DELANO WENT UP AGAINST ROCORI IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

It was the second day of the Granite City Classic on Dec. 30. The games were played at St. Cloud Apollo.

Delano and Rocori squared off in a boys’ basketball game. Rocori’s Eli Backes could make layups jump shots.

Both teams were evenly matched. Neither team went on a run early.

Rocori’s Connor Schoborg 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 make shots.

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. And went after rebounds on both ends of the floor.

Delano called a timeout with 8:58 left in the first half. The score was Rocori 22, Delano 14.

Delano did a good job of swinging the ball around the 3-point line. Delano’s Calvin Wishart came up a slam dunk that got his team motivated.

Rocori called a timeout with 6:19 left in the first half. The score was Rocori 26, Delano 25.

Delano passed the ball around the 3-point line as they looked to get everyone involved in the offense.

Rocori called a timeout with 3:56 left in the first half. The score was Delano 32, Rocori 26.

Delano continued to push the ball down the floor and make layups and could get the ball into the hands of Wishart.

At halftime, the score was Delano 43, Rocori 30.

As the second half got underway Delano continued to get the ball into the hands of Wishart.

Rocori kept on attacking the basket in the second half. They could get the ball into the hands of Schoborg and Derek Thompson. Those two came up with big shots throughout the second half.

Rocori spread the ball around as everyone on the floor could make shots in the second half. They kept chipping away at the deficit.

Rocori called a timeout with 9:36 left in regulation. The score was Delano 54, Rocori 42.

Rocori continued to push the ball down the floor and looked for their shots in the second half.

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

Rocori called a timeout with 6:15 left in regulation. The score was Delano 64, Rocori 50.

Delano kept on hitting shots down the stretch.

Delano came away with the 76-54 victory over Rocori.

Rocori was lead in scoring by Thompson with 22 points.

Delano was lead in scoring by Wishart with 33 points.

INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY WENT UP AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IN A FOOTBALL GAME

On Sept. 10, Indiana State and the University of Minnesota squared off in a football game. Both teams came into the game 1-0.

Indiana State kicked off to Minnesota to start the game. Minnesota started on their own 40-yard line. Minnesota started quarterback Mitch Leidner looked to get the ball into the hands of running back Rodney Smith. Smith looked to get past the Indiana State defenders. Minnesota’s Drew Wolitarsky who came up with a 21-yard reception for a first down. Minnesota continued to move the ball down the field in short 5-to-8 yard passing and running routes. Wolitarsky came up with a 20-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good.

With 10:46 left in the first quarter the score was Minnesota 7, Indiana State 0. 

Indiana State took over on their own 35-yard line. Indiana State looked to get the ball into Roland Genesy who looked to make receptions for first downs. Indiana State punted on 4th-and-6. 

Minnesota took over on their own 13-yard line. Minnesota’s Kobe McCrary also got the ball into his hands and was able to make plays on the ground. Brian Smith came up with a 16-yard first down reception. Minnesota punted on 4th-and-7. 

Indiana State took over on their own 15-yard line. Indiana State kept looking for Clayton Smith who came up with a 58-yard reception for a first down. Indiana State kept on marching down the field. Indiana State came up with a touchdown on an Isaac Harker 7-yard pass completion to Robert Tonyan. The extra point attempt by Jerry Nunez was good. 

With 1:46 left in to in the first quarter the score was tied at 7. 

Minnesota started on the Indiana State’s 38-yard line. Minnesota moved the ball down the field on short runs. Rodney Smith came up with a 1-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 7 seconds left in the first quarter the score was Minnesota 14, Indiana State 7.

Indiana State got the ball back on their own 35-yard line. 

After one quarter of play the score was Minnesota 14, Indiana State 7.

Indiana State punted on 4th-down. Minnesota looked to get the ball inside of the red zone. McCrary came up with short runs that kept the offense on the field. Leidner came up with a 6-yard pass to Wolitarsky for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 11:26 left in the second quarter the score was Minnesota 21, Indiana State 7. 

Indiana State took over on their own 25-yard line. Quarterback Isaac Harker looked to get his receivers the ball, the Minnesota defense prevented him from getting a clear shot to his receivers. He passed the ball under pressure. On 4th-and-20 Indiana State punted the ball. 

