HOPKINS WENT UP AGAINST EDEN PRAIRIE IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL CONTEST

The Hopkins Royals traveled to Eden Prairie to take on the Eagles in a boys' basketball game. Hopkins came into the game with an overall record of 15-1. Eden Prairie had a record of 13-3.

Siyani Chambers launched a deep three-point shot to give Hopkins the first points of the game.

Hopkins looked to get the ball into the hands of Zachary Stahl. Stahl was camped out on the low block asking for the ball. His teammates knew where he was.

Hopkins jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead with 14:23 left in the first half. That is when Eden Prairie called their first timeout.

Eden Prairie's Sander Mohn hit the first basket with 13:30 left in the first half. That made the score 12-2.

Andre Wallace brought the ball down the floor for Eden Prairie. He wanted to get by his defenders but the defense that Hopkins played made it difficult to do.

Jamal Dale Davis for Hopkins came up with some nice steals. He was not only able to score off the steals, he got fouled and made his free-throws.

Eden Prairie called a timeout with 9:01 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 20 and Eden Prairie 6.

Eden Prairie’s Abrian Carpenter was all over the court. He was able to get rebounds. Carpenter ran the offense and got his teammates involved in the game.

Eden Prairie didn't give up in the first half. They kept on battling Hopkins. Eden Prairie did a good job of trying to look for their shots.

Siyani Chambers nailed a half court three-point shot as the buzzer sounded to end the first half.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 46 and Eden Prairie 27.

Hopkins did a good job of finishing plays in transition. They had a lot of fast break opportunities and they were able to score on a majority of them.

Wallace was all over the floor. He was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor.

Hopkins went to a full court press and that raised all sorts of problems for Eden Prairie. The Eden Prairie guards had a very difficult time bringing the ball down the court.

Hopkins kept the defensive pressure on the whole game.

Eden Prairie went on a run midway through the second half. Hopkins called a timeout with 12:38 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 54 and Eden Prairie 35.

Hopkins looked to kill the clock as much as they could after that timeout. They would dribble around the three-point line and get as many passes in as they could before they shot the ball.

Eden Prairie went on a run and Hopkins had difficulty shooting for a period of time.

Hopkins called a timeout with 10:53 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 52 and Eden Prairie 41.

Eden Prairie switched up between zone and man-to-man defense to try to confuse Hopkins.

Hopkins went back to a half court man-to-man defense.

In a good game and a fun contest to watch, Hopkins came away with the 76-59 victory over Eden Prairie.

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Nicholas Jorgenson with 19 points, Siyani Chambers with 18 points, Demitrius Martin with 15 points, and Zachary Stahl with 11 points. Hopkins shot 30-50 from the field that included going 6-13 from behind the three-point line. They shot 10-13 from the free-throw line. Hopkins brought down 27 total rebounds including 21 on the defensive end.

The leading scorers for Eden Prairie were Sander Mohn and Andre Wallace with 17 each. Eden Prairie shot 22-59 from the field that included going 9-19 from behind the three-point line. They shot 6-7 from the free-throw line. Eden Prairie brought down 33 total rebounds including 16 on the defensive end.

Bud Grant, the father of the Eden Prairie Athletic Director Mike Grant, was in the building watching the game along with Sid Hartman. Dave Lee from WCCO radio was also watching the game with them.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of Hopkins vs. Eden Prairie game.

GET TO KNOW QUINTON LEE HOOKER

Quinton Lee Hooker was born in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on January 22, 1995. Hooker has two older sisters and one younger brother.

Hooker plays basketball for Park Center High School. He plays the guard spot. Hooker will graduate from high school in June 2013.

To Hooker basketball is an escape. If he is having a bad day he likes to think about his game and thinks about how he can improve his play.

During the summer he plays AAU basketball for the Howard Pulley Panthers based out of the Twin Cities in Minnesota.

He gave up football to concentrate on basketball. In his free time Hooker likes hanging out with his friends and having a good time. He is currently taking a college course at the University of Minnesota with a program called Post-Secondary Enrollment Option.

