MSHSL STATE TOURNAMENT PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MSHSL 

State Football Tournament

Four teams to defend titles; two teams make first appearances

      Four teams return to defend their 2011 football titles — Dawson-Boyd in Class A, Caledonia in Class AA, St. Croix Lutheran of West St. Paul in Class AAA, and Eden Prairie in Class AAAAAA. If Caledonia wins, it would be the third consecutive title for the Warriors. The Eden Prairie Eagles won in Class AAAAA last year, but they now belong to the new 32-team, largest schools Class AAAAAA.

      Twenty teams that competed in the 2011 tournament have qualified again, while two teams are making their first appearances. Sixteen teams enter with unblemished records.

     The 2012 tournament has quarterfinals being played over three days at neutral sites throughout Minnesota Nov. 8-10. Semifinals will follow at the Metrodome Nov. 15-17 and Prep Bowl XXXI will be played over two days at the Metrodome Nov. 23 and 24. (Check the League website — www.MSHSL .org — for exact times and locations of quarterfinals.)

      Class 9-Man Quarterfinal Highlights

     Wheaton/Herman-Norcross is the only team to return from the 2011 field. South Ridge of Culver is the only team making its debut appearance, and two teams boast perfect records. A new champion will emerge as the defending champion from Edgerton/Ellsworth failed to qualify this year. The only teams to meet during the regular season were Wheaton/Herman-Norcross and Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley and they will meet again in the quarterfinals. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross defeated Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 30-12 on 

Sept. 21.

Section-Team (Record)

6-Nevis (11-0) vs. 5-South Ridge, Culver (10-1) 5 p.m. Nov. 9 at St. Cloud State University: The Nevis Tigers, who were No. 5 in the final Associated Press (AP) poll, return for their fourth appearance. They made their last appearance in 1993 and are still in the hunt for their first championship. The unranked South Ridge Panthers are making their first tournament appearance.

 2-Mountain Lake Area (9-2) vs. 1-Grand Meadow (10-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Rochester Community & Technical College: Mountain Lake Area is making its first appearance as a co-op with Mountain Lake Christian. Mountain Lake made an appearance as a single school in 1980 and then made three additional appearances as a co-op with Butterfield-Odin between 1991 and 2003. The Superlarks of Grand Meadow are making their fifth tournament appearance but first since 2009. Neither team was ranked in the final AP poll and both are still searching for their elusive first title.

8-Goodridge/Grygla-Gatzke (9-1) vs. 7-Ely (9-2) 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at Concordia College, Moorhead: The No. 7-ranked Chargers of Goodridge/Grygla Gatzke return after a one-year absence to make their fourth appearance. Goodridge/Grygla-Gatzke is still in the hunt for its first state title. The Timberwolves of Ely are also making their fourth tournament appearance. Their last was in 1988. Ely was not ranked in the final poll and has never won a state title.

      

4-Wheaton/Herman-Norcross (9-2) vs. 3-Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley (10-0) 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at Big Cat Stadium, Morris: The Warriors of Wheaton/Herman-Norcross are making their second consecutive and overall appearance as a co-op. They placed second in 2011. Wheaton made eight appearances between 1989 and 2007 and Herman made one additional appearance in 1977. The Warriors were not ranked in the final AP poll. The Wolverines of Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, who were the top team in the final AP poll, return to tournament action after a one-year absence. They are making their third appearance under this name. Clinton-Graceville made one appearance in 1993, Beardsley/Valley made one appearance in 1986, and Graceville made two appearances in 1979 and 1982. Neither team has won a state title.

Class A Quarterfinal Highlights

      

Three teams return from the 2011 field: the defending champions from Dawson-Boyd, Mahnomen, and Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s. Bethlehem Academy of Faribault is the only team making its first appearance and two teams come in with perfect records. Bethlehem Academy and St. Clair were the only teams to meet during regular-season play. St. Clair won that contest 13-6 in a double-overtime thriller.

      

6-Browerville (9-2) vs. 5-Dawson-Boyd (10-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Big Cat Stadium, Morris: Browerville, which includes students from St. John Vianney Academy of Long Prairie, is making its ninth appearance. They made their last in 2000. The Tigers were not ranked in the final AP poll and have never won a state championship. The defending champions from Dawson-Boyd return for their second consecutive and overall appearance. They were ranked No. 3 in this year’s final poll.

      

2-Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s (10-0) vs. 1-Bethlehem Academy, Faribault (9-2) 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at Rochester Community & Technical College: The No. 2-ranked Knights of Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s return for their second consecutive and fourth overall appearance. The Knights, who have never won a state title, lost in the semifinals in 2011. The unranked Cardinals of Bethlehem Academy are making their debut appearance.

      

 8-Mahnomen (11-0) vs. 7-Barnum (9-2) Noon Nov. 10 at Public School Stadium, Duluth: The No. 1-ranked Indians of Mahnomen return to make their third consecutive and 21st overall appearance. They earned runner-up honors in 2011. They are looking for their seventh state title, having won previously in 1980, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1998. Unranked Barnum returns after a one-year absence to make its third appearance. The Bombers are looking for their first championship.

      

4-Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City (8-2) vs. 3-St. Clair (9-2) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall: The Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Falcons, who were ranked No. 8 in the final AP poll, return for their fourth appearance after a one-year hiatus. The Falcons won one previous title in 2001. Atwater made one additional appearance in 1978. The No. 10-ranked Cyclones of St. Clair are making their fifth appearance, but first since 1992. They also won their only championship in 1992.

