Hopkins star Nia Coffey commits to Northwestern | MN Girls Basketball Hub

 By BRIAN STENSAAS, Star Tribune

"Rising star Nia Coffey gave a Big Ten verbal commitment earlier this week, but she's headed south.

The Hopkins forward informed Northwestern of her decision on Wednesday morning, Royals coach Brian Cosgriff confirmed.

Coffey, a 6-foot lefty, is the 43rd-ranked junior in the country and the 13th-best forward according to ESPN Hoop Gurlz. Her 15.6 points per game this season lead Hopkins, which lost its first game of the season Tuesday night to Wayzata."

Hopkins star Nia Coffey commits to Northwestern | MN Girls Basketball Hub

Berggren's late points lift Badgers

By WEUA.com

Jared Berggren scored Wisconsin's final five points -- including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 31 seconds left -- and the 16th-ranked Badgers beat No. 8 Ohio State 63-60 on Sunday.

Berggren's late points lift Badgers

After the hit that left Jack Jablonski paralyzed, the - 02.27.12 - SI Vault

 After the hit that left Jack Jablonski paralyzed, the state of Minnesota rewrote its high school rules, but one hockey mom still agonizes over the choices she—and every parent in her position—has to make

 

By KAREN S. SCHNEIDER 

After the hit that left Jack Jablonski paralyzed, the - 02.27.12 - SI Vault

Jabs rejoins his team | Minnesota Hockey Hub | MN Boys High School Hockey

The Benilde-St. Margaret's varsity boys' hockey team was shrouded in quiet intensity as the players crammed into their small square meeting room Thursday night, a mess of boys fumbling around in their skates and pads.

Jabs rejoins his team | Minnesota Hockey Hub | MN Boys High School Hockey

ROSEVILLE WENT UP AGAINST WOODBURY IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Roseville traveled to Woodbury for a boys' basketball contest. Both teams came into the game with records of 19-4. In their first meeting of the year on Saturday January 1, 2012 Woodbury came away with the 89-75 victory over Roseville.

Both teams started in zone defense. It took awhile to get into their offensive groves.

Roseville looked to get the ball into the hands of guard Logan Donald Brown. On the offensive end Brown was all over the floor. He knew where he was on the offensive end and his teammates did a good job of getting him the ball where they knew that he could shoot it.

Woodbury looked to get the ball into the hands of Renard Suggs. Renard Suggs was not afraid to shoot the ball. He was able to make shots.

Collin Johnson from Roseville was also very active on the offensive end. He got his teammates involved in the offense.

Woodbury went on a run and Roseville took a timeout with 13:20 with the score Woodbury 10 and Roseville 5.

Renard Suggs was not afraid to shoot the three-point shot. He was dead on from wherever he shot.

Roseville went cold for a period of time in the first half. They didn't get down on themselves. Roseville just kept shooting it.

Woodbury kept on hitting shots. They were able to slow down Roseville on the offensive end.

Roseville was ale to stay in the game by hitting shots. They went after loose balls and rebounds.

Roseville head coach Ted Critchley received a technical foul with 5:57 left in the first half for arguing a call.

Roseville held their ground as they chipped away at the deficit.

Brown was not bothered by Woodbury’s defensive pressure. He was able to dribble around it and get past them.

At halftime the score was Woodbury 35 and Roseville 32.

Woodbury started the second half in zone defense. They switched up between man-to-man and zone defense in the first half.

Connor McKeen got his shot going in the second half as he stepped up and nailed a couple of deep three-point shots.

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

Woodbury took a lot of time on the offensive end. They didn't want to rush their shots.

Both teams went after rebounds. When either team shot the ball both teams crashed the boards.

Brown continued to shoot well and hit shots. No one from Woodbury could slow him down.

Neither team gave up easy baskets. I thought that both teams played well and with a lot of emotion. I was impressed by the play of Logan Donald Brown for Roseville. I also liked how hard the Suggs brothers played for Woodbury. Neither team gave up and the game came down to the wire. This was a good high school boys' basketball game. Well coach and well played game by both ball clubs.

Rernard Suggs nailed a three-point shot at the buzzer but Roseville came away with the 77-76 victory over Woodbury.