I have seen this young man play basketball many times. He has a passion for the game. Hooker is very easy to get a long with. On the court he understands the game. This young man has a great future ahead of him on and off the court. He has a solid basketball game and a great shot. Whatever program he is a part of, he is a great asset to that program.

In the first 16 games of the 2011-2012 basketball season, Hooker averaged 26.1 ppg for his team.

TOTINO-GRACE WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Totino-Grace from Fridley, Minnesota took on Minneapolis Washburn in a boys' basketball game.

Totino-Grace jumped out to a quick 7-3 lead with 15:00 left in the first half.

Washburn's Dwight Anderson hit some big three-point shots to start the game. Anderson was all over the floor. On the offensive end he was able to blow by his defenders and get to the basket.

Both teams pushed the ball down the court well. They were able to get easy baskets in transition.

Washburn went on a run midway through the first half. Totino-Grace was not able to hit shots.

Charles Smith nailed some key deep three-point shots for Washburn.

Andrew Mortiko for Totino-Grace made some nice layups. He kept his team in the game.

Washburn went on a run to end the first half.

At halftime the score was Washburn 43 and Totino-Grace. 29.

Washburn continued to pound the ball down the court. Totino-Grace made it difficult for Washburn to hit their shots.

Totino-Grace stayed in their zone defense. Washburn did a good job of getting through the zone defense.

Totino-Grace went on a run with 15:00 left in regulation. Washburn stood their ground though.

Nick Carr came up with some key baskets in the paint for Totino-Grace. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball when he was open.

Totino Grace never gave up. I thought that both teams played hard the entire game.

Washburn was able to get steals on the defensive end and brought them down and scored on the offensive end.

Totino-Grace got to within 5 points with 5:30 left in regulation.

Washurn went on a run to end the game.

It was a game that had a lot of action and was a hard fought battle from the start. Washburn came away with the 81-62.

The leading scorers for Totino-Grace were Andrew Moriko with 13 points and Nice Carr with 29 points.

The leading scorers for Washburn were Dwight Anderson with 23 points and Jerry Pratt with 12 points.

To see photo coverage of this game, go to f/go. www.f-go.us

ROBBINSDALE COOPER WENT UP AGAINST MINNNEAPOLIS SOUTH IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks went up against Minneapolis South in a boys' basketball game. South came into the game with a record of 4-10. Cooper came into the game with a record of 5-9.

South started out in a zone defense. They didn't want Cooper to take easy shots. South got the ball into the hands of Thomas Edison Ford. Ford was all over the court. On the defensive he was able to slow down the guy he was guarding.

Cooper went to a full court press early in the contest. The pressure didn't seem to bother South. South's guards were able to bring the ball down the court under duress.

Rashad Deandre Vaughn came up with some nice blocks. He can get over people. On the offensive end he could pull up and knock down some deep three-point shots.

Cooper jumped out to an early 21-12 lead with 10:00 minutes left in the first half.

South didn't get frustrated that their shots were not falling. They kept on driving to the baskets and taking shots that they thought that they could make.

Carnell Sheppard was able to hit his shots. His teammates got him the ball where they thought that he could hit shots.

Cooper went on a run late in the first half. The South players didn't get down on themselves. They kept on going after loose balls and rebounds.

At halftime the score was Cooper 42 and South 25.

Carnell Sheppard was all over the court for South.

Michigan State was in the building watching Rashad Deandre Vaughn from Cooper.

South continued to struggle in shooting the ball from the floor in the second half. They played hard throughout the game.

Isaiah Wilson for South guarded his man well. He made it hard for him to shoot over him.

South didn't back down. They fought hard the whole game. Ford was able to drop a few baskets late in the contest to keep South alive.

Cooper came away with the 77-65 victory over South. I thought that both teams played hard and competed the whole game. Vaughn played well and didn't give up.

The leading scorers for South were Thomas Edison Ford with 28 and Carnell Sheppard with 19 points.

The leading scorers for Cooper were Rashad Deandre Vaughn with 34 points, LeRoy Taylor with 12 points, and Billy Kellogg and Eric Brown with 10 points each.

