THE TARGET CENTER WILL HOST THE 2022 NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FINAL FOUR

On Sept. 24, the NCAA announced that the Target Center in Downtown Minneapolis will host the 2022 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four.

Minnesota has been in the running and has hosted big sporting events in recent years. Other big sporting events that have taken place in Minnesota were the Super Bowl LII and two Frozen Fours.

Upcoming event’s in the area include the NCAA Volleyball Final Four, December 2018 at the Target Center. The men's basketball Final Four in April 2019 at U.S. Bank Stadium, The NCAA Men’s wrestling championships in March of 2020 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Men's NCAA basketball tournament regional in March of 2021 will be played at the Target Center, and the NCAA men's gymnastics championships in April 2021, at the University of Minnesota Maturi Pavilion.

KIM ROYSTON NAMED HEAD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST

Minneapolis Public Schools has hired Kim Royston who was Shakopee High School’s assistant athletic director to be the new athletic director at Southwest High School.

Royston worked in the Shakopee and Robbinsdale Area school districts. He spent the last school year 2017-18 with the Shakopee schools.

Royston replaces Ryan Lamberty, who was placed on administrative leave in the winter of 2018.

Royston was a high school football player at Cretin-Derham Hall, He played two seasons for the University of Minnesota Gophers after transferring from the University of Wisconsin Badgers in 2008.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS’ ATHLETIC DIRECTOR RETIRES

The University of St. Thomas Athletic Director is set to retire. Steve Fritz, who has been the Tommies’ athletics director for 52 years, has decided to retire.

Fritz has coached men’s basketball at The University St. Thomas for 40 seasons, the first nine seasons as an assistant to Tom Feely and the next 31 as the head coach.

I have met and worked with Fritz for years and know him well. Fritz knows college sports well. He is involved in all sports at the head Athletic Director and works well with his coaching staff.

He will be missed at the University of St. Thomas.

Good luck in retirement Fritz.

MINNEAPOLIS NORTH SHOWS OFFENSIVE FIRE POWER EARLY IN THE SEASON

The Minneapolis North Polars football team has a lot of offensive weapons they can choose from.

Minneapolis North is 4-0 halfway in the 2018 season. North’s Zach Yeager leads the team in passing yards with 422 yards. North’s Kehyan Porter leads the team with 389 rushing yards. 

North has scored a total of 190 points while only giving up 34 total points.

ELK RIVER AND BUFFALO HAVE A GAME FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

On Friday, Sept. 22, Elk River and Buffalo got their offense rolling and it didn’t get turned off.

In a game that went back and forth according to Jim Paulsen of the Star Tribune, Elk River came away with the 80-70 victory over Buffalo.

You can read about the game according to Jim Paulson thoughts on his prep blog for the Star Tribune.

GET TO KNOW KEITH THOMPSON Jr.

Keith Thompson Jr. was born in the Bronx, N.Y. in 1985. He grew up in Minneapolis. Thompson has three brothers and two sisters.

Thompson has been involved in basketball his whole life. He graduated from Park Center High School in 2003. He played basketball for them throughout his time at Park Center.

Basketball means everything to him. He has studied the game of basketball while watching it on television and going to many different games.  

After high school, he played at Grace College Academy in Winona Lake, IN. After college, he played for the Texas Titanium.

Thompson would like to keep on playing basketball even if it is overseas. In his free time Thompson said that he likes to, “Relax with my kids travel enjoy time with my family.”

Look for Thompson out on the court soon.

 

ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A SECTION SEMIFINAL BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 9, Robbinsdale Armstrong and Hopkins went up together in the Section 6 Class 4A semifinal boys’ basketball game.

Armstrong pushed the ball down the floor and swung the ball around the 3-point line, on the offensive end.

Hopkins also pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

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

Armstrong called a timeout with 10:31 left in the first half. The score was Armstrong 17, Hopkins 16.

Armstrong went into a zone defense as they wanted to make Hopkins take deep 3-point shots.

Armstrong got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around to each other on the offensive end and they were also very talkative on both ends of the floor.

Hopkins guard Zeke Nnaji was all over the floor. On the offensive end he wasn’t afraid to take the ball hard to the basket as he came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guy he was guarding.

At halftime, the score was Hopkins 29, Armstrong 25.

As the second half got underway Armstrong came out on fire as they stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots.

Hopkins called a timeout with 14:29 left in regulation. The score was Armstrong 32, Hopkins 29.

Armstrong’s Jake Breitbach came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Armstrong called a timeout with 11:52 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 39, Armstrong 36.

Hopkins Blaise Beauchamp came up with steals and turned them into layups on the offensive end.

Hopkins stepped up their defensive pressure and Armstrong struggled to shoot the ball for a period in the second half.

Armstrong called a timeout with 8:12 left to go in regulation. The score was Hopkins 48, Armstrong 38.

Armstrong looked tied in the second half. They ere not able to get to the ball or come up with plays late in regulation.

Hopkins got their shot to drop late in the second half. Both teams played well throughout the game. Hopkins came away with the 66-51 victory over Armstrong.

The leading scorer for Armstrong was Jake Breitbach with 15 points.

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Headstrom with 16 points, Beauchamp with 13 points and Nnaji with 12 points.

I was joined by Sam Bernard Williams of Big Sam’s Podcast. Williams thought, “Armstrong ran out of gas midway through the second half. You must play a complete came to beat a team like Hopkins. Armstrong couldn’t hit a 3-point shot.” 
 

ST. PAUL HUMBOLDT WENT UP AGAINST CHARTER STARS IN A BOYS’ SECTION BASKETBALL GAME

On March 8, St Paul Humboldt and Charter Stars played each other in a boys’ basketball game at Mounds Park Academy. It was the Section 4 Class 2A first round game.

Charter Stars moved the ball well down the floor. They were able to get to the basket and get layups.

Humboldt also moved the ball well down the floor. As they got everyone involved in the offense.

Humboldt called a timeout with 10:58 left in the first half. The score was Humboldt 9 Charter Stars 7.

Charter Stars struggled to move the ball down the floor and make shots late in the first half.

Humboldt came up with steals and layups on the defensive end.

The Charter Stars offense went quite midway through the first half. They struggled shooting the ball.

At halftime, the score was Humboldt 23, Charter Stars 15.

As the second half got underway Humboldt pushed the ball down the floor and got Derron Riley into the offense. Riley came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. If Riley didn’t think that he could make a shot, he would pass it off to one of his teammates.

Humboldt looked to keep pushing the ball down the floor and make mid-range jump shots and layups. Humboldt’s Desmond Lugo make deep 3-point shots. He wasn’t afraid to shoot the deep shot.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls.

Humboldt moved the ball down the floor well. They got everyone involved in the offense. Humboldt did a good job of slowing down Charter Stars on both ends of the floor.

Both teams played hard throughout the game, but the Charter Stars were not able to come up with baskets.

Humboldt looked to take time off the clock late in the game by swinging the ball around the 3-point line.

Charter Stars tried to hold on for as long as they but in the end, Humboldt came away with the 57-41 victory over Charter Stars.

The leading scorer for Charter Stars was Carter with 16 points.

The leading scorer for Humboldt was Davionte Davis with 16 points.

ST. PAUL HUMBOLDT WENT UP AGAINST CHARTER STARS IN A BOYS’ SECTION BASKETBALL GAME

On March 8, St Paul Humboldt and Charter Stars played each other in a boys’ basketball game at Mounds Park Academy. It was the Section 4 Class 2A first round game.

Charter Stars moved the ball well down the floor. They were able to get to the basket and get layups.

Humboldt also moved the ball well down the floor. As they got everyone involved in the offense.

Humboldt called a timeout with 10:58 left in the first half. The score was Humboldt 9 Charter Stars 7.

Charter Stars struggled to move the ball down the floor and make shots late in the first half.

Humboldt came up with steals and layups on the defensive end.

The Charter Stars offense went quite midway through the first half. They struggled shooting the ball.

At halftime, the score was Humboldt 23, Charter Stars 15.

As the second half got underway Humboldt pushed the ball down the floor and got Derron Riley into the offense. Riley came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. If Riley didn’t think that he could make a shot, he would pass it off to one of his teammates.

Humboldt looked to keep pushing the ball down the floor and make mid-range jump shots and layups. Humboldt’s Desmond Lugo make deep 3-point shots. He wasn’t afraid to shoot the deep shot.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls.

