Thursday, March 31, 2016

HOPKINS WENT UP AGAINST APPLE VALLEY IN A BOYS’ STATE SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On March 10 Hopkins squared off against Apple Valley in the Class 4A State semifinals at the Target Center.

Hopkins pushed the ball down the floor and were able to make layups in transition. 

Hopkins looked to get the ball into the hands of Amir Coffey. Coffey was able to get to the basket and come up with layups.

Apple Valley struggled to shoot the ball throughout the first half. They were not able to come up with shots. Even though they struggled to shoot the ball in the first half, they still shot it.

There was a media timeout with 10:58 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 18, Apple Valley 12.

Apple Valley’s Gary Trent Jr. was all over the floor. On the offensive end he was able to get to the basket and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guy he was guarding.

There was a media timeout with 6:49 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 26, Apple Valley 18.

Hopkins was able to come up with full court layups and mid-range jump shots throughout the first half. Hopkins was able to use their quickness to their advantage as they were able to get loose balls. 

Coffey was able to get steals on defense and turn them into layups on offense. 

Apple Valley’s Tre Jones came up with layups in transition. The Apple Valley offense got going late in the first half. They were able to get open looks at the basket and made their layups.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 34, Apple Valley 33. 

As the second half got underway Hopkins continued to push the ball down the floor and were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

There was a media timeout with 14:05 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 48, Apple Valley 37.

Hopkins was able to get to the basket and come up with layups and jump shots. 

There was a media timeout with 10:15 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 52, Apple Valley 39.

Hopkins continued to push the ball down the floor and were able to get everyone involved in the offense. 

Apple Valley struggled to shoot throughout the second half. Even though Apple Valley struggled offensively they were not afraid to take their shots.

There was a media timeout with 5:30 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 64, Apple Valley 46.

Hopkins continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with shots. 

There was a media timeout with 3:46 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 75, Apple Valley 52.

Hopkins continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with shots. The defensive pressure that Hopkins applied made it difficult for Apple Valley to make shots down the stretch.

Hopkins came away with the 84-60 victory over Apple Valley.

LAKEVILLE NORTH WENT UP AGAINST OSSEO IN THE CLASS 4A STATE SEMIFINAL IN BOYS’ BASKETBALL

On March 10, Lakeville North and Osseo squared off in the Class 4A Semifinals in a boys’ basketball game. The game was played at the Target Center. 

Osseo started the game in a full court press. They looked to move the ball down the floor well and score baskets in transition.

The score went back and forth early in the game. Neither team was able to go on a run early. 

Osseo’s Demario Armstrong was all over the floor. On the offensive end he was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

There was a media timeout with 14:49 left in the first half. The score was Lakeville North 9, Osseo 6.

Osseo did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around to each other and did a good job of communicating with each other. 

Osseo’s Allan Anderson came up with deep 3-point shots that kept his team in the game. 

Lakeville North’s Nathan Reuvers came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Osseo called a timeout with 9:39 left in the first half. The score was Lakeville North 20, Osseo 12.

Both teams went into a scoring slump with just under 9 minutes in the second half. Neither team was able to score.

Osseo’s John Bezdicek came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

There was a media timeout with 6:40 left in the first half. The score was Lakeville North 24, Osseo 20.

After a slow start Osseo was able to step up and knock down shots. 

There was a media timeout with 3:47 left in the first half. The score was Lakeville North 26, Osseo 22.


Osseo continued to push the ball down the floor and move the ball well on the offensive end.

At halftime the score was Lakeville North 32, Osseo 28.

As the second half got underway Osseo continued to look to push the ball down the floor and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Lakeville North pushed the ball down the floor and was able to make their shots in traffic. 

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls and went after rebounds aggressively in the second half. 

There was a media timeout with 15:00 left in regulation. The score was Lakeville North 36, Osseo 31. 

Osseo kept attacking the basket as they were able to come up with layups and mid-range jump shots.

There was a media timeout with 10:15 left in the first half. The score was Lakeville North 42, Osseo 39.

Lakeville North continued to move the ball well down the floor and came up with huge baskets. 

Lakeville North called a timeout with 8:11 left in regulation. The score was Lakeville North 47, Osseo 43.

There were many ties and lead changes throughout the second half. 

There was a media timeout with 6:36 left in regulation. The score was Lakeville North 50, Osseo 48.

The score remained close throughout the second half. Osseo continued to attack the basket and come up with plays.

Lakeville North came away with the 60-56 victory over Osseo.
 

MAPLE RIVER WENT UP AGAINST BRAHAM IN THE CLASS 2A STATE QUARTERFINALS IN THE MSHSL STATE TOURNAMENT

Maple River went up against Braham in the Class 2A Minnesota State High School League boys’ basketball quarterfinals.

Braham did a good job of moving the ball down the floor and scoring baskets in transition early in the game. 

Maple River looked to push the ball down the floor and was able to score baskets in transition.