Class AA Quarterfinal Highlights

       

The two-time defending champions from Caledonia return in search of more gold. Moose Lake/Willow River is the only other school to return from the 2011 field. All of the teams have previous tournament experience and four boast perfect records. Mayer Lutheran and Sibley East of Arlington were the only two Class AA teams that met during the regular season and Mayer Lutheran won that game 43-14.

 6-Holdingford (10-1) vs. 5-BOLD, Olivia (10-0) 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at St. Cloud State University: The unranked Huskers of Holdingford return after an 11-year absence to make their 10th appearance. If the Huskers win it would be their second championship; they won their first in 1981. The Warriors of BOLD are making their ninth appearance under this name, but first since 2004. Olivia also made one additional appearance in 1980. BOLD is in the hunt for its third title, having won previously in 1990 and 1991. The Warriors were ranked No. 4 in this year’s final AP poll.

      

2-Sibley East, Arlington (9-1) vs. 1-Caledonia (10-0) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Burnsville High School: The Sibley East Wolverines are making their second appearance, but first since 1986. They tied for No. 8 in the AP poll and are in the hunt for their first championship. The two-time defending champions from Caledonia return for their sixth consecutive and ninth overall appearance. In addition to the past two years, they also won championships in 1976, 2007 and 2008. They were ranked No. 1 in this year’s final AP poll.

      

8-Hawley (11-0) vs. 7-Moose Lake/Willow River (8-2) 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at St. Cloud State University: The Hawley Nuggets, who were ranked No. 5 in the AP poll, return to tournament action after a two-year hiatus. This year marks their 13th appearance. The Rebels of Moose Lake/Willow River, who were No. 2 in the final AP poll, are making their seventh consecutive and eighth overall appearance under this name. Moose Lake made one appearance in 1977. Last year Moose Lake/Willow River earned runner-up honors. Neither team has won a state title.

      

4-Mayer Lutheran (10-1) vs. 3-Jackson County Central (9-2) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Chaska High School: Mayer Lutheran is making its fifth appearance. The Crusaders, who made their last appearance in 2000, are looking for their first title. The Huskies of Jackson County Central are making their fourth appearance under this name, but first since 2001. They also won their last title that year. Jackson made two additional appearances in 1985 and 1989 and also won a championship in 1985. Neither team was ranked in the final AP poll.

Class AAA Quarterfinal Highlights

  

Four teams return from the 2011 field: the defending champions from St. Croix Lutheran of West St. Paul, Annandale, Perham, and Blue Earth Area. Blue Earth Area competed in Class AA last year. All of the teams have previous tournament experience and only two teams have perfect records. Annandale and New London-Spicer were the only teams to meet during regular-season play and Annandale won that contest 28-21, and they will face off again in the quarterfinals.

      

6-New London Spicer (7-4) vs. 5–Annandale (9-1) Noon Nov. 10 at St. Cloud State University: The unranked Wildcats of New London-Spicer are making their third appearance, but first since 2009. They also won their only title in 2009. The Annandale Cardinals return for the second consecutive and overall appearance. They lost in the semifinals last year and were ranked No. 6 in this year’s final AP poll.

      

 2-Jordan (4-7) vs. 1–Rochester Lourdes (1109) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at East Ridge High School, Woodbury: The Jordan Hubmen, who were not ranked in the final poll, return for their first appearance since 1994. This is their fourth overall appearance. Jordan won one previous championship in 1983. Top-ranked Rochester Lourdes returns after a one-year absence to make its ninth appearance. The Eagles won previous titles in 1979 and 2010.

      

8-Perham (9-1) vs. 7-Esko (8-2) 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at Public School Stadium, Duluth: The Yellowjackets of Perham are making their second consecutive and sixth overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals of the 2011 tournament and were ranked No. 5 in this year’s final AP poll. Perham has never won a state title. The unranked Esko Eskomos return for their 10th appearance, but first since 2005. They won one previous championship in 1975.

      

4-St. Croix Lutheran, West St. Paul (9-1) vs. 3-Blue Earth Area (10-0) 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at Lakeville North High School: The defending champions from St. Croix Lutheran are making their second consecutive and third overall appearance. They came in at No. 3 in this year’s final poll. The No 2-ranked Buccaneers of Blue Earth Area are making their second consecutive and fourth overall appearance under this name. Blue Earth made one additional appearance in 1972. The Buccaneers lost in the quarterfinals of the Class AA tournament in 2011 and are still looking for their first title.

Class AAAA Quarterfinal Highlights

      

Two of last year’s qualifying teams return: Hill-Murray of Maplewood and Holy Family Catholic of Victoria. Holy Family Catholic competed in Class AAA last year. A new champion will emerge as the defending champions from Rocori of Cold Spring did not qualify this year. All of the teams have previous tournament experience and three teams boast unblemished records.

    

 6-DeLaSalle, Minneapolis (10-0) vs. 5-Becker (9-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Hopkins High School: The top-ranked DeLaSalle Islanders are making their eighth appearance. They made their last in 2010, which is also the year they won their only championship. The Islanders did not face any other qualifiers during the regular season. The Becker Bulldogs, who were ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll, are making their 13th appearance. Their last appearance was in 2006 and they won one previous title in 2005. During regular-season play, Becker defeated Princeton 27-20.  