Humboldt moved the ball down the floor well. They got everyone involved in the offense. Humboldt did a good job of slowing down Charter Stars on both ends of the floor.

Both teams played hard throughout the game, but the Charter Stars were not able to come up with baskets.

Humboldt looked to take time off the clock late in the game by swinging the ball around the 3-point line.

Charter Stars tried to hold on for as long as they but in the end, Humboldt came away with the 57-41 victory over Charter Stars.

The leading scorer for Charter Stars was Carter with 16 points.

The leading scorer for Humboldt was Davionte Davis with 16 points.

 

IRONDALE WENT UP AGAINST OSSEO IN A SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 7, Irondale and Osseo squared off in a Section 5 Class 4A boys’ basketball game. It took awhile for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm.

Irondale’s Aden Price was all over the floor, on the offensive end came off screens and was able to get to the basket. Price was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. On the defensive end Prince slowed down the guy he was guarding.

Osseo looked to turn Irondale over and score layups in transition off the steals.

Irondale called a timeout with 12:26 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 10, Irondale 7.

Irondale kept on feeding Price. Price delivered as he came up with shots throughout the first half.

Osseo’s Emmette Page and Zach Theisen both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half.

There were multiple ties and lead changes in the first half.

Osseo moved the ball well as they passed the ball around the 3-point line paying catch.

Osseo called a timeout with 6:09 left in the first half. The score was tied at 19.

Osseo’s Deonte Ferguson came up with rebounds and made layups. He took the ball strong to the basket.

Price also stepped outside of the 3-point line and knocked down 3-point shots.

The score remained close late in the first half.

At halftime the score was tied at 32.

As the second half got underway Osseo continued to push the ball down the floor and swing the ball around the 3-point line. Osseo forward Chike Okonokwo came up with layups in transition. He was also able to make mid-range jump shots.

Osseo’s Zach Theisen came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. He was also able to step up and knock down deep 3-point shots.

Irondale called a timeout with 15:11 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 42, Irondale 35.

Irondale struggled shooting in the second half. Even though they struggled to shoot the ball they kept on looking for their shots.

Page came up with fast break layups in the second half.

Irondale continued to struggle shooting the ball mid-way through the second half. Osseo turned up their offensive production as they came up with baskets.

Osseo called a timeout with 8:03 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 63, Irondale 45.

Osseo was able to contain Price on the offensive end.

Osseo turned up the defensive pressure in the second half. Osseo was also able to slow down Price in the second half. Price scored his first points of the second half with just under 5:00 to go.

Osseo pulled away in the second half.

Osseo came away with the 74-60 victory over Irondale.

 

SOUTH ST. PAUL WENT AGAINST ACADEMY OF HOLY ANGELS IN A SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 6, South St. Paul and Academy of Holy Angels went up against each other in a boys’ basketball Section 3 Class 3A boys’ basketball game.

The score went back and forth early. There were multiple ties and lead changes.

Holy Angels swung the ball around the 3-point line as they got everyone involved in the offense.

Holy Angels guard Max Gerstner came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. He came off cuts and his teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

South St. Paul guard Ryan Dodd brought the ball down the floor on the offensive end. He was able to get his teammates involved in the offense.

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

South St. Paul swung the ball around the 3-point line. Holy Angels did a good job of talking to each other on both ends of the floor.

South St. Paul’s Dohntae Vance got to the rim and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 8:41 left in the first half. The score was South St. Paul 16, Holy Angels 11.

South St. Paul looked to take time off the clock in the first half by dribbling around the defenders.

South St. Paul looked to get the ball out of the net on the defensive end and race down the floor and score layups in transition.

Neither team went on a run in the first half.

South St. Paul called a timeout with 1:57 left in the first half. The score was tied at 23.

Holy Angels on to end the first half.

At halftime, the score was Holy Angels 32, South St. Paul 23.

As the second half got underway Holy Angels Matt Banovetz, Ryan Mazurek and Jacob Werle all were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Also, teammate Tommy Sheldstad came up with layups to keep Holy Angels in the game.

South St. Paul called a timeout with 14:19 left in regulation. The score was Holy Angels 40, St. St. Paul 28.

Holy Angels Werle came off screens and made layups. His teammates knew where he was on the floor when they passed it to him.

South St. Paul kept attacking the basket and coming up with layups. Vance and Taylor both called for the ball when they were on the floor.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 11:48 left in regulation. The score was Holy Angels 44, South St. Paul 38.

Holy Angels used the three-quarters press as they looked to make it difficult for South St. Paul to bring the ball down the floor.

Mazurek came up with 3-point baskets. On the defensive end, Mazurek was able to slow down the guy that he was guarding.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 8:06 left in regulation. The score was Holy Angels 55, South St. Paul 48.

The South St. Paul offense went stagnate in the second half. The defensive pressure was too much for South St. Paul.

South St. Paul called a timeout with 5:52 left in regulation. The sore was, Holy Angels 64, South St. Paul 48.

The Holy Angels offense came to life in the second half. Holy Angels dribbled the ball out the last 2 minutes of the game.

Holy Angels came away with the 79-57 victory over South St. Paul.

The leading scorers for South St. Paul were Dodd, Taylor and Vance all with 14 points.

The leading scorers for Holy Angels were Mazurek with 20 points and Banovetz with 15 points.
 

MINNESOTA WEST WENT UP AGAINST ANOKA-RAMSEY IN A MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME

On March 4, Minnesota West and Anoka-Ramsey Community College squared off in a Men’s basketball game. It was the championship of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Men’s basketball state tournament.

It took both teams to get into a shooting rhythm early. Minnesota West swung the ball around the 3-point line as they got everyone involved in the offense.

Both teams traded baskets in the first half. Neither team went on a huge run.

Both teams were able to shoot the deep 3-point shots and make them.

Minnesota West called a timeout with 12:14 left in the first half. The score was Anoka-Ramsey 22, Minnesota West 15.

Both teams raced up and down the floor as they were looking to score layups in transition.

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

Anoka-Ramsey called a timeout with 6:13 left in the first half. The score was Anoka-Ramsey 31, Minnesota West 27.

As the first half came to an end both teams continued to launch deep 3-point shots.

At halftime, the score was tied at 38.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to attack the basket and take 3-point shots.

Anoka-Ramsey called a timeout with 18:03 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota West 46, Anoka-Ramsey 38.

Minnesota West was able to slow Anoka-Ramsey down on the offensive end by putting pressure on the guards.

Anoka-Ramsey called a timeout with 14:43 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota West 54, Anoka-Ramsey 40.

Anoka’s Kevin Schramm was all over the floor on the offensive end Schramm came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. On the defensive end, he was able to slow down the guy that he was guarding.

Anoka-Ramsey ran out of gas midway through the second half. They were not able to make baskets.

Anoka called a timeout with 8:24 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota West 65, Anoka-Ramsey 46.

Minnesota West continued to get to the basket and came up with shots late in the game. Anoka-Ramsey couldn’t make shots in the second half.

Minnesota West came away with the 89-62 victory over Anoka-Ramsey.

The leading scorers for Anoka-Ramsey were Kevin Schramm with 22 points, and Justin Castro and Chris Morgan each with 13 points.

The leading scorer for Minnesota West was Alex Brown with 20 points. 

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS ROOSEVELT IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 1, Washburn and Roosevelt squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Roosevelt looked to push the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition.

Roosevelt looked to get the ball into the hands of guard Deszi Sims. Sims knew where his teammates were on the floor and were able to get them involved in the offense.

Roosevelt started out slow on the offensive end. They had a difficult time scoring early.

Roosevelt called a timeout with 14:59 left in the first half. The score was Washburn 7, Roosevelt 2.

Roosevelt played man-to-man on the defensive end. They looked to trap Washburn when they brought the ball down the floor.

Washburn wasn’t afraid to shoot the deep three-point shot. Everybody would crash the boards on the 3-point shots.

Washburn’s Charles Cook-Gordon came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates knew where he was on the floor and they were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Washburn called a timeout with 8:20 left in the first half. The score was Washburn 23, Roosevelt 15.

Sims kept on coming up with shots late in the first half. He took the ball hard to the basket in traffic coming up with his shot.