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

Braham’s Chris Olson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

At halftime the score was Braham 38, Maple River 29.

Maple River did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. They shared the ball well and communicated on both ends of the floor. 

Maple River kept attacking the basket and was able to make their layups and jump shots.

Braham’s Chris Olson and John Larson both came up with huge mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Braham used their quickness to get to the basket and came up with shots.    

Braham came away with the 67-58 victory over Maple River.


DILWORTH-GLYNDON-FELTON WENT UP AGAINST ST. CROIX LUTHERAN IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL STATE QUARTERFINAL GAME

 Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (DGF) squared off against St. Croix Lutheran in a boys’ basketball state quarterfinal game in Class 2A. 

St. Croix Lutheran pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition. St. Croix Lutheran looked to get the ball into the hands of Abe Murkey. Murkey took the ball hard to the basket and was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

DGF got the ball into the hands of Blake Poehls. Poehls was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

DGF’s Blake Kragnes and Gunnar Payne both were able to make their mid-range jump shots and layups. If they didn’t think that they had a good shot, they would pass it up to one of their teammates. 

DGF called a timeout with 8:06 left in the first half. The score was St. Croix Lutheran 29, DGF 18. 

St. Croix Lutheran’s Aage Rovney came up with deep 3-point shots. He was able to get hot behind the 3-point line. 

DGF called a timeout with 6:03 left in the first half. The score was St. Croix Lutheran 35, DGF 20. 

St. Croix Lutheran kept on attacking the basket and coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

At halftime the score was St. Croix Lutheran 54, DGF 30.

As the second half got underway St. Croix Lutheran was able to move the ball down the floor well and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

St. Croix Lutheran continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

St. Croix Lutheran came away with the 86-51 victory over DGF. 

The leading scorers for DGF were Blake Kragnes and Kyle Rothschadl both with 14 points. 

The leading scorers for St. Croix Lutheran were Aage Rovney with 29 points, Ade Murkey with 21 points
.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

BLAINE AND APPLE VALLEY WENT UP AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE CLASS 4A STATE BOYS’ QUARTERFINALS IN BASKETBALL

On March 9, Blaine went up against Apple Valley in the Class 4A state quarterfinals of the Minnesota State High School League boys’ basketball state tournament. The game was played at the Target Center.

As the game got underway Blaine looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

Blaine also looked to attack the basket and score layups in transition. Blaine looked to pass the ball around the 3-point line. 

Blaine called a timeout with 13:23 left in the first half. The score was Apple Valley 9, Blaine 2.

Apple Valley did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. They were patient on the offensive end. They moved the ball well. 

Blaine called a timeout with 7:58 left in the first half. The score was Apple Valley 23, Blaine 7. 

Apple Valley was quicker than Blaine was on both ends of the floor. 

Blaine struggled to shoot the ball throughout the first half. Even though they struggled to shoot the ball in the first half. They still shot the ball.

At halftime the score was Apple Valley 50, Blaine 25. 

As the second half got underway Apple Valley continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

Blaine had a difficult time scoring throughout the game making shots. 

Apple Valley was quicker than Blaine was throughout the first half. 

Apple Valley came away with the 77-57 victory over Blaine. 

The leading scorers for Apple Valley were Gary Trent Jr. With 23 points, Cameron Kirksey with 11 points, Tre Jones with 8 points and Luke Martens with 8 points.

The leading scorers for Blaine were Kurtis Weigand with 10 points and Antoine Jenkins with 7 points.


ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG WENT UP AGAINST WAYZATA IN A GIRLS’ SECTION BASKETBALL SEMIFINAL GAME

On March 5, Robbinsdale Armstrong and Wayzata squared off in a girls’ basketball game. The score went back and forth early in the contest. It took a while for each team to figure out what the other team was doing.

Wayzata was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. They were able to make fast break layups. 

Armstrong came up with steals and turned them into layups. They were able to frustrate Wayzata midway through the first half.

Wayzata kept the defensive pressure on Armstrong throughout the first half.

Neither team went on a huge run in the first half. 

At halftime the score was Wayzata 45, Armstrong 36. 

As the second half got underway both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

Wayzata looked to get the ball into the hands of Hannah Heiring who was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. Teammate Camryn Hay also was able to get to the basket and make shots.

Armstrong’s Masengo Mutanda came up with layups. She was able to beat the defense and get to the basket and make layups.

The game remained close in the second half. There were several ties and lead changes midway through the second half. 

Mutanda kept on attacking the basket as she got hot in the second half. She was able to make her layups and jump shots.

Neither team went on a run throughout the game. It was a very hard fought game. 

Wayzata came away with the 70-61 victory over Armstrong. 

The leading scorer for Armstrong was Mutanda with 23 points.

The leading scorer for Wayzata was Hay with 18 points.


ROBBINSDALE COOPER WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A GIRLS’ SECTION 6 CLASS 4A SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On March 5, Robbinsdale Cooper and Hopkins squared off in a Section 6 Class 4A section semifinal girls’ basketball game. The game was played at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School.