The leading scorers for Roseville were Logan Donald Brown with 35 points, Mackenzie Johnson with 12 points, and Kobe Critchley with 8 points.

The leading scorers for Woodbury were Renard Suggs with 28 points, Connor McKenne with 17 points, and Rickey Suggs with 14 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Roseville vs. Woodbury game. I was also joined by Aaron Edwards from MYSM. Check out his thoughts of the Roseville vs. Woodbury game. 

 

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL WENT UP AGAINST ST. LOUIS PARK HIGH SCHOOL IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The St. Francis boys' basketball team traveled to St. Louis Park High School for a boys' basketball game. St. Francis came into the game with a record of 9-14. St. Louis Park had a record of 11-12.

St. Louis Park won the tip. On the offensive end they took there time as they wanted to take time off the clock.

St. Francis called a timeout with 16:10 left in the first half. The score was St. Louis Park 5 and St. Francis 0.

St. Louis Park stayed in their man-to-man defense out of the timeout. It was difficult for St. Francis to hit shots.

St. Louis Park did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. They looked to get the ball into the hands of Kashif Hayes. Hayes was all over the floor on the offensive end. He was a quick guard who blew by his defenders.

St. Francis didn't get bothered by not being able to hit shots. They kept on shooting.

St. Louis Park did a good job of scoring baskets in transition. They were able to get the ball out of the St. Francis net and push it down the other end of the floor.

St. Louis Park played mostly man-to-man defense. They did however mix in a little zone defense.

St. Louis Park's Kashif Hayes did a good job of running the offense. He shouted instructions to his teammates and pointed out of the floor where he wanted them to go.

St. Francis called a timeout with 10:10 left in the first half. The score was St. Louis Park 14 and St. Francis 4.

St. Louis Park's Makhi Moore was all over the floor. He took the ball hard to the basket and was able to make easy shots.

St. Louis Park was able to make a lot of fast break baskets.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls and went after rebounds.

St. Louis Park called a timeout with 6:22 left in the first half. The score was St. Louis Park 25 and St. Francis 15.

Austin Carlson hit some key deep three-point shots for St. Francis. He was not afraid to shoot the ball when he was open.

St. Francis went on a run late in the first half.

Austin Carlson for St. Francis found his shot late in the first half. He gave his team energy when he was on the court.

At halftime the score was St. Louis Park 32 and St. Francis 27.

St. Louis Park did a good job setting the tempo early in the second half. They didn't want to give up any easy baskets.

St. Francis didn't back down. They kept on fighting and looking for shots that they thought they could make.

Carlson did a good job of getting rebounds on both ends of the floor.

St. Louis Park called a timeout with 14:12 left in regulation. The score was St. Louis Park 36 and St. Francis 31.

Moore was able to get some steals and turn them into points as he was able to make easy layups.

St. Francis went on a run and made the game close in the second half. St. Louis Park missed some shots and St. Francis took advantage of that as they were able to hit shots.

St. Louis Park looked to kill the clock with just over 6:00 left to go. They spread the floor and passed the ball around the three-point line. That made St. Francis get out of the zone defense and went to a man-to-man defense.

St. Francis didn't quit in the second half. I liked that they kept on playing hard and battling going after loose balls and rebounds. The bench did a good job of cheering for their teammates when they were not in the game. That also was true for St. Louis Park.

St. Francis called a timeout with 4:05 left in regulation. The score was St. Louis Park 51 and St. Francis 45.

I thought that this was a good game. Each team played well throughout the game. I was impressed by the play of Kashif Hayes and DJ Pollard for St. Louis Park and I was over all impressed by the play of the whole St. Francis team. Neither team gave up. St. Francis put up a good fight but in the end St. Louis Park came away with the 64-51 victory St. Francis.

The leading scorers for St. Francis were Jake Johnson with 11 points, Austin Carlson with 10 points, and Andy Julkowski with 9 points.

The leading scorers for St. Louis Park were Kashif Hayes with 19 points, Makhi Moore with 16 points, and DJ Pollard with 14 points. 

TARTAN TOOK ON RICHFIELD IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Tartan Titans took on the Richfield High School Spartans in a boys' basketball game at Richfield High School.