Roosevelt called a timeout with 6:40 left in the first half. The score was Washburn 23, Roosevelt 19.

Roosevelt’s Abdikani Abdi came up with nice passes to his teammates for assists. If Abdi thought he had a good chance of making a shot he would shoot it.

Neither team went on a run in the first half. There were ties and lead changes, but neither team went on a big 10-plus point run.

Sims shot started dropping late in the game and that gave Roosevelt confidence late in the half.

Sims tied the game at 34 with 2:00 with a jump shot from the middle of the lane.

Both teams continued to race up and down the floor coming up with layups.

Roosevelt called a timeout with 54.5 left in the first half. The score was Roosevelt 37, Washburn 36.

Roosevelt passed the ball and dribbled the ball around the 3-point line to end the first half. Sims came up with the last shot of the half.

The score at halftime was Roosevelt 39, Washburn 36.

As the second half got underway Roosevelt continued to push the ball down the floor and looked to score layups in transition.

Washburn’s Charles Johnson was all over the floor going after loose balls, talking on both ends of the floor and coming up with hustle plays, along with baskets.

Washburn went to a zone defense. Roosevelt passed the ball around the 3-point line while Washburn shifted in the zone.

Cook-Gordon continued to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the second half.

Washburn was able to slow down Roosevelt on the offensive end. Roosevelt went cold shooting in the second half. Washburn took advantage of that and attacked the basket and came up with shots.

Washburn called a timeout with 11:08 left in regulation. The score was Washburn 47, Roosevelt 43.

Roosevelt’s Dyvell Dixson was another player who got to the basket made mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates really got him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

There were many ties and lead changes midway through the second half.

Roosevelt went to a trapping man-to-man defense which made it difficult for Washburn to come up with open shots.

Washburn went cold on the offensive end with just under 6:30 left in regulation. Roosevelt came up with shots.

Roosevelt pushed the ball down the floor and scored layups in transition. Roosevelt was able to find Sims down the stretch. Roosevelt got the lead late in the game.

Washburn ran out of gas late.

Washburn called a timeout with 2:23 left in regulation. The score was Roosevelt 65, Washburn 60.

Washburn pushed the ball down the floor late and took deep 3-point baskets.

Roosevelt called a timeout with 1:42 left in regulation. The score was Roosevelt 67, Washburn 60.

Washburn looked for Johnson coming off screens got to the basket.

Both teams played well throughout the game. Neither team gave up. Both teams were able to slow the other team down on the offensive end.

I thought that Roosevelt’s Sims played very well. He is a solid player that can get to the basket. He had a solid jump shot as well can create his own shot coming off the dribble. Sims also can get to the basket and make layups in traffic. Sims also came up with rebounds.

Roosevelt came away with the 72-65 victory over Washburn.

The leading scorers for Washburn Johnson with 21 points and Cook-Gordon with 17.

The leading scorer for Roosevelt was Sims with 42 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Washburn vs. Roosevelt boys’ basketball game.

BLAINE WENT UP AGAINST OSSEO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 27, Blaine and Osseo squared off against each other in a boys’ basketball game. As the game got underway it took awhile for each team go get going offensively.

Osseo’s Emmette Page was all over the floor. On the offensive end, Page got to the basket and looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

Blaine pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to get everyone involved in the offense. Blaine’s Bryon Bynum Jr. and Tony Strand came up with early jump shots.

Both teams got off to a slow start offensively. Neither team went on a run early.

Osseo’s Richard Mulbah took the ball hard to the basket and came up with layups. If Mulbah didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it to his teammates.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. There were multiple jump balls in the first half.

Osseo’s Terrance Waits came off screens and got to the basket and came up with layups.

Blaine used multiple defenses in the first half. They wanted to confuse Osseo when Osseo was on offense.

Osseo used their quickness to get to the basket and make layups and jump shots.

Osseo called a timeout with 5:37 left in the first half. The score was Blaine 20, Osseo 17.

As the first half came to an end Blaine continued to come up with layups and jump shots.

Blaine called a timeout with 3:00 left in the first half. The score was Blaine 29, Osseo 28.

Both teams kept attacking the basket late in the first half.

At halftime, the score was Blaine 33, Osseo 32.

As the second half got underway Osseo looked to set the tempo. They pushed the ball down the floor and swung the ball around the 3-point line.

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

Blaine’s Ray Mitchell came up with deep 3-point shots. He also came up with layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could score.

Osseo called a timeout with 11:09 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 45, Blaine 42.

Blaine continued to get the ball into the hands of Jason Kaul and Mitchell and Tony Strand.

Blaine called a timeout with 9:24 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 52, Blaine 47.

The game remained close late in the game. Neither team gave up uncontested shots.

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

Osseo called a timeout with 2:00 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 65, Blaine 61.

Osseo came up with baskets down the stretch.

Osseo came away with the 75-66 victory over Blaine.

I was joined by The Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Blaine vs. Osseo boys’ basketball game.

 

HOPE ACADEMY AND CHARTER STARS WENT UP AGAINST EACH OTHER IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 26, Hope Academy and Charter Stars went up against each other in a boys’ basketball game. It took awhile for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm.

Hope Academy struggled shooting the ball early. They couldn’t make a shot in the opening minutes.

Charter Stars got everyone involved in the offense. Charter Stars guard Ezekiel Olakunle came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Teammate Brett McNeal took the ball strong to the basket as he came up with layups.

Hope Academy used their quickness to get to the basket. They talked to each other on the offensive end. Hope Academy’s Akuan Lane got past the defense and came layups in traffic.

Hope Academy called a timeout with 8:48 left in the first half. The score was Charter Stars 26, Hope Academy 11.

Charter Stars went to a full-court press in the first half. They put pressure on Hope Academy and made it difficult for them to bring the ball down the floor.

Hope Academy’s Caleb Hoilien came up with jump shots from the elbow. He was also able to get his teammates involved in the offense.

Charter Stars called a timeout with 5:51 left in the first half. The score was Charter Stars 32, Hope Academy 18.

Charter Stars looked to get the ball inside to the post players, Akpevwe Avwunuma came up with layups on the low block.

Hope called a timeout with 4:23 left in the first half. The score was Charter Stars 36, Hope Academy 20.

As the first half wound down both teams continued to attack the basket and looked to make layups.

Hope Academy struggled at times in the first half but was not able to come up with shots.

At halftime, the score was Charter Stars 40, Hope Academy 32.

As the second half got underway Hope Academy came out looking to push the ball down the floor looking for their shots.

Charter Stars Taye Carter and Olakunle both continued to come up with layups and mid-range jump shots.

Charter Stars started out the second half cold. They were not able to make shots in the early goings.

Charter Stars called a timeout with 15:28 left in regulation. The score was Charter Stars 43, Hope Academy 40.

Hollien came up with deep 3-point shots in the second half.

The score went back and forth in the second half. There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls on both ends of the floor. Charter Stars stepped up their defensive pressure. They made it difficult for Hope Academy to come up with open looks at the basket.

Hope Academy’s Roger Martinez put defensive pressure on the guy he was guarding. He was able to cause him to turn the ball over.

Charter Stars looked to trap on the defensive end as they looked to come up with steals.

Hope Academy’s Samuel Ojebode came up with layups as he took the ball strong to the basket. Ojebode called for the ball in the lane.

Hope Academy called a timeout with 8:07 left in regulation. Charter Stars 60, Hope Academy 51.

Hope Academy’s Sam Erickson came up with layups late in the game.

Hope Academy called a timeout with 4:38 left in regulation. The score was Charter Stars 68, Hope Academy 59.

Charter Stars used their quickness to get to the basket as they made their shots throughout the game. Hope Academy struggled shooting the ball throughout the game.

Hope Academy called a timeout with 1:06 left in regulation. The score was Charter Stars 72, Hope Academy 68.

Charter Stars came up with layups off turnovers late in the game.

Charter Stars came away with the 76-68 victory over Hope Academy.

The leading scorers for Hope Academy were Carter with 22 points, Olakunle with 14 points and Brett McNeal with 13 points.

The leading scorer for Hope Academy was Hoilien with 21 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts on the Hope Academy and Charter Stars boys’ basketball game.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS NORTH IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 23, Minneapolis Southwest and Minneapolis North squared up in a boys’ basketball game.