Hopkins pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to set the tempo of the game early. Hopkins guard Nia Hollie did a good job of bringing the ball down the floor and was able to get the ball to her teammates where they could shoot it.
The score went back and forth early in the first half. Neither team jumped out to huge lead.
Hopkins called a timeout with 14:33 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 8, Cooper 5.
Hopkins did a good job of getting everyone the ball on the offensive end. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and they did a good job of communicating on the floor.
Cooper’s U-nique Longs was all over the floor on the offensive end. She was able to get to the basket and make layups on the offensive end. If she didn’t think that she could make a shot she would pass it to one of her teammates.
Cooper called a timeout with 12:33 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 12, Cooper 9.
Cooper played a zone defense in the first half. They wanted to make Hopkins have to shoot out side 3-point shots. Hopkins did a good job of attacking the zone defense.
Cooper was patient on the offensive end. They didn’t rush their shots. Cooper was able to come up with steals and convert them on the offensive end.
Cooper guard was able to slow her player down that she was guarding. She was able to come up with steals on the defensive end and turn them into layups.
The defensive pressure that Hopkins applied made it difficult for Cooper to get open looks at the basket.
Hopkins looked to trap Cooper and turn them over once they crossed half court. Cooper had a difficult time handing the Hopkins pressure.
Cooper called a timeout with 5:16 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 31, Cooper 21.
Hopkins moved the ball down the floor well. They passed the ball around until they got a good look at the basket. They didn’t rush their shots. Hopkins was able to confuse Cooper when Hopkins was on offense.
Hopkins Evelyn Knox stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots. Her teammates did a good job of getting her the ball in spots where she could shoot it. Hollie also kept coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups late in the first half.
At halftime the score was Hopkins 46, Cooper 29.
As the second half got underway Hopkins was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. They were also able to use their quickness to their advantage.
Cooper’s Ja’hyia Gatson came up with layups and jump shots in the paint. She did a good job of getting to the basket.
Even though Cooper was a step slower than Hopkins was and their shots were not falling they kept on attacking the basket and looking for their shots.
Cooper called a timeout with 13:30 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 54, Cooper 31.
Hopkins rushed their shots midway through the second half. Cooper took advantage of that as they continued to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.
Hopkins continued to get the ball into the hands of Hollie. Hollie was all over the floor. She did a good job of attacking the basket and came up with layups and jump shots.
Hopkins came up with layups and jump shots late in the second half. Both teams played though throughout the game.
Hopkins came away with the 80-45 victory over Cooper.
The leading scorer for Cooper was Gaston with 15 points.
The leading scorers for Hopkins was Hollie with 20 points.
 

Sunday, March 6, 2016

EDINA WENT UP AGAINST MINNETONKA IN A GIRLS’ SECTION SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On March 5, Edina and Minnetonka squared off in a girls’ basketball game. It was the section semifinal in Section 2 Class 4A. The game was played at Hopkins High School. 

The game started out quick as each team was able to make layups. Minnetonka did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense.

Edina called a timeout with 9:54 left in the first half. The score was Minnetonka 12, Edina 8.

Edina played a zone defense in the first half. They wanted to force Minnetonka to take deep 3-point shots. 

Minnetonka swung the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to get the ball inside. They used a motion offense. They were able to make hard screens and did a good job of talking to each other.

Minnetonka’s Cortney Fredrickson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. Her teammates did a good job of getting her the ball in spots where she could shoot it.

Edina called a timeout with 4:17 left in the first half. The score was Minnetonka 25, Edina 11.

Minnetonka was able to slow Edina down on the fast break. Minnetonka was patient on the offensive end.

At halftime the score was Minnetonka 30, Edina 22.

Edina started out quick in the second half. They were able to score baskets quickly in transition.

Both teams fought hard as they dove on the floor after loose balls and battled over rebounds.

Edina got their offense going in the second half. They were able to get everyone involved in the offense and were able to come up with shots.

Minnetonka called a timeout with 9:54 left in regulation. The score was Minnetonka 45, Edina 37.

Edina kept attacking the basket as Annika Jank was able to make layups in transition. On the defensive end Jank was able to slow down the person she was guarding.

Edina called a timeout with 6:53 left in regulation. The score was Minnetonka 50, Edina 41.

Edina was able to turn Minnetonka over and come up with baskets off the turnovers. 

Edina called a timeout with 4:56 left in regulation. The score was Minnetonka 53, Edina 46. 

Minnetonka looked to take time off the clock as they were able to rotate the ball along the 3-point line getting everyone involved in the offense. 

Minnetonka came away with the 68-56 victory over Edina. 

The leading scorers for Edina were Jank with 16 points and Olivia Caughlin with 13 points. 

The leading scorers for Minnetonka were Allen with 17 points, Fredickson with 15 points and Lizzie Odegard with 12 points.


