HOPKINS TOOK ON SHAKOPEE IN THE CLASS 3A BOYS STATE SEMIFINALS

Hopkins and Shakopee went up against each other in the Class 3A state boys semifinals.

 

Hopkins looked to push the ball down the court and set the tempo early in the contest.

 

There was a media timeout with 13:18 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 10, Shakopee 4.

 

Hopkins’ Jacob Wright was all over the floor as he was able to come up with mid-range jump shots in the first half.

 

There was a media timeout with 10:40 left in the first half. The score was tied at 12.

 

Hopkins swung the ball around the three-point line as they wanted to force Shakopee out to guard them.

 

Shakopee played zone defense and that made Hopkins shoot long range three-point shots.

 

 

There was a media timeout with 6:34 left in the first half. The score was Shakopee 15, Hopkins 14.

 

Hopkins did a good job of getting everyone touches on the offensive end. John Warren came up with mid-range jump shots.

 

Hopkins’ Amir Coffey did a good job of running their offense. He called out plays that he wanted ran and was able to let his teammates know where they were supposed to be on the offensive end of the court.

 

Hopkins’ Jacob Wright came up with some nice mid-range jump shots throughout the game.

 

There was a media timeout with 2:03 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 22, Shakopee 19.

 

That was the score at halftime.

 

As the second half got underway Shakopee did a good job of passing the ball around the three-point line and attacking the basket and looking to get everyone involved in the offense.

 

There was a media timeout with 14:34 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 26, Shakopee 24.

 

Shakopee was able to frustrate Hopkins at times by their defensive pressure in the second half.  

 

Wright stepped up big as he was able to consistently knock down mid-range jump shots throughout the second half.

 

Shakopee called a timeout with 11:15 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 31, Shakopee 29.

 

Shakopee’s Booker Coplin hit a jump shot to tie the game.

 

There was a media timeout with 10:46 left in regulation. The score was tied at 31.

 

Shakopee looked to attack the Hopkins defense. They also did good job of getting the ball into the hands of Tyler Weiss. Weiss was able to hit layups throughout the game.

 

There was a media timeout with 5:49 left in regulation. The score was Shakopee 37, Hopkins 36.

 

The score went back and forth in the final four minutes in the second half. Neither team went on a run late in the contest.

 

Hopkins took the air of the ball with 2:00 left in regulation Shakopee was in a zone and Chambers stood with the ball and dribbled it. The score was tied at 41.

 

Hopkins called a timeout with 19.1 seconds left in regulation. The score was tied at 41.

 

The game was tied at 41 at the end of regulation.

 

There was a four minute overtime period.

 

Hopkins won the tip and stood at the top of the key with the ball. Chambers just dribbled the ball near midcourt.

 

Chambers missed a jump shot and missed as time expired.

 

There was a second overtime period.

 

Hopkins went to the same play as Chambers he continued to take time off the clock.

 

Nobody scored in either overtime.

 

The game went into triple overtime.

 

Shakopee won the tip to start the third overtime period and they called a timeout right away.

 

Shakopee called a timeout with 1:50 left in the third overtime. The score was Shakopee 41, Hopkins 41.

 

Weiss came up with a jump shot for the lead to start the third overtime.

 

Mitchell stepped up and was able to knock down free throws in the third overtime.

 

Hopkins called a timeout with 50.4 seconds left in the third overtime. The score was Shakopee 46, Hopkins 43.

 

Hopkins Sharp stepped up and nailed a deep three-point shot to tie the game at 46 with 31.6 seconds left in the third overtime.

 

The game was tied at 46 at the end of the third overtime period.

 

Hopkins won the tip and they came out stood in the same formation and stalled the offense.

 

Hopkins turned the ball over with 5.9 seconds left in the fourth overtime and called a timeout.

 

Coffey heaved up a three-quarter court shot at the buzzer to win the game.

 

Hopkins came away with the 49-46 victory over Shakopee.

 

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Wright with 23 points and Warren with 14.

 

After the game I was able to talk to Hopkins head coach Ken Novak and Coffey and Chambers about the game.

 

 

TARTAN TOOK ON HOPKINS IN THE CLASS 4A STATE QUARTERFINAL BASKETBALL GAME

The Target Center in downtown Minneapolis was the site for the Minnesota State High School League’s boys basketball state tournament. Tartan went up against Hopkins in the Class 4A quarterfinals. Going into the game Tartan had a record of 23-6 while Hopkins had a record of 28-1.

