RECONNECTING WITH JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS

I was able to get a hold of Jayson Anderson Edwards who came back to the United States because of the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic. He was staying in Frankfurt, Germany.

He flew back to the United States on Thursday, Oct. 29 because of the pandemic. Edwards told me, “As soon as I touched down, I connected with my skills trainer, Jonathan Brown. I improved on my basic skill set. We usually work on my shooting mechanics and technique. Enhance shooting off the dribble and simply basic ball handling. On my own, I put in the work. I am fortunate enough to have a gym inside my garage, where I can lift weights and do cardiovascular exercises. As a point guard overseas, it is important for me to stay sharp.”

He told me that his next plan is, “I stay ready for the upcoming season in Germany. Where I will have the opportunity to participate with the club Nue-Isenburg. A city near Frankfurt. I will return to Frankfurt Germany in December. I will get acclimated with the culture, the language and just enjoy time with my teammates. At this time there is no idea when the season will reopen due to COVID-19. There has been rumors that they may continue the season in February if the COVID rates lower. We will see.

He also told me that, “I will go wherever ball bounces to be honest. I am not really focused on jumping around but to lay a foundation and a name for myself in Germany. This is a place I can see myself living and improving as a man. My goal is to make an immediate impact to a team that needs a winning Point Guard. This will improve their record and will jump the team to a higher league.

Edwards was also able to explain the pro basketball leagues in Europe. “Germany is in the EuroBasket. Within the EuroBasket, there are several leagues a player can play in. From the lowest league to the best league. BBL, ProA, ProB and 1/2.R-LIGA to lowest League Landisliga. These leagues are considered pro leagues and have numerous of outstanding players. American players you play against and several players not only from Germany, but guys from Croatia, France and Italy. It can be difficult to understand so I advise people to do your research. On teams, players, leagues. You will gain more knowledge.”

He also told me, “For my first time being in Europe and seeing how the game is played I had the opportunity to play with Ts Frankfurt Griesheim which is 1/2.R-Liga. I believe this is a league I belong in and I can see myself improving within years. My goal is ProB, it is a vision that I have and the goals that I set out for myself that I have to get done no matter what.”

I also asked him, “Is there anything else you want people to know about your travels overseas or overseas basketball?” He told me, “You really have to understand being an overseas basketball player is tougher than it seems. The 17-20hr flights across the water. Not being able to watch Sunday Minnesota Vikings football games because of the time difference. Not only are you away from your friends and family, but sometimes even after games, it is even hard to find a regular face in the crowd to celebrate with. The language barrier there is much different. Food is cooked quite different from America, but I would say it is healthier. Overall, it is all about how you see things. The process.... You must fall in love with the process and loving the journey is the reason why I played today’s game.”

MINNESOTA VS WISCONSIN FOOTBALL GAME HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19

According to the University of Minnesota, their football game against Wisconsin has been canceled due to Covid-19.

The Gophers missed 22 players when they played Purdue on Friday, Nov 20.

The Gophers held meetings virtually this week as players tested positive for Covid-19.

Wisconsin was also dealing with players and staff members.

Minnesota is scheduled to play Northwestern on Nov. 5 at TCF Bank Stadium.

RICHFIELD WENT UP AGAINST MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST IN A BOYS’ FOOTBALL GAME

On Nov. 6, Richfield went up against Minneapolis Southwest in a boys’ football game.

Southwest kicked off to Richfield to start the game. The ball went into the end zone for a touchback. Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield could not do anything with it.

On the next drive, Nick Flaskamp came up with a 20-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was good. With 10:35 left in the first half the score was Southwest 7, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield was intercepted by Southwest’s Marcus Madoxx. Southwest took over on their own 46-yard line.

Southwest looked to get the ball into the hands of Flaskamp. Flaskamp came up with big runs throughout the first quarter. Southwest kept the ball on the ground and got the ball into the hands of Flaskamp. Flaskamp came up with short runs that were able to get Southwest first downs. Southwest looked to get into the end zone on a Flaskamp short run. The extra point attempt was no good.

The score with 3:07 left in regulation was Southwest 13, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield kept the ball on the ground on their next drive. They were not able to move the ball down the field. They punted on 4th-down.

Southwest took over on their own 35-yard line. Southwest looked to the air on their next drive as they tried the passing attempt. Southwest kept on getting the ball to Flaskamp. Southwest’s Madoxx came up with passes that set up first downs.

After one quarter of play, the score was Southwest 13, Richfield 0.

Southwest continued to move the ball down the field. Flaskamp had a 10-yard run for a touchdown. The two-point conversion by Nick Flaskamp was good.

With 10:46 left in the second quarter was Southwest 21, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. They punted on 4th-and 10. Southwest tried to move the ball down the field after the punt. They got the ball into the hands of Flaskamp and Madoxx again as they moved the ball down the field. There was an interception and Richfield recovered.

Richfield looked to move the ball down the field again. Richfield’s Malachai Peterson came up with receptions that moved the ball down the field for Richfield. Richfield attempted a 40-yard field goal but was unsuccessful.

Flaskamp came up with an 88-yard run for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good.

With 3:07 left in the second quarter, the score was Southwest 28, Richfield 0.

Richfield took over on their own 20-yard line. Richfield used both the running and passing attack in the second quarter. On fourth-and-10 Richfield punted the ball.

Southwest took over on their own 49-yard line. Southwest moved the ball down the field again. Madoxx came up with nice catches. Flaskamp came up with a 10-yard run for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was not good.

At halftime, the score was Southwest 34, Richfield 0.

Richfield kicked off to Southwest to start the third quarter. Flaskamp came up with the ball again as he looked to come up with a first down, but the Richfield defense stepped up and forced Southwest to punt.

Richfield could not move the ball and they punted on 4th down. Southwest could not move the ball down the field as Southwest punted on 4th-and-10.

Richfield moved the ball down the field once again as they looked to get past the Southwest defense. They kept the ball on the ground as they looked to move the ball down the field once again.

Richfield found the end zone on a Tritian Zornes run. The extra point attempt was good. That marked the end of the third quarter. The score was Southwest 34, Richfield 7.

Southwest looked to take the ball down the field. Southwest punted on 4th down. Richfield was picked off by Reed. Madoxx came up with a 5-yard touchdown catch for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was a trick play for a 2-point conversion which was good.

With 9:59 left in the fourth quarter the score was Southwest 42, Richfield 7.

Richfield’s Zornes came up with a huge catch for a first down. Richfield tried to get into the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Richfield turned the ball over on downs.

Southwest continued to push the ball down the field late in the fourth quarter.

Southwest came away with the 42-7 victory over Richfield.