Saturday, March 5, 2016

CHASKA WENT UP AGAINST SHAKOPEE IN A GIRLS’ SECTION SEMIFINAL GAME

Hopkins was the host site for the Section 2 Class 4A girls’ semifinals of basketball. Shakopee was all over the floor to start the game. They were able to jump out to an early 10-0 lead with 15 minutes left in the first half.

Chaska had a difficult time finding the basket. They started out the game cold.

Chaska called a timeout with 12:41 left in the first half. The score was Shakopee 18, Chaska 0.

Shakopee was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of passing the ball around to each other.

Chaska called a timeout with 7:16 left in the first half. The score was Shakopee 32, Chaska 0.

Shakopee was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of passing the ball around the 3-point line and also were able to communicate with each other on both ends of the floor.

Even though Chaska struggled shooting the ball and their shots where not falling in the first half. They kept on attacking the basket and looking for their shots.

Chaska’s Lauren Mattson stepped up and was able to knock down mid-range jump shots and layups. Her teammates did a good job of getting her the ball in spots where she could shoot it.

At halftime the score was Shakopee 48, Chaska 16.

As the second half got underway Shakopee looked to get the ball into the hands of Taylor Koenen and Rachel Garvey. Both Koenen and Garvey were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Shakopee continued to push the ball down the floor and was able to get everyone involved in the offense. 


Chaska didn’t back down. They fought hard throughout the second half. Even though they struggled to shoot the ball, they still didn’t give up.

Chaska had a difficult time making shots throughout the game. Even though they struggled they didn’t back down. 


Shakopee ran away with the game. They were too powerful for Chaska.

Shakopee came away with the 83-36 victory over Chaska.

The leading scorer for Chaska was Mattson with 7 points.

The leading scorers for Shakopee were Koenen with 30 points, Garvey with 17 points and Caleigh Rodning with 12 points
.
 

ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG WENT UP AGAINST WAYZATA IN A GIRLS’ SECTION BASKETBALL SEMIFINAL GAME

On March 5, Robbinsdale Armstrong and Wayzata squared off in a girls’ basketball game. The score went back and forth early in the contest. It took a while for each team to figure out what the other team was doing. 

Wayzata was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. They were able to make fast break layups. 

Armstrong came up with steals and turned them into layups. They were able to frustrate Wayzata midway through the first half.

Wayzata kept the defensive pressure on Armstrong throughout the first half.

Neither team went on a huge run in the first half. 

At halftime the score was Wayzata 45, Armstrong 36. 

As the second half got underway both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

Wayzata looked to get the ball into the hands of Hannah Heiring who was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. Teammate Camryn Hay also was able to get to the basket and make shots.

Armstrong’s Masengo Mutanda came up with layups. She was able to beat the defense and get to the basket and make layups.

The game remained close in the second half. There were several ties and lead changes midway through the second half.

Mutanda kept on attacking the basket as she got hot in the second half. She was able to make her layups and jump shots. 

Neither team went on a run throughout the game. It was a very hard fought game. 

Wayzata came away with the 70-61 victory over Armstrong. 

The leading scorer for Armstrong was Mutanda with 23 points.

The leading scorer for Wayzata was Hay with 18 points.


ROBBINSDALE COOPER WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A GIRLS’ SECTION 6 CLASS 4A SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On March 5, Robbinsdale Cooper and Hopkins squared off in a Section 6 Class 4A section semifinal girls’ basketball game. The game was played at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School.

Hopkins pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to set the tempo of the game early. Hopkins guard Nia Hollie did a good job of bringing the ball down the floor and was able to get the ball to her teammates where they could shoot it.

The score went back and forth early in the first half. Neither team jumped out to huge lead.

Hopkins called a timeout with 14:33 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 8, Cooper 5.

Hopkins did a good job of getting everyone the ball on the offensive end. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and they did a good job of communicating on the floor.

Cooper’s U-nique Longs was all over the floor on the offensive end. She was able to get to the basket and make layups on the offensive end. If she didn’t think that she could make a shot she would pass it to one of her teammates.

Cooper called a timeout with 12:33 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 12, Cooper 9.

Cooper played a zone defense in the first half. They wanted to make Hopkins have to shoot out side 3-point shots. Hopkins did a good job of attacking the zone defense.

Cooper was patient on the offensive end. They didn’t rush their shots. Cooper was able to come up with steals and convert them on the offensive end.

Cooper guard was able to slow her player down that she was guarding. She was able to come up with steals on the defensive end and turn them into layups.

The defensive pressure that Hopkins applied made it difficult for Cooper to get open looks at the basket.

Hopkins looked to trap Cooper and turn them over once they crossed half court. Cooper had a difficult time handing the Hopkins pressure.

Cooper called a timeout with 5:16 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 31, Cooper 21.

Hopkins moved the ball down the floor well. They passed the ball around until they got a good look at the basket. They didn’t rush their shots. Hopkins was able to confuse Cooper when Hopkins was on offense.