Minnesota state got the ball on the Indiana State’s 46-yard line. Wolitarsky came up with a first down reception. Minnesota’s Tyler Johnson came up with a 13-yard touchdown reception. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 8:41 left in the second quarter the score was Minnesota 28, Indiana State 7. 

Indiana State took over on the 50-yard line and was intercepted by Minnesota. 

Minnesota took over on their own 47-yard line. Minnesota once again looked to march down the field as they looked to get into the end zone. McCrary came up with a 6-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was good. 

With 4:49 left in the second quarter the score was Minnesota 35, Indiana State 7. 

Indiana State took over on their own 25-yard line. Indiana State’s Dimitri Taylor was able to come up with some key receptions late in the second quarter. 

There was a timeout on the field with 2:14 left in the second quarter. The score was Minnesota 35, Indiana State 7. 

Indiana State turned the ball over on downs. Minnesota took over on their own 25-yard line. 

Minnesota’s Emmit Carpenter attempted a 42-yard field goal which was good as time expired in the second quarter. 

At halftime the score was Minnesota 38, Indiana State 7. 

Minnesota kicked off to Indiana State to start the third quarter. Indiana State took over on their own 25-yard line. Indiana State kept the ball on the ground on their first drive. They were not able to move the ball so, they elected to punt on 4th-and-5. 

Minnesota took over on their own 48-yard line. Minnesota’s offense was able effetely switch between the running and passing game and was able to confuse the Indiana State defense. Smith came up with an 8-yard rush for a first down.

Minnesota’s Emmit Carpenter attempted a 44-yard field goal, which was good. 

With 9:51 left in the third quarter the score was Minnesota 41, Indiana State 7. 

Indiana State took over near midfield. They were able to march down the field. Indiana State scored a touchdown on a 10-yard reception by Bob Pugh to Isaac Harker. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 8:15 left in the third quarter the score was Minnesota 41, Indiana State 14. 

Minnesota got the ball on the Indiana State’s 40-yard line. Leidner came up with a 22-yard pass to Brian Smith for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 5:21 left to go in the third quarter the score was Minnesota 48, Indiana State 14. 

Indiana State took over on their own 25-yard line. Indiana State continued to move the ball down the field. Robert Toyan came up with a 32-yard reception that set up a 2-yard touchdown reception to Toyan. The extra point attempt was good. 

With 1:40 left in the third quarter was Minnesota 48, Indiana State 21.

Minnesota’s Colton Beebe came up with a huge first down reception. 

After three quarters of play the score was Minnesota 48, Indiana State 21. 

Minnesota attempted a 45-yard field goal attempt was good.

With 14:49 left in the fourth quarter the score was Minnesota 51, Indiana State 21. 

Indiana State took over on their own 6-yard line after a penalty. They couldn’t move the ball down the field so they punted the ball on fourth down. 

Minnesota looked to move the ball down the field quickly. McCrary came up with a 50-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was good.

The score with 9:19 left in the fourth quarter was Minnesota 58, Indiana State 21. 

Indiana State took over on their own 35-yard line. Indiana State kept the ball on the ground once again. Indiana State looked to score late in the fourth quarter. Indiana State scored a touchdown on a Robert Tonyan 18-yard reception with 4:44 left in the fourth quarter. The extra point attempt was good.

With 4:44 left in the fourth quarter the score was Minnesota 58, Indiana State 28. 

Minnesota would run out the clock the final minutes of the game. 

Minnesota came away with the 58-28 victory over Indiana State.

2016 INNER-CITY CLASSIC ALL STAR GAME

On May 15 St. Thomas was the site of the 2016 Inner-City Classic basketball game.

TEAM: Truth

Aiza Wilson DeLaSalle

Alaina Jarnot Maranatha

Camryn Speese De La Salle

Jazinae Patterson Washburn

K'Aezha Wubben Hopkins

Kiara Russell Osseo

Nia Hollie Hopkins

Teja Bodden De La Salle

Tera Nay Lee Southest

Abby Wilger Benilde-St. Margaret's

TEAM: Faith

Andrayah Adams Como

Ariann Jones Osseo

Ashley Bates Hopkins

Keyia Parker Southwest

Khalilah Holloway Southwest

LaShayla Wright Ponder Kennedy

Suzanne Gilreath Fridley

Tyrah Spencer Kennedy

Unique "UU" Long Cooper

With hip-hop music playing through the speakers through the gym both teams looked to quickly make baskets.

