Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tip Off Classic: The buzz has officially begun
by Ryan James
The BREAKDOWN
posted 08-04-2009
There are several contests that are catching the attention of our basketball community but Tartan versus Hopkins has moved to the top of the list. After the Royals defeated Tartan at the Pacesetter Sweet 16 in the finals Drew Preiner of the Titans walked off the floor and said “we want them again now”.
This little rivalry started last fall when a Hopkins player booted a Tartan player in the head in a fall league game and things grew this past weekend. Trash talking, technical fouls, and physical play were present and despite some of the nonsense there is a growing rivalry here. Round three could be in fall league but the big one will be in December. Hopkins beat Tartan by 12 points in the end but it was a much closer game than that. Troy Klingsporn and Drew Preiner had outstanding performances against the Royals but foul trouble hurt Tartan and D.J. Peterson and Joe Coleman took advantage. Their athletic ability could not be contained as the pair took over down the stretch. Things should be even more intense this December when Mark Klingsporn and Ken Novak Jr. get to the benches to lead their teams.
Another inside battle will be Jake Kreuser of Henry Sibley going head to head with Chad Calcaterra of Cloquet. This game looked to be a closer match-up then some thought until Jordan Jackson transferred from Como Park to Henry Sibley. Jackson is likely to be one of the state’s best scorers this year and Cloquet will have a tough time with him as will everybody else. But what fans will be watching is how Kreuser goes up against Calcaterra.
Another tasty contest will be Minneapolis Patrick Henry against Minnesota Transitions. With talent like Jordan Hughes, Louis Cox, Kevin Noreen, and Kyle Noreen on the floor you can definitely expect a ton of points to be put on the board. And with the vast majority of the athletes being from Minneapolis these kids will be jacked for the match-up.
The Tip-Off Classic has a lot of instate versus outstate flavor that will bring teams together that wouldn’t normally see one another. Class AA state championship contender Plainview/Elgin-Millville takes on an improving Minneapolis North team, Jordan Reiwer and Staples-Motley face Jacob Thomas and Columbia Heights, and a big Class AA contest will be Braham against Minnehaha Academy. Both of those teams will be preseason top ten and you can bet all the top coaches of that class will be on hand to scout.
There are also some outstanding match-ups from teams across the metro and these are games that basketball fans haven’t seen before. The deep bench of the Champlin Park Rebels will face Cretin-Derham Hall who arguably could have the most talent in the state of Minnesota. With a 6-foot-7 rock in the middle in Seantrel Henderson, a 6-foot-6 athletic power forward in Clay Horne, the vastly improved 6-foot-5 athletic Elliot Owusu, a sensational scorer in Raijon Kelly, and the expected contributions from outstanding sophomore talents Cortez Tillman and C.J. Neumann, the CDH Raiders have a combination of talented size and athletic ability that nobody else can match. But can they put things all together? The Champlin Park Rebels will be the first to test.
A near crosstown contest at the Tip-Off is Chaska against Minnetonka and once again there is going to be talent up and down the line-up. Chaska has the state’s elite group of 2011 players with Ross Travis, Jake White, and Max Watts taking the court but can they deal with the Tonka Shooters? You have to step out on Tor Anderson, Nick Latzke, and Cole Stefan so if coach John Hedstrom has that dribble drive attack going Chaska will have their work cut out for them.
And things don’t stop there. DeLaSalle against Osseo puts two of the state’s best programs and two of the state’s best coaches on the floor going head to head. Dave Thorson and Tim Theisen have some great tools to work with in Aaron Anderson, John Rowland, Jonah Travis, Jalen Jaspers, and others.
So right now go look at your calendar and circle December 12th. Your day should be open so the only problem will be what games are you going to watch? With two courts going at the same time you have to decide what talent you want to see. The start times are staggered so if by chance a game gets out of hand you can swing over to the other court and check out the action. Currently the Tip-Off starts at 11:00 AM (but stay tuned we may add another contest) and you will be entertained by the state’s best until ten o’clock at night.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Top 100 Prospect List for 2010
by Ryan James @ MN Preps
Three Rebel players are listed.
