MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN'S RA SHEDE HAGEMAN BEATS UP A CLASSMATE

I am hearing a report from a reliable source that Minneapolis Washburn's Tight End Ra Shede Hagman has been suspended because he beat up a girl at school. Ra Shede was not at the football game against St Paul Central. The School has been very tight lipped about the fight.

THE TOP TWO TEAMS IN MINNEAPOLIS AND ST PAUL SQUARE OFF IN A BATTLE FOR THE TIWN CITIES CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The Minneapolis Washburn Millers are taking on the St Paul Central Minutemen. Both of these teams won their conference titles.

As this game gets underway here, the stands begin to fill. Washburn is kicking off to Central. The Minutemen get the ball on their own 20 yard line and are looking to get off to a strong start. The Washburn Millers are coming out of the gates scrappy, as they all want to make a statement here to start the game on the defensive end. Washburn picks it off and is looking to score here early in the game. The Millers are a threat to score early and that's what they do, as Brandon King scores the Millers first touchdown. The extra point attempt is no good so with 8:56 left to go in the first quarter. The score is Washburn 6 and Central 0.

The Minutemen get the ball back after the touchdown and they get it on the twenty yard line. Andrew Lewis had a nice return for the Minutemen. They're looking to get the ball up the field here on this drive. Andrew Lewis is finding a few holes in the Miller defense early in the game. DJ Johnson has just come up with a huge run, for a St Paul Johnson first down. The ball is on the seven yard line and Johnson is looking to score. They are knocking at the door step. The Minutemen are trying some different looks on the offensive end here. They are doing a good job of confusing the Miller defense. The Minutemen try to go for it on fourth down and 8 but they don't convert and turn it over on downs.

On the first play of the series Montrell Wade came up with the ball and ran it down 96 yards and now the Millers are knocking on the door looking to score here in the first quarter. There is a penalty on the play. It was pass interference on the Millers and that backed them up to the 24 yard line. The Millers are going through a tough time right now, having penalties that are hurting them. It is 4th down and 29 to go. They are going for it but it comes up short and St Paul Central takes over on the 29 yard line.

The Central Minutemen have gotten the ball back and they are having a hard time coming up with some plays here in the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score is Minneapolis Washburn 6 and St Paul Central 0.

The Millers get the ball first here in the beginning of the second quarter. The Millers are looking to run the ball here. The Millers look sharp, as they continue to push the ball down the field. Johnny Walkins just had a 70 yard touchdown pass. Peter Branstad caught the two point conversion. With the touchdown and the extra point the score now is Minneapolis Washburn 14 and Central 0,

St Paul Central has come right back with a Malik Glass reception for an 83 yard touchdown with 7:49 left to go in the second quarter. With that touchdown pass, the score is now Minneapolis Washburn 14 and St Paul Central 6.

The Millers have gotten the ball back after the St Paul Central Touchdown and they are attempting to get something going again. Washburn is trying to run the ball here in the middle of the second quarter. The Millers have gotten another first down, as they continue to drive down field. They are on the 50 yard line. Peter Branstand has just come up with another nice catch form the quarterback Brandon King. Montrell Wade has also got some nice runs tonight so far. The Millers are threatening here late in the second quarter. The Millers have come up some big miscues in the second quarter. They are going to have to tighten it up in the second half to come away with it. Central is going to have to come up and take advantage of the Miller mistakes to come back and win this game. They just came up with one here late in the first half, as they recover a Washburn fumble late in the half.

At half time the score is Washburn 14 and St Paul Central 6.

It should be pointed out the Minneapolis Washburn's Tight End Ra'Shede Hageman is not present at this game tonight he is not even at the complex.

Washburn has gotten the ball here to start off the second half. They have come out hungry for a victory here in the second half. Peter Haugen must have gotten them fired up at half time. The Millers get a first down on their first series after the half time. They have gotten the ball up the field. Brandon King is running the ball well and he is sharing that responsibility with Montrell Wade. They both have had some nice carries here in the game tonight. Brandon King is also looking good. The Millers are looking to score on this drive. The Millers turn it over again on downs because they couldn't convert.

At the end of the third quarter the score is Minneapolis Washburn Millers 14 and St Paul Central Minutemen 6.
Washburn has gotten off to a good start in the fourth quarter. Johnny Walkens has gotten off to a good start. Washburn forced a safety here in the middle of the fourth quarter. There have been two fumbles by each team here in the fourth quarter.

Washburn has gotten 4th and long once again and are looking to punt. They have not been effective with the ball thus far in the fourth quarter. Both teams are still playing well here late in this game.

Minneapolis Washburn has come away with a 22-6 victory tonight. They have played a tough game against St Paul Central. The Minutemen have played a good game and should be congratulated on a good season. And good luck to both of these teams in the post season.

ST PAUL JOHNSON TAKES OUT MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST

Minneapolis Southwest is taking on St Paul Johnson. These are the second place teams in the Minneapolis and St Paul City Conferences. Southwest got the ball. On the first drive, the Southwest Lakers drove it down the field, taking it to the Governors here early. The Southwest Lakers have turned it over on downs on their first drive. So St Paul Johnson has taken over on downs.

On the Governor's first drive, they were forced to go four downs and punt it back to the Lakers. Elliot Matheu's is looking to throw it to Ledairus Aaron. He has connected here in the early first quarter. Elliot Matheu has gotten knocked down very hard here with 7:33 left in the first. Backup quarterback Ayrton Scott has comes in to replace the injured Elliot Matheu. Elliot Mathue walked off the field on his own. The Lakers continue to look to get the ball up the field. The Lakers have gotten a first down and they are trying to move it down the field but they ran into trouble. They are now faced with 4th down and 13. Southwest is picked off at the one yard line and they turn it over to the Johnson Governors with 3:15 left to go in the 1st quarter.

Elliot Matheu is up running and working with the trainers. It is my best guess that we will see Elliot Matheu back in this game some time soon.

Sam Sanders for Johnson has a huge run here and they are on the 40 yard line here, and they are looking to do something here. Kersey Shadne has taken the ball and had a nice little run of about 10 yards here, to give the Governors a first down.

The score at the end of the first quarter is tied at 0.


St Paul Johnson has the ball to start the second quarter. On the first play of the second quarter, the Governor's got a first down. Johnson is driving the ball now in the second quarter. They are trying short little dive dumps and having success doing it. Southwest is trying to disrupt things. They have made a good effort here so far in the game. Johnson has been able to convert their little dive dumps, and little by little, they inched their way to the goal line. With 1 yard to go, the Lakers were able to come up big and stop the quarterback sneak, and now, they take over on downs, on their one yard line. We will see if the Lakers' will be able to do anything... they got another first down. The Lakers have also been successful on the short dump passes so far in this game. The Lakers now have third down and one to go and Reggie Gandy came up with the first down for the Lakers. Danny Kernan has come up with some good plays here in this game. He just made a leaping catch from Ayrton Scott the quarterback. Aryton Scott has just completed another pass to Danny Kernan for another Southwest first down. The Lakers are trying to get another first down and things going here late in the second quarter but they ended up punting it away with 2:15 left to go in the half.

Sam Sanders has gotten the ball on the punt return and he has run it back 77 yards for a St Paul Johnson Touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good. So with 1:59 left to go in the first half the score is St Paul Johnson 6 and Minneapolis Southwest 0.

With 41 seconds left to go in the half Dominique Dawson caught a 64 yard touchdown pass for the Lakers. He was wide open down the back corner of the end zone. He had to turn around and catch it. It was a fabulous catch. The extra point was not good.

So far this has been a very tight close game. Both teams are playing very well here. It is any one's game now. Both teams are going to have to battle it out in the second half to get a victory. At half time, the score is St Paul Johnson 6 and Minneapolis Southwest 6.

St Paul Johnson gets the ball to start the third quarter here and they are driving the ball down the field here to start the third quarter. They have made short dive dumps and short runs. The Governors, 1st down and 4 yards to go here early in the third quarter. Sam Sanders had a two yard touchdown run. The Governors tried the extra point conversion and they made it. With that touchdown and the extra point, the score is now St Paul Johnson 13 and Minneapolis Southwest 6, with 9:45 left to go in the third quarter.

Elliot Matheu has just returned to the game. The Lakers are having trouble connecting here. The Lakers tried a fake punt and it worked. Ledrius Aaron ran the ball for a Lakers first down. The Lakers are trying to get back on the score board now, but they came up short, as the Governors take over on downs.

The Governors are trying to put something together in the third quarter. Kersey Shande just had a good run to give the Governor's a first down. The Lakers have kind of shot themselves in the foot this quarter with penalties. They just had another one for off sides. The Governor's are looking to score, as they are inside the red zone. They are looking thirsty to score. The Laker defense has come up big here in the third quarte,r as they sack the Johnson quarterback on fourth down and get the ball back on downs. The Lakers are looking for long passes now. Ledrius Aaron was wide open in the end zone and he dropped the ball. On the next pass play, the ball gets intercepted and the Governors take over with 2:00 left to go in the third quarter.