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

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

Team Faith came up with layups and mid-range jump shots midway through the first half. On the defensive end they were able to slow down Team Truth’s offense.

At halftime the score was Faith 43, Truth 33.

As the second half got underway Faith continued to push the ball down the floor as they looked to score baskets in transition.

Faith was able to come up with uncontested layups and jump shots in the second half.  Faith was also able to slow truth down on the offensive end.

Team Faith came away with the 89-73 victory over Truth.

2016 INNER CITY ALL STAR CLASIC BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

In the second game Team Wisdom went up against Team Knowledge.

TEAM WISDOM

Adnan Guled Como

Cam Kirksy Apple Valley

Chris Perry Cretin D.H.

Demtrice Mitchell Como

Jalen Brown Cretin D.H.

Julian Jackson Henry

Melvin Newbern Cooper

Sam Baker Benilde S.M.

Vinnie Shahid Hopkins

Xavier Johnson Hopkins

Zeke Thompson Moundsview

TEAM KNOWLEDGE

Ade Murkey St.Croix

Allen Anderson Osseo

Amar Miller Minnetonka

Cedric Boone Minnetonka

Jamil Jackson Mpls North

Jarrett Baptiste Columbia Hgts

Mario Richardson Osseo

Patrick Dembley North

Sam Jones De La Salle

Tessy Pal Fridley

Tyler Johnson Mpls North

As the game got underway both teams looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. Knowledge was able to make layups in transition. They knew where each other was on the floor and were able to get them the ball in spots where they could make shots.

Both teams were looking to make fast break layups.  

Wisdom was able to come up with stops and create turnovers and take advantage of the turnovers.

 Both teams played very lax on the defensive end.

At halftime the score was Wisdom 65, Knowledge 50.

As the second half got underway Knowledge knew that they wanted to push the ball down the floor and look also looked for stops on the defensive end.              

Both teams continued to look for full court layups.

Wisdom came away with the 126-117 victory over Knowledge. 

 

JACKSONVILLE ARMADA WENT UP AGAINST MINNESOTA UNITED FC IN A SOCCER GAME

On May 14 Jacksonville Armada and Minnesota went up against each in a soccer game at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN.

Minnesota did a good job of getting the ball down the field and were able to get early looks at the goal.

The Armada defense stepped up and were able to slow down the Minnesota offense in the first half.

Minnesota’s Kevin Venegas scored a goal in the 16^th minute of the game. With that goal that score was Minnesota 1, Armada 0.

Both teams attacked the ball as they went after the ball.  

Minnesota’s Stéfano Pinho scored a goal in the 28^th minute.

It was a very physical game. Both teams went after the ball as they looked to get the ball into their end.

At halftime the score was Minnesota 2, Jacksonville Armada 0.

As the second half got underway both teams continued to move the ball down the field looking for goals.

Minnesota came away with the 2-0 victory over Jacksonville Armada.

The attendance of the game was 8,861.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 2016 VIKINGS DRAFT PICKS

The Minnesota Vikings picked up eight players in the 2016 NFL Draft which was held April 28-30 2016.

Laquon Treadwell

WR, Mississippi • 6-2, 186                                         

First round, 23rd overall

Mackensie Alexander

CB, Clemson • 5-10, 190

Second round, 54th overall

Willie Beavers

OT, W. Michigan • 6-4, 324

Fourth round, 121st overall

Kentrell Brothers

LB. Missouri • 6-0, 245

Fifth round, 160th overall

Moritz Boehringer

WR, Germany • 6-4, 229

Sixth round, 180th overall

David Morgan

TE, Texas-San Antonio • 6-4, 262

Sixth round, 188th overall

Stephen Weatherly

DE, Vanderbilt • 6-4, 267

Seventh round, 227th overall

Jayron Kearse


S, Clemson • 6-4, 216


Seventh round, 244th overall

FORT LAUDERDALE WENT UP AGAINST MINNESOTA UNITED FC IN A SOCCER MATCH

On February 16 it was the home opener for the Minnesota United FC at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

The United looked to get everyone involved in the offense early. It was a very physical game as each team went after the ball. 