2–Hutchinson (10-0) vs. 1-Kasson-Mantorville (9-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Chanhassen High School: The No. 2-ranked Tigers of Hutchinson are making their 17th appearance under this name. They won previous championships in 1983, 1984, and 1998. Hutchinson also made three consecutive appearances as a co-op with New Century Charter School between 2003 and 2005. The Tigers defeated Holy Family Catholic 60-7 this season. The Komets of Kasson-Mantorville are making their ninth appearance, but first since 2009. They were No. 8 in this year’s final poll. Kasson-Mantorville did not face any other tournament qualifiers this year and is still in the hunt for its first title.

 8–Detroit Lakes (10-0) vs. 7–Princeton (7-4) 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at St. Cloud State University: The Detroit Lakes Lakers return for their 12th appearance, but first since 2002. They were ranked No. 3 in the final AP poll and are looking for their fifth state title. They won previously in 1992, 1993, 1995 and 2001. The Lakers did not play any other qualifiers during the regular season. The unranked Princeton Tigers are making their sixth appearance, but first since 2005. This year they lost to Becker 27-20. Princeton has never won a state title.

      

4-Hill-Murray, Maplewood (8-2) vs. 3-Holy Family Catholic, Victoria (8-3) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Macalester College, St. Paul: The Pioneers of Hill-Murray are making their second consecutive and fourth overall appearance. They lost in the semifinals of last year’s tournament and were ranked No. 10 in this year’s final AP poll. The Pioneers did not play any other qualifiers during the regular season. The unranked Fire of Holy Family Catholic return for their third consecutive and fourth overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Class AAA tournament. This season they lost to Hutchinson 60-7.

Class AAAAA Quarterfinal Highlights

Four qualifiers return from the 2011 field: Mankato West, Moorhead, Bemidji, and Totino-Grace of Fridley. Bemidji and Mankato West both competed in Class AAAA last year. Three teams have unblemished records and all of them have previous tournament experience. A new champion will emerge this year since the defending champions from Eden Prairie qualified for the new Class AAAAAA tournament.

 6-Elk River (6-5) vs. 5-St. Thomas Academy, Mendota Heights (9-1) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Osseo High School: The Elk River Elks, who were not ranked in the final AP poll, return for their sixth appearance. They made their last appearance in 1992 and they’re still looking for their first title. During regular-season play this year Elk River lost to Totino-Grace 35-0. St. Thomas Academy returns to tournament action after a one-year hiatus. The No. 4-ranked Cadets are making their 21st appearance. They won one previous championship in 1975 and did not face any other qualifiers this year.

       

2-Mankato West (4-6) vs. 1-Owatonna (10-0) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Lakeville North High School: The unranked Scarlets of Mankato West, who competed in Class AAAA last year, return for their fifth consecutive and eighth overall appearance. They lost in the semifinals in 2011. The Scarlets are looking for their fifth title, having won previously in 1999, 2002, and 2008. Owatonna is making its fourth appearance, but first since 1999. The Huskies were ranked No. 3 in the final AP poll and are in the hunt for their first championship. Neither team faced any other qualifiers this year.

      

8-Moorhead (10-0) vs. 7-Bemidji (8-3) 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at St. Cloud State University: These two teams met during the regular season with Moorhead winning 34-30. The Spuds of Moorhead are making their second consecutive and 14th overall appearance. They lost in the quarterfinals last year and won one previous title in 1987. They came in at No. 5 in this year’s final AP poll. The unranked Bemidji Lumberjacks, who placed second in Class AAAA last year, return for their fourth consecutive appearance. This is their sixth overall appearance. Neither team faced any other qualifiers during the regular season.

4-Totino-Grace, Fridley (10-0) vs. 3-Apple Valley (8-2) 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Griffin Stadium, St. Paul: The Eagles of Totino-Grace, who were No. 1 in the final poll, are making their fourth consecutive and 22nd overall appearance. They lost in the semifinals of the Class AAAA tournament in 2011. If they win, it would be their ninth championship. They won previously in 1977, 1978, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010. The Apple Valley Eagles, who are making their 11th appearance, were ranked No. 9 in the final AP poll. They made their last appearance and won their only title in 1993. Neither team faced any other qualifiers during regular-season play.

Class AAAAAA Quarterfinal Highlights

      

This is the first year that a largest and seventh class was added to the tournament format. The Class AAAAAA tournament is also the first to be seeded. The seeding process had all eight coaches of the section qualifiers log onto a special page of the League Web site. Each coach then ranked the other teams one through seven. The highest and lowest rankings for each team were discarded, leaving five rankings for each team. From those rankings, the top five teams were seeded. In a conference call with all eight head coaches, League Associate Director Kevin Merkle announced the top five seeds. A coaches association representative then blindly drew three teams to establish the opponent for the top three seeded teams. 

Numbers four and five automatically play each other.

       

The qualifiers for Class AAAAAA were determined by cross-over games between sections, a format unlike all of the other classes. The pairings were determined by matching the highest seeded team from each section against the lowest seeded team of the other; then second highest to second lowest; then third highest to third lowest; and finally fourth highest to fourth lowest. The higher seeded team from either section hosted the final game. The eight teams that emerged from these cross-over qualifying games earned a state tournament berth and were then seeded.