1.) Kevin Noreen, 6-foot-10 Minnesota Transitions, PF
2.) Jake Thomas, 6-foot-3, Columbia Heights, SG
3.) Cole Stefan, 6-foot-3, Minnetonka, SG
4.) Chad Calcaterra, 6-foot-10, Cloquet, C
5.) DJ Peterson, 6-foot-4, Hopkins, SG
6.) Marshall Bjorklund, 6-foot-6, Sibley East, PF
7.) Alec Brown, 6-foot-11, Winona, C
8.) Dyami Starks, 6-fooot-2, Duluth East, PG/SG
9.) Taylor Filipek, 6-foot-6, Willmar, SF
10.) Mike Rostampour, 6-foot-7, Henry Sibley, PF
11.) Jake Kreuser, 7-foot-0, Henry Sibley, C
12.) Trevor Gruis, 6-foot-8, Ellsworth, PF
13.) Brett Ervin, 6-foot-5, Eden Prairie, SF
14.) Jordan Hughes, 5-foot-10, Mpls Patrick Henry, PG
15.) Vinard Birch, 5-foot-10, Eastview, PG
16.) Clay Horne, 6-foot-7, Cretin-Derham Hall. SF
17.) Tor Anderson, 6-foot-2, Minnetonka, SG
18.) Aaron Anderson, 5-foot-10, Osseo, PG
19.) Ben Bucholz, 6-foot-7, Perham, PF
20.) Yuriy Malashenko, 6-foot-5, Jordan, SF
21.) Peter Crawford, 6-foot-5, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, SF
22.) Ryan Duxbury, 6-foot-8, Stillwater, C
23.) Alex Hanks, 6-foot-2, St. Cloud Tech, SF
24.) Jalen Jaspers, 6-foot-2, DeLaSalle, SG
25.) Elliot Owusu, 6-foot-5, Cretin-Derham Hall, SF
26.) Manani Beavers, 6-foot-4, Tartan, SF
27.) Dajon Newell, 5-foot-9, Lakeville North, PG
28.) Dan Kornbaum, 6-foot-8, Little Falls, PF
29.) Michael Johnson, 5-foot-10, Grand Rapids, PG
30.) Jordan Jackson, 6-foot-2, Henry Sibley, PG/SG
31.) Zach Noreen, 6-foot-6, Albany, PF
32.) Max Rosenbloom, 6-foot-4, St. Paul Johnson, SF
33.) Elijah Sabah, 6-foot-5, Spring Lake Park, SF
34.) Connor Gunderson, 6-foot-5, Austin, SG
35.) Joe Terfehr, 6-foot-7, Breckenridge, SF
36.) Luke Januschka, 6-foot-5, SF, St. Cloud Cathedral
37.) Leonard Glass, 6-foot-5, Minnetonka, SF
38.) Jordan Riewer, 6-foot-2, Staples-Motley, PG/SG
39.) Jasper Duberry, 5-foot-11, Champin Park, PG
40.) Parker Hines, 6-foot-0, Minnehaha Academy, PG
41.) Louis Cox, 5-foot-10, Minneapolis Henry, PG
42.) Alex Koch, 6-foot-5, St. Louis Park, SF
43.) Tim Lubke, 6-foot-2, Tartan, SG
44.) Jay Sewer, 5-foot-9, Richfield, PG
45.) Scott Nystrom, 6-foot-2, St. Cloud Tech, PG
46.) Brett Hungerholt, 6-foot-7, Lanesboro, SF
47.) Zach Riedeman, 6-foot-5, Forest Lake, SF
48.) Deron Murphy, 6-foot-1, Bloom Kennedy, SG/PG
49.) Jonathon Crockett, 6-foot-2, Totino-Grace, SG
50.) Josh Pratt, 6-foot-3, St. Anthony, SG
