them the ball for assets. On
the defensive end Humphrey did a good job of defending them.
 

The teams traded baskets throughout the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run. Both
teams played very well on the defensive end. They dove on the ground after loose balls and went
after each other throughout the half.
 

Parker Hines for Augsburg came alive late in the half as he was able to drain a late three-point
shot to give Augsburg an emotional lift.
 

For Augsburg Andy Gresiak-Grimm had a nice jump shot as he was able to score the basket at
will sometimes.
 

In a very close first half at halftime the score was Augsburg 29 and Macalester 28.
Macalester got the ball back to start the second half. They wanted to come out and keep playing
hard. They used a lot of time off the shot clock.
 

Augsburg started the second half in a zone defense. They wanted to spread Macalester out and
force them to take long three-point shots.
 

Augsburg continued to look for Grim on the offensive end. Grim kept on going to the basket and
trying to find opportunities to shoot and score.
 

Augsburg went on a run midway through the second half. They were able to build a nine point
lead with 16:00 left to go.
 

Macalester was not able to get their shots to drop in the second half.
 

Augsburg’s Brett Sorenson came to life in the second half as he was able to knock down shots.
 

Macalester made a run with just under 7:00 left to go in regulation. The score with 6:29 left to go
was Augsburg 56 and Macalester 42.
 

Humphrey continued to go after loose balls late in the game.
 

With 4:33 left in regulation the score was Augsburg 56 and Macalester 49.
 

Macalester made a run late in the game. They were able to step up and make their shots.
 

Macalester couldn’t catch Augsburg down the stretch.
 

Augsburg was able to come away with the 66-57 victory over Macalester.

For Augsburg they shot 23-51 from the field 4-16 from the three-point line and 16-23 from the
free throw line. They were led in scoring by Andy Grzesiak-Grimm with 22 points.

For Macalester they shot 22-62 from the field, 4-20 from the three point line and 1-2 from the
free throw line. They were led in scoring by Kyle Hambett with 12 points and Colin Keeley and
Colin Jarvis with 10 points each.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA RESPONDS TO TREVOR MBAKWE’S ARREST

By U of M Athletic Communications  January 11, 2011 

University of Minnesota director of athletics Joel Maturi and men’s head basketball coach Tubby Smith announced Wednesday that that there would be no change in the playing status of junior forward Trevor Mbakwe.

“Trevor had a lapse in judgment,” Smith said. “I believe his actions were well intended, but misguided, and we have made the decision not to suspend him after looking into the matter further. We believe this is the appropriate thing for Trevor and the program at this time. We view this as an educational opportunity for all of our players.”

Mbakwe sent a Facebook message to a former girlfriend in violation no-harassment order that both parties agreed to in August of 2009. Mbakwe had not been in contact with the individual since that date.

The message Mbakwe sent via Facebook read: “I know we haven't talked in forever and trust me I'm not trying to start any drama with nobody in your life or anything. I just wanted to wish u the best with everything and I hope all has been well with you and your family. I am still disappointed how everything played out and I do wish that in the future we could be cool again. Idk how u r going to take this msg hopefully its not bad but I just wanted to wish u a happy new year and send out a congrats for graduating. I've been well I'm finally playin bball again in everything down in miami finally got taken care of thank god. Well idk if u will respond or not but best wishes for 2011.”

Smith said will have no further comment on the issue today.

The Gophers will hold their usual pre-game media availability on Wednesday following practice at approximately 11:30 a.m. in Williams Arena in advance of their Thursday night home game vs. Purdue.