Southwest looked to push the ball down the floor and score quick baskets in transition. Southwest looked to get the ball into the hands of JayZee Brown. Brown took the ball hard to the basket.

North called a timeout with 15:40 left in the first half. The score was North 6, Southwest 4.

North moved the ball around the 3-point line well as they got everyone involved.

Southwest called a timeout with 13:22 left in the first half. The score was North 12, Southwest 4.

Southwest’s Niko Polydorou took the ball strong to the basket. Polydorou came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

North got everyone involved in the offense. They communicated well on both ends of the floor.

Polydorou’s teammates got him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Southwest called a timeout with 4:43 left in the first half. The score was North 34, Southwest 23.

Both offenses went stagnant late in the first half, as neither team was able to score.

At halftime, the score was North 42, Southwest 28.

As the second half got underway North came out flat. They were not able to make shots that they put up.

North stepped up their defensive pressure. They were able to frustrate Southwest on both ends of the floor.

Southwest called a timeout with 12:53 left in regulation. The score was North 55, Southwest 37.

Even though Southwest struggled to shoot the ball, they continued to attack the basket as they looked to come up with baskets.

North was too quick for Southwest. Southwest struggled shooting the ball throughout the game.

I was joined by Sam Williams from Big Sam’s Podcast. Sam thought that, “North has more athletic better players.”

North came away with the 77-58 victory over Southwest. The leading scores for North were

The leading scorers for North were Wilson IV with Johnson with 28 points and Johnson with 19 points.

The leading scorer for Southwest was Polydorou with 25 points.

OSSEO AND ANOKA SQUARE OFF IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 22, Osseo and Anoka went up against each other in a boys’ basketball game. Going into the game Osseo had an overall record of 18-5 while Anoka had an overall record of 11-12.

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

Osseo got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around the 3-point line.

Anoka got the ball into the hands of Cody Lindenberg. Lindenberg took the ball hard to the basket. He came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Osseo’s Chike Okonkwo came off the bench and provided an offensive spark. If Okonkwo thought that he had an open look at the basket he wasn’t afraid to shoot it.

Anoka called a timeout with 10:55 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 13, Anoka 9.

Osseo used a full court press and applied pressure and made it difficult for Anoka to bring the ball down the floor.

Osseo’s Anthony Williams came off screens in the first half. He knew where he was on the floor. Williams teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Anoka’s Addison Ostendorf made layups in transition. Ostendorf was able to get back on offense quickly.

The defensive pressure that Osseo applied late in the first half made it difficult for Anoka to come up with open looks at the basket.

Anoka got their offense going late in the first half. Anoka’s Ostendorf and Lindenberg came up with huge layups.

Osseo couldn’t make shots late in the first half as they struggled down the stretch.

At halftime, the score was Anoka 31, Osseo 28.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to attack the basket.

Osseo’s Cornell Richardson and Emmette Page looked to get the offense going.

There were multiple ties and lead changes early in the second half.

Anoka switched between man-to-man and zone defense in the second half. They were able to confuse Osseo on what they were running.

Anoka continued to get the ball into the hands of Ostendorf, Jake Phipps and Lindenberg. Those three all came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Anoka called a timeout with 10:41 left in regulation. The score was Anoka 43, Osseo 40.

Osseo looked to make layups in transition. Page and Williams both came up with big scoring plays in the second half.

Osseo called a timeout with 2:01 left in regulation. The score was Anoka 59, Osseo 55.

Osseo couldn’t come up with shots throughout the game. Anoka’s Ostendorf, Phillips, and Lindenberg all came up with huge plays.

The game came down to the wire.

Anoka came away with the 66-62 victory over Osseo.

The leading scorers for Osseo were Emmette Paige with 21 points and Richard Mulbah with 17 points.

The leading scorers for Anoka were Jake Phipps with 20 points and Ostendorf with 18 points.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA'S AMIR THOMAS COFFEY IS OUT FOR THE REST OF THE 2017-2018 SEASON

University of Minnesota Men's basketball player Amir Coffey is out for the remainder of the 2016-17 basketball season.

Coffey suffered a humeral avulsion glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) injury on Jan. 3 in a game against Illinois.

BROOKLYN CENTER WENT UP AGAINST ACADEMY OF HOLY ANGELS IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 15, Brooklyn Center and The Academy of Holy Angels squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Going into the game Brooklyn Center had an overall record of 16-6 while Holy Angels had an overall record of 7-14.

Brooklyn Center flew up and down the floor as they looked to make layups in transition.

Holy Angels took a timeout 17:07 left in the first half. The score was Brooklyn Center 5, Holy Angels 0.

Holy Angels struggled shooting the ball early. They were not able to make shots they put up.

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

Brooklyn Center’s Daniel Yates came up with deep 3-point shots. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. If Yates didn’t think that he had a good shot, he wasn’t afraid to pass it to one of his teammates for an open shot.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 11:37 left in the first half. The score was Brooklyn Center 16, Holy Angels 2.

After a slow start offensively for Holy Angels, their offense got rolling.

Brooklyn Center called a timeout with 8:32 left in the first half. The score was Brooklyn Center 17, Holy Angels 11.

Brooklyn Center went to a full court man-to-man defense. They wanted to make it difficult for Holy Angels to bring the ball down the floor.

Brooklyn Center stepped up their defensive pressure, late in the first half. Brooklyn Center forward Adreone Sprinkles came up with layups on the offensive end. He drove to the lane and came off screens.

Holy Angels Max Gerstner knocked down 3-point shots late in the first half. If Gerstner didn’t think that he had a good shot to make a 3-point shot, he would drive to the basket.

The score at halftime was Brooklyn Center 39, Holy Angels 27.

As the second half got underway Holy Angels came out on fire. They were able to make layups and get everyone involved in the offense.

Brooklyn Center called a timeout with 15:45 left in regulation. The score was Brooklyn Center 39, Holy Angels 33.

Brooklyn Center’s Lu’Cye Patterson and Sprinkles both came up with layups and midrange jump shots in the second half. Patterson used his quickness to get past the defenders.

Holy Angels passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked for their shot. They usually dove to the basket for a layup.

Brooklyn Center called a timeout with 12:35 left in regulation. The score was Brooklyn Center 43, Holy Angels 41.

Holy Angels kept attacking the basket. They turned it over on the offensive end and Brooklyn Center came up with layups.

Holy Angels Rook Rowe came up with mid-range jump shots that kept his team in the game. Teammate Matt Banovetz came off screens and made mid-range jump shots and layups.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 8:21 left in regulation. The score was Brooklyn Center 56, Holy Angels 45.

Patterson’s shot began to drop in the second half. Patterson came off cuts and made layups off the screens. Teammate Kwon Johnson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Johnson knew where the ball was on the floor always.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 3:52 left in regulation. The score was Brooklyn Center 67, Holy Angels 52.

Both teams continued to attack the basket and ran plays to get their teams into the offense.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 1:18 left in regulation. The score was Brooklyn Center 74, Holy Angels 60.

Both teams played hard throughout the game. Neither team gave up. Brooklyn Center was a little quicker than Holy Angels was. Brooklyn Center came up with layups late in the game with just under three minutes to play in regulation. That’s when they broke the game open.

Brooklyn Center came away with the 76-64 victory over Holy Angels.

The leading scorers for Holy Angels were Banovetz with 18 points, Gerstner with 12 points and Rowe with 10 points.

The leading scorers Brooklyn Center were Patterson with 28 points and Douglas with 21 points.

 

ANDOVER WENT UP AGAINST OSSEO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 12, Andover and Osseo squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Going into the game Andover had an overall record of 10-10 while Osseo had an overall record of 15-4.

Osseo looked to push the ball down the floor early. On the offensive end, Osseo passed the ball around the 3-point line and ran a motion offense. They got everyone involved in the offense.

Both teams started out slow on the offensive end. It took awhile for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm.

Osseo came out flat offensively. They were not able to hit shots that they put up early.

Osseo fought through screens. They did a good job of talking to each other on both ends of the floor.

Andover’s Conner Knoepfle came off screens and made mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. If Knoepfle didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it to one of his teammates for an open look.

Osseo passed the ball around the 3-point line. They got everyone involved in the offense.

Osseo went to a full-court press. They wanted to make it difficult for the Andover guards to bring the ball down the floor.