Richfield won the tip and the game was underway. Richfield set up their offense. They looked to pass the ball around the three-point line. They usually looked to get the ball into Shawn Ray Bear's hands or Jared Noonan's hands and they both shot the ball.

Bear was all over the floor. On the offensive end he shouted instructions on where his teammates were supposed to be on the court.

Tartan looked to get the ball into the hands of Darrion Strong. Strong was their floor general. He shouted out plays and directed his team on the offensive end.

Tartan called a timeout with 14:45 left in the first half. The score was Richfield 6 and Tartan 4.

Tartan's center Brody Jackson was all over the rebounds on both ends of the floor. Whenever anyone shot the ball he would go up and get the ball.

Richfield ran a motion offense. They were able to get some easy layups in the first half.

Strong was not afraid to shoot the ball. If strong thought that he had a good shot and his teammates were not open he would shoot the ball. His teammates got him the ball in spots where they thought that he could make it.

Tartan went on a run midway through the first half. Richfield went cold. Richfield didn't panic. They kept on shooting the ball.

Mitch Grohs for Tartan got a nice back door basket that gave his team energy.

The pressure that the Tartan guards were applying troubled the Richfield guards. Tartan guarded well.

Richfield took advantage of fast break opportunities. Deshawn Jones had a nice two handed slam dunk on a fast break. Richfield also looked to get layups in transition.

Richfield went on a run late in the first half. Tartan went cold shooting. Then Richfield got and Tartan headed up to end the half.

Tartan switched between man-to-man and zone defense in the first half. Richfield used mostly man-to-man defense but was not also afraid go zone at times.

At halftime the score was Tartan 31 and Richfield 18.

Richfield looked to push the ball down the court and get easy baskets in transition to start the second half.

Strong continued to lead the offensive fire power for Tartan. Strong was to quick for some of the Richfield guards to handle. 

 

Tartan called a timeout with 15:07 left in regulation. The score was Tartan 37 and Richfield 24.

Jackson used a nice spin move on the low block to get by his defenders and score easy layups.

Richfield hung around. They didn't give up or back down. They just couldn't get any of their shots to drop.

Wibi MacDonald got into the game with just under 11 minutes in regulation. MacDonald was all over the court. On the offensive end he looked for his shot. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guy he was defending.

Strong played well throughout the whole game. He shot the ball well. I thought that Strong did a good job of setting the tempo for his team.

Richfield made a run late in the game.

Darrion Strong looked like he twisted his left ankle with 2:24 left in regulation and was out for the rest of the game.

In a game of runs Tartan held on and beat Richfield by the final score of 71-67.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY BELL SCORES 25 POINTS IN VICTORY

Minneapolis native Troy Bell, who is playing for Pallacanestro Sant'Antimo in Italy, scored 25 points in a 77-70 victory over Tezenis Verona on Sunday February 20, 2012.

Bell is averaging 23.4 points per game through five games that he has played. 

 

MINNEAPOLIS DeLaSALLE WENT UP AGAINST CRETIN-DERHAM HALL IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Minneapolis DeLaSalle Islanders traveled to St. Paul to take on the Raiders from Cretin-Derham Hall High School. Going into the game DeLaSalle had a record of 15-5. Cretin-Derham Hall's record was 14-7.

DeLaSalle started the game in a man-to-man defense. On the offensive end they looked to push the tempo of the game. They took their time on the offensive end.

Cretin-Derham Hall passed the ball around the three-point line as they were able to come out on fire and hit shots.

Cretin-Derham Hall looked to get the ball into the hands of Cortez Tillman. Tillman was all over the court. On the offensive end he found the basket and was able to hit his shots. On the defensive end he was able to slow down his guy that he was guarding.

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

DeLaSalle got the ball into the hands of Ty Moore. Moore was all over the floor. He also found his shot. Moore knew where his teammates were on the floor and instructed them on where they were supposed to be.

Cretin-Derham Hall looked to trap the ball on the defensive end. The DeLaSalle guards did a good job of getting the ball down the court.

At halftime the score was DeLaSalle 29 and Cretin-Derham Hall 25.

DeLaSalle continued to push the tempo of the game in the second half. They didn't want to give up any easy shots to Cretin-Derham Hall.

DeLaSalle swung the ball around the three-point line as they went into a motion offense.