Hopkins Evelyn Knox stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots. Her teammates did a good job of getting her the ball in spots where she could shoot it. Hollie also kept coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 46, Cooper 29.

As the second half got underway Hopkins was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. They were also able to use their quickness to their advantage.

Cooper’s Ja’hyia Gatson came up with layups and jump shots in the paint. She did a good job of getting to the basket.

Even though Cooper was a step slower than Hopkins was and their shots were not falling they kept on attacking the basket and looking for their shots.

Cooper called a timeout with 13:30 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 54, Cooper 31.

Hopkins rushed their shots midway through the second half. Cooper took advantage of that as they continued to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Hopkins continued to get the ball into the hands of Hollie. Hollie was all over the floor. She did a good job of attacking the basket and came up with layups and jump shots.

Hopkins came up with layups and jump shots late in the second half. Both teams played though throughout the game.

Hopkins came away with the 80-45 victory over Cooper.

The leading scorer for Cooper was Gaston with 15 points.

The leading scorers for Hopkins was Hollie with 20 points.

 

PRAIRIE SEEDS ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS NORTH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SECTION 4 CLASS A BOYS’ BASKETBALL SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

On March 4, Prairie Seeds Academy (PSA) went up against Minneapolis North in the Section 4 Class 4A Section championship game.
 
North looked to set the tempo of the game early. On the offensive end they passed the ball around the 3-point line and were able to get everyone involved in the offense.
 
PSA’s D’Angelo Spring came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. If Spring didn’t think that he could get to the basket, he would pass it to his teammates.
 
North’s Isaac Johnson came up with layups and mid-range jump shots on the offensive end.
 
PSA was able to get the ball down the court as they looked to run a motion offense.  
 
North’s JaQuan Sanders-Smith and teammate Tyler Johnson were able to get the ball to each other and they came up with nice give and go plays.
 
PSA struggled to shoot in the first half. Even though they were not successful at making shots they kept on shooting them.
 
North called a timeout with 11:36 left in the first half. The score was North 21, PSA 12.
 
PSA was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They fought hard for rebounds and were able to come up with rebounds.
 
PSA’s Daveon Gibson was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.
 
PSA called a timeout with 7:52 left in the first half. The score was North 28, PSA 18.
 
North looked to score layups in the fast break. They did a good job of communicating with each other on where they supposed to be on the floor.
 
North’s Patrick Dembley was all over the floor on the offensive end he was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Teammate Tyler Johnson was able to come up with two handed slam dunks.
 
At halftime the score was North 53, PSA 33.
 
As the second half got underway North continued to attack the basket and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.
 
North looked to take their time on the offensive end. They did a good job of passing the ball to each other and coming up with layups in transition.
 
North’s Jamil Jackson Jr. and Odell Wilson IV. Both tame up with huge baskets in the second half.
 
North called a timeout with 7:24 left in regulation. The score was North 82, PSA 50.
 
PSA didn’t back down. They fought hard the whole game. North was quicker than PSA was and North was able to get to the basket and make shots.  
 
North came away with the 94-57 victory over PSA.
 
The leading scorers for PSA were Daveon Gibson with 13 points, Jamar Robinson with 11points and Deangelo Spring with 11points.
 
The leading scorers for North were Jamil Jackson with 20 points, Patrick Dembley with 16 points,
JaQuan Sanders-Smith with 15 points, ODell Wilson IV and Isaac Johnson each with 14 points.
 
With that win Minneapolis North advances to the 2016 MSHSL State boys’ basketball tournament.
 

FRIDLEY WENT UP AGAINST TOTINO-GRACE IN THE SECTION 4 CLASS 3A SECTION FINALS

On March 3 Fridley and Totino-Grace squared off in the Section 4 Class 3A section final boys’ basketball game.

Totino-Grace pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition. 

It took a while for each team go get into an offensive shooting rhythm. 

Fridley took their time of the offensive end. They did a good job of passing the ball to each other and getting everyone involved in the offense. 

Totino-Grace looked to make layups and mid-range jump shots. They were able to get everyone involved in the offense. 

Totino-Grace called a timeout with 10:32 left in the first half. The score was Fridley 14, Totino-Grace 7.

Fridley’s Tirik Reeves attacked the basket and looked to make layups. If Reeves didn’t think that he had a good shot, he wasn’t afraid to pass it to one of his teammates.

Totino-Grace struggled to shoot the ball in the first half. Even though they struggled shooting the ball they still kept shooting.

Totino-Grace kept the offensive attack going late in the first half. They were able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

At halftime the score was Fridley 31, Totino-Grace 16. 

As the second half got underway Fridley continued to push the ball down the floor and came up with layups and rebounds.

Totino-Grace kept attacking the basket and coming up with huge baskets. Fridley kept the defensive pressure on them. 

Totino-Grace called a timeout with 11:43 left in regulation. The score was Fridley 43, Totino-Grace 26. 

Fridley kept on shooting the ball well and came up with huge shots down the stretch. 