 

The score went back and forth early in the contest. There were several ties and lead changes in the opening minutes of the game.

 

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

 

Tartan started in a zone defense. They wanted to force Hopkins to take long three-point shots.

 

Tartan swung the ball around the three-point line as they were able to take time off the clock.

 

Hopkins made it difficult for them to get open looks at the basket.

 

Hopkins looked to get the ball into the hands of Kamali Chambers. Chambers was able to hit mid-range jump shots throughout the first half.  

 

Tartan called a timeout with 8:04 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 18, Tartan 14.

 

Hopkins Treyvon Edwards came up with some fast break layups.

 

Tartan went into a scoring slump late in the first half. They went several minutes without scoring a basket. Hopkins took advantage of their speed as they were able to score on fast breaks.

 

Tartan’s Jordan Horn came up with some big layups late in the first half.  

 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 38, Tartan 27.

 

As the second half got underway Hopkins continued to get to the basket and make layups.  

 

Hopkins Stephon Sharp and Chambers continued to shoot the ball well. Chambers wasn’t afraid to shoot the deep three-point shot.  

 

Tartan had a difficult time shooting the ball throughout the second half. Even though they had a difficult time shooting the ball they still looked for their shots.

 

There was a timeout with 6:12 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 59, Tartan 51.

 

Hopkins did a good job of moving the ball well in their offense. They didn’t give Tartan any open looks at the basket.

 

Hopkins was too quick for Tartan. Hopkins did a good job of slowing Tartan down on offense in the second half.

 

Hopkins came away with the 70-58 victory over Tartan.

 

The leading scorers for Tartan were Horn and Brody Jackson each with 10 points.

 

The leading scorer for Hopkins was Chambers with 21 points.

HOPKINS AND OSSEO SQUARE OFF IN A BOYS BASKETBALL GAME

Hopkins took on Osseo in a boys basketball game on Feb. 11. Osseo had a record of 17-5 going into the game. Hopkins had a record of 21-1 Hopkins’ only loss is to Apple Valley on Dec. 10.

It took a while for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm. Osseo looked to score baskets in transition early in the contest.

 

Osseo’s Wheeler Baker was all over the floor. He was able to get layups. Baker wasn’t afraid to shoot deep three-point shots.

 

Hopkins was also not afraid to shoot the deep three-point baskets as well. Hopkins’ Amir Coffey and John Warren came up with some three-point shots.

 

Osseo called a timeout with 10:01 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 19, Osseo 15.

 

Osseo continued to pass the ball around the three-point line. They looked to get the ball into their big guys on the low post.

 

There were many ties and lead changes throughout first half as neither team went on a run.

 

Baker continued to come up with some nice plays late in the first half. Osseo’s Giovanni Pastrano came up with some mid-range jump shots. Pastrano was not afraid to shoot the ball. Teammate Elliot Kane was also not afraid to shoot the deep three-point shot.

 

Hopkins Jake Wright got hot from the three-point line. Wright wasn’t afraid to shoot it.

 

Osseo’s Jordan Dembley also came up with some nice shots throughout the first half.

 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 35, Osseo 34.

 

As the second half got underway Hopkins continued to shoot deep three-point shots. Osseo did a good job of getting a hand in the face of the shooters.  

 

Baker came up with steals and was able to come up with layups.

 

Warren was hot from behind the three-point line. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

 

Dembley, Kittleson and Jamar Roberson all attacked the basket and were able to hit their shots throughout the contest. Baker found Kittleson for a layup as Osseo continued to look inside for shots.

 

There were many ties and lead changes in the second half. Neither team went on a run in regulation.

 

Hopkins Noble Fahnbulleh came up with some nice mid-range jump shots throughout the game.  

 

Kamali Chambers wasn’t afraid to take the ball to the basket as he was fouled on the layup and made his free throws.

 

Both teams exchanged baskets late in regulation.

 

Osseo called a timeout with 27.1 left in regulation Osseo had the ball and turned it over.

 

Hopkins came up with the ball and hit shots at the end of the game.

 

Hopkins came away with the 74-71 victory over Osseo.