Cretin-Derham Hall's CJ Neumann was all over the floor. He hit the shots that he put up.

Cretin-Derham Hall took a timeout with 11:57 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 38 and Cretin-Derham Hall 28.

Cretin-Derham Hall had difficulty making shots in the second half. They didn't get down on themselves as they kept on taking shots and driving to the basket.

DeLaSalle was too much for Cretin-Derham Hall to handle. DeLaSalle came away with the 64-56 victory over Cretin-Derham Hall.

The leading scorers for Cretin-Derham Hall were Sam Neumann with 22 points, CJ Neumann with 15 points, Cortez Tilman with 6 points, and Taylor Montero with 5 points.

The leading scorers for DeLaSalle were Reid Travis with 20 points, Luke Scott with 16 points, Jarvis Johnson with 10 points, Ross Barker with 9 points, and Tyler Moore with 6 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of the DeLaSalle vs. Cretin-Derham Hall game.

PACT CHARTER SCHOOL TOOK ON CHRIST HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH (CHOF) IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

PACT Charter School traveled to the Salvation Army the home of Christ Household of Faith (CHOF) in a boys' basketball game. PACT came into the game with a record of 6-14. CHOF's record was 8-10.

PACT won the tip. CHOF started the game in a half court man-to-man defense.

PACT looked to swing the ball around the three-point line and get into their offense. They passed and cut in their motion offense.

CHOF was able to get easy baskets in transition. CHOF got the ball into the hands of guard Nate Johnston. Johnston was all over the floor. On the offensive end he directed his teammates and let them know where they were supposed to be.

PACT called a timeout with 13:51 left in the first half. The score was CHOF 12 and PACT 2.

Austin Stone for PACT took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to score some key baskets midway through the first half.

Kit Piepkorn for CHOF looked to shoot the ball from wherever he could. Also Kendall Strandlund was able to get his shot going.

CHOF called a timeout with 8:44 left in the first half. The score was CHOF 14 and PACT 12.

CHOF looked to push the ball down the court as they wanted to get easy baskets in transition.

CHOF played mostly man-to-man defense. PACT switched between man-to-man and zone defense.

Piepkorn was able to hit some long three-point shots to keep his team in the game.

Both teams turned the ball over in the first half. Neither team was able to convert on the turnovers.

CHOF picked up at half court. They didn't use the full court press much in the first half.

At halftime the score was tied at 26.

Danny Mooers took some nice shots for PACT. He was not afraid to shoot it from anywhere on the court.

The score went back and forth throughout the second half. It was a close contest.

PACT stayed in the zone defense in the second half. They wanted to keep the floor spread and not have CHOF get any easy open shots at the basket.

PACT called a timeout with 14:54 left in regulation. The score was tied at 28.

CHOF looked to trap the ball and were able to get steals from the traps.

PACT called another timeout with 13:54 left in regulation. The score was tied at 31.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls and they both went after rebounds on both ends of the floor.

Drew Zieroth for PACT stepped up and knocked down some three-point shots to keep his team in the game.

CHOF called a timeout with 11:06 left in regulation. The score was PACT 40 and CHOF 35.

CHOF went to a full court press. The full court press bothered the PACT guards as they had difficulty bringing the ball down the court.

Both teams picked up the pace of the game for a while as they both pushed the ball down the court and looked to score baskets in transition.

There were several ties and lead changes in the second half.

Tyler Strandlund was a force on the low block. He would get the ball on the low block and would take it strong to the basket.

CHOF called a timeout with 5:53 left in regulation. The score was tied at 49.

PACT was in their zone defense and CHOF passed the ball around the three-point line and that made PACT come out of the zone and go man-to-man defense with about 3:30 left in regulation.

PACT called a timeout with 2:00 left in regulation. The score was CHOF 55 and PACT 52.

Tyler Standlund had a one handed slam dunk with just over a minute to go. That gave his team an emotional boost.

The game came down to the wire. In a hard fought game that the score went back and forth CHOF came away with the 65-54 victory over PACT Charter School.

The leading scorers for PACT were Drew Zieroth with 24 points, Austin Stone with 10 points, Danny Mooers with 8 points and Austin Coons with 6 points.