Totino-Grace struggled to shoot the ball throughout the game. Fridley did a good job of making their shots throughout the game. 

Fridley came away with the 68-47 victory over Totino-Grace.

With that win Fridley advances to the state tournament. 

Fridley was lead in scoring by Teathoach Pal with 19 points, Shyheem Murray 15 points, Tyree Caruthers 14.

Totino-Grace was lead in scoring by Rocky Kreuser 16, Zach Ban with 13 points and Tirik Reeves with 10 points.

CHRIST’S HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS NORTH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SECTION 4 CLASS A SEMIFINALS

Christ’s Household of Faith (CHOF) went up against Minneapolis North Community High School in the section 4 Class A semifinals on March 2.

CHOF was able to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. They were able to do a good job of keeping up with North in transition. 

CHOF called a timeout with 11:42 left in the first half. The score was North 19, CHOF 15.

North did a good job of passing the ball to each other. They were able to score quick baskets in transition.  

North called a timeout with 5:26 left in the first half. The score was North 39, CHOF 32. 

North’s Jamil Jackson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

CHOF called a timeout 3:52 left in the first half. The score was North 48, CHOF 34. 

CHOF kept pressure on the ball as they looked to score baskets in transition. 

North kept attacking the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

North kept the offensive pressure on them early in the second half. 

CHOF kept attacking the basket and coming up with layups. CHOF’s Kit Piepkorn came up with huge baskets from in the lane.

CHOF kept attacking the basket and coming up with shots. 

North’s JaQuan Sanders-Smith came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

CHOF called a timeout with 8:38 left in regulation. The score was North 95, CHOF 68.


North continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. North’s Pat Dembley came up with huge layups late in the game.

Minneapolis North came away with the 115-90 victory over CHOF.

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST PRAIRIE SEEDS ACADEMY IN THE CLASS 1A SECTION 4 SEMIFNALS OF THE SECTION

On March 2, Heritage and Prairie Seeds Academy (PSA) squared off in the Section 4 Class 1A section semifinals. 

PSA looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

Heritage took their time on the offensive end. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and were able to get everyone involved in the offense.

PSA was able to score baskets in transition. They were able to leak a guy out on the base line and then come up with layups in transition. 

The defensive pressure that PSA applied made it difficult for Heritage to get uncontested shots.

Heritage had trouble shooting the ball throughout the first half. Even though they struggled to shoot the ball they kept on shooting the ball. 

After a slow start Heritage stepped up and was able to knock down shots. 

Both team’s offenses went stagnant for awhile in the first half. Neither team went on a huge run in the first half.

Both team’s defenses stepped up and neither team went on a huge run in the first half. 

At halftime the score was PSA 24, Heritage 20. 

As the second half got underway PSA continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Heritage got the ball into the hands of C.J. Woda. Woda came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. The defense had a tough time slowing him down. 

The Heritage offense came to life in the second half. They took their time on the offensive end and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

PSA called a timeout with 12:13 left in the second half. The score was PSA 37, Heritage 34.

The score remained close throughout the second half. There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the second half.

The pace of the game quickened with under 6:00 left in the second half. Both teams were aggressive throughout. Neither team gave up an open shot.

PSA called a timeout with 1:12 left in regulation. The score was Heritage 62, PSA 60.

Heritage’s Zach Johnson was all over the Floor. He came up with huge baskets down the stretch. 

The game was tied at 63 at the end of regulation. 

As the overtime period got underway both teams continued to attack the basket and make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

PSA was able to get to the basket and come up with steals and layups in the overtime period.

PSA came away with the 76-72 victory over Heritage. 

The leading scorers for PSA were Brian Robinson with 24 points, Jamar Robinson with 15 points and Dayeon Gibson with 13 points. 

The leading scorers for Heritage were Zach Johnasen with 22 points, Woods with 18 points, Ben Allen with 15 points and Josh Dart with 10 points. 

 

MOUNDS VIEW WENT UP AGAINST CHAMPLIN PARK IN A BOYS’ SECTION 5 CLASS 4A SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb 29, Mounds View and Champlin Park squared off in the section 5 Class 4A semifinals of the sections.

Mounds View looked to push the ball down the floor. Once on the offensive end they looked to take a lot of time off the clock. 

Champlin Park got the ball into the hands of Aaron Kloppner’s hands. Kloppner did a good job of driving to the basket and making layups.

Mounds View’s Zeke Thompson was all over the floor. On the offensive end Thompson stepped up and was able to knock down mid-range jump shots and layups. 

There were many ties and lead changes throughout the first half. Neither team went on a huge run.

Both teams took the ball hard to the basket. Neither team gave up an uncontested shot.

Mounds View did a good job of scoring baskets in transition. Mounds View guard Nate Albers came up with 3-point shots and mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Mounds View continued to push the ball down the floor and made layups in transition. Thompson and Albers kept on coming up with baskets late in the first half. 