In the 22nd minute Fort Lauderdale’s Geison Moura was ejected for violent behavior after he got into an altercation with a United player. 

The United did a good job of attacking the goal throughout the first half. Fort Lauderdale did a good job on the defensive end making it difficult for the United to get open shots on goal.

In the 40th minute Minnesota’s Damion Lowe scored a goal. With the goal that made the score Minnesota 1, Fort Lauderdale 0.

Minnesota’s Christian Ramirez scored a goal in stoppage time. With that goal that made the score Minnesota 2, Fort Lauderdale 0. 

At halftime the score was Minnesota 2, Fort Lauderdale 0.

As the second half got underway the game was still physical as both teams continued to go after the ball.

Minnesota had several chances to score throughout the second half.    

In the 69th minute Fort Lauderdale’s Luis Zapata scored a goal for Minnesota as he kicked the ball in his own net. 

With that goal that made the score Minnesota 3, Fort Lauderdale 0.

Minnesota was quicker than Fort Lauderdale was. 

Minnesota won the game by the final of 3-0. The attendance of the game was 9050. 

After the game I was able to talk to Minnesota United head coach Carl Craig and Minnesota players Damion Lowe and Christian Ramirez about the game.

2016 MINNESOTA STATE BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION ALL STAR GAME

On April 2, 2016 Macalester College was the site for the 2016 Minnesota Boys’ Basketball Coaches Association All Star game.

The top 40 players from across the state of Minnesota were chosen from their coaches to participate in the game.

Gold pushed the ball down the floor and was able to get up and score baskets in transition.

The Blue team had a tough time scoring baskets in transition. They also had a difficult time scoring layups.

The Blue team got their shots to drop late in the first half. Everyone was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

At halftime the score was Gold 73, Blue 56.

As the second half got underway both teams pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

Both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and come up with baskets in transition.

Gold came away with the 127-107 victory over Blue.

In the second game the Green team went up against the Maroon team.

The Maroon team pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to score baskets in transition.

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

Both teams scored at will throughout the first half. Neither team played tough defense.

The Green team struggled to shoot the ball midway through the first half. They took many deep 3-point baskets.

Both teams were able to come up with wide open layups.

At halftime the score was Maroon 74, Green 58.

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

Maroon was able to get to the basket and make their mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the second half.

As a game that featured very little defense Maroon came away with the 132-116 victory over the Blue team.

HOPKINS WENT UP AGAINST MINNETONKA IN THE CLASS 4A STATE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL FINALS

Hopkins and Minnetonka squared off in the girls’ state Class 4A state championship game. Hopkins looked to push the ball down the floor as they looked to score baskets in transition. 

Minnetonka pushed the ball down the floor and was able to come up with layups and jump shots. 

Hopkins struggled to struggled to shoot the ball throughout the first half. 

There was a media timeout with 3:37 left in the first half. The score was Minnetonka 26, Hopkins 17.

Minnetonka continued to push the ball down the floor as they were able to get everyone involved in the offense. 

At halftime the score was Minnetonka 34, Hopkins 26.

As the second half got underway Hopkins got hot as they were able to get the ball into the hands of Ashley Bates. Bates was all over the floor as she was able to make mid-range jump shots and layups.

There was a media timeout with 10:14 left in regulation. The score was Minnetonka 38, Hopkins 36.

Hopkins continued to push the ball down the floor as they looked to get the ball into the hands of Bates.

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

Hopkins kept on attacking the basket as they looked to turn Minnetonka over late in the game. 

Minnetonka came away with the 61-52 victory over Hopkins. 

With that win Minnetonka won the 2016 MSHSL State Class 4A title.

WINONA WENT UP AGAINST HOLY ANGELS IN THE CLASS 3A STATE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

On March 19 Winona and Holy Angels squared off in the Class 3A state girls’ basketball championship game.

The game started out quick as both teams raced up and down the court looking for their shots to drop.

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

There was a media timeout with 6:12 left in the first half. The score was Holy Angels 14, Winona 10.