 

The leading scorers for Osseo were, Baker with 36 points and Dembley with 16 points.

 

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Warren and Coffee each with 17, Wright with 15 and Chambers with 11 points, and  Fahnbulleh ended with 12 points.

 

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

 

HOPKINS TOOK ON BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S IN A BOYS BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 8 Hopkins and Benilde-St. Margaret’s went up against each other in a boys basketball game.

 

Benilde started in a zone defense.  Hopkins started in a man-to-man.

 

It took a while for each team to get into an offensive rhythm.  Hopkins swung the ball around the three-point line to take time off the clock.

 

Hopkins’ Jake Wright and John Warren each took the ball hard to the basket. They were able to come up with shots from within the paint.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s Jayson Edwards was all over the floor. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the man he was guarding. On offense he moved the ball well and let his teammates know where they were supposed to be on the floor.

 

Edwards was matched up against Hopkins’ Kamali Chambers. They were evenly matched. Neither guy gave the other an open shot.

 

It took a while for Benilde-St. Margaret’s to get on the board. They had a hard time making their shots in the first half.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s Jalen Floyd sank two deep three-point shots to keep them in the game. Sam

Baker was also not afraid to shoot the deep three-point shot. On the defensive end Baker was able to slow down the guy he was guarding.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s called a timeout with 9:02 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 17, Benilde-St. Margaret’s 10.

 

Chambers came up with some nice baskets throughout the ball game. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in the paint where he could make his mid-range jump shot.

 

Hopkins was able to score baskets in transition. They were able to beat Benilde-St. Margaret’s down the floor.

 

Hopkins turned the ball over on long cross court passes. Benilde-St. Margaret’s was not able to come up with baskets off the turnover.

 

Hopkins’ Amir Coffee came up with some nice layups. He was able to get past the defenders as he took the ball hard to the basket.

 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 38, Benilde-St. Margaret’s 21.

 

As the second half got underway Hopkins continued to pass the ball around the three-point line as they looked to take time off the clock and also looked to shoot three-point baskets.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s attacked the basket to start the second half. Edwards did a good job of communicating and letting his teammates know where they were supposed to be on the floor.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s Nick Briney did a good job of passing the ball to guys who were open. He was able to find teammate Grant Hollie who was able to knock down a three-point basket.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s called a timeout with 13:28 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 48, Benilde-St. Margaret’s 31.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s Jack Hathaway, Jalen Floyd, and Colin Polarek each were able to sink shots throughout the game.

 

Hopkins was too quick for Benilde-St. Margaret’s Hopkins was able to get back on defense and also make the fast break plays.

 

Benilde-St. Margaret’s had a rough time getting their offense going. Hopkins was able to create all types of problems.

 

Hopkins came away with the 80-52 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

 

The leading scorers for Benilde-St. Margaret’s were Hathaway with 10, Edwards, Polarek and Floyd each with 7 points.

 

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Warren with 25 and Wright with 16.

HOPKINS WENT UP AGAINST WOODBURY IN A BOYS BASKETBALL GAME

Hopkins went up against Woodbury in a boys basketball game. Woodbury had a hard time shooting from inside to start the game. Hopkins came out on fire. Hopkins built a 11-0 lead with 15:09 left in the first half.

 

Hopkins Kamali Chambers did a good job of getting the ball down the court. He was able to get his teammates involved in the offense. On the defensive end he was able to slow down the guy that he was guarding. Chambers’ teammate Stephon Sharp came up with some nice jump shots in the paint.

 

Hopkins was able to hit shots from in the paint. They took their time on the offensive end. Hopkins’

Amir Coffey came up with a nice two-handed slam dunk that got the crowd into the game.

 

Woodbury had a tough time slowing Coffey down.

 

Woodbury’s Isaiah Coddon got hot from inside the paint. He hit a couple of nice shots from there.

 

Hopkins John Warren looked to get layups as he called for the ball from the post. Chambers did a good job of getting Warren the ball.

 

Hopkins Matt Ambriz came off the bench and replaced Chambers. Ambriz was also able to get his team into an offensive shooting rhythm.

 

Hopkins Jacob Wright got hot from behind the three-point line. He was open and was able to step up and knock down big shots for his team.

 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 61, Woodbury 25.