51.) Josh Pella, 6-foot-3, Champlin Park, SG
52.) Jack Wittenborg, 6-foot-2, Bloom. Jefferson, SG
53.) Devon Knopke, 6-foot-3, Lakeville North, SG
54.) Charlie Kern, 6-foot-3, Belle Plaine, PG
55.) Sami Onsomu, 6-foot-6, Mankato East, PF
56.) Shaun Condon, 6-foot-2, MACCRAY, SG
57.) Paul Franklin, 6-foot-2, Stillwater, PG
58.) Erik Tengwall, 6-foot-1, New London-Spicer, PG/SG
59.) Tony Gerding, 6-foot-2, Centennial, PG
60.) Galen Holzhueter, 6-foot-3, Minnesota Valley Lutheran, SG
61.) Andrew Good, 6-foot-8, Mora, PF
62.) John Rowland, 6-foot-5, Osseo, SG
63.) Craig Brown, 6-foot-2, Park, SG
64.) Danny Geiger, 6-foot-2, New Prague, SG
65.) Jalen Williams, 6-foot-5, Bloom. Jefferson, SF
66.) Alonzo Traylor, 6-foot-7, Mpls South, PF
67.) Erik Stark, 6-foot-7, Pipestone Area, PF
68.) Martin Wind, 6-foot-1, Cass Lake-Bena, SG
68.) Mike Lindsey, 6-foot-4, Becker, SG
70.) Zach Vraa, 6-foot-3, Rosemount, SG
71.) Justin Casey, 6-foot-6, Park Center, PF
72.) Spencer Cummings, 6-foot-5, White Bear Lake, PF
73.) Kyle Zimmerman, 6-foot-4, Champlin Park, PF
74.) Clay Olstad, 6-foot-1, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, SG
75.) Taylor Hanson, 6-foot-6, Minnehaha Academy, PF
76.) Darius Clare, 6-foot-6, Delano, PF
77.) Doug Sewell, 6-foot-4, Forest Lake, PF
78.) Scott Willenbring, 6-foot-4, Rocori, SF
79.) Erik Stark, 6-foot-3, Grand Rapids, SG
80.) Tom Korf, 6-foot-5, St. Cloud Tech, SF
81.) Chris McMorris, 6-foot-4, Osseo, SF
82.) Travis Meinders, 6-foot-0, Worthington, PG
83.) Demitri Conwell, 6-foot-2, St. Paul Johnson, SG
84.) Darren Glover, 6-foot-3, Benilde-St. Margarets, SG
85.) Joey Cupherus, 6-foot-4 Sebeka, SF
86.) Charlie Asleen, 6-foot-5, St. Thomas Academy, SF
87.) Nick Lee, 6-foot-5, Blue Earth, SF
88.) Josh Hanson, 6-foot-5, Maranatha Academy, SF
89.) Brandon Harrison, 6-foot-6, Robbinsdale Cooper, PF
90.) Dan Fleissner, 6-foot-7, Rochester Century, PF
91.) Jeff Fallat, 6-foot-3, Burnsville, SG
92.) Ben Shultz, 6-foot-10, Cloquet, C
93.) Matt Baudin, 6-foot-3, East Grand Forks, SG
94.) Jesse Briggity, 5-foot-11, Blaine, PG
95.) Blaine Erie, 6-foot-4, Goodhue, SF
96.) Shane Monjeau, 6-foot-3, Hastings, SG
97.) Nick Quicksell, 6-foot-5, Woodbury, SF
98.) Troy Klingsporn, 6-foot-4, Tartan, SF
99.) Cory Booker, 6-foot-5, Bloom. Kennedy, PF
100.) Will Patt, 6-foot-8, St. Thomas Academy, PF
Three Rebel players are listed.