The leading scorers for CHOF were Kendall Standlund and Tyler Strandlund each with 21 points, and Darian Warneke with 9 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of the PACT Charter School vs. CHOF boys' basketball game.

APPLE VALLEY TRAVELED ACROSS TOWN TO EASTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL FOR A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME IN A BATTLE OF THE VALLEY

It was one of the biggest games of the season in boys' basketball action as Apple Valley took on Eastview High School. Apple Valley came into the game with a record of 17-3. Eastview had a record of 19-1. At the start of the game the atmosphere was just electric in a sold out gym.

Apple Valley looked to set the tempo from the start. They looked to get the ball into the hands of guard

Tyus Robert Jones. Jones ran the offense. He knew where his teammates were supposed to be on the floor.

Both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the contest.

Apple Valley switched between man-to-man and zone defenses. They tried to confuse Eastview.

Jones got on fire. He was able to get into his shooting rhythm. His teammates knew where he was on the floor and they got him the ball where he could have a good chance of scoring.

Neither team went on a run in the first half and the score went back and forth.

Eastview’s Joey King was all over the court. On the offensive end he was able to drop shots that he put up. On the defensive end he was able to slow down his guy that he guarded.

Apple Valley was able to come up with some steals on the defensive end and they were able to score baskets off the steals.

Both teams continued to go after each other late in the first half. Neither team gave up easy shots.

Eastview's Joey King picked up his third personal foul with just over thee minutes in the first half. They look for King's scoring ability on the offensive end.

Eastview's Ben Oberfeld got to the free throw line 8 times and he was able to sink 7 free throws.

Apple Valley spread the floor out and looked to take the last shot. Jones got ripped and Eastview recovered it. And Mark Dwyer got fouled and hit 1-2 free throws with just over 10 seconds left.

At halftime the score was Eastview 36 and Apple Valley 35. Eastview was led in scoring by Joey King with 13 points. Apple Valley was led in scoring by Tyus Robert Jones with 16 points.

Both teams started the second half in a zone defense. They each wanted to slow down the tempo of the game and get control of the game.

Eastview came out on fire in the second half. They took a timeout with 14:41 left in regulation. The score was Eastview 45 and Apple Valley 37.

Jones continued to take the ball hard to the basket. He didn't back down.

Apple Valley went on a run late in the game. The game came down to the wire.

Eastview was too much for Apple Valley to handle. In a good game Eastview came away with 85-75 victory over Apple Valley.

The leading scorers for Apple Valley were Tyus Robert Jones with 45 points, Dustin Fonk with 11 and Dustin Austin with 7. They shot 30-58 from the field that including going 8-18 from behind the three-point line. They shot 7-10 from the free throw line.

Tyus Robert Jones stats were: 18-29 from the field. 4-9 from the three-point line. 5-5 from the free throw line. 45 points. 1 offensive rebound. 5 defensive rebounds. 6 total rebounds. 4 personal fouls. 7 assists. 8 turnovers. 1 block shot. 5 steals in 35:31 minutes. 

 

GET TO KNOW LOUIS EDWARD COX

Luis Edward Cox was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 19, 1992. He has four sisters and two brothers. He is a sophomore at Hibbing Community College.

Cox has been involved in athletics his whole life. Basketball has been a huge part of his life. He said, “Basketball is what keeps me motivated to stay on track. It is my life, my passion. It’s what I get my thrill and high from. I am trying to attend a few colleges camps, or showcases to prove my work. I play football, getting my grades on track. I love to go bowling. I watch ESPN on my spare time if I am not working out. And I like to get extra shots up, and work on my handles. I am very motivated for next season and I am doing and will do any and everything to begin playing next season.”

Cox works hard and knows the game that he loves. He will get to that next level. I have seen him play at many levels. I do have to say Cox is a good kid who will go far in life. 

 

MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST WEST LUTHERAN IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Maranatha Christian Academy traveled to West Lutheran for a boys' basketball game. The game got out to a quick start as

Maranatha got the ball into the hands of Garrison Gillard from the start. Gillard was all over the court.

West Lutheran called a timeout with 15:23 left in the first half. The score was Maranatha 10 and West Lutheran 3.

Maranatha did a good job of pushing the ball down the court and getting easy baskets in transition.