Holy Angels Laura Bagwell-Katalinich was all over the floor. She was able to come up with layups and mid-range jump shots throughout the first half.

At halftime the score was Holy Angels 22, Winona 18.

As the second half got underway Holy Angels continued to push the ball down the floor and came up with layups and jump shots.

Holy Angels looked to take time off the clock late in the second half. They were able to make shots down the stretch.

Winona’s Hallee Hoeppner came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the second half.

Holy Angels came away with the 51-43 victory over Winona to win the Class 3A state girls’ basketball championship.

PLAINVIEW-ELGIN-MILVILLE WENT UP AGAINST NEW LONDON-SPICER IN THE GIRLS’ CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Plainview-Elgin-Millville and New London-Spicer High School went up against each other in the Minnesota State High School League’s girls’ state Class 2A championship game. The game was played at Williams Arena. 

PEM came out running. They were able to get to the basket and make layups. PEM also was able to get everyone involved in the offense. 

NLS had a difficult time scoring throughout the first half. 

At halftime the score was PEM 39, NLS 14.

As the second half got underway PEM continued push the ball down the floor and get baskets in transition. PEM also did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense.

There was a media timeout with 10:04 left in regulation. The score was PEM 49, NLS 23.

PEM continued to make layups and was able to get down the floor. NLS had difficulty shooting throughout the game.

PEM came away with the 72-42 victory over NLS. With that win PEM won the 2016 Minnesota State High School Leagues Class 2A State Championship.

GOODHUE WENT UP AGAINST MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN THE CLASS A STATE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Goodhue and Maranatha Christian Academy squared off against each other on March 19 in the Minnesota State High School League’s state Class A championship in girls’ basketball.

Goodhue pushed the ball down the floor as they looked to score baskets in transition.

There was a media timeout with 14:18 left in the first half. The score was Goodhue 13, Maranatha 8.

Goodhue’s Sydney Lodermeier was all over the court. On the offensive end she was able to come up with huge

There was a media timeout with 10:58 left in the first half. The score was Goodhue 17, Maranatha 8.

After a slow start Maranatha was able to come up with layups and jump shots. They were able to get past the Goodhue defense.

There was a media timeout with 6:56 left in the first half. The score was Goodhue 22, Maranatha 15.

Goodhue was able to able to get everyone involved in the offense. They did a good job of communicating with each other and everyone touched the ball.

At halftime the score was Goodhue 41, Maranatha 29.

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

Maranatha continued look for their shots. Even though they had trouble shooting the ball they kept on shooting it. Maranatha’s

There was a media timeout with 10:46 left in regulation. The score was Goodhue 59, Maranatha 42.

Lodermeier and Maddy Miller continued to come up with huge baskets late in the game. The defense had a tough time slowing them down.  

Goodhue came away with the 89-64 victory over Maranatha.

With that win Goodhue won the Minnesota State High School Leagues Class A girls’ state title.

WHITE BEAR LAKE WENT UP AGAINST MINNETONKA IN THE CLASS 4A STATE BASKETBALL GIRLS’ SEMIFINALS

White Bear Lake squared off against Minnetonka in a girls’ Class 4A state basketball semifinals. 

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

There was a media timeout with 14:51 left in the first half. The score was tied at 6.

White Bear Lake’s Tatie Anderson came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. Her teammates were able to get her the ball in spots where she could shoot it. 

Minnetonka’s Grace Allen, Lizzie Odegard, Hannah Hedstrom, Courtne Fredrickson, and Chrissy Carr all came up mid-range jump shots and layups. 

At halftime the score was Minnetonka 40, White Bear Lake 23.

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

White Bear Lake continued to struggle shooting the ball in the second half. 

Minnetonka came away with the 75-50 victory over White Bear Lake.

HOPKINS WENT UP AGAINST EASTVIEW IN A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 17, Hopkins went up against Eastview in a girls’ basketball semifinal state basketball game. 

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

There was a media timeout with 10:46 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 9, Eastview 8.

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

It was a very competitive first half. Neither team went on a huge run. 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 39, Eastview 30.

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

Eastview got the ball into the hands of Megan Walstad, Rachel Ranke and Allie Pickrain, all who were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Hopkins continued to score the ball throughout the second half.