Sam Sanders is having a good day here for the St Paul Johnson Governors. He has just caught a nice long pass for a Governor first down. The Governors are looking strong and they have just scored another touchdown on a Sam Sanders two yard run. The extra point is good. With 21 seconds left in the third quarter the score St Paul Johnson 20 and Minneapolis Southwest 6 and that is also the score at the end of the third quarter.

To start the fourth quarter, the Lakers are at 3rd down and seven yards to go. They weren't able to do any thing on third down so they are going for it on 4th. Elliot Mathheu tried to pass it to Danny Kernan but it was incomplete and they turn it over on downs again.

The Governors got it back and they are making short gains. They have come up with another first down. The Governors are driving down the field here and are looking to score. Brian Ross has done most of the carrying of the ball here in the second half for the Governors. He also gets a touchdown for the Governors and the extra point attempt is good. The score with 8:40 left to go in the game St Paul Johnson 27 and Minneapolis Southwest 6.

On the kick-off, the ball went into the end zone. Lakers got the ball on their 20 yard line. The Laker offense has had trouble getting stuff going this series, as they have turned it over on downs once again.

The Governors have come up with big plays and are marching down the field, as they find the end zone. Quavon Dodd had a nice touchdown catch with 6:20 left to go. The extra point attempt was good making the score St Paul Johnson 34 and Minneapolis Southwest 6.

The Southwest Lakers have gotten the ball back after the Governors Touchdown. The Lakers are looking to get something going here in the fourth quarter. Elliot Matheu has found Ledrius Aaron again as they connect for positive yardage. They have connected again for a Southwest Laker first down. Elliot Matheue has just found Dominique Dawson for a Southwest Laker Touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good. With that touchdown, the score becomes St Paul Johnson 34 and Minneapolis Southwest 12.

The Lakers are kicking off here with 3:57 left to go in the game. The Lakers tried an onside kick but the Governors recovered it. The Governors take over. Brian Ross has made a catch for the Governors to give them a first down. The Governors are getting the ball up the field. Brian Ross has come up again with another nice run here late in the fourth quarter. With 1:30 left to go in the game the Governors look to be on their way to a victory here in this Twin Cities battle.

This game is now over yet the St Paul Johnson Governors are looking to score again late here in the game. They are scrambling to make plays here and have gotten into the red zone. They end up not scoring as time runs out.

You have to give both of these schools a lot of credit. Both teams played well here today in a good game, but in the end, the St Paul Governors come up with the victory today by the final score of ST PAUL JOHNSON 34 MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST 12.

BRYCE MCNEAL DE-COMMITS FROM MICHIGAN

Bryce McNeal who attends Breck High School has de-committed from the University of Michigan. He said that he rushed his football commitment and now plans reopen his recruiting. He has still being looked at by some of the top Universities in the nation and the University of Minnesota remains on his list. He said that he is going to take the rest of his official visits and will wait to commit until the later part of the football recruiting season.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Minneapolis DeLaSalle’s football team will be playing on a new football field starting next year. With much of the controversy behind them, the school has been building their field behind the school.

For more then a few years there was controversy over the football/sports complex on the island where DeLaSalle resides. The neighbors that lived near the school didn’t want the field to be built which forced the Islanders to find other fields to play their home games.

So with the opening of the new football complex the team is getting excited. The coaching staff thinks that it will bring more of a community atmosphere to the Island and now all the students have to do is go across the parking lot for a home game rather then travel to another metro area school.

MCKENZIE TO COACH HOLY ANGELS BOYS BASKETBALL

Former Minneapolis Patrick Henry boys basketball coach Larry McKenzie is now the head boys coach at the Academy of Holy Angels. After McKenzie left Henry he went on to coach the ABA Minnesota Ripknees. His son, Gopher alum, Lawrence McKenzie played for him when the Patriots won 4 straight state high school titles.

MINNESOTA TRANSITIONS KYLE NOREEN GETS SOME LOOKS AND AN OFFER

Kyle Noreen who plays for Minnesota Transitions has been getting some college looks. Kyle has received an offer from Liberty University. According to Jeremy Miller an assistant basketball coach for Transitions, he is the first player in the class of 2011 to receive an offer.

Kyle is the younger brother of Minnesota Transition’s 6-8 junior Kevin Noreen. Their father Jerry is an assistant coach in the Transitions program.

HENRY SIBLEY’S MIKE ROSTAMPOUR GETS HIS FIRST BASKETBALL OFFER

Mike Rostampour who plays for Henry Sibley is new to the recruiting scene. He has grown up in the Henry Sibley basketball program and he is getting bigger and stronger. Right now he stands 6-8 and still growing. He has been somewhat under the radar so far, but he is starting to get the attention of college coaches. He is considered one of the top juniors in the state by many. At this point his strength is defense and he needs to work on his offensive game including his footwork. He is considered one of Henry Sibley’s top college prospects.

Mike has gotten his first offer from Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He will get more offers as the season gets underway.

SOUTHWEST TAKES OUT SOUTH

Minneapolis Southwest is taking on Minneapolis South on a sunny afternoon at South high school. Southwest scores the first touchdown on a Danny Kernan reception.

South is looking to run the ball on their first possession. South fumbles the ball and a pile of Southwest players jump on the ball and recovers. Elliot Mathue throws a long pass to Dominique Dawson who was in the corner of the end zone for a Southwest touchdown. Southwest leads 13-0 with 7:00 left to go in the first quarter.

South receives the kick off after the touchdown. They are making good strides up the field. They are being successful on short runs. The Tigers were unable to score a touchdown as they went for it on forth and short yardage but they came up short. Southwest took over on downs.

On the next Southwest possession they were not able to do anything and they went four downs and out.

South is looking aggressive late in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter the score is Southwest 13-0.

Southwest opens the second quarter with the ball and are driving down field. Elliot Mathews has thrown a touchdown pass to Reggie Gandy for the Lakers and are successful on the PAT to make the score 20-0 with 8:04 remaining in the half.

After Southwest scores the touchdown South receives the kick off on their 30 yard line. The Tigers fumbles again and the Lakers recover and take over. On the next play Elliot Mathews found Ledarius Aaron in the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was missed and with 4:45 left to go in the second quarter the score is Southwest 26 and South 0.

South is trying to keep their temper here late in the second quarter, but find the end zone and score 6 points with 2:00 to go in the second quarter.

The Lakers Lederius Aaron has juked his way into the end zone again with 1:00 left in the half and after a successful PAT they go ahead 33-6.

With Mayor RT Rybak in attendance, the Lakers lead the Tiger at the half 33-6.

Southwest comes out swinging to start of the third quarter and Reggie Gandy scores a touchdown on their first offensive play. The extra point was good, making the score 40-6 with 8:00 left to go in the third quarter.

South gets picked off again on their first offensive series and Southwest takes over. The Lakers were making their way down the field before being stopped on downs by the Tigers.

South is trying to get something going but is having trouble moving the ball and Southwest has taken the ball back again and are now trying their spread offense. The spread proves successful as Danny Kernan scores another touchdown as the third-quarter comes to an end with Southwest leading 47-6.

Minneapolis has instituted a new rule this year where the clock will run if the score margin is larger than 35 points in the fourth quarter.

South has the ball to begin the fourth quarter but fail to advance. Southwest takes over but gets picked off by the Tigers on their own 35-yard line. South was not able to do anything with their possession due to another fumble and a Lakers recovery. Elliot Matheu has looked good today and has showed nice patience in his offense. Danny Kernan has just scored another Southwest touchdown. The PAT was missed and the Lakers now lead 53-6.

In a game that was up and down the field, the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers have come away with a 53-6 victory over Minneapolis South. Elliot Matheu had a great game and set a state record with 8 touchdown passes as he spread the ball to all of his receivers. He was 24-41 for 452 total yards and an interception. Lederius Aaron had 10 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Reggie Gandy rushed the ball 14 times for 126 yards.

Next up for the Southwest Lakers is the Twin Cities cross over game. They will have to wait and find out who they will play on Wednesday. This will be their last game before the playoffs start.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH TAKES ON SOUTHWEST

It will be a battle of football rivals when Minneapolis South plays host to Minneapolis Southwest on today at 3:30 p.m. I will be there to bring you all of the action.

ANDREW FITZGERALD TALKS TO TUBBY SMITH

Tubby Smith made a visit to Andrew Fitzgerald who attends Brewster Academy in Wolferboro, New Hampshire. Fitzgerald who is 6-8 and 263 pounds, is getting a lot looks from high major coaches from across the country. Fitzgerald said that he wants to get his grades in order, so he cans concentrate on basketball and a commitment will come later.

TOM NORDLAND WILL BE IN MINNEAPOLIS THIS WEEKEND

Tom Nordland, one of the top shooting coaches in the country, will be putting on two clinics at the Colin Powell Center on 4th Ave. and Lake Street in Minneapolis this coming weekend, as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 10th (5-9PM)

• Sunday evening, Oct. 12th (5-9PM)


LOCATION: Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center2924 4th Avenue South Minneapolils, MN 55408
These clinics are 4 hours long and Tom will coach up to 24 kids/clinic. They are open to both kids AND coaches. The coaches will take the clinic as a student, as that’s the best way to coach anything. You will be able to do it yourself, be in the “stew” of learning, so to speak. He’ll continually point out the coaching points during the clinics.