To see photo coverage of this game, go to f/go. www.f-go.us

 

LAKEVIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST PRAIRIE SEEDS ACADEMY IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Prairie Seeds Academy (PSA) went up against Lakeview Christian Academy in a boys' basketball game. The game started out with a quick pace.

The teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the contest. PSA pushed the ball down the court in transition. They were were able to get easy baskets.

Anders Broman for Lakeview got his shot going. He stepped behind the three-point line and knocked down shots. PSA always had a guy guarding him when he was playing behind the three-point line.

PSA used both man-to-man defense and zone defense in the first half. They were able to keep Lakeview Christian guessing on what defense they were playing.

The defensive pressure that each team played was good as neither team gave up any easy shot.

Troy Lamont May Jr. for PSA made some nice moves to the basket.

Anders Broman picked up his fourth foul with 4:03 left in the first half.

PSA did a good job of making shots in transition. They went on a run late in the first half.

At halftime the score was PSA 55 and Lakeview Christian 37.

Bjorn Broman for Lakeview Christian drained back-to-back three-point shots. Lakeview Christian attacked the basket to start the second half.

Lakeview Christian started the second half off on a run.

PSA called a timeout with 14:22 left in regulation. The score was PSA 57 and Lakeview Christian 48.

Trent Pollard for PSA made some nice jump shots that kept his team in the game.

Both teams had players who were in foul trouble midway through the second half.

The game was tied at 71with 7:32 left in regulation.

The lead went back and forth throughout the second half.

Lakeview Christian called a timeout with 6:00 left in regulation. The score was PSA 79 and Lakeview Christian 74.

The game came down to the wire.

PSA came away with the 90-88 over Lakeview Christian.

The leading scorers for Lakeview Christian were Andres Broman with 30 points, Bjorn Broman with 25 points, and Luke Brochardt with 20 pints.

The leading scorers for Prairie Seeds Academy were Devin Buckley with 21 points, Trent Pollard with 20 points, Gage Deis with 16, and Adrian Bush with 13 points.

DULUTH EAST WENT UP AGAINST HOLY ANGELS IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Duluth East Greyhounds traveled to Richfield, Minnesota for a basketball game against Holy Angels.

Holy Angels looked to set the tempo of the game early. Duluth East looked to use a full court man-to-man press. They made it hard for Holy Angels to get the ball down court.

Duluth East guard Johnny Bernard Woodard took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to get his defender to foul him and got to the free throw line.

Duluth East got the ball into the hands of Akolda Manyang the center. He took the ball hard to the basket and made nice layups close to the basket.

Duluth East looked to take time off the clock by passing the ball around the three-point line. It was easy for them to do that because Holy Angels was in a zone defense.

Holy Angels was worried if Duluth East took a long-range three-point shot. They would let them take that shot. They were more worried if they took shots within the three-point line.

Holy Angels got the ball into the hands of Danny Sullivan. Sullivan shot the ball well and hit shots.

Holy Angels was not afraid to shoot the ball. They looked to shoot the three-point shot. Duluth East did a good job of defending the Holy Angels shooters.

The speed of the game picked up for a bit with about 7:00 left in the first half. Both teams were settling on the first shot they could take and would shoot it on the first chance they got instead of getting into an offensive pattern.

Shaq Coleman for Duluth East did a good job of getting to the basket with the ball. He looked to get layups.

The score was close throughout the first half. Neither team went on a run in the first half.

Holy Angels took time off the clock late in the first half. They passed the ball around the three-point line just like Duluth East did earlier in the contest.

Taylor Stafford for Duluth East hit a three-point shot at the buzzer to make the halftime score Duluth East 32 and Holy Angles 30.

Holy Angels started the second half in a zone defense. They were successful in the zone the first half.

There were several ties and lead changes in the game. Neither team gave up easy shots.

Holy Angels came up with some defensive steals and they were able to score layups on the offensive end.

Duluth East went on a run midway through the second half. They were able to get a 50-42 lead with 11:25 left in regulation.

Duluth East did a good job of getting the ball down the court and scoring baskets in transition in the second half.

Holy Angels tried to get back in the game but Duluth East stepped up their defensive pressure and that made it difficult to make shots.