     

Four teams return from the 2011 Class AAAAA field: the defending champions from Eden Prairie, Lakeville North, Prior Lake, and Wayzata. All of the teams have previous tournament experience and there are no perfect records. All Class AAAAAA state tournament quarterfinals will be played at the Metrodome.

       

Rosemount (6-4) vs. (No. 1 Seed) Edina (9-1) 5 p.m. Nov. 8: The unranked Irish of Rosemount return after a one-year absence to make their seventh appearance. They won one previous championship in 1981. 

During the regular season Rosemount lost to Eden Prairie 34-7, lost to Prior Lake 17-7, and lost to Lakeville North 35-0. The Edina Hornets return for their second appearance, but first since 1981. Edina West also made one additional appearance in 1978 that resulted in a championship. This year’s team was ranked No. 1 in the final AP poll. The Hornets defeated three tournament qualifiers during the regular season: Minnetonka 27-20, Wayzata 20-17, and Eden Prairie 17-6.

     

(No. 5 Seed) Lakeville North (9-1) vs. (No. 4 Seed) Prior Lake (9-1) 8 p.m. Nov. 8: This is a rematch of a regular-season game that Prior Lake won 10-6. The Panthers of Lakeville North, who were tied for No. 4 on the final AP poll, are making their second consecutive and fourth overall appearance. In addition to Prior Lake, Lakeville North also defeated Eastview 24-7 and Rosemount 35-0 during the regular season. No. 8-ranked Prior Lake returns for its second consecutive and overall appearance. The Lakers defeated both Rosemount 17-7 and Eastview 34-17 this year. Both Lakeville North and Prior Lake lost in the quarterfinals of the 2011 tournament.

      

Eastview, Apple Valley (7-3) vs. (No. 2 Seed) Wayzata (8-1) 5 p.m. Nov 9: These teams met during the regular season with Wayzata winning 24-7. The unranked Eastview Lightning made their last appearance in 2009 and this is their fifth overall. They have never won a state title. Eastview lost to two other qualifiers during regular-season play: Lakeville North 24-7 and Prior Lake 34-17. The Wayzata Trojans, who earned runner-up honors last year, are making their sixth consecutive and 12th overall appearance. They were ranked No. 2 in this year’s final AP poll. During the regular season Wayzata defeated Minnetonka 14-0 and Eden Prairie 16-0, and lost to Edina 20-17. The Trojans are looking for their fourth championship. They won previously in 2005, 2008, and 2010.

      

Minnetonka (5-5) vs. (No. 3 Seed) Eden Prairie (8-2) 8 p.m. Nov. 9: These teams met during regular-season play and Eden Prairie won 42-7. The unranked Minnetonka Skippers return for their second appearance. They made their last appearance and won their only championship in 2004. In addition to Eden Prairie, the Skippers also lost to Edina 27-20 and Wayzata 14-0 this year. The No 7-ranked Eagles of Eden Prairie are making their eighth consecutive and 16th overall appearance. They took top honors last year and also won titles in 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2007. The Eagles lost to Edina 17-6 and Wayzata 16-0 during the regular season.

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 Tournament results will be posted on the League’s Web site — www.MSHSL.org.

      ATTENTION RADIO STATIONS: The Minnesota Broadcasters Association has again arranged for installation of two telephone lines in each of five radio booths at the Metrodome for the semifinal and Prep Bowl games. The League will make booth assignments. The two phone lines will accommodate two stations due to the tight schedule between games and to allow radio stations to share booths if necessary. The MBA will later bill stations based on their usage of the lines.

MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO TOOK ON THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IN A WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GAME

Minnesota State Mankato traveled to Williams Arena for a women's basketball game. According to a press release by the University of Minnesota, “Minnesota State, a NCAA Division II program, is coming off a 2011-12 season in which it posted an 18-11 overall record. The Mavericks return five starters from last season, including its top two returners, sophomores Jamie Bresnahan and Aubrey Davis, who were each named to the NSIC All-Freshman Team a year ago. Bresnahan averaged 9.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game and Davis averaged 10.6 points and 2.9 assists per game for Minnesota State.”

Minnesota won the tip. Mankato started the game out in a man-to-man defense. They wanted to make it hard for the Gophers to score baskets.

Both teams looked to push the ball down the floor and not waste any time looking for shots.

Mankato had a hard time hitting shots early. They didn't give up on themselves as they kept shooting shots even though they were not going in.

At the first media timeout with 15:59 left in the first half the score was Minnesota 5 and Mankato 0.

Minnesota's Micaella Riche was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor. She knew where her teammates were and able to get them into the offense.

The Gophers got their hands into the passing lanes and were able to get deflections and looked to get steals.

Riche did a good job of getting rebounds or getting on the floor to go after loose balls and rebounds.

There was a media timeout with 11:23 left in the first half. The score was Minnesota 14 and Mankato 0.

Banham was all over the floor as she was able to get to the basket and get her shot to fall. She was also able to get her teammates involved in the plays.

There was a media timeout with 7:13 left in the first half. The score was Minnesota 22 and Mankato 14.

Mankato laid off the full court press after the media timeout as they picked up at half court. Minnesota was able to blow past Mankato on offense.

Mankato kept on putting up shots throughout the first half. They didn't let the Minnesota pressure bother them at all.