At halftime the score was Mounds View 36, Champlin Park 32. 

As the second half got underway Mounds View continued to look to get the ball into the hands of Albers. 

The defense that Mounds View applied to Champlin Park mad it difficult for them to get a good look at the basket. 

Champlin Park couldn’t get their shots to drop for a period of time in the second half.

Champlin Park called a timeout with 10:14 left in regulation. The score was Mounds View 48, Champlin Park 38.

Mounds View continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

Champlin Park kept on attacking the basket as they looked to make layups. Champlin Park’s McKinley Wright IV attacked the basket .   

Mounds View kept attacking the basket and coming up with layups.

Champlin Park called a timeout with 2:34 left in regulation. The score Mounds View 57, Champlin Park 54. 

Mounds View looked to take time off the clock late in the game. 

Mounds View called a timeout with 1:16 left in regulation. The score was Mounds View 57, Champlin Park 56.

As the clock wound down the Champlin Park defense stepped up as they didn’t want Mounds View to come up with baskets. 

Champlin Park called a timeout with 39.6 seconds left in regulation. The score was Mounds View 59, Champlin Park 58.

Mounds View came away with the 61-58 victory over Champlin Park. 

The leading scorers for Champlin Park were McKinley Wright IV with 19 points and John with 16 points.

The leading scorers for Mounds View were Albers with 24 points and Thompson with 18 points. 

I was joined by
The Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Mounds View vs. Champlin Park boys’ basketball game .

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

ROGERS WENT UP AGAINST MAPLE GROVE IN A SECTION 8 CLASS 4A BOYS’ SEMIFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 27 Rogers and Maple Grove squared off in the Section 8 Class 4A semifinals in a boys’ basketball game. 

Both teams pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition. 

Maple Grove’s Jack Hutchinson and Brad Davison both came up with mid-range layups and jump shots in the first half. 

Davison was all over the floor. On the offensive end he was able to get to the basket and make jump shots and layups. On the defensive end he was able to slow the guy down he was guarding.

Rogers called a timeout with 9:47 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 18, Rogers 12. 

Maple Grove pushed the ball down the floor and was able to get Davison the ball in the lane.

Maple Grove called a timeout with 5:11 left in the first half. The score was Maple Grove 29, Rogers 21. 

Rogers Steffan Musoke came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. If he didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it to one of his teammates.

Rogers called a timeout with 2:41 left in the first half. The score was Maple 39, Rogers 25.

Rogers struggled to shoot the ball late in the first half. Maple Grove took advantage of that as they were able to make shots. 

At halftime the score was Maple Grove 43, Rogers 32.

As the second half got underway Maple Grove continued to push the ball the court. 

Maple Grove continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Wilson stepped up and knocked down 3-point shots. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could knock down shots. 

Maple Grove called a timeout with 10:16 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 55, Rogers 46.

Davison was all over the floor, in the second half. He kept on coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Rogers got hot with just under 10 minutes to go in regulation. They came up with steals and were able to convert them into layups on the offensive end. 

Rogers called a timeout with 3:40 left in regulation. The score was Maple Grove 63, Rogers 56. 

Maple Grove continued to come up with huge baskets in regulation. 

Maple Grove came away with the 74-61 victory over Rogers. 

The leading scorers for Rogers were Will Alexander with 13 points, Wilson with 12 points and Musoke with 11 points. 

The leading scorer for Maple Grove was Davison with 30 points. 

The leading scorers for Rogers were Alexander with 13 points, Wilson with 12 points and Musoke with 11 points.


SAUK RAPIDS-RICE WENT UP AGAINST ALEXANDRIA IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL SECTION SEMIFINAL GAME

On Feb. 27, Sauk Rapids-Rice went up against Alexandria the Section 8 Class 3A semifinal section game. 

Alexandria pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition. 

Alexandria’s Jaran Roste came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Sauk Rapids-Rice pushed the ball down the floor and was able to come up with layups. 

There were several ties and lead changes throughout the first half. Neither team went on a huge run.

Roste continued to come up with huge baskets in the first half. 

Sauk Rapids-Rice got the ball into the hands of Tyler Kranz and Kobe Boraas they both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

At halftime the score was Alexandria 36, Sauk Rapids 21.

As the second half got underway Alexandria continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

Alexandria kept on moving the ball down the floor and making baskets in transition. 

Sauk Rapids got the ball into the hands of Camden Jackson. Jackson was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

Alexandria was quicker than Sauk Rapids was. 

Alexandria came away with the 77-59 victory over Sauk Rapids. 

The leading scorers for Sauk Rapids were Kobe Boraas with 19 points and Jackson with 13 points. 

The leading scorers for Alexandria were Hockert with 24 points, Jaran Roste with 19 points and Wensman with 17 points.
 

DETROIT LAKES WENT UP AGAINST FERGUS FALLS IN A SECTION 8 CLASS 3A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 27 Detroit Lakes and Fergus Falls squared off in a Section 8 Class 3A semifinal boys’ basketball game. 