Andover played a matchup zone on the defensive end. Osseo was able to swing the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to get the ball inside. Osseo also wanted to get past the guards on the top of the key, but the defensive pressure made it difficult.

Andover’s Peyton Aune came up with mid-range jump shots and layups off screens. He knew where his teammates were and got them the ball in spots where they could shoot, and they got him the ball where he could shoot it.

Osseo’s Emmette Page came up with deep 3-point shots curling off screens. Osseo was patient on the offensive end. They were not content with taking the first shot they saw.

Osseo looked to score layups in transition. The Osseo offense came to life late in the first half. They used their quickness to get down the floor.

Both teams went after rebounds on both ends of the floor. There were a few jump balls in the first half.

Andover called a timeout with 3:47 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 20, Andover 18.

Page wasn’t afraid to take deep 3-point shots. Osseo crashed the boards coming up for the rebounds.

After a slow offensive start by Osseo, they were able to get their shots to drop late in the first half.

At halftime, the score was Osseo 28, Andover 19.

As the second half got underway Osseo stepped up their defensive pressure. They looked to turn Andover over and then get layups on the offensive end.

The defensive pressure that Osseo applied made it difficult for Andover to get a shot off.

Osseo called a timeout with 15:50 left in regulation. The score was Osseo 34, Andover 21.

Page continued to come up with baskets in the second half.

Osseo had to fight for every shot that they took. Andover kept their defensive pressure on Osseo.

Aune and Knoepfle continued to get to the basket as they looked for their shots.

Osseo called a timeout with 6:45left in regulation. The score was Osseo 44, Andover 35.

Andover stepped up their defensive pressure. They wanted to force Osseo to take contested rushed shots.

Osseo used a run at the end of the first half to shut down Andover. Andover didn’t quit but had a hard time scoring throughout the second half. Even though Andover had a tough time scoring in the second half They kept on shooting the ball. Both teams played hard throughout the game.

Osseo came away with the 59-41 victory over Andover.

 

MINNEAPOLIS NORTH AND MINNEAPOLIS HENRY CLASH IN A NORTHSIDE BATTLE

On Feb. 10, Minneapolis North and Minneapolis Patrick Henry squared off in a boys’ basketball game.

Henry started the game out in a zone defense. Henry wanted to make North take deep 3-point shots.

Henry pushed the ball down the floor looking for layups.

North called a timeout with 15:50 left in the first half. The score was North 3, Henry 2.

There were multiple ties and lead changes early. Neither team went on a run.

Henry called a timeout with 14:49 left in the first half. The score was North 6, Henry 4.

North’s Zion Sanford took the ball down the floor and was able to get his team into an offense. Sanford knew where his teammates were on the floor always.

Henry called a timeout with 9:45 left in the first half. The score was North 25, Henry 10.

North used their quickness to get past the Henry offense in transition.

North’s Odell Wilson IV game up with layups in traffic. Wilson IV also made mid-range jump shots.

Henry got everyone involved in the offense. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and talked on the offensive end.

At halftime, the score was North 46, Henry 25.

As the second half got underway North continued to push the ball down the floor and look for layups and mid-range jump shots.

Henry continued to struggle to shoot the ball throughout the second half. North was too quick for Henry.

Henry’s Rashaud Rollins and Marshun Downey both were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. Henry got Rollins and Downey the ball in spots where they could make shots.

North’s Nasir El-Amin came up with mid-range jump shots and layups off screens. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot the ball.

North was able to get everyone involved in the offense. North was a lot quicker than Henry was. Henry had a difficult time shooting the ball on the offensive end.

North came away with the 86-66 victory over Henry.

The leading scorers for Henry were Rollins with 19 points, and Downey with 12 points.

The leading scorers for North were Odell Wilson IV with 24 points, El-Amin with 16 points.

 

ACADEMY OF HOLY ANGELS WENT UP AGAINST DELASALLE IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 9, Academy of Holy Angels and DeLaSalle squared off in a boys’ basketball game.

DeLaSalle pushed the ball down the floor and got everyone involved in the offense.

Holy Angels had a difficult time scoring baskets in the first half. They were not able t make shots that they put up.

DeLaSalle did a good job of communicating on both ends of the floor.

Holy Angels pushed the ball down the floor and worked the ball around the 3-point line.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 7:14 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 24, Holy Angels 8.

DeLaSalle’s Tyrell Terry came up with steals on the defensive end and was able to turn them into steals on the offensive end.

DeLaSalle’s Christian Dickson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups late in the first half.

At halftime, the score was DeLaSalle 41, Holy Angels 24.

As the second half got underway DeLaSalle’s Jamison Battle came up with big baskets as he continued to push the ball down the floor and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

DeLaSalle’s Sage Booker, Christian and Mali Lamin all continued to come up with layups and mid-range jump shots.

Holy Angels called a timeout with 7:57 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 63, Holy Angels 39.

DeLaSalle was too quick for Holy Angels. Holy Angels played hard throughout the game.

DeLaSalle kept the offensive pedal to the floor late in the game.

DeLaSalle came away with the 79-54 victory over Holy Angels.

The leading scorer for Holy Angels was David Oslund with 11 points.

The leading scorers for DeLaSalle were Battle with 22 points, Rayquan Moore with 12 points, and Malik Lamin with 10 points.

MINNEAPOLIS NORTH AND MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH SQUARED OFF IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 8, Minneapolis North and Minneapolis South squared off in a boys’ basketball game. North looked to push the ball down the floor and get everyone involved in the offense.

South took their time bringing the ball down the floor. North came up with steals on the defensive end and turned them into layups on defense.

South passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked for their shots.

South called a timeout with 12:39 left in the first half. The score was North 17, South 5.

North kept the defensive pressure on South. South had a difficult time finding their shot in the first half. They were not able to hit shots that they came up with. South kept attacking the basket in the first half.

North got everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of talking to each other on both ends of the floor.

South called a timeout with 6:23 left in the first half. The score was North 39, South 11.

North’s Odell Wilson IV took the ball hard to the basket. He made mid-range jump shots and layups.

North used their quickness to get to the basket and came up with steals on the defensive end turned them into layups on the offensive end.

At halftime, the score was North 56, South 18.

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

South kept on attacking the basket as they looked for layups.

North was a lot quicker than South was.

North called a timeout with 12:10 left in regulation. The score was North 63, South 34.

North’s Omar Brown looked to get his shot to drop late in the game.

North was too quick for South. South didn’t give up and fought the whole game.

North passed the ball around the 3-point line to take time off the clock.

North came away with the 81-49 victory over South.

The leading scorers for South were Curtis Jones with 15 points and Suldan Omar with 12 points.

The leading scorers for North were Wilson with 25 points, Sanford and El-Amin each with 12 points and Willie Wilson with 10 points.

MINNEAPOLIS NORTH AND MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST SQUARED OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 7, Minneapolis North and Minneapolis Southwest went up against each other in a boys’ basketball game. Going into the game North had an overall record of 14-4 while Southwest’s overall record was 6-11.

Southwest looked to set the tempo of the game early. They pushed the ball down the floor and looked to get everyone involved in the offense.

It took a while for the North’s offense to get going.

North called a timeout with 16:30 left in the first half. The score was tied at 2.

North went to a full-court press. That made it difficult for Southwest to bring the ball down the floor.

Both teams struggled to shoot the ball early in the game.

Southwest called a timeout with 13:21 left in the first half. The score was North 8, Southwest 2.

Southwest’s JayZee Brown took the ball down the floor. He was able to get his teammates involved in the offense.

North’s Omar Brown attacked the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could get shots.

Both teams looked to make fast breaks off turnovers.

North’s Willie Wilson came off screens and made layups. If he didn’t think that he had a good look at the basket he would pass it to one of his teammates.

North called a timeout 6:31 left in the first half. The score was North 21, Southwest 13.

Southwest’s Ari Bogen-Grose took the ball to the basket through traffic and made layups. Bogen-Grose also looked to make mid-range jump shots.

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

Bogen-Grose got hot late in the first half. He came up with clutch shots.

At halftime, the score was North 36, Southwest 34.

As the second half got underway Southwest continued to attack the basket.

Omar Brown continued to take the ball to the basket and looked to make layups.

Southwest called a timeout with 13:56 left in regulation. The score was North 46, Southwest 40.