FEES


The fees are reduced for these clinics, in light of the challenging economy we are all facing:
• Regular fee for a player: $50, which includes the Swish 1 DVD
• Regular price augmented (includes both Swish videos*), $60
• Fee for siblings, $40, no video (where first sibling pays full price)
• Fee for repeaters: $40 (no video)
• Repeaters price, including Swish 2: $50
• Fee for coaches, including Swish 2: $40
*The package of both videos is worth $45 alone.


ON-LINE ENROLLMENT IS AVAILABLE

Go to this web page for details on the clinics and the links to enroll On Line:

http://www.swish22.com/Clinics_Minnesota_1008.html


Tom's clinics are getting more and more exciting and effective as he sees additional things all the time and new ways to say and coach them. He'll be teaching the "Swish Free Throw" at these clinics, a new and extremely powerful way to approach this simple-but-challenging shot. He can see that the main thing he's doing (and teaching others to do) is coaching kids to be able to coach themselves. As they learn to shoot a basketball -- and, more powerfully for them, how to learn anything -- their self images can alter and self esteem rise. This is one of the great things about sports, the potential for growth as human beings. Let’s work together to help more kids experience how awesome they truly are!

P.S. Please note that there is secure parking both in front of the amazing Powell Center and also with underground parking (enter on the north side of the building, off 29th Street). If you have any concerns about this, please call Kelby Brothen, the Athletic Director at the Powell Center. His #’s are:

Work #: 612/638-1014

Cell: 612/720-8852

Email: urbanstars@urbanventures.org

P.P.S. Tom will be speaking and demonstrating at a special Youth Coaches’ Clinic on Saturday, the 11th. He’ll be presenting twice. Contact Coach Kelby for details. Dave Arseanault, head coach at Grinnell College in Iowa, the highest scoring team in the nation, will be presenting also.

TROY BELL SHINES IN SEASON OPENER IN ITALY

Troy Bell, a Minneapolis native scored 23 points for Vanoli Soresina (Italy) in their 87-76 loss to conference rival Livorno Basket. Troy also added 5 rebounds and 2 steals. This was the opening game for both teams.

Bell is alumnus of the Academy of Holy Angels and Boston College and was also a first-round draft pick of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies.

ANDREW FITZGERALD IS ON THE GOPHERS RADAR, BUT WILL NOT COMMIT UNTIL THE SPRING

Andrew Fitzgerald who is a 6-8 and 240 pound big man out of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and attends Brewster Academy is on the Gopher basketball recruiting radar. He is considered to be one of the top senior’s in the nation according to Scout Hoops who currently ranks him number 14 among centers.

He said that he is going to wait to make his college choice until the spring. He is plans to make an official visit to Minnesota in the middle of October.

THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE REPORTS ON THE SHOW DOWN BETWEEN FOOTBALL POWERS SOUTHWEST AND WASHBURN

Micheal Rand from the Minneapolis Star Tribune was at the Southwest Washburn game on Friday night. He wrote a story about the game that I reported on. Here is his report from the Saterday edition of the Star Tribune.

DOMINIQUE DAWSON GETS A TOUCHDOWN

Dominique Dawson caches a touchdown pass with 10 seconds left to go in the game making the score Washburn 63 and Southwest 38 which turns out to be the final of the game.

MARASHAL WADE CATCHES LONG BOMB WITH UNDER 1:00 TO GO

Marshal Wade catches a long bomb and puts the icing on the cake. With under 1:00 left to go Wade went deep and he caught the ball in the end zone for a Washburn touchdown.

PETER BRANSTAD SCORES FOR WASHBURN

Washburn’s Peter Branstad scores a touchdown with 3:00 left to go in the game. The score after Peter’s touchdown is Washburn 56 and Southwest 32.

SOUTHWEST SCORES A TOUCH DOWN AND SHOWING LIFE HERE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER

Sam Beaver scores for the Southwest Lakers. The Lakers are showing life here in the middle of the fourth quarter. When Sam Beaver caught the touch down the Southwest fans just exploded with cheers. With 6:00 left to go in the game the score is Washburn 50 and Southwest 32.

WADE CARRIES IT IN FOR A WASHBURN TOUCH DOWN

Marchea Wade ran the ball in for a Washburn touchdown. He was able to break a couple of defenders and make it into the end zone. With 11:20 left to go in the game the score is Washburn 43 and Southwest 26.


On the next drive Elliot Mathews has gotten picked off and there was a Washburn touchdown. Washburn was successful on the two point conversion making the score Washburn 50 and Southwest 26 with 10:30 left to go in the game.

LEDARIUS AARON SCORES AGAIN

Ledarius Aaron has gotten another touchdown for the Southwest Laker's. With 1:00 left in the third quarter the score is Washburn 36 and Southwest 26.

RA’SHEDE HAGEMAN CATCHES ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN

Ra’Shede is looking well here in this match up. He has caught another Washburn touchdown in the middle of the third quarter. The score with 3:30 left to go is Washburn 36 and Southwest 20.

ELLIOT TO AARON WORKS AGAIN

Bombs away that’s the call when Elliot Matheu passes it to Ledarius Aaron and they connect for a touchdown, they connect again to make the score Southwest 20 and Washburn 28.

WASHBURN COMES OUT SWINGING IN THE THIRD QUARTER

Washburn comes out and drives the ball down the field. They end up scoring on the first drive of the third quarter. With 8:00 left to go in the third quarter the score is Washburn 28 and Southwest 12.

WASHBURN IS UP IN A BATTLE THAT WILL COME DOWN TO THE END AT THE HALF

Washburn is taking a 20 -12 lead at half time. This game has a good pace to it. Look for more high lights as the game goes on.

SOUTHWEST TURNS IT OVER ON A FUMBLE

Southwest fumbles the football and the Millers take over. Washburn is running the ball down the field. Washburn is looking to score on this drive. The Millers come down the field and score a touchdown but the extra point field goal was no good. With 5:10 left to go in the first half the score is Washburn 20 and Southwest 12.

Elloit Mathews goes deep

Elliot Mathews throws a long bomb and connects with Ledauris Aaron for a Southwest touchdown to end the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter the score is Washburn14 and Souhwest 12.

WASHBURN SCORES A TOUCH DOWN

Minneapolis Washburn marches down the field and Ra’Hageman receives a pass and he caches it for a touch down. With 3:30 left to go in the first quarter the score is Washburn 14 and Southwest 6.

MIDDLE OF THE FIRST UPDATE

Washburn fumbles and Southwest recovers. Ledarius Arron runs for a rush for Laker's. Southwest is running the ball up the field. Elliot Mathews has completed a 5 yard pass to Dominque Dawson. Elliot Mathews throws a pass to Ledarius Arron for a Southwest touchdown. With 8:14 left to go in the first quarter the score is Washburn 6 and Southwest 6.

WASHBURN VS SOTHWEST IS UNDERWAY

The game between Minneapolis Washburn and Minneapolis Southwest is underway on the first play of the game Montrell Wade took the kick off for a Washburn touchdown. The extra point attempt did not work. Washburn 6 Southwest 0 10:34 1Q

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST TAKES ON MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN IN AN INNER CITY BATTLE

Minneapolis Southwest will take on Minneapolis Washburn, Friday at 7:00pm. The Lakers take a 5-0 record in to the game. The Millers have a 4-1 record. Last year Washburn won the rival game 27-12. Look a fast and hard hitting game.

Steven’s Sports Report will report on the game on Saturday morning.

RODNEY WILLIAMS IS A GOLDEN GOPHER

Rodney Williams from Robinsdale Cooper has selected the University of Minnesota to go college. He was one of the most heavily recruited players in this year’s recruiting class. He joins Royce White from Hopkins as the other top players in the state to join the University of Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN BLOWS OUT MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH IN AN INNER CITY CLASH

This was a game that was up and down the football field. The Minneapolis Washburn Millers took out a tough Minneapolis South team. The Millers got out to an early lead when RaShede Hageman scored on a pass from quarterback Brandon King. The two point conversion was good. Then a ball got away from South and Washburn recovered it for safety. Then Mar’chea Wade had a good run that set up Washburn’s next touchdown. Then it was Joe Johnson’s turn to get into the mix as he got a first down on a drive down the field. Joe Johnson then ran it in for another Washburn touchdown. The Millers put on a great performance in the first half. They are making plays; running and they are looking good doing it.

At half time the score of the game was Minneapolis Washburn 30 and Minneapolis South 0.

At the start of the second half South began running the ball and played with a lot of energy. They looked like they wanted to come out and dominate the second half. Whenever South wanted to drive Washburn would end up getting the ball back and they would end up scoring.

At the end of the third quarter on the last play of the quarter Washburn takes over on downs and then Peter Barnstad caught a 10 yard pass from Brandon King. Minneapolis South ended up scoring near the end of the game on a Cory Boudreau two yard run. The two point extra try was good.

In a game that was pretty much decided from the beginning Minneapolis Washburn went on to win the game by the final of 45-8.