Minnesota did a good job of swinging the ball around the three-point line as they got everyone involved in the offense.

At the last media timeout of the first half with 3:09 remaining the score was Minnesota 31 and Mankato 22.

Mankato was able to get the ball into the hands of Alyssa Van Klei. She was able to shoot the ball from where ever she wanted to on the floor and hit shots.

At halftime the score was Minnesota 41 and Mankato 28.

As the second half got underway Minnesota continued to push the ball down the floor and tried to keep it away from Mankato.

Minnesota continued to move the ball around on the offensive end.

There was a media timeout with 15:45 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 48 and Mankato 33.

Banham continued to be an emotional leader on the floor as she shouted out directions to her teammates on where she wanted them to go on the floor.

Mankato went flat after the first media timeout in the second half. They couldn't shoot the ball as the Gopher defense was too much for them to handle. Mankato didn't give up as they fought through screens and looked for shots.

There was a media timeout with 11:17 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 55 and Mankato 38.

Mankato looked to go on a run late in the contest but they were unable to do so.

There was a media timeout with 7:48 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 57 and Mankato 47.

Mankato did a good job of fighting back. They didn't quit throughout the game.

At the final timeout the score was Minnesota 64 and Mankato 52.

In a game that was an even tempo Minnesota was able to hold on to the victory. I thought that both teams played well and there will be improvements made as the season goes on. Mankato did a good job of not breaking to the pressure that Minnesota applied.

Minnesota came away with the 66-56 victory over Mankato. Mankato shot 20-64 from the field. That included going 5-19 from behind the three-point line. They were 11-16 from the free throw line. Mankato brought down a total of 34 rebounds 21 of them on the defensive end.

Minnesota shot 26-55 from the field. That included going 2-7 from behind the three-point line. Minnesota was 12-17 from the free throw line. They brought down a total of 46 rebounds 34 of them on the defensive end.

After the game head coach Pam Bortonand players Micaella Riche and Sari Noga addressed the media to talk about the contest.

Tony Geer from Community Hoops shot pictures of the contest. Check out his collection of photos on Flickr. 

 

APPLE VALLEY'S TYUS ROBERT JONES NARROWS DOWN HIS COLLEGE CHOICES VIA TWITTER

Tyus Robert Jones who plays basketball at Apple Valley High School where he will graduate in 2014, took to Twitter on Sunday November 4, 2012 to announce that he had narrow down his college choices. 

According to a Tweet he sent out Jones said at @tyusjones06, “I have officially narrowed my college choices to... Baylor, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, UNC".

GET TO KNOW JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS

Jayson Anderson Edwards was born on December 3, 1996 in Minneapolis Minnesota. He has one older sister.

Edwards started playing basketball in the 6^th grade. He currently attends Benilde St. Margaret's High School where he will graduate in 2015.

After high school he wants to play basketball in college and has a lot of options. He would like to play at Kansas University.

In his free time you can find him spending time in the gym and hanging out with his friends and family or listening to hip-hop and R&B music.

He plays the game for the love of the game. Edwards is a fun player to watch on the court. He handles the ball well and knows how to get his teammates involved in the game. Edwards will be a force on the Benilde St. Margaret's High School basketball team. 

GET TO KNOW MALIK MUATA CURTIS

Malik Mauta Curtis was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has five brothers. Curtis will graduate from St. Paul Central High School in 2015.

Cuttis has been involved in sports his whole life. He started playing basketball in kindergarten. Basketball isn't the only sport that Curtis is interested in as he also is on the Central's track and basketball teams.

In his free time he likes to be on the computer looking on poetry and listen to music. Some of the singers that he likes to listen to are Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar, Cassidy, Jay Z plus many others.

Curtis works hard on and off the field. He knows what it takes to be successful on and off the court. 

LAKVILLE NORTH TOOK ON APPLE VALLEY IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

Lakeville North and Apple Valley went up against each other in the Minnetonka Fall League. Apple Valley looked to get the ball into the hands of Tuys Robert Jones. Jones was all over the floor. He was able to hit shots from everywhere on the floor.

Lakeville North was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor. If they thought that they could get an open shot they would shoot it.

Apple Valley scored a lot of baskets in transition.

Lakeville North called a timeout with 14:01 left in the first half. The score was Apple Valley 19 and Lakeville North 7.

Apple Valley switched up between man-to-man and zone defense as they wanted to try to confuse the Lakeville North players which they were able to do.

Jones was all over the court as he knew where his teammates were on the floor and was able to get everyone involved in the offense.

The pace of the game was quick. Both teams raced up and down the floor looking for their shots which they were able to find.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls and went after rebounds on both ends of the floor. No one gave up easy shots.

At halftime the score was Apple Valley 43 and Lakeville North 21.

As the second half got underway Apple Valley continued to get the ball into Tyus Robert Jones hands. He was also not afraid to shoot the ball if he thought that he had an open shot.

Lakeville North switched between man-to-man and zone defense in the second half. They had a very hard time slowing down the Apple Valley offense.

The game got out of hand early in the contest. Lakeville North had a hard time scoring baskets and Apple Valley couldn't miss.

Apple Valley came away with the 79-43 victory over Lakeville North.

ROSEVILLE TOOK ON MINNETONKA IN A FALL LEAGUE GAME

Roseville went up against Minnetonka in the Minnetonka Fall League. Minnetonka got off to a good start as they were able to get up 7-3 with 15:30 left in the first half.