1.) Kevin Noreen, 6-foot-10 Minnesota Transitions, PF
2.) Jake Thomas, 6-foot-3, Columbia Heights, SG
3.) Cole Stefan, 6-foot-3, Minnetonka, SG
4.) Chad Calcaterra, 6-foot-10, Cloquet, C
5.) DJ Peterson, 6-foot-4, Hopkins, SG
6.) Marshall Bjorklund, 6-foot-6, Sibley East, PF
7.) Alec Brown, 6-foot-11, Winona, C
8.) Dyami Starks, 6-fooot-2, Duluth East, PG/SG
9.) Taylor Filipek, 6-foot-6, Willmar, SF
10.) Mike Rostampour, 6-foot-7, Henry Sibley, PF
11.) Jake Kreuser, 7-foot-0, Henry Sibley, C
12.) Trevor Gruis, 6-foot-8, Ellsworth, PF
13.) Brett Ervin, 6-foot-5, Eden Prairie, SF
14.) Jordan Hughes, 5-foot-10, Mpls Patrick Henry, PG
15.) Vinard Birch, 5-foot-10, Eastview, PG
16.) Clay Horne, 6-foot-7, Cretin-Derham Hall. SF
17.) Tor Anderson, 6-foot-2, Minnetonka, SG
18.) Aaron Anderson, 5-foot-10, Osseo, PG
19.) Ben Bucholz, 6-foot-7, Perham, PF
20.) Yuriy Malashenko, 6-foot-5, Jordan, SF
21.) Peter Crawford, 6-foot-5, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, SF
22.) Ryan Duxbury, 6-foot-8, Stillwater, C
23.) Alex Hanks, 6-foot-2, St. Cloud Tech, SF
24.) Jalen Jaspers, 6-foot-2, DeLaSalle, SG
25.) Elliot Owusu, 6-foot-5, Cretin-Derham Hall, SF
26.) Manani Beavers, 6-foot-4, Tartan, SF
27.) Dajon Newell, 5-foot-9, Lakeville North, PG
28.) Dan Kornbaum, 6-foot-8, Little Falls, PF
29.) Michael Johnson, 5-foot-10, Grand Rapids, PG
30.) Jordan Jackson, 6-foot-2, Henry Sibley, PG/SG
31.) Zach Noreen, 6-foot-6, Albany, PF
32.) Max Rosenbloom, 6-foot-4, St. Paul Johnson, SF
33.) Elijah Sabah, 6-foot-5, Spring Lake Park, SF
34.) Connor Gunderson, 6-foot-5, Austin, SG
35.) Joe Terfehr, 6-foot-7, Breckenridge, SF
36.) Luke Januschka, 6-foot-5, SF, St. Cloud Cathedral
37.) Leonard Glass, 6-foot-5, Minnetonka, SF
38.) Jordan Riewer, 6-foot-2, Staples-Motley, PG/SG
39.) Jasper Duberry, 5-foot-11, Champin Park, PG
40.) Parker Hines, 6-foot-0, Minnehaha Academy, PG
41.) Louis Cox, 5-foot-10, Minneapolis Henry, PG
42.) Alex Koch, 6-foot-5, St. Louis Park, SF
43.) Tim Lubke, 6-foot-2, Tartan, SG
44.) Jay Sewer, 5-foot-9, Richfield, PG
45.) Scott Nystrom, 6-foot-2, St. Cloud Tech, PG
46.) Brett Hungerholt, 6-foot-7, Lanesboro, SF
47.) Zach Riedeman, 6-foot-5, Forest Lake, SF
48.) Deron Murphy, 6-foot-1, Bloom Kennedy, SG/PG
49.) Jonathon Crockett, 6-foot-2, Totino-Grace, SG
50.) Josh Pratt, 6-foot-3, St. Anthony, SG
51.) Josh Pella, 6-foot-3, Champlin Park, SG
52.) Jack Wittenborg, 6-foot-2, Bloom. Jefferson, SG
53.) Devon Knopke, 6-foot-3, Lakeville North, SG
54.) Charlie Kern, 6-foot-3, Belle Plaine, PG
55.) Sami Onsomu, 6-foot-6, Mankato East, PF
56.) Shaun Condon, 6-foot-2, MACCRAY, SG
57.) Paul Franklin, 6-foot-2, Stillwater, PG
58.) Erik Tengwall, 6-foot-1, New London-Spicer, PG/SG
59.) Tony Gerding, 6-foot-2, Centennial, PG
60.) Galen Holzhueter, 6-foot-3, Minnesota Valley Lutheran, SG
61.) Andrew Good, 6-foot-8, Mora, PF
62.) John Rowland, 6-foot-5, Osseo, SG
63.) Craig Brown, 6-foot-2, Park, SG
64.) Danny Geiger, 6-foot-2, New Prague, SG
65.) Jalen Williams, 6-foot-5, Bloom. Jefferson, SF
66.) Alonzo Traylor, 6-foot-7, Mpls South, PF
67.) Erik Stark, 6-foot-7, Pipestone Area, PF
68.) Martin Wind, 6-foot-1, Cass Lake-Bena, SG
68.) Mike Lindsey, 6-foot-4, Becker, SG