Up next for the Washburn Millers is the Southwest Lakers on Friday when the Lakers come to Washburn for their homecoming at 7:00 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST GETS PAST MINNEAPOLIS PATRICK HENRY IN A ONE SIDED GAME

Minneapolis Southwest Lakers got past Patrick Henry on Friday afternoon with a final score of 58-0. The game got off to a fast start. Reggie Gandy led things off for the Lakers with a touchdown early in the first half. Then the Lakers got another touchdown by Dominquie Dawson. The Southwest Lakers dominated the first half. They ran right through the Patrick Henry defense.

Elliot Mathiue had another great game against the Patriots. He only played a half because of the big scoring differential. But in that half he was very effective. He passed for five touch downs and he was 15 of 29 on his passes for a total of 258 yards.

Patrick Henry did go out and put up a fight in this game but the Lakers were just too much for the Patriot’s.

Next up for the Southwest Lakers are the Minneapolis Washburn Millers who they face next Friday night. It will be homecoming for the Millers when they play host to Southwest Friday night at Washburn High School at 7:00 pm.

TOM NORDLAN WILL BE IN MINNEAPOLIS

This is from Tom Nordlan who will be in the Minneapolis to present his Shooting Clinics October 10 and 12!

Dear friend of the Swish Method,

Greetings to you and thanks for your support of the “Swish Method” of shooting a basketball. I will be coming to Minnesota Oct. 9-13 to be part of a Youth Coaches’ Clinic at the amazing Colin Powell Leadership Center in south Minneapolis. The Coaches’ Clinic is all day Saturday, the 11th.

I’ll be presenting twice.

Contact Kelby Brothen, Athletic Director for info about this special all-day Clinic:

Work #: 612/638-1014

Cell: 612/720-8852

Email: urbanstars@urbanventures.org

TWO CLINICS FOR KIDS & COACHES

While I’m there I’ll be putting on two clinics at the Powell Center, as follows:

• Friday after school, Oct. 10th (5-9PM)

• Sunday evening, Oct. 12th (5-9PM)

These clinics are 4 hours long and I can coach up to 24 kids at a time. Because of the Coaches’ Clinic on Saturday, I’m going to open my clinics to both kids AND coaches. The coaches will take the clinic as a student, as that’s the best way to coach anything ... be able to do it yourself, be in the “stew” of learning, so to speak. I’ll continually point out the coaching points during the clinics.

FEES

The fees are reduced for these clinics, in light of the challenging economy we are all facing. They are as follows:

Regular fee for a player: $50, which includes the Swish 2 DVD

Fee for siblings, $40, no video (where first sibling pays full price)

Fee for repeaters: $40 (no video)

Fee for coaches: $40 (including Swish 2)

ON-LINE ENROLLMENT IS AVAILABLE

Go to this web page for details on the clinics and the links to enroll On Line:

http://www.swish22.com/Clinics_Minnesota_1008.html

I HOPE TO SEE YOU!

My clinics are getting more and more exciting and effective as I see additional things all the time and new ways to say and coach them. I can see that the main thing I’m doing (and teaching others to do) is coaching kids to be able to coach themselves in these simple principles. As they learn to shoot a basketball -- and, more powerful for them, how to learn anything -- their self images can alter and self esteem rise. This is one of the great things about sports, the potential for growth as human beings. Let’s work together to help more kids experience how awesome they truly are!

Cheers,

Tom

Boulder Creek, Calif.

P.S. Please note that there is secure parking both in front of the Powell Center and also with
underground parking (enter on the north side of the building, off 29th Street). If you have any
concerns about this, please call Kelby Brothen. His #’s are above.
---------------------------------------
Tom Nordland, Swish International, Inc.

Website: http://www.swish22.com

Tel: 888/SWISH-22 (888/794-7422)

Originator of the Official Swish Method of Shooting!

For a Basketball Shooting Renaissance!

My cell phone while traveling: 831/247-4519

DAVID BERTHENE SLECTS BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

Lakeville North’s David Berthene has made a verbal commitment to play basketball at Bemidji State University. This is the Beavers first commitment for the 2009 recruiting class.

Berthene played summer basketball for Coach Mitch Ohnstad and the MSB Roadrunners. He was selected to the all-tournament team of the Sabes Foundation Invitational in May. David was recruited by several Division 2 and 3 colleges within Minnesota prior to deciding on BSU.

Other schools that were interested in David included Lehigh, American and the University of Detroit. He also took a visit to Nebraska-Omaha.

APPLE VALLEY’S ATHLETIC DIRECTOR SCOTT LARSON TO STEP DOWN

Apple Valley’s Athletic Director Scott Larson, the school’s longest running AD will step down at the end of December. He is scheduled to have hip surgery in early January.

Before he got hired at Apple Valley he was Eagan’s first AD. Larson plans to stay active in the Minnesota State High School League.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MOURNES THE DEATH OF WILLIAM SMITH

Tubby Smith’s nephew, William Smith was stabbed to death outside of a party on Saturday night. Smith was a student at Becker College and was only at the college for only a few weeks after transferring from a college in West Virginia.

A fight that broke out in front of an apartment that spilled into the street. Smith was stabbed once in the chest after an argument ensued over many of the party-goers not being invited. Another person was also stabbed in this fight but did not receive life threatening injuries. .

Smith was a Sports Management major. No arrests were made at the scene; however, police are looking into several leads from the many eyewitnesses.

JUSTIN COBBS MAKES VERBAL TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

The waiting game is over regarding Justin Cobbs. He has made a verbal commitment to the University of Minnesota men’s basketball team according to Rivals.com

MINNESOTA BASKETBALL GOPHERS ARE HOPING FOR A JUSTIN COBBS VERBAL COMMITMENT

Justin Cobbs, a 6-0 point guard from Torrance California is on Tubby Smith’s wish list.

Over this past weekend Cobbs was on campus along with Rodney Williams Jr. for his official visit. Justin is expected to make a verbal commitment early this week.

According to Cobbs he had a very good visit, really liked the campus, met some of the Gopher players and enjoyed the coaching staff.

If Justin attends Minnesota he is expected to major in communications.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST HANGS ON TO BEAT MINNEAPOLIS NORTH IN A FAST GAME

It was Homecoming for the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers on Saturday afternoon and a large crowd including much of the student body attended the game. North got up 14-0 in a game that started off looking like a track meet. The Polars led after the first quarter 14-12, but the Lakers took a 24-12 lead at the half and led by 16-points after the three. Both teams played at a very high level in the fourth quarter with the Polars scoring 16-points. However Southwest put up 6-points in the last period and Elliot Mathew had a great game, passing for 5-touchdowns and 493 yards on the way to the Lakers 36-30 victory.

HARRISON BARNES IS ON TUBBY SMITH’S RADAR

Harrison Barnes from Ames Iowa Senior High School is one of the highly recruited players in the class of 2010. This past summer he is played AAU basketball for the All-Iowa Attack. He is getting looked at by major programs from across the country, such as Duke, Florida, Minnesota and North Carolina.

PAUL CARTER LOOKING FORWARD TO HELPING THE GOHPERS

Paul Carter who went to West Great Plains Community College in Missouri was discovered by Tubby Smith at the Jerry Mullen’s 120 Elite Camp. Coach Smith was surprised with this play and overall ability.

Carter who is coming off sports related hernia surgery, has been getting used to college life and is looking forward to the upcoming season where he is being counted on to make a positive impact.

He is considered one of the leaders on this top recruiting class under Tubby Smith.

THE GANDY BROTHERS LEAD THE WAY FOR MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST FOOTBALL TEAM

Reggie and Greg Gandy are two brothers who play for the Minneapolis Southwest football team which is 3-0 going into Saturday’s game against Minneapolis North. Greg is also a wrestler for the Lakers. Here is the story from Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IS TRYING TO CORNER DARIUS SMITH

Chicago’s Darius Smith is on Tubby Smith’s basketball hot list. The heavily recruited guard was on the Minnesota campus the other day for an official visit.

Other schools that are currently recruiting Smith are: Kentucky, Iowa State, Bradley, Creighton, DePaul, Illinois, plus numerous others.

Smith is expected to make up his decision soon.

NEW MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES CENTER JASON COLLINS OUT EIGHT WEEKS

New Minnesota Timberwolves center Jason Collins will be out eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his triceps tendon. Collins was injured when his golf cart tipped over.

Collins was signed by the Wolves on draft night in the Kevin Love and OJ Mayo deal.

MINNESOTA’S ADAM BOONE IS BACK PLAYING OVER SEAS

University of Minnesota graduate Adam Boone is back playing basketball overseas. Last season he played for the Oberwart Gunners in Austria. This season he is playing for the BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers which are also part of the Austria-A Bundesliga.

This is Adam’s third season overseas.

After leaving the University he tried out for different leagues, signed with an agent and got an opportunity in Austria.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA FOOTBALL SHOWING SIGNS OF A TURN AROUND

The University of Minnesota football team is looking for a turn around this year. Last season they had a down year and have started off this year at 3-0. On Saturday they beat Montana State 35-23. Here is Kent Youngblood’s of the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s account of the game.

Up next for the Gopher football team is Florida Atlantic on Saturday September 20th.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WANTS MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN'S Ra'SHEDE HAGEMAN

Minneapolis Washburn’s Ra’Shede Hageman is one of the highly recruited football players in the state of Minnesota. He is one of the top raided senior’s in the state of Minnesota.