Both teams looked to get the ball down the court and score easy baskets in transition. Mike Fernando was all over the floor for Minnetonka. He knew where his teammates were on the floor and was able to get them the ball where they could get to the basket.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half as neither team was able to go on a run.

Grant Steal came up with some nice moves and was able to get a few nice baskets.

At halftime the score was Minnetonka 20 and Roseville 17.

Minnetonka continued to push the ball down the floor and looked to get the ball into transition. The game was close throughout the second half. Neither team was able to go on a run in the beginning of the second half.

Roseville battled back as they caught up to Minnetonka and were able to get to within a point of them with 7:00 minutes left in the second half.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls and went after rebounds. Neither team gave up easy shots on either end of the floor.

Grant Kellog was all over the floor. He knew where his teammates were on the floor and he was able to feed them them the ball when they had good shots.

Roseville was able to get the lead late and they came away with the 52-50 victory over Minnetonka.

HOPKINS TOOK ON BLAKE IN THE MINNETONKA FALL LEAGUE

The game got off to a quick start as each team raced up and down the floor. Neither team shot the ball well in the opening minutes of the first half.

Hopkins then caught on fire as they rattled off 9 straight points. Hopkins did a good job of getting the ball down the floor and getting everyone involved in the offense.

Blake played mostly zone defense. They wanted to make it hard for Hopkins to hit shots that they put up.

Hopkins was able to get a few fast break baskets. They were able to beat Blake down the court and get them out of rhythm.

Hopkins was able to hit layups that they shot. On the defensive end they were able to slow down Blake.

Hopkins did a good job of communicating on the floor. They knew where they were supposed to be on the floor and where their man was on the floor.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 26 and Blake 16.

As the second half got underway Hopkins looked to trap the ball as wanted to get as many fast break opportunities as they could.

Hopkins continued to pound the ball down the floor as they looked for easy shots. Blake didn't back down however as they kept the pressure on Hopkins at all times.

Blake didn't give up throughout the whole game. They were not able to slow down Hopkins on the offensive end.

Hopkins came away with the 54-33 victory over Blake. 

GOPHER GAURD WALLY JAMES ELLENSON OUT 6-8 WEEKS

Gopher freshman guard Wally James Ellenson broke his hand during practice on Wednesday October 31, 2012. According to the Associated Press, “Coach Tubby Smith said after Wednesday's practice that Ellenson hurt his shooting hand when it caught in a teammate's jersey during a rebounding drill the day before. Smith said he will consider redshirting Ellenson, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound shooting guard from Rice Lake, Wis., who averaged 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game as a senior.” 

SPECIAL TEAM

By Rick Reilly from ESPN.com Special Team

"How about a little good news?

In the scrub-brush desert town of Queen Creek, Ariz., high school bullies were throwing trash at sophomore Chy Johnson. Calling her "stupid." Pushing her in the halls.

Chy's brain works at only a third-grade level because of a genetic birth defect, but she knew enough to feel hate.

"She'd come home every night at the start of the school year crying and upset," says her mom, Liz Johnson. 

"That permanent smile she had, that gleam in her eye, that was all gone."

Her mom says she tried to talk to teachers and administrators and got nowhere. So she tried a whole new path -- the starting quarterback of the undefeated football team. After all, senior Carson Jones had once escorted Chy to the Special Olympics.

"Just keep your ear to the ground," Liz wrote to Carson on his Facebook page. "Maybe get me some names?"

But Carson Jones did something better than that. Instead of ratting other kids out, he decided to take one in Chy.

 

He started asking her to eat at the cool kids' lunch table with him and his teammates. "I just thought that if they saw her with us every day, maybe they'd start treating her better," Carson says. "Telling on kids would've just caused more problems."

 

It got better. Starting running back Tucker Workman made sure somebody was walking between classes with Chy. In classes, cornerback Colton Moore made sure she sat in the row right behind the team.

Just step back a second. In some schools, it's the football players doing the bullying. At Queen Creek, they're stopping it. And not with fists -- with straight-up love for a kid most teenage football players wouldn't even notice, much less hang out with.

"I think about how sweet these boys are to her," says volleyball player Shelly Larson, "and I want to cry. I can't even talk about it."

It's working.

"I was parking my car yesterday, and I saw a couple of the guys talking to her and being nice," says offensive lineman Bryce Oakes. "I think it's making a difference around here."

And the best thing is? The football players didn't tell anybody.

"I didn't know about any of this until three weeks ago," says Carson's mom, Rondalee, who's raising four boys and a daughter by herself. "He finally showed me an article they wrote here locally. I said, 'Are you kidding me? Why didn't you tell me this?'"

All of a sudden, Chy started coming home as her bubbly self again. When her mom asked why she was so happy, she said, "I'm eating lunch with my boys!"

The boys take care of Chy, and she takes care of the boys. Carson, carrying a GPA of 4.4, got in a car accident last week; since then, Chy is always trying to carry his backpack. "I know his neck hurts," she says.

I get emailed stories like this a lot, but most of the time they don't pan out. They turn out to be half true, or true for the first week but not the second. But when I walked into the Queen Creek High School cafeteria Tuesday, unannounced, there was 4-foot-high Chy with 11 senior football players, eating her lunch around the most packed lunch table you've ever seen, grinning like it was Christmas morning. It was Carson's birthday, and she'd made him a four-page card. On one page she wrote, in big crayon letters, "LUCKY GIRL."