Hopkins was quicker than Eastview. Eastview had a difficult time scoring baskets throughout the game.

Hopkins came away with the 85-67 victory over Eastview.

ACADEMY OF HOLY ANGELS WENT UP AGAINST MARSHALL IN THE CLASS 3A STATE QUARTERFINALS IN GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

On March 15, Academy of Holy Angels and Marshall squared off in the girls’ basketball state quarterfinals. The game was played at the Target Center.

Marshall looked to take a lot of time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line. They did a good job of talking to each other and letting them know where they were supposed to be on the floor.

Holy Angels also took a lot of time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line. Holy Angels also got hot from behind the 3-point line. They were able to get everyone the ball. Holy Angles Megan Meyer also stepped up and knocked down mid-range jump shots and layups.

After a slow start Holy Angels was able to come up with layups and mid-range jump shots. They were able to slow down the Marshall offense.

At halftime the score was Holy Angels 35, Marshall 27.

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

The defensive pressure that Holy Angels applied made it difficult for Marshall to come up with shots.

Marshall had a difficult time scoring in the second half. Holy Angels got hot in the second half.

Holy Angels came away with the 69-47 victory over Marshall. 

THIEF RIVER FALLS WENT UP AGAINST HUTCHINSON IN THE CLASS 3A GIRLS’ STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

On March 15, Thief River Falls and Hutchinson squared off in a girls’ basketball state Class 3A game.

Thief River Falls started the game in a zone defense. They wanted to spread Hutchinson out and make them take deep 3-point shots.

Thief River Falls did a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense. 

The defensive pressure that Thief River Falls applied made it difficult for Hutchinson to make shots that they put up.

Hutchinson called a timeout with 7:05 left in the first half. The score was Thief River Falls 15, Hutchinson 4.

Thief River Falls continued to come up with layups and mid-range jump shots late in the first half.

At halftime the score was Thief River Falls 27, Hutchinson 23. 

As the second half got underway Thief River Falls attacked the basket and came up with layups and jump shots. 

Hutchinson also came up with huge shots as they were able to close the deficit. 

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

Hutchinson continued to push the ball down the floor and make mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Neither team went on a huge run late in regulation. 

Thief River Falls came away with the 61-59 victory over Hutchinson.

ANOKA WENT UP AGAINST MINNETONKA IN THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE STATE QUARTERFINALS OF THE GIRLS’ STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Anoka and Minnetonka squared off in a Minnesota State High School Leagues state quarterfinal girls’ basketball game at the Target Center. 

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

Minnetonka pushed the ball down the floor and was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Minnetonka got their offense going late in the first half. They were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

At halftime the score was Minnetonka 38, Anoka 27. 

As the second half got underway Anoka looked to get the ball into the hands of Naomi Torgerson. Torgerson was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Anoka continued to look to get to the basket and come up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Anoka called a timeout with 14:27 left in regulation. The score was Minnetonka 46, Anoka 29.

Both teams struggled to shoot for a period of time midway through the second half. 

Minnetonka was able to keep attacking the basket and coming up with mid-range jump shots and layups. 

Minnetonka came away with the 71-40 victory over Anoka.   
                                                     

LAKEVILLE NORTH WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN THE CLASS 4A STATE FINALS

On March 12 Lakeville North squared off against Hopkins in the Class 4A state boys’ basketball finals.

Hopkins looked to move the ball down the floor well as they looked to score layups in transition. 

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

Lakeville North was able to get the ball into the hands of Nick Fossey. Fossey was able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups as well.

Lakeville North was able to come up with stops on the defensive end. 

Neither team went on a run in the first half. 

At halftime the score was tied at 23. 

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

The score went back and forth once again early in the second half. There were several ties. Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls. 

Hopkins' Amir Coffey came up with huge layups in the second half.

Lakeville North struggled to shoot the ball in the second half. Hopkins took advantage of that and was able to come up with layups off of the Lakeville North’s misses.

Hopkins came away with the 64-55 victory over Lakeville North.

With that victory Hopkins won the 2016 MSHSL state Class 4A state title.