On Friday night Tim Brewster the University of Minnesota head coach was watching the Edina Washburn game which Edina came from behind and ended up winning by the score of 64-25. Here is a story about Ra’Shede Hageman in the Minneapolis Star Tribune by John Millea.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST BLOWS PAST MINNEAPOLIS EDISON

In a game that was very much one sided Minneapolis Southwest blows out Minneapolis Edison by the final of 65-0. Elliot Matheu Southwest’s QB was 15-18 on passes and he threw for 281 total yards and threw for four touch downs. Here is the box score for this game as provided by the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

RED ROCK CENTRAL MOURNS AS FOOTBALL PLAYERS DIE IN CAR CRASH

Red Rock Central High School was dealt a blow on Friday when they had found out that Chris Miller had died in a car crash. Two other teammates were with Chris in the car with him at the time of the crash. Here is the Story from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

SCOUT HOOPS NATIONAL BASKETBALL RANKINGS

Here is the newest boy’s basketball ranking class of 2009 according to Scout Hoops. There are some Minnesota kids on this list. This list updates frequently.

OSSEO’S SAM DOWER COMMITS TO GONZAGA

According to Scout Hoops Sam Dower who is from Osseo High School has committed to playing at Gonzaga. He is currently ranked number 25 in the nation by Scout Hoops.com

LET THE 2008 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON BEGIN

As the start of the 2008 high school football season gets underway John Millea of the Minneapolis Star Tribune takes a look at the evolution of the game.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYERS ARE GETTING NOTICED

Here are some of the top women’s basketball players for Minneapolis South. South is coming off a banner 07-08 season. They went to the State Tournament where they lost to St. Paul Central in the Class AAA Championship game 81-63.

Tayler Hill who is considered one of the top senior’s to be this fall has her college choices of Rutgers, Pittsburg, Marquette and Duke. One of the schools that are not on her final list as of now is the University of Minnesota.

Both Tayler Hill and teammate Tyish Smith who are both All State guards are to appear on the front cover of the Minnesota Girls Basketball Breakdown Publication.

Former Minneapolis South Guard Taquioa Hammick who will be playing at Winthrop this year is expected to make an impact as a freshman.

Look for Minneapolis South women’s basketball team to make a statement this season in the Minneapolis City Conference.

MINNESOTA NATIVE TREVOR MBAKWE LEAVES MARQUETTE BASKETBALL

Trevor Mbakwe who played at St. Bernard’s High School in St Paul has left the men’s basketball team at Marquette and will transfer to Miami-Dade Community College this coming season. Trevor’s decision to leave caught the Golden Eagles coaching staff off guard.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN'S RA'SHEDE MAKES PROGRESS

This is a story I found on Gopher Hole by Nadian Babu about Minneapolis Washburn's Ra'Shede Hegeman. The road to becoming one of the nation’s premier high school TEs hasn’t been a typical one for Ra’Shede Hageman. From playing at Washburn High School in Minneapolis as opposed to transferring to talent-rich Eden Prairie or Wayzata, to thriving in a nontraditional home life, Hageman has used hard work, a close family and life experiences to put him in position to choose where he wants to play college football and pursuit an education. At 6-6, 260lbs, Hageman has worked his way to becoming one of the most coveted TEs in the nation and touts an offer list that few can match including Ohio State, Florida, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and of course his hometown Golden Gophers among many other options.

But the road to elite national recruit wasn’t easy. In a detailed and in-depth two part interview, GopherHole.com profiles Hageman through the eyes of his father, Eric Hageman, and Ra’Shede himself. Eric discusses Ra’Shede’s recruitment and the factors that are going into their decision-making process, the easy decision to stay at Washburn HS, as well as detailing Eric and his wife’s decision to adopt Ra’Shede and his younger brother Xavier when Ra’Shede was seven years old.

Few interviews get this in-depth through the eyes of both parent and recruit, but it reveals the incredible relationship that families have and how love and support are imperative to an individual fulfilling a life dream and one’s fullest potential.

GH: What is your association with the University of Minnesota?

EH: I went to the U for law school. My wife went there for undergrad, and went there for law school as well, so that’s where we met.

GH: Where did you go to undergrad?

EH: Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. I played defensive back on the football team there in the late 80’s.

GH: So, are you a big Gopher fan, or do your root for your undergrad?

EH: It’s hard to root for Ivy League football, so I am a Gopher fan. I grew up listening to Ray Christensen so I’ve been a huge fan all of my life.

GH: Would you love to see Ra’Shede wear maroon and gold?

EH: Yes. Absolutely, that would be my preference.

GH: What kind of influence do you have over his decision?

EH: I don’t know. He will take it into consideration, and I think ideally he’d like to stay home and go to the University of Minnesota. That’s not the only consideration for him; it’s one. He wants to go somewhere that has a strong football program. I think the biggest thing right now that’s been holding him back, is he wants to wait and see if the Gophers truly have turned the corner. I keep telling him that they have and their program is on the upswing, but he needs to see that with his own eyes and not just listen to the hype from me and Coach Brewster.

GH: Do you think that’s the only thing that’s prohibiting him from committing to the U? Do you think if Minnesota does well this year, that will be the deciding factor?

EH: I don’t know if it’s the only deciding factor, but it’s a big one; it will go a long way to help him decide. I am pretty sure that if the Gophers on-field performance was on par with those other schools (Florida, Ohio State, and Wisconsin), he already would’ve committed to the Gophers.

GH: On the flip side, how important is it to him to get playing time right away? He could probably make an immediate impact at the U, where as at a program like OSU, he may have to sit out for a few years.

EH: I don’t think he really looks at it like that at all, I think he’s confident enough in his abilities that he feels he can be able to come in and play fairly quickly. I don’t think it’s a huge factor.

GH: There have been some rumors about him possibly not passing NCAA Clearinghouse, can you comment on that?

EH: We don’t know yet, he does have his whole senior year ahead of him. I think he’s going to work hard his senior year, and hopefully that won’t be a problem. Obviously, the coaches feel that he’s going to be a qualifier, and I think that helps him to know that if the coaches think he can do it, he’s just got to do it.

GH: Is the problem mainly with the ACT and having to re-take that?

EH: Yes, but like with anything, it is a combination of grades and the ACT. He’s got to bring up one or the other, or both, preferably. Hopefully that will happen; I think it will.

GH: As far as academics go, what kind of tools has Minnesota told you about to ensure that he is academically successful when he gets to college?

EH: I think almost any Division-one program has academic support programs in place, and it’s hard for me to differentiate between them all. All of them offer lots of help; however much you need basically. If you need more intensive one-on-one tutoring, they can offer that, if you just need study group time, they offer that. I feel confident that wherever he goes, there will be academic support for him, and it’s reassuring to know that as an athlete you get more academic help than the average undergraduate.

GH: There aren’t many top football players that come out of the city of Minneapolis public schools, most are in the suburbs and private schools. Did you ever think of transferring Ra’Shede to one of the football powerhouses?

EH: No way! No way! We are committed to the city, and certainly, we want to help support the city of Minneapolis, and Minneapolis public schools. My wife is a Minneapolis South graduate, we live in the city, and we think this is important. We thing it’s unfortunate that people have felt like they need to leave the city of Minneapolis to have opportunities because it’s just a matter of making the most of what’s there. We want to make the situation better, not make it worse by leaving. A lot of people had given up on the quality of play in the city, both in football and basketball, but we think that Washburn is poised to be a strong contender in both sports this year. Hopefully we’re going to help the resurgence of Minneapolis!

GH: Ra’Shede excels in both football and basketball, why didn’t he play in the Howard Pulley league this summer? Was it to focus on football?

EH: He played Pulley the past three years, after his 8th, 9th and 10th grade years, he but not this summer. It was a really intense commitment; Pulley involves a lot of travel to a lot of different places and long bus rides. He really, truly loves playing basketball; it was just daunting to have another summer of that much travel when he wanted to be doing some other things. He wanted to be able to work out at Game Speed Academy and be part of the training program at Washburn.

GH: Ra’Shede’s friends with a lot of the other top players in the state, has their decisions on where to attend school influenced him at all?

EH: I don’t think so at all. They are friends in the sense that they are friendly with each other and they all communicate on Myspace or text each other and talk a little bit, but they’re not the kind of friends that spend a lot of time hanging out together. I think he’s known Moses (Alipate) for a long time, they played basketball together, and they’re certainly friends, but it’s not the kind of intense friendship that would influence a college decision.

GH: You have a very unique family situation, in that you have adopted Ra’Shede and his brother. Do you mind answering a few questions on that?

EH: I suppose so, Ra’Shede is a little reluctant to talk too much about that because he doesn’t want to highlight that aspect of his life too much. Obviously, he’s adopted, he’s never been able to hide the fact that he’s adopted, his parents are two white lawyers and we don’t look like him (laughing).

GH: How old was he when you adopted him?

EH: He was about 7 and a half, and his brother (Xavier) is a year and a half younger.

GH: How did you and your wife come about the decision to adopt?