I asked Chy to show me where she used to eat lunch. She pointed to a room in the back, away from the rest of the kids, the special-ed lunchroom. Much more fun out here, she said.

"I thank Carson every chance I see him," says Chy's mom. "He's an amazing young man. He's going to go far in life."

 

Nobody knows how far Chy Johnson will go in life. The life expectancy of those afflicted with her disease, microcephaly, is only 25-30 years. But her sophomore year, so far, has been unforgettable.

She'll be in the first row Friday night, cheering 10-0 QC as it plays its first playoff game, against Agua Fria. 

Some people think it will be QC's sixth shutout of the season. Sometime during the game, Carson probably will ask Chy to do their huddle-up "Bulldogs on 3" cheer, with everybody's helmet up in the air. You won't be able to see Chy, but she'll be in there.

"Why do I do these interviews?" Chy asked her mom the other night.

"Because you're so dang cute," her mom answered.

I've seen this before with athletes. Josh Hamilton used to look out every day for a Down syndrome classmate at his Raleigh, N.C., high school. Joe Mauer ate lunch every day with a special-needs kid at his St. Paul, Minn., high school. In a great society, our most gifted take care of our least.

But what about next year, when Carson probably will be on his Mormon mission and all of Chy's boys will have graduated?

Not to worry. Carson has a little brother on the team, Curtis, who's in Chy's class.

"Mom," he announced at the dinner table the other night, "I got this."

Lucky girl." 

NCAA Men’s Hockey West Regional Returns to St. Paul

According to Garry Bowman, Director of Athletic Communications for the University of Minnesota,

"University of Minnesota  The NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey West Regional is returning to the State of Hockey, NCAA officials announced today.

The University of Minnesota will once again team up with Xcel Energy Center to bring the 2014 West Regional to St. Paul on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30.

It will be the fifth time in the last six years that the Twin Cities will play host to college hockey’s premier event. Mariucci Arena hosted the 2009 West Regional, with Xcel Energy Center hosting the tournament in 2010 and 2012. Xcel Energy Center also hosted the 2011 NCAA Men’s Hockey Frozen Four.

Ticket packages for the two-day event are expected to go on sale in the fall of 2013.

Home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center seats 18,064 for hockey and will also be the site of the inaugural Big Ten Men’s Hockey Championship, March 20-22, 2014."

NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey West Regional

Saturday, March 29, 2014 – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, Minn.

West Regional Semifinal #1

West Regional Semifinal #2

Sunday, March 30, 2014 – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, Minn.

West Regional Final

*******************************************
Garry Bowman
Director of Athletic Communications
University of Minnesota
244 Bierman Field Athletic Building
516 15th Avenue S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Office: 612-624-7345
Mobile: 612-875-0154
Fax: 612-625-0359
E-mail: gbowman@umn.edu
www.gophersports.com

 

CONCORDIA ST. PAUL TOOK ON THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL IN AN EXHIBITION GAME

The Golden Bears of Concordia St. Paul took on the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team in an exhibition game at Williams Arena. Last season the Gophers had a record of 19-17 and were 6-10 in the Big Ten. Concordia St. Paul had a record of 11-17 and 8-14 in the NSIC last season. Concordia is a division 2 school located in St. Paul, Minnesota.

It was a light crowd at Williams Arena as the game was about to start there were technical difficulties with the clock. After the clock issues were resolved it was on to basketball.

Minnesota looked to push the ball down the court as quickly as they could in transition. It took awhile for each team to get acclimated in the first exhibition game for each team.

Minnesota jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead with 17:40 left in the first half. They shared the ball well as they passed it around and got everyone touches.

At the first media timeout with 15:55 left in the first half the score was Minnesota 7 and Concordia St. Paul 0.

Minnesota did a good job of creating turnovers and they were able to create points off of turnovers in the first half.

Concordia St. Paul took a timeout with 13:08 left in the first half. The score was Minnesota 18 and Concordia St. Paul 2.

The first field goal for Concordia St. Paul came off a Jasmine Haynes jump shot with 12:42 left in the first half.

There was a media timeout with 11:46 left in the first half the score was Minnesota 20 and Concordia 6.

Minnesota was able to create havoc for the Concordia players as they had a hard time bringing the ball down the court as the defensive pressure got to them.

Concordia's Anika Whiting found her shot late in the first half as she was able to hit some key shots for her team.

There was a media timeout with 7:34 left in the first half the score was Minnesota 32 and Concordia 14.

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

Minnesota's offense went stagnate for a period late in the first half. At the final media timeout the score was Minnesota 33 and Concordia St. Paul 20.

Minnesota used a trapping defense late in the first half. They were able to create turnovers.

At halftime the score was Minnesota 44 and Concordia St. Paul 24.

Minnesota's Rachel Banham was all over the floor. She knew where she could shoot the ball from and her teammates got her the ball in spots where she could shoot it.

There was a media timeout with 15:38 left to go in regulation. The score was Minnesota 52 and Concordia St. Paul 30.

Minnesota didn't take the gas off the peddle as they continued to hit lay-ups and jump shots throughout the second half.

There was a media timeout with 11:59 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 57 and Concordia St. Paul 34.