Duluth East held the ball and swung it around the three-point line late in the game to take as much time off the clock.

In a hard fought game Duluth East came away with the 81-68 victory over Holy Angels.

I thought that both teams played well throughout the game. I was impressed by the play of Duluth East's Woodard and Akolda Manyang.

The leading scorer for Holy Angels was Danny Sullivan with 29 points. The leading scorers for Duluth East were Johnny Woodard with 34 points, Taylor Stafford with 24, and Akolda Manyang with 17 points. 

 

ANOKA RAMSEY COMMUINTY COLLEGE RECEIVES VERBAL COMMITMENTS

According to assistant women's basketball coach Rob Lee Grace, on Jan 25, 2012, the Anoka Ramsey Community College Golden Rams Women's Basketball team has received verbal commitments from the following players.

Marliah Guerra Edwards (St Paul Central 2012)

Arianna Fuller (Prairie Seeds Academy 2012)

Angelique (Anna) Moore (Minneapolis Edison 2010)

Chandera Riley (Minneapolis North 2008)

STEVEN'S SPORTS REPORT TO COVER THE BOYS' BASKETBALL SUPER 60 SHOWCASE AT MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN HIGH SCHOOL

On Saturday January 28, 2012 Steven's Sports Report will be covering the boys' basketball Super 60 Showcase at Minneapolis Washburn High School.

Prairie Seeds Academy vs. Lakeview Christian Academy 3:30 PM

Robbinsdale Cooper vs. Minneapolis South 5:30 PM

Minneapolis Washburn #2 AAA vs. Totino-Grace H.S Game time 7:30 PM

According to the Super 60 Sports web site. “Super 60 Sports caters to 6-12 grade athletes who are serious about pushing themselves to become great athletes. We employ a highly qualified group of professionals who focus on all aspects of athlete development; from healthy eating to skill development and game strategy.

Our approach is designed to develop lower-skilled athletes, push mid-level athletes and motivate high-performing athletes.

Participants gain health and sports knowledge they can apply to their individual development.

To improve we encourage participants to work hard during all training activities and to continue the same level of dedication after training. Age specific trainings are scheduled regularly and our staff provides participants with homework to keep participants developing between sessions. Like they say, "There is no glory in practice but without practice there is no glory."

ANDRE TRAVARIS MCDONALD IS HEADED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA AFTER ALL

Hopkins basketball and football player Andre Travaris McDonald will be going to the University of Minnesota to play football after all. McDonald recommitted to the Gopher program.

McDonald made a verbal commitment last year to play for Kill but switched to Vanderbilt before opening up his recruitment again.

Vanderbilt was in the stands watching McDonald play basketball at the Minnesota Timberwolves Shootout in January 2012.

MINNEHAHA ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST HOLY FAMILY IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Minnehaha Academy Redhawks went up against Holy Family Catholic High School in a boys' basketball game.

Both teams didn't waste any time attacking the basket. Minnehaha started in a man-to-man defense. They looked to pressure Holy Family and take them out of the game.

It took a while for each of these teams to figure out what the other one was doing offensively.

Holy Family did a good job of breaking the press.

Kaharri Carter got hot for Minnehaha was able to score a few baskets in transition.

Holy Family switched between man-to-man and zone defense.

Minnehaha did a good job of scoring baskets in transition. Carter continued to hit shots. He was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor.

Neither team went on a run in the first half. The score was close.

Asante Simmons for Minnehaha did a good job getting his teammates involved in the offense. If he though that his teammates had a better shot he would pass it to them and get them involved in the offense.

Minnehaha passed the ball around the three-point line to take time off the clock.

At halftime the score was Minnehaha Academy 32 and Holy Family 30.

Holy Family stayed in zone defense to lead off the second half. They continued to push the ball down the court.

Neither team went on a run. I though that they both played hard on the defensive end.

Both teams traded baskets midway through the second half. They didn't give up easy baskets.

Minnehaha stayed in their man-to-man defense. They didn't let Holy Family score easy baskets.

The score was tied at 42 with 9:16 left in regulation.

The score went back and forth late in the contest.

Joe Hanel did a good job of making shots for Holy Family. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball.