Southwest’s Treavon Nystrom came up with rebounds on both ends of the floor. He was able to get the ball to his teammates who would be able to make shots.

Southwest had trouble shooting the ball in the second half. Even though they had a difficult time shooting they kept on attempting to shoot the ball.

Both teams played hard throughout the game. North picked up their offensive production in the second half.

North came away with the 79-51 victory over Southwest.

The leading scorers for North were Tayler Johnson with 27 points, and Odell Wilson IV with 22 points.

The leading scorer for Southwest was Ari Bogen-Grose with 15 points.

MINEAPOLIS NORTH WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 5, Minneapolis North and Minneapolis Washburn squared off in a boys’ basketball game.

Washburn looked to take time off the clock as they passed the ball around the 3-point line.

North called a timeout with 16:08 left in the first half. The score was tied at 2.

Washburn talked to each other on both ends of the floor. They passed the ball around the 3-point line as they got everyone on the floor involved in the offense.

North came out flat offensively. They were not able to get their shots to drop early. Even though they struggled to shoot the ball they still attacked the basket.

Washburn called a timeout with 12:06 left in the first half. The score was Washburn 11, North 7.

Washburn’s Terrell Adams and Charles Cook-Gordon both took the ball strong to the basket. They were able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. Their teammates did a good job of getting them the ball in spots where they could shoot it.

North’s Zion Stanford brought the ball down the floor and looked to make layups in transition.

After a slow start by North they were able to come up with steals on defense and turn them into layups in transition.

Washburn called a timeout with 4:25 left in the first half. The score was tied at 21.

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

The score was tied at 30 at halftime.

As the second half got underway North continued to push the ball down the floor and looked to get everyone involved in the offense.

Cook Gordon came up with deep 3-point baskets. He wasn’t afraid to take the ball strong to the basket.

North looked to make layups in transition. They were able to come up with fast breaks.

Washburn settled on 3-point shots mid-way through the second half.

North called a timeout with 11:02 left in regulation. The score was North 49, Washburn 39.

Washburn kept on attacking the basket throughout the second half.

North’s Odell Wilson IV came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

After a slow start from North they came out in the second half and turned on the offense. Washburn couldn’t get their offense going in the second half.

Even though Washburn struggled to shoot in the second half, they attacked the basket and looked for their shots.

North came away with the 77-60 victory over Washburn.

The leading scorers for Washburn were Cook-Gordon with 14 points, Charles Johnson with 13 points and Terrell Adams with 12 points.

The leading scorers for North were Wilson with 26 points, Holloman with 15 points and Sanford with 14 points. 

PATRICK HENRY WENT UP AGAINST WASHBURN IN A CITY CONFERENCE BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 29, Minneapolis Patrick Henry and Minneapolis Washburn squared off in a boys’ basketball game.

Both teams got off to a sluggish start offensively. It took awhile for each team to get into a shooting rhythm.

Washburn called a timeout with 16:47 left in the first half. The score was Henry 2, Washburn 0.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls.

Henry called a timeout with 15:07 left in the first half. The score was Henry 4, Washburn 0.

Washburn struggled shooting the ball in the first half as they were not able to make shots that they put up.

Henry spread the ball around and was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of finding each other on the floor.

Washburn’s Payton Golden took the ball hard to the basket, as he looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

Washburn called a timeout with 12:41 left in the first half. The score was Henry 14, Washburn 4.

Washburn’s Charles Cook-Gordon kept the ball moving down the floor. Cook-Gordon wasn’t afraid to shoot the ball if he thought that he had an open look at the basket.

Washburn got their offense going with just under 11 Minutes to go. They came up with steals on the defensive end and turned them into layups on the offensive end.

Henry’s Yusuf Abdullah took the ball hard to the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Henry’s Glentrell Carter wasn’t afraid to take deep 3-point shots. If Carter thought that he could make a shot, he would up it up.

Washburn’s Isaac Lotz came up with 3-point shots. Washburn did a good job of communicating with each other on both ends of the floor.

Henry played with different defenses as they looked confuse Washburn.

The game was very physical on both ends of the floor. There were a lot of jump balls in the first half.

Clark-Gordon continued to come up with key baskets late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Henry 36, Washburn 30.

As the second half got underway, both teams continued to attack the basket.

The score went back and forth early in the second half.

Henry’s Will Laabs came up with layups in traffic. He wasn’t afraid to draw the foul while he was driving to the basket.

Golden stepped up and knocked down 3-point baskets on the offensive end. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guy he was guarding.

Washburn’s offense got going early in the second half. They were able to turn Henry over and keep scoring baskets.

Henry called a timeout with 11:34 left to go in regulation. The score was Washburn 54, Henry 47.

Henry kept on attacking the basket and coming up with layups.

Henty didn’t back down from the Washburn defensive pressure.

Washburn called a timeout with 7:56 left in regulation. The score was Washburn 57, Henry 53.

Cook-Gordon and Adams continued to come up with huge baskets for Washburn in the second half.

Henry called a timeout with 5:52 left in regulation. The score was Washburn 65, Henry 55.

Both teams battled throughout the game.

After a slow start by both teams and Washburn’s inability to shoot the ball early in the first half, they turned it around in the second half.

Henry got their offense going midway through the first half but in the second half, Henry couldn’t get their shots to drop.

Washburn came away with the 73-60 victory over Henry.

The leading scorers for Henry were Rollins with 14 points and Johnson with 10 points.

The leading scorers for Washburn were Cook-Gordon with 25 points and Adams with 23 points.

CARLETON WENT UP AGAINST AUGSBURG IN A MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 24, Carleton and Augsburg squared off in a men’s basketball game. Augsburg won the tip and looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Both teams were not afraid to shoot deep 3-point baskets in the first half. There were multiple ties and lead changes in the first half.

Augsburg called a timeout with 15:03 left in the first half. The score was Carleton 10, Augsburg 5.

Carleton moved the ball well around the 3-point line. They got everyone involved in the offense.

Augsburg’s Harry Sonie took the ball hard to the basket. He came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Carleton’s Kent Hanson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups late in the first half. The defense had a difficult time slowing Hanson down.

At halftime the score was Carleton 43, Augsburg 32.

As the second half got underway Carleton continued to push the ball down the floor and they looked to get the ball into the hands of Matthew Stritzel. Stritzel came up with layups and mid-range jump shots.

Sonie came up with 3-point baskets and mid-range jump shots.

Carleton called a timeout with 16:41 left in regulation. The score was Carleton 43, Augsburg 39.

Augsburg moved well without the ball. They did a good job of passing and cutting. Augsburg’s guards were able to get the ball down the floor effectively.

Augsburg’s Collin Olmscheid came up with field goals and free throws in the second half. That kept his team in the game.

The score went back and forth midway through the second half.

Augsburg University called a timeout with 7:39 left in regulation. The score was Augsburg 53, Carleton 50.

Neither team went on a huge run throughout the game.

Augsburg’s Henry Mulligan came up with steals on the defensive end and turned them into layups.

Carleton called a timeout with 4:16 left in regulation. The score was Carleton 62, Augsburg 60.

Augsburg looked to take time off the clock, by swinging the ball around the 3-point line.

Carleton’s Matthew Stritzel and Kent Hanson both came up with huge jump shots and layups late in the game.

Augsburg called a timeout with 27.5 seconds left in regulation. The score was tied at 67.

The score was tied at 67 at the end of regulation.

Hanson continued to attack the basket and looked to come up with layups. He was able to make layups in traffic.

The game came down to the wire. Both teams attacked the basket late in the game. It was a close game throughout the game. The game was tied five different times and there were four lead changes.

Carleton came away with the 77-74 over Augsburg.

The leading scorers for Carleton were Hanson with 30 points and Stritzel with 20 points.

The leading scorers for Augsburg were Olmscheid with 19 points and Honie and McKiernan each with 15 points.

 

WASHBURN WENT UP AGAINST SOUTH IN A MINNEAPOLIS CONFERENCE BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 17, Minneapolis Washburn and Minneapolis South went up against each other in a boys’ basketball game.

South pushed the ball down the floor and got everyone involved in the offense. South looked to get the ball into the hands of Cossy Kowouto. Kowouto took the ball hard to the basket as he came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Washburn struggled to shoot the ball early. They were not able to get into an offensive shooting rhythm.