70.) Zach Vraa, 6-foot-3, Rosemount, SG
71.) Justin Casey, 6-foot-6, Park Center, PF
72.) Spencer Cummings, 6-foot-5, White Bear Lake, PF
73.) Kyle Zimmerman, 6-foot-4, Champlin Park, PF
74.) Clay Olstad, 6-foot-1, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, SG
75.) Taylor Hanson, 6-foot-6, Minnehaha Academy, PF
76.) Darius Clare, 6-foot-6, Delano, PF
77.) Doug Sewell, 6-foot-4, Forest Lake, PF
78.) Scott Willenbring, 6-foot-4, Rocori, SF
79.) Erik Stark, 6-foot-3, Grand Rapids, SG
80.) Tom Korf, 6-foot-5, St. Cloud Tech, SF
81.) Chris McMorris, 6-foot-4, Osseo, SF
82.) Travis Meinders, 6-foot-0, Worthington, PG
83.) Demitri Conwell, 6-foot-2, St. Paul Johnson, SG
84.) Darren Glover, 6-foot-3, Benilde-St. Margarets, SG
85.) Joey Cupherus, 6-foot-4 Sebeka, SF
86.) Charlie Asleen, 6-foot-5, St. Thomas Academy, SF
87.) Nick Lee, 6-foot-5, Blue Earth, SF
88.) Josh Hanson, 6-foot-5, Maranatha Academy, SF
89.) Brandon Harrison, 6-foot-6, Robbinsdale Cooper, PF
90.) Dan Fleissner, 6-foot-7, Rochester Century, PF
91.) Jeff Fallat, 6-foot-3, Burnsville, SG
92.) Ben Shultz, 6-foot-10, Cloquet, C
93.) Matt Baudin, 6-foot-3, East Grand Forks, SG
94.) Jesse Briggity, 5-foot-11, Blaine, PG
95.) Blaine Erie, 6-foot-4, Goodhue, SF
96.) Shane Monjeau, 6-foot-3, Hastings, SG
97.) Nick Quicksell, 6-foot-5, Woodbury, SF
98.) Troy Klingsporn, 6-foot-4, Tartan, SF
99.) Cory Booker, 6-foot-5, Bloom. Kennedy, PF
100.) Will Patt, 6-foot-8, St. Thomas Academy, PF
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Final Silver Division Bracket
Saturday, July 25, 2009
TNL Express (Duberry & Zimmermann) bow out in the Championship.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Buchanan named head men's basketball coach
(Waukesha, Wis.) - David Buchanan, until recently the head men's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, has been named head men's basketball coach at Carroll University, athletic director Kris Jacobsen announced today.
Buchanan, chosen after a national search that attracted more than 200 applicants, becomes the 25th head coach in the 101-year history of the Pioneers men's basketball program. He succeeds David Schultz, who resigned after seven seasons to become a full-time teacher and boys basketball coach at Waukesha West High School.
"Our men's basketball program has been very successful and has garnered national attention," said Jacobsen. "I feel strongly that David Buchanan represents integrity and character. He will continue the tradition of winning on the court and will be a positive influence to his players, the community and the large following of alumni. Carroll University is fortunate to have David join our team.
Theresa Barry, Carroll's Dean of Students, echoed Jacobsen's comments. "We are delighted to have David join Carroll University as the head men's basketball coach," said Barry. "He will be a strong asset to our student-athletes, both on and off the court."
Buchanan comes to Carroll after a successful two-year stint at the helm of the UW-Superior program. In his short tenure at Superior, the Yellowjackets improved from being Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) afterthoughts to title contenders.