MINNEAPOLIS DELASALLE WENT UP AGAINST FERGUS FALLS IN THE BOYS’ STATE CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Minneapolis DeLaSalle and Fergus Falls squared off in the Minnesota State High School League’s boys’ basketball state Class 3A finals. 

DeLaSalle pushed the ball down the floor looking for baskets in transition.

There was a media timeout with 14:35 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 8, Fergus Falls 6.

DeLaSalle was able to get everyone involved in the offense early in the first half. 

Fergus Falls substituted early and often in the first half. They wanted to keep their players fresh on the floor. 

There was a media timeout with 10:01 left in the first half. The score was DeLaSalle 17, Fergus Falls 15. 

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

At halftime the score was DeLaSalle 37, Fergus Falls 25. 

As the second half got underway DeLaSalle continued to push the ball down the floor and were able to get everyone involved in the offense.

The defensive pressure that DeLaSalle applied made it difficult for Fergus Falls to make open shots. 

There was a media timeout with 10:57 left in regulation. The score was DeLaSalle 58, Fergus Falls 39. 

DeLaSalle was a lot quicker than Fergus Falls was. DeLaSalle continued to push the ball down the floor. DeLaSalle got the ball into the hands of Gabe Kalscheur. Kalscheur came up with huge baskets down the stretch. 

DeLaSalle came away the 79-65 victory over Fergus Falls. 

With that victory DeLaSalle won the 2016 Minnesota State High School League’s 2016 Boys’ Class 3A state title. 

BRAHAM WENT UP AGAINST JACKSON COUNTY CENTRAL IN THE CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Braham and Jackson County Central squared off in the state Class 2A state championship game. The score went back and forth early in the first half. Neither team went on a run early.

Jackson County Central was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the first half. 

There was a media timeout with 6:59 left in the first half. The score was Braham 24, Jackson County Central 18.

Braham was able to come up with fast break layups in transition. They were able to come up with stops on the defensive end.

There was a media timeout with 3:52 left in the first half. The score was Braham 30, Jackson Country Central 18.

JCC struggled to shoot the ball throughout the first half. Braham was able to slow them down on the offensive end. 

At halftime the score was Braham 50, JCC 29.

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

JCC pushed the ball down the down the floor and was able to make layups in transition. 

Braham’s Chris Olson got hot as he stepped up and knocked down deep 3-point shots midway through the second half. 

There was a media timeout with 10:31 left in regulation. The score was Braham 66, JCC 49.

JCC continued to push the ball down the floor and was able to come up with baskets in transition. 

Braham’s Chris Olson, Ryan Larson and John Larson all came up with huge shots throughout the game. Their teammates did a good job of getting them the ball in spots where they could shoot it. 

Braham came away with the 96-90 victory over JCC.

 

MINNEAPOLIS NORTH WENT UP AGAINST GOODHUE IN THE STATE CLASS A STATE FINALS

On March 12 Minneapolis North and Goodhue squared off in the Minnesota State High School League’s State Class 1A state championship game at the Target Center. 

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

There was a media timeout with 13:51 left in the first half. The score was North 15, Goodhue 2.

Goodhue looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. They couldn’t hang with the quickness of North.

There was a media timeout with 10:49 left in the first half. The score was North 17, Goodhue 7.

North was able to get everyone involved in the offense. They were also able to slow down the Goodhue offense. 

Goodhue passed the ball around the around the 3-point line as they looked to take time off the clock late in the first half. 

Neither team went on a huge run in the first half. Both teams went after loose balls and rebounds.

At halftime the score was Goodhue 26, North 25. 

As the second half got underway North continued to push the ball down the floor and looked to come up with layups and jump shots.

Goodhue got the ball into the hands of Jacob Pasch and Ben Opsahl both of whom came up with big shots. 

North’s Isaac Johnson came up with mid-range jump shot sand layups throughout the second half. He was also able to get his teammates involved in the offense.

There was a media timeout with 8:23 left in regulation. The score was North 45, Goodhue 33.

North continued to move the ball down the floor well as they were able to make layups. 

There was a media timeout with 6:21 left in regulation. The score was North 49, Goodhue 38.

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

North was able to fight through adversity and come away with the 68-45 victory over Goodhue. 

With that win North won the 2016 Minnesota State High School League’s Class A State Championship.