South got everyone involved in the offense. South talked on the offensive end and passed the ball around the 3-point line.

Washburn called a timeout with 11:48 left in the first half. The score was South 17, Washburn 4.

South’s Curtis Jones was all over the floor. On the offensive end he drove to the basket and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. On the defensive end he was able to slow the gut down that he was guarding.

South was able to make fast break layups in transition. South’s Curtis Jones stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots.

South looked to take time off the clock late in the first half. They passed the ball around the 3-point line. That made Washburn to go to a man-to-man defense.

Washburn called a timeout with 1:10 left in the first half. The score was South 37, Washburn 26.

At halftime the score was South 39, Washburn 26.

As the second half got underway South continued to attack the basket and get the ball into the hands of Curtis Jones.

Washburn continued to struggle to shoot the ball in the second half. Washburn looked to get the ball into the hands of Charles Johnson. Johnson did struggle as well to get an open look at the basket.

South was able to make fast break layups in transition. They used their speed to get past the Washburn defense.

South kept the defensive pressure on Washburn. Washburn didn’t get frustrated that their shots were not falling.

Washburn called a timeout with 8:27 left in regulation. The score was South 59, Washburn 36.

South was just quicker than Washburn was. Washburn struggled shooting the ball throughout the game. Even though Washburn struggled they still looked for their shots on the offensive end.

South called a timeout with 5:14 left in regulation. The score was South 68, Washburn 48.

Both teams played hard throughout the game. South came away with the 84-64 victory over Washburn.

The leading scorers for Washburn were Adams with 15 points and Johnson with 12 points.

The leading scorers for South were Suldan Omar with 18 points and Curtis Jones with 17 points.

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts on the Washburn vs. South boys’ basketball game. 

MINNEAPOLIS NORTH WENT UP AGAINST MINNEHAHA ACADEMY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On January 25, Minneapolis North and Minnehaha Academy squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Minnehaha Academy came into the game with an over all record of 13-2 and was ranked while North’s record was 10-3. North was ranked #2 in Class 2A While Minnehaha was ranked #1 Class 2A.

Minnehaha looked to push the ball down the ball and pass it around the 3-point line. North started the game in a man-to-man defense. They were able to get to the basket.

Minnehaha called a timeout with 15:06 left in the first half. The score was North 6, Minnehaha 0.

Minnehaha looked to get the ball into the hands of JaVonni Bickham. Bickham drove to the basket and looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

North called a timeout with 11:05 left in the first half. The score was North 12, Minnehaha 9.

North looked to score baskets in transition. Both teams raced up and down the floor looked to score layups in transition.

North’s Odell Wilson IV squared up with Beckham on the low block as they both battled to get rebounds.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. Neither team gave up an open shot on the offensive end.

Bickham was able to come up with layups on the offensive end. Teammate Terry Lockett

Minnehaha called a timeout with 4:46 left to go in the first half. The score was North 21, Minnehaha 18.

Minnehaha’s Prince Aligbe came off the bench and provide an offensive presence.

North continued to swing the ball around the 3-point line on the offensive end.

At halftime, the score was North 23, Minnehaha 22.

As the second half got underway North continued to push the ball down the floor and looked to make layups.

North’s Trej Holloman dropped a big 3-point shot early in the second half. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Minnehaha got hot midway through the second half. Minnehaha looked to get the ball into the hands of Aligbe.

North called a timeout with 9:23 left to go in regulation. The score was Minnehaha 38, North 37.

North moved the ball well in the second half. They got everyone involved in the offense.

Minnehaha continued to attack the basket and come up with layups and jump shots late in the game.

The game came down to the wire. Neither team gave up easy shots. I thought that both teams played well throughout the game.

North came away with the 62-53 victory over Minnehaha Academy.

The leading scorers for Minnehaha Academy were Prince Aligbe with 13 points, Terry Lockett with 12 points and Jalen Suggs with 11 points,

The leading scorers for North were Tayler Johnson with 24 points and Odell Wilson IV with 16 points.

I was joined by The Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts on the North vs. Minnehaha boys’ basketball game.

BRECK SQUARED UP AGAINST ORONO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 15, Breck and Orono squared off in a boys’ basketball game. The game was played at Totino Grace High School and was part of the 2018 Martin Luther King Holiday Classic.

Orono started the game in a zone defense. That made Breck swing the ball around the 3-point line.

Breck’s David Roddy was all over the floor. On the offensive end, Roddy came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. On the defensive end, Roddy was able to slow his guys down that he was guarding.

Breck used a man-to-man defense. They went to a full court press and that made it difficult for Orono to get the ball down the floor.

Orono’s Jarvis Omersa came up with layups and jump shots as his team got him the ball in the blow block.

Breck pushed the ball down the floor. Roddy was able to drive to the basket and wasn’t afraid of contact. He was able to make layups.

Breck called a timeout with 10:14 left in the first half. The score was Breck 15, Orono 12.

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

Orono took time off the clock was they swung the ball around the 3-point line. Breck switched up defenses as they looked to try to confuse Orono.

Breck called a timeout with 5:10 left in the first half. The score was tied at 21.

Breck’s zone defense allowed Orono to take 3-point shots. After the shot everyone rebounded.

Breck tried trap the ball before Orono got it past half court.

At halftime the score was Orono 31, Breck 30.

As the second half got underway Orono continued to swing the ball around the 3-point line and get everyone involved in the offense.

Orono’s offense came to live early in the second half. Breck couldn’t slow Orono down on the defensive end.

Neither team went on a run in the second half.

The defensive pressure that each team applied made it difficult for the other team to get an open look at the basket.

Orono called timeout with 9:21 left in regulation. The score was Orono 48, Breck 46.

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

Orono called a timeout with 5:43 left in regulation. The score was Orono 62, Orono 59.

Orono looked to keep the tempo in their favor, by swinging the ball around the 3-point line.

Neither team

Orono called a timeout with 1:53 left in regulation. The score was Breck 69, Orono 68.

As the game came down to the wire.

The score was tied at 70 at the end of regulation.

As the overtime period started Breck still passed the ball around the 3-point line and looked to get the ball inside.

Breck went into a zone defense and Orono looked to attack the basket.

Breck looked to attack the basket in transition.

Breck called a timeout with 50.7 left in the overtime period. The score was Orono 74, Breck 73.

Codute was found with 2.2 seconds left in the overtime period. He made the both shots and that tied the game at 75.

After the first overtime period the score was tied at 75.

Both teams kept of their defensive pressure

Orono went to a motion offense. They moved well without the ball. They dribbled around and made Breck guard them.

Orono came up with shots in the double overtime period.

Orono came away with the 84-79 double overtime victory over Breck.

MONTICELLO WENT UP AGAINST CLOQUET IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

Monticello and Cloquet squared off in a boys’ basketball game at Totino-Grace as part of the Martin Luther King Holiday Classic on Jan. 15. 

Cloquet got everyone involved in the offense. Cloquet’s Pokornowski Jayden came up with layups and mid-range jump shots.

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

Cloquet switched between man-to-man and zone defenses in the first half. They looked to confuse Monticello on the offensive end.

Monticello’s Rezi Useh came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. Teammate Matt Todd also came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

At halftime the score was Monticello 49, Cloquet 32.

As the second half got underway Cloquet continued to struggle to shoot the ball.

Monticello passed the ball around the three-point line as they took time off the clock and were able to get everyone involved in the offense.

Monticello took advantage of Cloquet’s missed shots as they came up with layups on the defensive end.

Monticello called a timeout with 12:36 left in regulation. The score was Monticello 56, Cloquet 38.

Monticello wasn’t afraid to take deep 3-point shots. Everyone on the floor for both teams rebounded. Monticello pushed the ball down the floor and looked to score baskets in transition.

Todd and Useh both came up with baskets throughout the second half. Their teammates did a good job of getting them the ball where they could shoot it.

Cloquet couldn’t get their offense going and Monticello was quicker than Monticello was able to get their shots to drop.

Monticello came away with the 78-49 victory over Cloquet.

The leading scorers Cloquet were Jayden and Turnbull each with 12 points and Leuzzo with 11 points.

The leading scorer for Monticello was Todd with 18 points. 