In his first season at UW-Superior (2007-2008), Buchanan led the Yellowjackets to a five-win improvement from the previous season and ended the year by advancing to the semi-finals of the WIAC Tournament for just the second time in school history. Superior's fifth-place regular season finish that year was its best WIAC finish since 1979. He compiled a two-year record of 23-29 overall, including a 10-22 mark in the WIAC.
Buchanan, a Watertown, Wis. native, was a standout collegiate basketball player at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he graduated in 1995.
Buchanan's coaching career began as a volunteer student assistant coach at UW-La Crosse. He then moved to Greenfield High School for his first head coaching position, leading the Hawks in just his second season to their first Woodland Conference Championship in 31 years. After five years at Greenfield, Buchanan had a short stop as head coach at Brookfield East High School before becoming head assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, an NCAA Division II member.
As the recruiting coordinator at UW-Parkside, Buchanan recruited a regionally recognized class in just his first season. That recruiting class went on to eventually qualify for the 2007 NCAA Tournament.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to become the head men's basketball coach at Carroll University," said Buchanan. "The University has a tremendous upside both academically and athletically. Coach Schultz did a great job with this program and now my goal is to build on that and win Midwest Conference Championships while also competing at the National level."
Buchanan inherits a Carroll program that has the talent to contend for the Midwest Conference Championship in his first season. Two notable returnees for the Pioneers include senior point guard John Hoch (Colgate, Wis./Hartland Arrowhead) and sophomore shooting sensation Kyle Jones (East Troy, Wis./East Troy). The pair averaged 24.1 and 11.8 points per game, respectively, and played a major role in helping Carroll finish 16-8 overall (12-4 in the MWC), its sixth consecutive season with 15 or more wins.
"The players are looking forward to the opportunity to work with Coach Buchanan," said Hoch, a third-team D3hoops.com All-Region selection and first-team All-Midwest Conference honoree. "We are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the program at a high level. We believe Coach Buchanan is going to give us a great opportunity to be successful, both now and in the future."
Carroll's 2009-2010 schedule is currently being finalized and will be released in the coming weeks.
Monday, July 20, 2009
STMA Showcase: Notes from the seats
by Ryan James
The BREAKDOWN
(updated 7/20/2009)
The last of the Breakdown Summer Showcases took place this weekend with several varsity and junior varsity divisions being played at St. Michael-Albertville High School and Middle School. Some new talent was on display yesterday although the results were fairly similar as once again Spring Lake Park and Champlin Park walked away victorious. The following are player and team notes taken from yesterday’s action.
- After three years of competing for the state tournament behind Nick Haugen, Rockford fell to .500 this past year. However, if yesterday’s performance from sophomore-to-be Nick Monseen is any indication, the star power is back in Rockford. After averaging about five points a game last year Monseen should be able to break out as a sophomore. He’s a good athlete at about 6-foot-3 who is comfortable handling the basketball already with good skills. Rockford beat Monticello 44 to 22 in the final game and Monseen’s late scoring expanded the lead from strong advantage to blow out category. Monseen is a crafty scorer who can get to the line time and time again. His touch looked solid allowing him to hit most of his several free throw attempts.
- The Windom Area Eagles went 17-11 with a lot of youth in their line-up last year and expectations will be higher out west. There is a lot scoring ability throughout their line-up but the guys that get the most attention are freshman twins Jake and Lee Holt. I believe wearing 45 was Jake Holt who showed off a nice left-handed shooting stroke from the elbow. Meanwhile, on the inside Lee Holt scored on the block using crafty moves, good footwork, and a strong upper body to finish plays.
- Be prepared to see the name Derek Sprang from Irondale as one of the top scorers in the Twin Cities the next couple years. As a sophomore he led the Knights with almost 14 points a game while earning all-conference honors. Yesterday Sprang broke open a close game with Windom by hitting four field goals late including a slashing score that was tear-dropped over Jake Holt and then a cold blooded triple from the corner.
- Maple Grove post Sam Schwalbe has been impressive at a pair of Breakdown Summer Showcases now. Fighting in the post Schwalbe is like a bulldozer clearing space for the initial pass and he’s finishing a high percentage of his attempts.
