Breakdown Tip-Off Classic Preview

Ryan James
December 10, 2009
MinnesotaPreps.com Senior Writer

The Breakdown Tip-Off Classic is now two days away and today's preview brings us to the games in the east gym of Minnetonka High School. As you can see each match-up brings a theme like talented bigs going at one another, top teams from a certain classes facing off, an instate versus outstate themed match-up, and more.

7:45 Champlin Park vs. Cretin-Derham Hall
With Seantrel Henderson banging in the middle, Clay Horne producing with athleticism from the four, Elliot Owusu much improved at small forward, Gus Gehlen stroking from the wing, and Raijon Kelly creating offense in the backcourt this team has the pieces. Especially considering the depth is quality senior players and sophomores with vast potential.

So considering all that can Champlin Park take it to them in week one? You better believe it. The Rebels are deep, agile, skilled, and tough. The biggest problem they will have is dealing with Seantrel and Clay's size. But if you are going to go into a game with a smaller power forward who has to defend bigs Kyle Zimmerman would be a nice guy to take with you. The lefty is as active as they come, he won't quit on any play, and he can take defenders away from the cup to hit shots. Plus he has adequate help in senior D'Andre Williamson and junior T.J. Okafor.

While the Rebels have to stop the Raider frontcourt size the Raiders have to control the Champlin Park guards and wings. Jasper Duberry runs the point and if Kelly isn't quite set to play exclusive point guard (he's a dynamic scoring guard who plays good point as well) he will have quite a challenge in Jasper. Plus the Rebels have a quality shooter in Jordan Reibling plus the energetic Josh Pella. Pella, a wing, led the team in field goal percentage, rebounding, assists, and steals last year and was second in blocks, third in scoring, and started every game.

Recruiting Note: Teams interested in Duberry include Carroll University, Carroll College, Oberlin, and Viterbo.

Click here to read the entire preview.