BYRON WENT UP AGAINST HOLY FAMILY IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 15, Bryon and Holy Family faced off in a boys’ basketball game. The game was played at Totino Grace High School and was part of the Martin Luther King Holiday Classic.

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

Bryon struggled to shoot the ball early. After a slow start Bryon came up with jump shots and layups. Byron’s Bjorn Knutson was able to get to the basket and made shots.

There were multiple ties and lead changes mid-way through the first half.

Holy Family called a timeout with 9:07 left in the first half. The score was tied at 12.

Holy Family’s Griffin Johnson attacked the basket and made layups. The defense had a difficult time slowing him down. Jacob Zay came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Byron went to a zone defense late in the first half. Holy Family was able to get through the defense.

Johnson came up with steals on the defensive end, and was able to turn them into layups on offense.

At halftime the score was Holy Family 31, Byron 27.

As the second half got underway Holy Family passed the ball around the 3-point line as they wanted to take time off the clock.

The score remained close to start the second half. There were multiple ties and lead changes early.

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

Knutson kept on coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups. The defense had a hard time slowing him down.

Holy Family came up with shots in the second half. Byron struggled shooting the ball midway through the second half.

Even though Byron struggled shooting the ball they kept on attacking the basket.

Byron called a timeout with 6:09 left in regulation. The score was Holy Family 61, Holy Family 46.

Knutson came up with steals and made fast break layups. On the defensive end Knutson slowed the guy down that he was guarding.

Byron called a timeout with 3:40 left to go in regulation. The score was Holy Family 63, Byron 53.

Holy Family took time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line.

Both teams played hard throughout the game. Holy Family came away with the 70-55 victory over Byron.

The leading scorer for Byron was Knutson with 14 points. The leading scorers for Holy Family were Hendler with 18 points and Zay with 13 points.

IRONDALE TOOK ON OSSEO IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 5, Irondale and Osseo up against each other in a boys’ basketball game. Irondale had an overall record of 1-7, while Osseo’s overall record was 5-2.

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

Irondale took their time on the offensive end. They passed the ball around the 3-point line and talked on both ends of the floor.

Osseo played a tough man-to-man defense. The pressure that Osseo played made it difficult for Irondale to get open looks at the basket.

Both teams struggled offensively early. Neither team could make shots.

Osseo called a timeout with 15:20 left in the first half. The score was Irondale 4, Osseo 2.

Osseo went to a full court press as they wanted to make it difficult for Irondale to get open looks at the basket.

Irondale got the ball into the hands of Ignatius Ejiofor. Ejiofor came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of feeding him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

There were multiple ties and lead changes in the first half. Neither team made a huge run.

Osseo’s Zach Theisen came up with layups on the offensive end. Theisen also did a god job of running the offense. Theisen was able to get teammate Cornell Richardson into the offense as Richardson also came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

Irondale called a timeout with 10:16 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 15, Irondale 11.

Osseo’s Emmette Page Jr. and Montrell Stokes knew were everyone was on the floor. Stokes came up with deep 3-point shots. The defense had a hard time slowing him down. On the defensive end Stokes was able to slow the guy down that he was guarding.

Irondale’s Carson Schicker came off the bench and provided an offensive presence. He looked to make deep 3-point shots and mid-range jump shots. Teammate Aden Price also came up with layups and jump shots.

Irondale went to a zone defense. Osseo passed the ball around the 3-point line as they took time off the clock against the zone defense.

Irondale called a timeout with 6:03 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 24, Irondale 15.

Osseo’s Elijah Barlue took the ball hard to the basket as he looked to make layups. He was able to come off screens and get to the basket.

Irondale called a timeout with 3:22 left in the first half. The score was Osseo 32, Irondale 21.

Osseo came up with steals on the defensive end and they were able to turn them into layups on the offensive end.

Page made layups late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Osseo 43, Irondale 23.

As the second half got underway Page continued to come up with layups and mid-range jump shots.

Even though Irondale struggled to shoot the ball they still tried to take shots.

The Irondale offense went flat for a period. They were not able to make shots they took.

Osseo used their speed and their quickness to get down the floor and come up with layups.

Osseo took a lot of time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line.

Irondale called a timeout with 9:52 left to go in regulation. The score was Osseo 62, Irondale 34.

Osseo was able to move the ball on the offensive end. They were talkative on both ends of the floor.

Osseo’s Richard Mulbah drove to the basket and made layups.

Osseo was to much for Irondale to handle. Osseo came away with the 87-40 victory over Irondale.

The leading scorers for Irondale were Ejiofor with 12 points and Price with 10 points.

The leading scorers for Osseo were Page with 26 points, and Richardson and Theisen both with 13 points.

EDINA TOOK ON ST. LOUIS PARK IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On Jan. 4, Edina and St. Louis Park squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Going into the game Edina had a record of 5-4 while St. Louis Park record was 4-5.

St. Louis Park started the game off in a zone defense. St. Louis Park wanted to make Edina take deep 3-point shots.

St. Louis Park got the ball into the hands of Cire Mayfield. Mayfield made mid-range jump shots and layups.

Edina pushed the ball down the floor and came up with layups in transition.

The score went back and forth in the first half. Neither team went on a huge run. There were multiple ties and lead changes.

With the zone defenses that both teams play that made it easier for the other team to take 3-point shots.

Edina’s Anders Nelson came up with deep 3-point shots. His teammates were able to get him the ball where he was able to make shots. Edina’s Charles Haff came up with mid-range jump shots and layups as well.

St. Louis Park called a timeout with 9:04 left in the first half. The score was Edina 20, St. Louis Park 12.

St. Louis Park’s Aidan Doherty came up with mid-range jump shots and layups off screens. Doherty called for the ball when he was open.

Mayfield and Doherty called for the ball and both took the ball hard to the basket.

Edina came up with fast-break layups. They were able to beat St. Louis Park down the floor.

St. Louis Park went into a scoring drought with under 7 minutes left in the first half. Edina took advantage of that by attacking the basket as they came up with layups.

Edina took time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line. That made St. Louis Park extend their defensive pressure.

St. Louis Park called a timeout with 3:23 left in the first half. The score was Edina 29, St. Louis Park 18.

St. Louis Park’s Luke Peterson got the ball on top of the key and came up with mid-range jump shots. Peterson did a good job of feeding the ball to his teammates if he didn’t think that he had a good shot.

Mayfield continued to come up with shots late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Edina 29, St. Louis Park 24.

As the second half got underway St. Louis Park kept attacking the basket. St. Louis Park was patient with the ball on the offensive end.

Edina crashed the boards as they came up with rebounds. Edina’s Jack Middleton came up with mid-range jump shots and layups to keep his team in the game. Teammate Jacob Hutson came up with rebounds in the low post.

St. Louis Park’s Joey Whitlock got hot from behind the 3-point line, as he stepped up and made 3-point shots. The defense had a difficult time slowing him down.

St. Louis Park continued to drive to the basket and look for their shots. They were successful at making jump shots and layups.

St. Louis Park called a timeout with 11:44 left in regulation. The score was Edina 40, St. Louis Park 31.

Edina kept on passing the ball around the 3-point line and getting everyone involved in the offence.

Mayfield kept on coming up with 3-point shots in the second half. If Mayfield didn’t think that he could make shot, he would pass it to his teammates.

Edina called a timeout with 4:32 left in regulation. The score was Edina 55, St. Louis Park 46.

St. Louis Park kept on attacking the basket as they didn’t take a lot of time off the clock late in regulation. Doherty came up with layups late in the game that kept St. Louis Park in the game.

St. Louis Park called a timeout with 2:30 left in regulation. The score was Edina 55, St. Louis Park 50.

Edina looked to pass the ball around the 3-point line late to take time off the clock. Neither team was able to score late in the game.

Edina went to a full court man-to-man press with just over a minute left in the game.

Edina called a timeout with 42.7 left in regulation. The score was Edina 55, St. Louis Park 54.

Edina came up with shots late in the game. St. Louis Park continued to put defensive pressure on Edina.

I thought that both teams played well throughout the game. Both teams were evenly matched.

Edina came away with the 58-54 victory over St. Louis Park.

The leading scorers for St. Louis Park were Mayfield with 18 points, Doherty with 14 points and Whitlock with 10 points.

The leading scorers for Edina were Nelson with 18 points, Middleton with 13 points, and Haff with 10 points.