West Lutheran didn't get frustrated at all. They kept on taking shots that they thought that they could make.

Maranatha passed the ball around the three-point line to look for shots. They were dead on in the first half with their shots. There was nothing that West Lutheran could do to slow Maranatha down on the offensive end.

Gillard did a good job of setting up the offense. He knew where his teammates were on the floor and Gilllard got everyone involved in the offense.

The score was close throughout the first half. Neither team was really able to stretch the lead out.

West Lutheran went into a zone defense late in the first half. They wanted to slow down the pace of the game.

Gillard thought that the pace of the game was too frantic for his team. He reminded his teammates to slow the pace of the game down on the offensive end.

Maranatha went on a run to end the first half.

At halftime the score was Maranatha 42 and West Lutheran 26.

West Lutheran got the ball into the hands of Justin Anderson. Anderson was able to step up and knock down some deep shots. On the defensive end he was able to slow down his opponent.

Maranatha continued drive to the basket. They were able to keep hitting their shots.

West Lutheran didn't give up the entire second half. They went after loose balls and rebounds and they also kept shooing the ball.

West Lutheran switched up between man-to-man and zone defense. They waned to keep Maranatha guessing on what kind of defense they were playing.

Maranatha kept their foot on the offensive peddle in the second half. They didn't want to give up any easy shots to West Lutheran. 

 

Isaiah Hanson continued to shoot the ball well in the second half.

West Lutheran went on a run with just over 4:00 left in regulation. That was not enough though as Maranatha came away with the 79-57 victory over West Lutheran.

The leading scorers for Maranatha were Isaiah Hanson with 25 and Garrison Gillard with 14 points.

The leading scorer for West Lutheran was Justin Anderson with 16 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Maranatha vs. West Lutheran boys' basketball game.

 

MINNETONKA TRAVELED TO HOPKINS FOR A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

The Minnetonka boys' basketball team traveled to Hopkins for a boys' basketball game. Minnetonka had a record of 14-4 going into the game while Hopkins had a record of 17-1.

Minnetonka started the game in man-to-man defense. They didn't want want to give up early shots.

Hopkins looked to push the ball down the court and score quick baskets in transition.

Minnetonka got the ball into the hands of Latrell Diquan Love. Love was all over on the court. On the offensive end he looked to score baskets and on the defensive end he wanted to slow his opponent down.

Minnetonka switched up between man-to-man and zone defense. They wanted to confuse Hopkins.

Hopkins guard Siyani Chambers did a good job of pushing the ball down the floor and getting his teammates the ball where they knew they could shoot it.

Minnetonka called a timeout with 11:30 left in the first half the score was Hopkins 19 and Minnetonka 5.

Jamal Dale Davis for Hopkins went to the basket hard. He looked to get fouled when he went to the basket. If he didn't think that he had a good shot he would pass it to his teammates who would look to shoot it.

Minnetonka's Riley Taylor Dearring took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to make some easy baskets. Dearring also was able to step up and knock down free throws when he was fouled.

Andre Travaris McDonald came into the game late in the first half. McDonald gave Hopkins an emotional lift on the court. McDonald who is going to the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship plays with a lot of emotion and passion.

Dearring backed his man down in the low block and looked to put up baskets from there. He had to make his defenders work for them to get the ball from him.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 41 Minnetonka 31.

Hopkins moved the ball well around the three-point line. They looked to get the ball into the hands of Stahl. Stahl got his shot going and was on fire.

Dearring continued to shoot well in the second half.

Hopkins went on a run midway through the second half. Minnetonka had trouble shooting for a period of time.

Jorgenson got a technical foul for slapping the backboard.

Minnetonka stuck around in the second half. They didn't back down from the pressure that Hopkins applied.

Minnetonka took a timeout with 6:41 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 71 Minnetonka 58.

Chambers was all over the court in the second half. He stepped up big by knocking down some deep three-point shots for Hopkins.

Despite a late offensive serge by Minnetonka, Hopkins came away with the 94-76 victory over Minnetonka.

The leading scorers for Minnetonka were Riley Dearring with 20 points and Tommy McDermott with 22 points.