- Champlin Park won yet another Summer Showcase this time defeating Maple Grove in the final. The game was close for a while but the Rebel athletic ability was to much in the end for the Crimson. Seniors D’Andre Williamson and Kyle Zimmerman and junior T.J. Okafor had their way around the basket catching lobs for scores, running the floor to produce, and scoring on several second half putbacks. The depth and athletic ability of Champlin Park should make the state contenders in a year where there is no clear-cut favorite and it was the difference in the 61 to 38 win over Maple Grove. The Rebs also have some youth in Davis and Anthony Hill who could play as underclassmen.
- Yesterday Apollo beat Henry Sibley by three points in OT, Sibley beat Forest Lake, and Forest Lake beat Apollo in pool play. So how did they break down who played Spring Lake Park in the title game? Points given up. With three seconds left Apollo had given up 100 points through two games and Forest Lake 101. Knowing they needed to win by a ten point margin to list higher in the pool Zach Riedeman raced to the other end to dunk at the buzzer giving Forest Lake a one point advantage and a higher ranking. As it turned out Henry Sibley had given up the least and they would play for the title but it was an interesting end to the game nonetheless. Forest Lake beat Apollo 58-48.
- Spring Lake Park defeated full strength Osseo and Buffalo teams yesterday then defeated Henry Sibley, who had the majority of their players on the floor as well, in the championship. Elijah Sabah had his share of troubles with Jake Kreuser who blocked four of Sabah’s shot attempts. After a struggle to produce for most of the game Sabah did help put Sibley away 49-47 in the closing minutes.
- The Breakdown noticed it forgot about Sean Scott when it produced a top 50 2012 list last week and Scott’s work ethic against Sibley screamed oops. He battled a bigger but now 15-pound lighter Mike Rostampour (because of mono) neck and neck. Also, lightning quick point guard Derek Dahl was blowing through the Sibley lane all game and Steve Bailey was the loud vocal leader who had his team playing defense from start to finish.
- Sibley’s Jordan Jackson is going to be a big time scorer next year. He had dunks, tear-drops, and acrobatic lay-ins scoring about half of Sibley’s points yesterday. With size and athletic ability Sibley will most definitely have a backcourt scoring option next year and even though they have such productive size Jackson may be the top scoring option.
- The point guard battle of the day was between STMA’s senior-to-be Jack Mooney and Big Lake’s Michael Stephens. Mooney has Stephens in size and experience but for the first part of the game it was Stephens who had the upper hand. He beat Mooney to the basket with a hard drive right then extended to finger roll of the glass over the bigs. Shortly after Stephens used a hesitation dribble to get Mooney leaning and to shift the defense and as all that happened Stephens exploded to the rim for a score. And when Mooney looked frustrated with his team behind he took his eye off the ball and in that time Stephens picked his pocket for an easy lay-up. Just when you wanted to say that Stephens was picking Mooney apart, the tide turned towards the veteran. Mooney used his size advantage and some quick dribble drive moves to take Stephens to the bucket four times late in the game. But in the end, Stephens and Big Lake emerged with the victory.
- Wearing number 33 for STMA was an the athletic Joe Carpenter standing about 6-foot-3 with athletic ability and a very nice touch. That combination of talent will most certainly introduce this player to some recruiting looks down the road from colleges. Watch out for this athletic shooter on STMA.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
STMA Summer Showcase
The Showcase has been moved to STMA from Rogers due to facility sprinkler system repair in Rogers. Please note, games scheduled at Big Woods Elementary have all been moved to Fieldstone Elementary. Please check back periodically for any updates to the Showcase...it is recommended that you print final brackets/schedules on Friday due to possible changes.