Carter did a nice job of finding the basket late in the contest. He gave his team an edge on the offensive end.

Minnehaha passed the ball around the three-point line late in the contest to take time off the clock.

Minnehaha came away with the 66-55 victory over Holy Family.

The leading scorers for Holy Family were Joe Hanel with 15 points, Jake Dryer with 11 points, and Joe Conroy with 9 points.

The leading scorers for Minnehaha Academy were Gerald McCarver with 20 points, Jesse Johnson with 12 points, and Kaharri Carter with 10 points.

JORDAN MICHEAL TAYLOR NAMED BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK

According to the Big 10 conference Minnesota native Jordan Micheal Taylor has been name named this week's Big Ten Player of the Week for the week of January 23, 2012. According to a press release from the University of Wisconsin, “After averaging 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in a pair of Badgers victories last week, Jordan Taylor was named the Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time in his career.”

Taylor graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret's High School in Minnesota.

AUGSBURG WENT UP AGAINST BETHEL IN A MEN'S BASKETBALL GAME

Augsburg College traveled to Bethel University for a men's basketball game. Augsburg came into the game with a record of 11-5. Bethel had a record of 8-7.

It took a while for each team to get a feel for what the other one was going to do on the court. Bethel started out in a zone defense. Augsburg countered with half court man-to-man defense.

Augsburg's Andy Giesika-Grimm caught fire early. He made some nice jump shots for his team.

Bethel got the ball into the hands of Taylor Hall who scored the first four points of the game. Daniel

Baah also got hot and stepped up and knocked down shots.

Both teams traded baskets for a period of time.

The defensive pressure displayed by each team made it difficult for either of them to make easy baskets.

Augsburg's Cory Polta got his shot going midway through the first half. He was able to step up and make jump shots.

Bethel's John De Cleene came away with some nice offensive rebounds. He was able to get the ball to his guards who would set up plays for easy baskets.

Anthony Humphrey for Augsburg was all over the court. He would take his time on the offensive end and get his teammates involved in the plays. Humphrey was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. If he thought that it was not a good shot however Humphrey would pass it to his teammate.

David Weber for Augsburg got hot late in the first half. He was able to nail some jump shots.

At halftime the score was Augsburg 27 and Bethel 24.

Augsburg started the second half in a zone defense. They wanted to spread the Bethel defenders out and force them to take bad shots.

Augsburg did a good job of attacking the glass on the offensive end. The guards did a good job of getting the ball down the court and the whole team did a good job of moving without the ball.

Giesika-Grimm continued shoot the ball well in the second half. His teammates got him the ball where they thought he could hit shots.

Quinn Gorski for Bethel made a couple of nice fast break layups to keep his team in the game.

Augsburg called a timeout with 12:20 left in regulation. The score was Augsburg 41 and Bethel 37.

Taylor Hall for Bethel came up big for his team. He knocked down some big shots when his team looked for him to shoot. Hall made mostly jump shots and layups.

Humphrey did a good job of slowing down the guy that he was guarding. He didn't let many guys get by him when he was playing defense.

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

Baah and De Cleene found each other on the floor and Bahh made a nice pass to De Cleene who made a nice layup. They knew where each other were on the court.

Bethel went into a full court press with just under 7:30 left to go in regulation. They went on a run.

Augsburg walked the ball down the court and swung the ball around the three-point line.

Augsburg called a timeout with 5:39 left in regulation. The score was Bethel 57 and Augsburg 48.

Augsburg couldn't recover after Bethel went on their run with 7:30 left in regulation.

Bethel came away with the 72-55 victory over Augsburg.

The leading scorers for Augsburg were Tyler Schmidt with 19 points and Andy Grzesiak-Grimm and Cory Polta with 12 points each. Augsburg shot 18-50 from the field. That included going 8-20 from behind the three-point line. They were 11-16 from the free throw line. They brought down 32 total rebounds including 22 on the defensive end.

The leading scorers for Bethel were Daniel Baah with 21 points and Taylor Hall with 18 points. Bethel shot 28-57 from the field. That included going 4-12 from behind the three-point line. They were 12-18 from the free throw line. They brought down 32 total rebounds including 23 on the defensive end.