EH: We wanted to adopt first, and integrate children into our family before having biological children (they have 3 biological children ages 6, 2, and 10 months). We wanted to make a difference. There are tons and tons of kids that are in foster care in Minneapolis. I mean, you see pictures on bus stops all the time, 348-ADOPT, they all need homes. We wanted to do something that would help make a difference in people’s lives. When my wife was in law school, she worked for an organization called the American Council on Adoptable Children. It basically works with kids that are considered “special needs” adoption, or hard to place kids because they’re older, or sibling groups, people tend to want to adopt only babies, or just want to adopt one kid. If you’re older, and there’s two of you that need adopting, it’s very difficult. Ra’Shede and Xavier had been in 12 different foster care placements. Then they actually entered an adoptive placement that failed, and that was a disaster for them. Then they got sent back into foster care. We just wanted to do something to make our lives more meaningful.

GH: That’s quite a challenge to take on.

EH: Well, Ra’Shede is 6’6, 263 pounds, the grocery bill is going to be a little heavy these days (laughing)!

GH: At least you didn’t adopt Michael Phelps, he consumes 12,000 calories a day!

EH: I don’t know, Ra’Shede could give him a run for his money. He seems to gain weight at a rather rapid pace, a little out of control.

GH: I know you’ve made it to Wisconsin and Ohio State, have you made it Florida as well?

EH: I sent Ra’Shede down there with his coach in June. They met up with Coach Meyer. I didn’t get a chance to go, but I heard reports on how it went, and it sounds like it was a good visit. All these places, everywhere you go, they have incredible facilities, stadiums, and a lot of it comes down to the people because the facilities are all great.

GH: Where have you been most impressed with the people?

EH: I like them all. Coach Lewis for the Gophers is great. Ra’Shede really likes him a lot as his position coach; that’s been a good relationship. With almost all the coaches that are involved in recurring Ra’Shede, I like them personally. I couldn’t really differentiate too much. The Coach that’s recruiting Ra’Shede at Wisconsin, Bob Bostad, he’s a great guy too. The person you have most contact with is not the head coach, and that’s true of every school. At Florida, it’s John Hevesy, at WI it’s Bob Bostad, at OSU, it’s Dick Tressel, Jim’s brother. Those are the contact people, they’re the ones you know, the ones that come to the school, email you, and send letters.

GH: What’s next for Ra’Shede?

EH: I don’t know the schedule yet, no visits have been set up. I know that he wants do official visits, the issue is the time – whether it will work out during the season or after.

GH: When do you think he may commit?

EH: I’m not sure. I know he wants to feel confident about his academic situation before he commits, and he wants to take the ACT again, and feel better about it. Talk to him, he’s in no hurry to commit. He doesn’t feel any pressure at all. I know a lot of people are exhorting pressure on him, but he’s going to take his time. Ra’Shede is not very caught up in it. He certainly is willing to wait and see.

GH: Have any schools put deadlines on you?

EH: It’s hard to say exactly. So far no schools have put that kind of pressure of him. I know Ohio State has a class that’s almost filled up – yet they still said they have a spot for him, and they’ll wait for him. That could change, if all the sudden, they have some great tight end that wanted to go there, they do already have one. Florida has one tight end that’s already committed too. Now, if they have another tight end commit, they might say “we’re full,” but Ra’Shede doesn’t seem to care about that. If it happens, it happens. I think his feeling is, if a school wanted him enough, they’d make sure they had room for him. The Gophers have been good with that, they have never indicated that they might fill up and there may not be room for him. Wisconsin has also made that very, very clear, that they’ll wait as long as it takes, no pressure, no matter when he decides, there will always be a spot for him.

Ra'Shede Hageman on eating, recruiting and persevering Date: August 19, 2008Topic: Football Recruiting A phone call from Jim Tressel. A voicemail from Urban Meyer. A pat on the back from Tim Brewster. Another letter in the mail from that coach at Wisconsin. Throw in eating two breakfasts’, two lunches, two dinners and at least three snacks – all intertwined between two workouts a day – and there is the life of Ra’Shede Hageman, one of the nation’s top TE prospects, and the recipient of much admiration from Gopher fans. At 6’6”, 260lbs, Hageman is a coach’s dream, and as the former TE coach for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, Coach Brewster knows as well as anyone what it takes to get to the NFL, and that is the reason he is one of the Gophers top recruiting targets in 2009...A phone call from Jim Tressel. A voicemail from Urban Meyer. A pat on the back from Tim Brewster. Another letter in the mail from that coach at Wisconsin. Throw in eating two breakfasts’, two lunches, two dinners and at least three snacks – all intertwined between two workouts a day – and there is the life of Ra’Shede Hageman, one of the nation’s top TE prospects, and the recipient of much admiration from Gopher fans. At 6’6”, 260lbs, Hageman is a coach’s dream, and as the former TE coach for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, Coach Brewster knows as well as anyone what it takes to get to the NFL, and that is the reason he is one of the Gophers top recruiting targets in 2009. But Brewster’s goal of working with Hageman like he did Antonio Gates won’t be easy as two of the nation’s premier programs – Ohio State and Florida – have visions of the Minneapolis product playing in Columbus or Gainesville.

In a Part 2 of GopherHole’s in-depth conversation with the Hageman family, Ra’Shede discusses the recruiting battle that will have some of the nation’s top coaches filing the stands at Washburn High School this season, the intense workout routine he battles through twice a day, and the impact that his parents have had on his life.

GH: You’re generally listed as a tight end, is that what schools are recruiting you as? Or can you play other positions?

RH: Yes, they are recruiting me as a tight end. I can also play defensive end.

GH: Is defensive end a position you’d be willing to play?

RH: Yes.

GH: You seem to be growing bigger every day, is there going to come a time where you may be too big to play tight end?

RH: Right now, no. But when I do go to college, and they start feeding me the right way and I start lifting the right way, then it may be a possibility that I’d get too big.

GH: How big are you now?

RH: I’m 6’6 and I weigh 260 pounds.

GH: Your Dad (Eric Hageman) mentioned that you consume a lot of food, what is a typical meal plan for you?

RH: I eat two breakfasts, and then a snack, 2 lunches, a snack in between, 2 dinners, and then a midnight snack. I continuously eat. Not fatty fast food things like cheeseburgers but rather sandwiches, Subway, Chipotle, Quiznos, ribs, and pork sandwiches.

GH: What is your workout schedule?

RH: In the mornings, I wake up by 7 am, and I go out to Eden Prairie to Game Speed, and I work on my quickness and agility for about two hours with Mark Ellis. After that, I go back to Washburn and lift weights for about 1 ½ hours. Then I condition, and get back to working out again. So, I work out twice a day, and I’ve got conditioning in-between. Then I go home and relax for the rest of the day.

GH: Your Dad has also mentioned that you were waiting things out, and wanted to see how the Gophers would do before committing. How much improvement do you need to see? A few games, or do we need to make it to a bowl game?

RH: Obviously they have to do better than the 1-11 that they were last year. I definitely want to see them use their tight ends in a way I could see myself playing. They don’t have to be a bowl contender, but I want to see that they are an up and coming program; a developing program.

GH: Out of the four schools that you’ve narrowed it down to (Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Florida) which one utilizes their tight ends in a way you’d want to play?

RH: The one I like the best is Wisconsin. They’re more of a tight end team, they use them all the time. I can definitely see myself playing there. I’m still giving all the other schools a chance because they’re all using their tight ends. Tim Brewster told me they are going to start more than they have been, so that’s why I’m going to give them all a chance.

GH: Speaking of Coach Brewster, I’ve heard through the grapevine that you are a little intimidated by him in person, is that true?

RH: Intimidated? I think he’s a really good person, I’m not intimidated by him, but it’s sometimes kind of hard to believe all of the things he says. He is an up and coming coach, so obviously he has to sell it, but some of the stuff he says…he could just be being sarcastic. I still believe him and respect him, but I think he’s a sarcastic guy.

GH: How would you describe Urban Meyer?

RH: He’s more serious, he really doesn’t have to advertise his school. Florida does that talking for itself, obviously, because they have such a strong football program. So he’s not like, “you have to go here, we’re going to be so good,” he just tells you the history of their program and what they’ve already accomplished and how strong their program is.

GH: What about Jim Tressel?

RH: Same thing. He has such a strong football program too. All three schools, other than Minnesota, have good reputations and established programs. It’s not like they have to feed you this hype like, “we need you to make this team better.” They talk more about the fact that they have a strong program, and we’ve been to all these bowl games.

GH: What is your relationship with Bret Bielema?

RH: We have a connection because I’ve been to Wisconsin quite a few times, and it’s not just because of football, I’ve had basketball camps there too where he’s stopped in and said, “hi.” He and I have not a strong relationship, but it’s getting up there. We don’t talk a lot, but he sends me letters and tells me how his team is doing, so I’m starting to get a connection with him.

GH: Would you say Wisconsin is showing you the most love right now?

RH: It’d be a tie between Wisconsin and Minnesota.

GH: Obviously, Florida and OSU are powerhouse football schools. Do you ever look at it in the sense that if you go to one of those, you may sit the bench for a few years, but if you stay home, you can make an immediate impact?