 

As the second half got underway Hopkins didn’t give up on the defensive pressure. They still played aggressive in the man-to-man and made it difficult for Woodbury to hit their jump shots.

 

Hopkins continued to shoot the ball well from inside the paint throughout the second half.

 

Both teams looked to make layups on fast breaks midway through the second half. Hopkins was successful at doing that.

 

Hopkins was able to come away with the 96-61 victory over Woodbury. Hopkins looked sharp on both ends of the ball. They really played together well as a unit. Woodbury fought hard throughout the game. Hopkins was too quick for Woodbury however.

 

The leading scorer for Woodbury was Ambriz with 28 points. The leading scorers for Hopkins were Wright with 23 points Warren with 12 points and Noble Fahnbulleh with 10 points.

HOPKINS TOOK ON APPLE VALLEY IN A HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Apple Valley High School was a buzz on Tuesday December 18, 2012 as the boys' basketball team took on Hopkins High School in a big non-conference game. The gym was packed before the game started. Both teams brought a ton of students as both student sections were full.

Hopkins came into the game with a record of 4-1. Apple Valley came into the game with a record of 2-1.

Both teams looked to push the ball down the down the floor at the start. They each wanted to set the tempo early in the contest.

Hopkins looked to get the ball into the hands of Kamali Jahir Chambers. Chambers did a good job of getting his team involved in the offense.

Both teams shot a lot of three-point shots. They were able to get them to drop. Hopkins Jamal Dale Davis was not afraid to shoot the ball. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots inside the three-point line where he was able to hit a mid-range jumper.

Apple Valley looked to score baskets in transition. Apple Valleys Robert Jones and Hopkins' Kamali Chambers guarded each other closely throughout the first half.

Tyus Robert Jones seemed to roll his ankle with 13:46 left in the first half but he stayed in the game.

Hopkins Amir Coffey did a good job of running the Hopkins offense. He knew where his teammates were supposed to be and he directed his teammates on the floor.

Apple Valley called a timeout with 12:25 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 15 and Apple Valley 7.

Apple Valley switched between man-to-man and zone defense. They were able to to confuse Hopkins.

Hopkins used mostly a man-to-man defense. They looked to force Apple Valley to hit long shots.

Hopkins was able to make some good fast break lay-ups.

Hopkins called a timeout with 8:28 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 25 and Apple Valley 13.

Apple Valley's Dustin Fronk continued to keep hitting three-point shots and that kept his team in the game.

Hopkins continued to switch between zone and man-to-man defense. That as affective in the first half because it really slowed down the Apple Valley offense.

With Tyus Robert Jones out of the game because of a back spasms in the first half. The Apple Valley offense sputtered along. They had a tough time hitting shots that they put up.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 42 and Apple Valley 33.

Hopkins got the ball to start the second half. They continued to attack the basket and looked to create their shots.

Apple Valley continued to shoot the ball and they looked to chip into the lead midway through the second half.

Both teams went into a scoring slump in the second half. Neither team could hit shots for a period of time in the second half.

Apple Valley strung some baskets together midway through the second half.

Hopkins tried to play keep away as they swung the the ball around the three-point line as they looked to burn time off the clock.

Dustin Fronk kept his team in the game as he was able to come up and nail some three-point shots.

The game was close throughout the second half. The game was tied at 54 each with 5:18 left in regulation.

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

Apple Valley called a timeout with 2:06 left in regulation. The score was Apple Valley 59 and Hopkins 56.

I thought that both teams played very well. Apple Valley was able to play well with out their top player in Tyus Robert Jones. Dennis Austin and Dustin Fronk stepped up big for their teams.

In a fun fast paced game. Apple Valley came away with the 71-64 victory over Hopkins.

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Jamal Davis with 17 points, Jacob Wright with 14 points and Kamali Chambers wit 12 points. Over all Hopkins shot 21-65 from the field that included going 8-35 from behind the three-point line. Hopkins was 14-17 from the free throw line. They brought down a total of 39 rebounds 22 of them on the defensive end.

The leading scorers for Apple Valley were Dustin Fronk with 27 points, Dennis Austin with 18 points, and Harry Somie with 15 points.

University of Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith was on hand watching the game.

I was joined by Aaron Edwards of Metro Youth Sports Media. Check out his thoughts of the Hopkins vs. Apple Valley boys' basketball game.