OSSEO WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

 Photos by Carl Hoang

Two of the top boys' basketball programs took to the court in a boys' basketball game. Osseo went up against Hopkins. Both teams had records of 14-1.

Osseo won the tip. Both teams looked to set the tempo early. Hopkins started the game out in zone defense.

Hopkins got the ball into the hands of Siyani Chambers. Siyani Chambers directed the Hopkins offense. He was able to let his teammates know where they were supposed to be on the floor.

Hopkins jumped out to a 12-2 lead with 15:00 left in the first half.

Osseo had trouble hitting shots. They didn't get frustrated as their shots didn't fall.

Chambers was quick with the ball. He made some good fast break lay-ups.

Andre Travaris McDonald came into the game at 12:57. McDonald is a spark plug for the Hopkins offensive. He is just a workhorse on both ends of the floor.

Osseo called a timeout with 11:51 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 12 and Osseo 11.

Zach Stahl for Hopkins moved well without the ball on the offensive end. He was always cutting and looking for the ball.

Osseo's Michael Brush got some good looks at the basket. He was able to beat his defender and get to the basket.

Hopkins went to a full court press. They also trapped the Osseo guards and that made it difficult for the guards to bring the ball down the court. Hopkins got steals and was able to score quick baskets.

Darren James (DJ) Hebert stepped up and made some clutch three-point shots for Osseo.

Bridgeport Tusler for Osseo was all over the glass on both ends of the floor. He was able to bring down some rebounds.

Osseo called a timeout with 2:23 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 39 and Hopkins 38.

Osseo took their time on the offensive end to end the first half.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 46 and Osseo 43.

Hopkins continued to push the ball down the court. Demetrius Martin shot the ball well. His teammates looked for him on the offensive end and were able to get him the ball where he could shoot it.

Hopkins went on a run to open the second half. Even though Osseo had difficulty shooting the ball they didn't quit shooting it.

Turnovers hurt Osseo. Hopkins scored six straight points off of turnovers midway through the second half.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls and battled each other on the boards after rebounds.

Hopkins called a time out with 4:35 left in regulation with the score Hopkins 76 and Osseo 67.

Hopkins was too quick for Osseo. Osseo didn't back down the whole game. They played hard throughout.

Hopkins came away with the 82-68 victory over Osseo.

The leading scorers for Osseo were DJ Hebert with 19 points and Bidgeport Tusler with 16 points.

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Zach Stahl with 27 points and Siyani Chambers with 25 points.

  

FLIP SAUNDERS HAS BEEN FIRED BY THE WASHINGTON WIZARDS

According to ESPN NBA, “Wizards have fired coach Flip Saunders after a 2-15 start. “ Assistant Randy Wittman will take over as as head coach for rest of the season.

HOPKINS WENT UP AGAINST ST. PAUL JOHNSON IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Hopkins went up against St. Paul Johnson in a boys' basketball contest. Going into the game Hopkins had a record of 12-1. Johnson had a record of 6-5.

Both teams looked to get the ball down the court as quickly as they could. They each wanted to set the tempo early.

Hopkins took their time of the offensive end. They passed the ball around the three-point line. Hopkins looked to get the ball into the hands of Siyani Chambers. Chambers was all over the court.

Hopkins Andre Travaris McDonald was all over the floor. He hit shots and strongly drove to the basket.

Marcus Marteze Marshall took the ball hard to the basket. He was not afraid to shoot the ball.

Both teams did a good job of pushing the ball down the court. The pace was quick.

Hopkins moved the ball well on offense. Zachary Stahl had a nice slam dunk that gave his team energy. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guys he defended.

The score was close throughout the first half. Neither team went on a run.

Hopkins switched between man-to-man and zone defense. They were able to keep Johnson guessing at what defense that they were playing.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 44 and Johnson 39.

At 16:04 left in regulation there was a huge shoving match that broke out. After order was restored the game went on as normal.

The game was very physical on both ends of the floor. Both teams gave it everything that they had.

Hopkins went on a little run midway through the second half. Johnson had a hard time making shots for a period of time.