RH: Yes, that is true. Florida and Ohio State are definitely powerhouse teams. If I do end up going there, I’ll have to realize that I will probably have to be red-shirted before I can play. At Minnesota it is very different, they don’t use their tight ends as much, but there may be a chance I can play right away. I definitely do see the differences and the positives and negatives.

GH: Are you worried about the Ohio State class filling up, since they’re almost at capacity?

RH: Yes, that is true. They do tell me how many spots they have, they’re rushing me a little bit. If anybody really wants me on their team, they’ll let me think about it, and really make the right choice. I’m kind of worried about OSU filling up, but at the same time, I don’t want to rush into such an important decision.

GH: You’ve taken unofficial visits to all four schools, when do you think you’ll take your official visits?

RH: I do want to start early, after around September 1st. I want to talk to the coaches and make appointments to go out there as soon as possible.

GH: Ideally, when would you like to commit by?

RH: After my football season, probably the weekend of my last game.

GH: After not playing summer ball, are you still planning on playing with Washburn this year?

RH: Yes, I’ll start basketball right after football. I’ve got to keep conditioning.

GH: Besides the football aspect, what else are you looking for in a school?

RH: I want a school with strong academics and tutoring programs. I want to study African-American studies, so I need a school with a good program.

GH: What actions are you taking to make sure you qualify?

RH: There are a few things I’m working on, I’m definitely going to take some ACT prep classes, so I can be prepared for that. This past year, I started re-taking some classes to make up for my freshman and sophomore year grades, so I’m going to continue doing that. It’s gotten me a lot closer to where I need to be. I’m just going to go hard this next year, stay focused, and keep on doing what I’m doing.

GH: So you’re saying you had a strong Junior year?
RH: Yes, and it’s improving my overall GPA.

GH: Your Dad mentioned that you really don’t like to talk much about your tough childhood. Obviously, you do have a unique situation, would you like to comment on that at all?

RH: If it wasn’t for them (his parents), I don’t really know where I’d be right now. I don’t know if I’d even be playing sports, and I wouldn’t be who I am right now. It really makes me think, if they wouldn’t of taken me in , where would I be at? Would I still be in school? Would I be in foster homes? I have no idea, I am just so grateful to them.

This article comes from GopherHole.comhttp://www.gopherhole.com/The URL for this story is:http://www.GopherHole.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=808

THE UNITED STATES BRYAN CLAY WINS THE 2008 OLYMPIC DECATHLON

Bryan Clay from the United States has become the first person to win the Olympic Decathlon since 1996 who was from the United States Of America. Bryan Clay finished 8,791 total points. Here is the story from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTHWEST VOLLEYBALL LOOKS TO MAKE A STATEMENT THIS YEAR

Minneapolis Southwest is determined to make some noise again this year in the Minneapolis City Conference in volleyball. Here is an article that Brian Stensaas did for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. We will have to see how well the Southwest volleyball team will do this year.

MISTY MAY-TANOR AND KERRY WALSH WIN GOLD AGAIN

American’s Misty May-Tanor and Kerry Walsh won an exciting beach Volley Ball match to win the Olympic Gold. They beat China’s team consisting of Jie Wang and Jia Tian. Misty May Tanor and Kerry Walsh haven’t lost a beach volley ball match since 2007 in Boston Ma. Here is the article from the St Paul Pioneer Press.

FORMER HOPKINS BASKETBALL STAR GETS ARRESTED IN WISCONSIN

Former Hopkins basketball star Anthony DiLoreto got arrested in Wisconsin as he was planning on being the get away driver in a bank robbery that went bad. He was said to have a short-barreled shotgun. Here is Tim Harlow’s report from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

UNITED STATES SHAWN JOHNSON WINS GOLD IN BALANCE BEAM

United States Shawn Johnson won the Balance Beam competition in the Beijing Summer games. The United States was second in the all around competition earlier in the games.

PRESS CORE MESS AT THE OLYMPICS

You ever wonder what it is like for a reporter to do in interview from a world wide event like the Olympics. Sean Jensen from the St Paul Pioneer Press takes us for an inside look at what it takes to get an interview at these Olympic Games.

DULUTH NATIVE KARA GOUCHER SHINES IN OLYMPICS

Duluth Minnesota’s Kara Goucher qualified for the 5,000 meter Olympic run final. Her time was 15:00.98.
Here is the story from the St Paul Pioneer Press.

MINNEAPOLIS NATIVE TROY BELL IS BACK PLAYING IN ITALY

Troy Bell who is from Minneapolis Minnesota is playing basketball back in Italy this season. He is playing in Vanoli Sorensina. The team name is Gruppo Tribolidi. Troy Bell is looking forward to this upcoming season.

DEVOE JOSEPH IS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Devoe Joseph who is one of the top incoming men’s basketball recruits who has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Minnesota has been cleared to play by the NCAA Clearing House. There were some concerns about the eligibility of Devoe Joseph because he is from Canada.

THE UNITED STATES MEN'S OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAM GETS REVENGE

Team USA Men’s Basketball team gets some revenge over Greece in the preliminaries of Olympic play. Team USA beat Greece by the final score of 92-69. This is the box score of the game between the USA and Greece.

Greece beat the USA to knock them out of Olympic play in the last Olympics. Team USA now advances to the next round of games. Team USA now has to prepare to go out and play Spain this coming Saturday.

HOW YOUNG IS TO YOUNG TO COMPETE IN THE OLYMPICS

There has been a lot of talk by people around the sporting world in regards to the age of the China’s Olympic gymnastics were too young to compete in the Olympics. There was a report in China’s news paper that broke the story. Here is a story from John Leicester from the Associated Press.

JAKE DEITCHLER FROM ANOKA MINNESOTA COMES UP SHORT IN FANTASTIC FIRST ROUND MATCH

Jake Deitcher who is from Anoka Minnesota is an Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestler who went up against Kanatbek Begaliev of Kyrgyzstan Wednesday in the first round of the Olympic wrestling tournament in the Olympics. Here is the Minneapolis Startribune story on the fight.

UNITED STATES SWIMMER MICHAEL PHELPS GOES FOR GOLD

United States Olympic swimmer Micheal Phelps has become very popular in the Olympics. He has become one of the most popular swimmers in Olympic history. He is only 23 years old.

Here is an article about Michael Phelps that I found in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.


http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26868919.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUg7Kk8P3iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

BRAZILIAN ACAI BERRY

The Most Amazing Fruit You’ve Never Heard Of By Steven Kalishman, J.D.Co-author, “Wellness Connexion: Simple Secrets of Ageless Vitality”http://www.wellnessconnexion.com/

It’s been called the “Wonder Food,” “Milk of the Amazon,” “The World’s #1 Superfood,” “The Most Nutritious and Powerful Food in the World,” and even the “Viagra of the Amazon!”

According to a Real Age magazine article entitled “Wonder Foods,” “Packed with twice the disease-fighting antioxidants of blueberries, acai has already made Oprah’s list of Top 10 Superfoods (#1), and The Washington Post called the blackberry-flavored fruit ‘the new pomegranate.’” The London Times boasts: “Acai [has] the nutritional content that makes other fruits blush with inadequacy.” Vogue positions acai as: “the next big workout cocktail.” Men’s Journal exclaims: “[Acai is] the fruit that packs a punch.” The Wall Street Journal headlines: “Acai Replaces Wheatgrass in Blenders at Juice Bars.” Good Morning America featured acai as one of “The Next Big Things for 2006.” NBC Today's Matt Lauer hosted a road show from the Amazon Rain forest in Brazil, reporting that locals now call the legendary Acai Berry the “Viagra of the Amazon!”

In his bestselling book “The Perricone Promise,” Dr. Nicholas Perricone called the acai berry “…one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world…nature’s perfect energy fruit.”
Acai is a small, round, dark purple berry with amazing nutritional properties. Its appearance is similar to a grape, but it has less pulp and a single large seed.


The acai berry is packed with nutritional value – proteins, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. It also has a low glycemic index. It is such a complete food that the Brazilian people living along the Amazon River can survive on it as their sole source of food and demonstrate amazing vitality and energy. For countless centuries, the people of the Amazon have revered this unique fruit for its health-producing properties, used it in the treatment of numerous ailments and prized it as a source of health and vitality. Recently the remarkable health benefits of acai have been validated by modern science. Because of its unparalleled antioxidant levels and superior nutrient content, acai is now regarded as one of the world’s top super-foods.

Acai contains concentrated levels of anthocyanins – a powerful family of antioxidants that assists in neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals. Acai is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, and 9), vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, phytonutrients, amino acids, complex carbohydrates and trace minerals.

The acai berry grows in clusters on the acai palm, a genus of 25-30 species of palms native to tropical Central and South America. These tall, slender and attractive palms can grow to be nearly 50 feet tall, with nine-foot leaves. The prime commercial source of acai is an area where several rivers converge within the Amazon estuary, emptying along the northeastern corner of Brazil into the Atlantic Ocean.

The USDA recommends consumption of five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day to maintain an adequate supply of food-derived antioxidants. Research indicates that only five percent of the U.S. population consumes even five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says fruit intake is critical to good health, and that people who eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases.