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Zach Stahl with 11 points, Demetrius Martin with 15 points, and Siyani Chambers with 25 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Minnetonka vs. Hopkins boys' basketball game.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES FORWARD KEVIN WESLEY LOVE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR TWO GAMES

According to Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press, “Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love has been suspended two games for stomping on Rockets forward Luis Scola's face in their game on Saturday.”

FEBRUARY FIRST MARKS NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

February 1, 2012 marks the first day that high school football seniors can sign their national letter of intent.

High school football players who are signing their letters of intent today go about it in different ways. Some athletes hold big pep rallies at their high schools while some players don't hold any special ceremonies. They just sign the offer and fax it back to the school.

If you are a football player or you know of a football player who has committed to playing college football send me an email to stevenmgr@hotmail.com with their full name, high school, and college of their choice.

BENILDE-ST. MARGARET'S WENT UP AGAINST SPRING LAKE PARK IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

In a highly anticipated boys' basketball game, Spring Lake Park hosted Benilde-St. Margaret's. Both teams came into the game with records of 16-1. Many of the Twin Cities media outlets were in attendance covering the game. Former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders was also in the stands watching the game. Benilde-St. Margaret's was ranked number 1 in class AAA and Spring Lake Park was ranked number 2 in class AAA.

Benilde started the game in a zone defense. They looked early to spread Spring Lake Park out. Both teams tried to set the tempo.

Sanjay Lumpkin for Benilde was not afraid to shoot the ball. His teammates knew where he was on the floor and got it to him.

The game started off at a quick tempo.

Bryce Williams made nice shots for Spring Lake Park. He hit shots from all over the court.

Sean Scott nailed some deep three-point shots for Spring Lake Park. He kept his team in the game in the first half. On the defensive end Scott was able to slow down the guy he was guarding.

Neither team was afraid to shoot the three-point shot. They were both successful at making them in the first half.

Isaiah Gray for Benilde-St. Margaret's was able to step up and knock down some big shots for his team. That gave his team confidence.

Spring Lake Park went to a full court press. They looked to frustrate the Benilde-St. Margaret's guards by making it hard for them to bring the ball down the court.

At halftime the score was Spring Lake Park40 and Benilde-St. Margaret's 37.

As the second half got underway Spring Lake Park went on a run. They didn't give up any easy shots. Scott nailed a long three-point shot and then on the next defensive play swatted a shot to the third row.

Scott was on fire. He couldn't be stopped. He played with a lot of swagger.

Benilde-St. Margaret's did make a run midway through the second half. They kept on attacking the basket. They fought back and continued to chip way at the deficit.

The score went back and forth late in the contest. Neither team gave up an easy basket.

The game was a sellout. The game was also broadcast on a live stream TV in the Fine Arts Center where an additional 15 or so fans watched the game.

Benilde-St. Margaret's got the score within one at 60-61 with 4:10 left in regulation.

Benilde-St. Margaret's called a timeout with 2:52 left in regulation. The score was Spring Lake Park 63 and Benilde-St. Margret’s 60.

Zireden tied at the game at 65 with 1:00 left to go. Benilde spread the floor out and Lumkin hit a layup with 1.9 seconds left to go to win the game.

Benilde-St. Margaret's came away with the 67-65 victory over Spring Lake Park.

The leading scorers for Benilde-St. Margaret's were Sanjay Lumpkin with 25 points, Isaiah Zierden with 17 points and Isaiah Gray with 13 points.

The leading scorers for Spring Lake Park were Sean Scott with 36 points, Bryce Williams with 12 points and Robert Ben with 9 points. 

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoop Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Benilde-St. Margaret's vs. Spring Lake Park game.

JOEL MATURI RETIRES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

According to Dave Campbell of the Associated Press, “University of Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi will leave his post when his contract expires this summer. Maturi's contract expires on June 30, 2012.”

Maturi was hired at Minnesota on July 12, 2002.

ZAMBONI DRIVER ARRESTED FOR DWI

According to the Associated Press, “Police were called to Hayes Arena Monday night after the Zamboni driver began weaving across the ice and smashing into the boards. Coach Bryan Dornstreich called 911 as the 10-minute ice resurfacing job went on for nearly a half hour.

The driver was convicted of drunken driving in 2002 and twice in 1999.