Jamal Dale Davis for Hopkins made shots. His teammates knew where he was on the floor and they got him the ball.

I thought that both teams played well throughout the whole game. Johnson didn't back down to Hopkins.

Hopkins came away with the 99-83 victory over Johnson. 

 

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY BELL SCORES 19 POINTS IN 76-71 VICTORY

Minneapolis native Troy Bell is back overseas playing basketball in Italy. Bell scored 19 points for Ass.Pallacanestro Sant' Antimo in their 76-71 victory over Centrale-Latte 76-71 on Sunday January 22, 2012.
 

JOSEPH VINCENT “JOE” PATERNO HAS PASSED AWAY

Former Penn State University head football coach Joseph Vincent "Joe" Paterno has passed a way due to cancer.

According to ESPN, “Paterno's son Scott said on November 18, 2012 that his father was being treated for lung cancer. The cancer was diagnosed during a follow-up visit for a bronchial illness. A few weeks after that revelation, Paterno also broke his pelvis after a fall but did not need surgery.”

Paterno was an assistant coach for the 1950-1965 seasons. Then he became the head coach in 1966 through 2011.

At the beginning of the 2011 football season there was a sex abuse scandal that rocked Penn State University and one of his former assistant coaches. On January 12, 2012 the Penn State board of trustees fired Paterno in the wake of the sex abuse scandal that sent shock waves through Penn State.

GALE-ETTRICK-TREMPEALEAU WENT UP AGAINST ST. PAUL CENTRAL IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau (GET) went up against St. Paul Central in a boys' basketball game.

Central looked to get the ball into the hands of Markus Jermon Taylor-Knighten. Taylor-Knighten was all over the court. He was able to hit shots.

GET went on a run to start the game. They got off to an early 9-4 run with 14:00 left in regulation.

GET was in a zone defense. They looked to spread Central out.

Central had a hard time making shots from the field.

GET got the ball in the hands of their guard Riley Bambenek. He was all over the floor. Bambenek made some nice baskets in the first half.

Central didn't get down on themselves. They kept on attacking the basket. Central tried to make a comeback late in the first half.

At halftime the score was GET 41 and Central 23.

Central stayed in their full court press. GET was able to get right around the Central defenders.

GET came away with the overwhelming 66-44 victory over Central.

LaCROSSE AQUINAS WENT UP AGAINST EDEN PRAIRIE IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

LaCrosse Aquinas went up against Eden Prairie in a boys' basketball game. The game got off to a quick start as each team traded baskets.

Eden Prairie got the ball into the hands of Abrian Carpenter. Carpenter was all over the floor. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the other guy.

Eden Prairie got a couple of quick shots to fall. Aquinas didn't get back down as they didn't give up on either end.

Eden Prairie's Andre Wallace was all over the court. On the offensive end he was able to blow by his defenders.

Carpenter was able to make some good wide open lay-ups. Wallace continued to drive hard to the basket.

Aquinas didn't back down in the first half even though it was tough for them to make a shot.

Eden Prairie went on a run to end the first half.

At halftime the score was Eden Prairie 49 and LaCrosse Aquinas 25.

Nolan Ritter for LaCrosse was all over the court. He was able to knock down shots.

Sander Mohn for Eden Prairie got hot in the second half. Mohn was all over the floor.

Eden Prairie didn't let off the gas in the second half. LaCrosse was not able to get their shots to drop in the game.

Eden Prairie came away with the commanding 72-45 victory over LaCrosse Aquinas.

The leading scorers for LaCrosse Aquinas were Quinn McCartney with 14 points and Nolan Ritter with 13 points. LaCrosse shot 18-52 from the field. That included going 4-12 from behind the three-point line. They were 5-8 from the free throw line. They brought down 39 total rebounds including 26 on the defensive end.

The leading scorers for Eden Prairie were Sander Mohn and Abrian Carpenter with 15 points each. Andre Wallace and Anthony Anderson each scored 11 points. Eden Prairie shot 29-74 from the field. That included going 6-22 from behind the three-point line. They were 8-9 from the free throw line. They brought down 44 total rebounds including 24 on the defensive end.