Detroit Lakes got the ball into the hands of Jacob Pazdernik. Pazdernik came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

There were several ties and lead changes in the first half. Neither team went on a huge run.

Fergus Falls was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around to each other. Everyone was able to score layups. 

Pazdernik continued to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups.  

Fergus Falls guard Nathan Rund came up with deep 3-point shots. Rund got hot late in the first half. He was able consistently make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

At halftime the score was Fergus Falls 25, Detroit Lakes 23. 

Fergus Falls went to a zone defense in the second half. They wanted to make Detroit Lakes shoot deep 3-point shots. 


Detroit Lakes came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. They were able to make shots in the second half. 

Detroit Lakes called a timeout with 12:03 left in regulation. The sore was Fergus Falls 39, Detroit Lakes 29.

Fergus Falls came up with steals and layups on the offensive end. They were able to slow Detroit Lakes down on offense.

Fergus Falls called a timeout with 6:43 left in regulation. The score was Fergus Falls 53, Detroit Lakes 37.

Detroit Lakes couldn’t get their shots to drop in the second half. Fergus Falls was able to come up with shots.

Fergus Falls came away with the 67-45 victory over Detroit Lakes.

The leading scorers for Detroit Lakes were Pazdemik with 15 points and Richter with 11 points. 

The leading scorers for Fergus Falls were Harrison Christensen and Matthew Monke each with 16 points.


ST. CLOUD APOLLO WENT UP AGAINST ROCORI IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL SECTION 5 CLASS 3A SEMIFINAL GAME

On Feb. 27 St. Cloud Apollo and Rocori squared off in a boys’ basketball Section 5 Class 3A semifinal game. 

It took a while for each team to figure out what they wanted to run of offense.  

Rocori moved the ball down the floor well. They passed the ball around the 3-point line  

Both teams did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. 

There were many ties and lead changes throughout the first half. 

St. Cloud Apollo called a timeout with 9:24 left in the first half. The score was Rocori 14, St.  Cloud Apollo 12. 

Rocori was able to come up with layups and jump shots. 

Neither team shot the ball well in the first half. 

St. Cloud Apollo called a timeout with 5:17 left in the first half. The score was Rocori 18, St. Cloud Apollo 14. 

St. Cloud Apollo applied defensive pressure at half court. 

At halftime the score was Rocori 28, St. Cloud Apollo 19.  

As the second half got underway Rocori continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. 

St. Cloud Apollo struggled to shoot the ball in the second half.

Rocori called a timeout with 12:18 left in regulation. The score was Rocori 42, St. Cloud Apollo 29. 

St. Cloud Apollo continued to attack the basket in the second half. Apollo’s Ethan Novacinski came up with huge mid-range jump shots and layups. 

St. Cloud Apollo came up with huge baskets late in the game. Novacinski continued to come up with huge baskets.

The game came down to the wire. 

The game was tied at 59 at the end of regulation. 

As the overtime period got underway both teams pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to make layups. 

Rocori got the ball into the hands of Ryan Hennen. Hennen was able to make layups and mid-range jump shots in the overtime period. 

Rocori came away with the 74-68 overtime victory over St. Cloud Apollo.

The leading scorers for Rocori were Jon Olson with 16 points, and Anderson and Overman each with 11 points.

The leading scorer for St. Cloud Apollo was Novacinski with 25 points.  

BECKER WENT UP AGAINST MONTICELLO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL SECTION GAME

On Feb. 27 Becker squared off against Monticello in a boys’ Section 5 Class 3A basketball game. 

The game was played at St. Cloud State.

It took a while for each team to get into a shooting rhythm.

Becker had a difficult time shooting to start the second half. They were not able to hit shots early.

Becker called a timeout with 13:24 left in the first half. The score was Monticello 11, Becker 1.


Monticello was able to score baskets in transition. Everyone on Monticello got the ball and they did a good job of communicating with everyone on the floor.

 Monticello’s Hunter Rosenbaum came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the first half. He knew where the defenders were and was able to get past them.

 Monticello called a timeout with 6:03 left in the first half. The score was Monticello 20, Becker 11.

Monticello continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

At halftime the score was Monticello 31, Becker 17. 


As the second half got underway Monticello looked to get the ball into the hands of Hunter Rosenbaum and Matt Todd. They both were able to get to the basket and make mid-range jump shots and layups.

After a slow start by Becker, they were able to get their shots to drop in the second half.

Becker couldn’t get their offense going as they had trouble shooting the ball.

Todd came up with huge mid-range jump shots and 3-point shots in the second half.

Monticello called a timeout with 6:39 left in regulation. The score was Monticello 48, Becker 28.

Monticello continued to race down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Monticello came away with the 63-39 victory over Becker.

The leading scorer for Becker was Dillion Radunz with 12 points.

The leading scorers for Monticello were Todd with 22 points and Rosenbaum with 13 points.