Minnesota trapped the ball well and was able to get a hand in the passing lanes as they were able to get turnovers off of deflections.

There was a media timeout with 7:27 left in regulation the score was Minnesota 67 and Concordia St. Paul 41.

Both teams played hard throughout the whole game. Minnesota was a quicker and more physical team then Concordia St. Paul. Concordia St. Paul played hard and tough throughout the game.

The final media timeout was made with 3:13 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 71 and Concordia St. Paul 47.

Minnesota was up the whole game and they walked away with the 76-49 victory over Concordia St. Paul.

Concordia St. Paul shot 16-50 from the field that included going 2-10 from behind the three-point line. They shot 15-20 from the free throw line. Concordia brought down a total of 35 rebounds 25 of them on the defensive end. They were led in scoring by Anika Whiting with 18 points and Rachel Hansen with 12 points.

Minnesota shot 28-63 from the field that included going 7-11 from behind the three-point line. Minnesota shot 13-16 from the free throw line. They brought down 38 total rebounds 26 of them on the defensive end. Minnesota was led in scoring by Rachel Banham with 22 points, Kionna Kellogg with 14 points, Mikayla Beiley with 11 points and Kayla Hirt with 10 points. 

For a photo gallery of the game check out Tony Geer's photo's from Community Hoops on Flickr. 

Amanda Zahui B. Officially Joins Minnesota Women's Basketball 2012 Recruiting Class

According to Sarah Turcotte, "Minnesota women’s basketball head coach Pam Borton announced Wednesday that Amanda Zahui B., a 6-foot-5 center from Stockholm, Sweden, signed to play for the Gophers this season. Zahui B. can join the team as early as Dec. 26.

The center originally signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Minnesota in May, but was not certified through the NCAA Eligibility Center in  time to join the Gophers in the fall.

“I am very excited that Amanda will be joining the team this winter,” Borton said. “She worked extremely hard the last five months in order to become eligible, and it only reinforces how dedicated she is to becoming a Gopher.”   

Zahui B. will bring size, strength, versatility, athleticism and experience to the Gophers’ roster in 2012-13, as she has proven to be one of the best players in Sweden. She has been an integral member of Sweden’s national team for the past six years and also plays in the Swedish League with her club team, Telge Basket, made up of the best talent in the country. 

USA TODAY High School Sports News - USAT and USATodayHSS.com

Check out USA Today's coverage of the top basketball players from across the country: "A few of the nation's elite recruits have agreed to let us into their worlds through monthly blog entries."

USA TODAY High School Sports News - USAT and USATodayHSS.com

PETER TAYE OLAFESO

JUDGE UPHOLDS PARIRIE SEEDS ACADEMY DISQUALIFICATION

According to the Minnesota State High School League,  "Judge upholds the disqualification of team from state soccer tournament.

Following a hearing in Hennepin County District Court this morning, Judge Jay M. Quam denied a
motion for a temporary restraining order that would have temporarily prevented the Minnesota State High
School League’s disqualification of Prairie Seeds Academy of Brooklyn Park from the State Class A
Boys’ Soccer Tournament.
 

Prairie Seeds Academy was disqualified by the League for violating League bylaws which led to
use of an ineligible player this season. League Bylaw 304—Ineligible Student states: “If an ineligible
student is used in any interscholastic contest, whether deliberately or inadvertently, forfeiture of the game
and honors for team sports … shall be automatic and mandatory.”
 

“It's unfortunate anytime students are not allowed to participate,” stated League Executive Director
Dave Stead following Judge Quam’s ruling. “The decision upholds the integrity of the League’s bylaws.”

Banham Named to Preseason All-Big Ten Women’s Basketball Team

According to Sarah Turcotte, "The Big Ten Conference announced on Thursday that Minnesota sophomore Rachel Banham was named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Women’s Basketball Team as voted by the league’s head coaches. The last Gopher named to a Preseason All-Big Ten Team was Emily Fox in 2008.

Banham, who was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a member of the All-Big Ten Second Team last season, was the only underclassman named to either of the seven-person preseason honor squads. Joining Banham on the preseason coaches team were Iowa’s Morgan Johnson, Nebraska’s Jordan Hooper, Ohio State’s Tayler Hill, Penn State’s Alex Bentley and Maggie Lucas and Purdue’s Courtney Moses. 

Hill and Bentley were named the coaches’ Preseason Co-Players of the Year, while Penn State was predicted to finish first in the league by both the coaches and the media. Nebraska was picked to finish second by both entities, while the coaches selected Purdue to finish third and the media selected Ohio State to finish third.

Hill was also the Preseason Player of the Year as voted on by the media and was joined on the Preseason All-Big Ten Media Team by Hooper, Lindsay Moore, Bentley and Lucas.   

Banham enters her sophomore campaign with 580 career points. The guard was not only one of the best freshmen in the country last season, but she was also one of the finest players in the country as she ranked 97th overall nationally in points per game (16.1) and 74th in free throw percentage (.817).

Her 580 points were the third-highest total among the nation's freshmen last year, and were the most points scored of any freshman in the six power conferences. Banham also set Minnesota program freshman records in points, field goals, field goal attempts and three-point percentage.

Banham and the Gophers will see their first action of the 2012-13 season on Wednesday, Oct. 31 in an exhibition contest vs. Concordia St. Paul at Williams Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7:00 p.m."