Because of the way produce is grown, picked, treated and stored, fruit is far less nutritious than it used to be. One way to measure the antioxidant capacity of a food is called ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity). Foods with high ORAC values are desirable for their ability to neutralize free radicals, thus inhibiting the ability of the free radical to cause cell damage. The ORAC measurement, developed by a scientist at the National Institute of Aging in 1992, has proven to be a valuable tool in quantifying the health benefits associated with consuming fruits, vegetables and other antioxidant containing foods and supplements.


With an ORAC score of 1,027 per gram, acai boasts the highest ORAC score against the superoxide free radical of any fruit or vegetable ever tested. The acai fruit is the star among such well-known antioxidants as blueberries, grapes, red wine, green tea, cranberries, blackberries and pomegranates. By comparison, acai has 10 times the antioxidant power of cranberries.

Phytonutrients are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the flavor, color and disease resistance of plants – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, but their value extends much beyond free radical protection. Maximum health benefits are derived from consuming a variety of phytonutrients with a full spectrum of colors and pigments.

Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy functioning cells. Antioxidants are agents that inhibit harmful compounds known as free radicals, which cause damage to cells through oxidation (like a cut apple turning brown). By donating an electron to unstable free radicals, antioxidants neutralize their harmful effects. Obtaining a variety of antioxidants through diet or supplementation is essential to maintaining good health.

Oxidative stress occurs in the body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals, which cause damage to all cellular components, including proteins, lipids and DNA – the blueprint for cell reproduction. Oxidative stress is involved in the aging process and numerous health issues.

Tobacco smoke, alcohol, pollution, insecticides, radiation, environmental chemicals and excessive amounts of sunlight are all prolific contributors to the formation of free radicals. Other causes include high-fat diets, stress, insufficient sleep and strenuous exercise.

Polyphenols are a class of powerful antioxidants that play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, heart failure, stroke) and that have been shown to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol. Polyphenols are also thought to be responsible for the French Paradox: a diet relatively high in fat, yet a decreased incidence of heart disease. This is attributed to the amount of polyphenols present in the grapes used to make French wines.


One of the best ways to enjoy the variety of health benefits of acai is by drinking a nutritional beverage called “MonaVie,” which utilizes a proprietary method to make freeze-dried acai powder, the most effective and concentrated form of acai. MonaVie is a delicious and energizing blend of acai and 18 other nutrient-dense fruits. MonaVie’s “Active” formula also contains the added benefits of esterified fatty acids and glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints.


The acai used by MonaVie is certified organic. MonaVie contains a powerful variety of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. It is estimated that MonaVie products have 20-30 times the amount of anthocyanins found in red wine. MonaVie is also good for the skin. Dermatologist Doris J. Day, M.D., was quoted in the February, 2007, issue of People Magazine: “This is an easy way to get great skin. MonaVie’s juice is only 20 calories, and it delivers tons of antioxidants and flavonoids.”

MEN’S USA OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL TEAM PLAYING THROUGH PAIN

As the stabbing tragedy to the coaches in laws the USA Men’s Volleyball team beat Venezuela in a rough match. On Saturday Todd and Barbara Bachman who are from Lakeville Minnesota were attacked. Todd Bachman who is the president and CEO of the Bachman’s flower shop was killed in the attack.

This is Jim Souhan report from the Minneapolis Star Tribune on the accounts of the tragedy.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26472194.html?elr=KArks:DCiUocOaL_nDaycUiacyKUU

ROYCE WHITE AND RODNEY WILLIAMS IN PORTLAND TO SHOW THEIR STUFF

Royce White who has verbally committed to play basketball at the University of Minnesota and Rodney Williams who is undecided at this time where he is going to be going to college but will be a SR this year at Robbinsdale Cooper are taking part in the Nike Global Challenge.
Rodney Williams is considered one of the top recruits in the state of Minnesota.


http://www.primetimepdx.com/ngc/

USA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM BEATS THE CHECH REPUBLIC IN FIRST GAME

With President Bush in attendance the United States Women’s basketball team beat the Chech Republic by the final of 97-57. Diana Taurasi ended the game with 17 points.

http://www.sportsline.com/olympics/story/10925430

The next Women’s USA basketball game will be on Monday when they go up against China.

CHINESE MAN STABBED THE IN LAWS OF USA MEN’S VOLLYBALL COACH

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune a Chinese man stabbed the In Laws of the USA’s Men’s Volleyball head coach. The victims were Todd and Barbara Bachman was from Lakeville Minnesota. After the stabbing the man committed suicide by throwing himself off a 130 foot balcony.

Here is the article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.


http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/26470189.html?page=1&c=y

LET THE OLYMPIC GAMES BEGIN

Today is the first day of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games which are being held in Beijing China.

Check out NBC Sports Coverage of the games for live updates through out the summer games at http://www.nbcolympics.com

Also reporting from the Olympics are reporters from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Reports from the reporters can be found at http://www.startribune.com

RAYMOND COWELS PICKS SANTA CLARA

Raymond Cowles from Hopkins has made a verbal commitment to play basketball at Santa Clara according to Ryan James of Minnesota Preps. Other schools that showed interest in Raymond were Iowa, Northwestern Iowa, Western Michigan, UW-Milwaukee and UW- Green Bay. He is a solid player.

Former Gophers Basketball coach James Ware who was the University of Minnesota Assistant coach at the University of Minnesota is now an Assistant Coach at Santa Clara and that was another reason that Raymond Cowles picked Santa Clara.

FORMER MINNESOTA GOPHER BASKETBALL PLAYER LAWARANCE MC KENZIE TO PLAY OVER SEAS THIS SEASON

According to Larry Mc Kenzie his son Lawrence Mc Kenzie has signed a one year deal to play with the FYR Macedonian Super league BC Feni Industries for the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Lawrence Mc Kenzie went to Minneapolis Patrick Henry High school then went on to the University of Minnesota. In his last season at University of Minnesota he averaged 11.8 points per game and 2.3 rebounds per game. He was voted to the 3rd team all conference team and he had a career high of 26 points on February 21 2008 when he scored 26 points against Michigan.

A & A MILL WORK TAKES ON EL-AMINS FISH HOUSE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP

In one of the best championship games in years, A & A Millwork was playing to defend their 2007 Pro City Championship and it looked like they were going to be successful for much of the game. Johnny Gilbert was controlling the paint and scored on some nice put-backs and Tyrell Sledge was playing great perimeter defense and scoring on some very athletic plays. Moe Hargrow was also proving difficult for the Fish House to deal with.

For a great share of the first-quarter the teams traded baskets in a very fast paced game, but the Mill seemed to be taking the higher percentage shots although at the end of the quarter they trailed by 3-points, 27-25. Jamil Statan was the leader for the Fish House in the first quarter.

The second quarter was also very fast paced but ragged. Both teams pushed the ball up the court and made very few passes prior to taking failed shots. The first quarter was definitely better played. Each team had more than their share of unforced turnovers. Johnny Gilbert and Jamil Statan continued to control the paint for their respective teams so many of the shots were coming from beyond 15-feet.

Neither team was able to get any traction and has remained within a couple of points. At the half the Fish continued to lead 41-40. Jamil Statan led the Fish with 10 points and 5 rebounds followed by Travis Bush with 6 and Dan Coleman with 5 rebounds. For the Mill Tyrell Sledge and Johnny Gilbert led the way with 8 points each, James Walker 5 and Moe Hargrow 3.

At the beginning of the second half, A & A seemed to be taking control. After trailing at the half they took the lead and maintained it throughout the third quarter. Moe Hargrow started to lead his teammates with some nice defensive stops, scored on his jumper and dropped a few dimes (assists) at the basketball. Johnny Gilbert continued his strong low-post play and Tyrell Sledge was effective with the ball. At the end of the third the Mill led 68-62.

The momentum started to swing early in the fourth quarter. Jamil Statan, Dan Coleman along with Gopher teammate Travis Busch stepped up their play. Jamil scored at the basket, Dan finished a couple of runners while Travis played tough defense and made some nice steals and rebounds. Kevin Henderson is also made a quite difference for the Fish with his defense and passes.

With three-minutes remaining in the game it was tied at 75.

In the next two-minutes Dan Coleman hit two jumpers and Jamil Statan a layup and the Fish House took a 79-75 lead. At the 45.7 mark the Mill got to within two-points on a lay-in by Johnny Gilbert. At that point A & A was forced in to a fouling strategy and the Fish were up to the task, knocking down their free-throws and they went on to win this excellent game 87-83.

Jamil Staten led the fish with 29 points and 8 rebounds and Dan Colman registered 15 points and 11 rebounds. For the Mill, Johnny Gilbert finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Tyrell Sledge 17 points and 7 assists and Moe Hargrow 14 points.

Congratulations to El-Amin’s Fish House on winning the 2008 Pro City Summer League Championship. It was a well deserved as they finished with the season with only one loss to the Errol Carlstrom Playaz in their final regular season game.

I would like to thank Tony Geer with Community Hoops Productions for working with me on this project. Also a big thanks to Rene Pulley for letting me cover the summer league and all those who have supported me this summer while I have tried to provide you with an in depth look at the league.