STMA Boys - July 19:Games at St. Michael Albertville High School, Middle School, and Fieldstone Elementary
(MAP)
Boys Varsity Yellow (St. Francis, Braham, STMA, Big Lake, Mahtomedi, Anoka, Delano, Hutchinson)
Boys Varsity White(Becker, Monticello, Perham, Rockford, N. St. Paul, Rush City, EVW, Sartell)
Boys Varsity Red(Apollo, Osseo, Forest Lake, Buffalo, Henry Sibley, Spring Lake Park)
Boys Varsity Green(Princeton, Holy Family, Zimmerman, Maranatha, Chisago Lakes, Virginia, Howard Lake Waverly, Warroad)
Boys Varsity Blue - UPDATED(July 16th)(Rogers, Irondale, Champlin Park, Maple Grove, Elk River, Windom, Mpls SW, Cooper)
Boys JV Orange ( Irondale II, STMA, Zimmerman, Virginia, Delano, STMA)
Boys JV Black (Holy Family I, Apollo, Spring Lake Park, Irondale I, Maple Grove, Mahtomedi, Forest Lake, Big Lake)
STMA Boys - July 19:Games at St. Michael Albertville High School, Middle School, and Fieldstone Elementary
(MAP)
Boys Varsity Yellow (St. Francis, Braham, STMA, Big Lake, Mahtomedi, Anoka, Delano, Hutchinson)
Boys Varsity White(Becker, Monticello, Perham, Rockford, N. St. Paul, Rush City, EVW, Sartell)
Boys Varsity Red(Apollo, Osseo, Forest Lake, Buffalo, Henry Sibley, Spring Lake Park)
Boys Varsity Green(Princeton, Holy Family, Zimmerman, Maranatha, Chisago Lakes, Virginia, Howard Lake Waverly, Warroad)
Boys Varsity Blue - UPDATED(July 16th)(Rogers, Irondale, Champlin Park, Maple Grove, Elk River, Windom, Mpls SW, Cooper)
Boys JV Orange ( Irondale II, STMA, Zimmerman, Virginia, Delano, STMA)
Boys JV Black (Holy Family I, Apollo, Spring Lake Park, Irondale I, Maple Grove, Mahtomedi, Forest Lake, Big Lake)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Champlin vs Forest Lake @ The Breakdown
Kyle Zimmerman, Dylan Hager and D'Andre Williamson are part of a very solid Champlin Park team which competed this past weekend at the Breakdown Event held in Rogers, Minnesota. All three player joined MinnesotaPreps for a post-game audio visit and talk about their success at the Breakdown tournament and their hopes for the coming varsity season.
CP Head Coach, Mark Tuchscherer has high hopes for his squad as well. He noted in a brief discussion following his team's win over Forest that he feels this is one of the best Champlin teams in several years. The team has size and depth, and many of the players have years of experience playing together on the AAU circuit.
The Forest Lake Squad gave the Rebels a run for their money as they cut a 20 point deficit to just a few point loss. Their intensity is apparent in the game slide show.
Hit the links below and learn more about the CP squad as Prep's Michael J. Much visits with several of the players. Check the slide show link for the game in pictures too.
Click here for a visit with Kyle Zimmerman, Dylan Hager and D'Andre Williamson. from Champlin Park.
Click here to load the photo gallery.
Visit our www.mnphotonet.net for hundreds of high resolution game pictures for home delivery.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Rogers Summer Showcase: Stars shine in all divisions of huge tournament
by Ryan James
The BREAKDOWN
posted 06-29-2009
The Breakdown Summer Showcase is held in Rogers twice during the year because of the outstanding facilities and location. This year the demand for teams was so big that one community could not hold everyone for one day and the towns of St. Michael and Albertville were called upon for help. In all nine divisions were put together this weekend so junior varsity and varsity teams could get time on the floor.
Four of the divisions were played at Rogers High School and Sebeka, Irondale, Pequot Lakes, and Champlin Park won them. Sebeka won using their experience as they bring back all but two points per game from last year’s team. Irondale used an Iron Five for much of the tournament but still beat some good big school teams including Maple Grove for the early session title. Pequot Lakes used their combination of size, strength, and depth to defeat several big school teams including Anoka for their division championship. In the top division at the event Champlin Park defeated Forest Lake, Buffalo, and Tartan (41-37) in a five hour span to take home the championship t-shirts.
There were several impressive player performances throughout the day. Some stars shined brighter than before, some players look like they have turned the corner, and this weekend a couple new stars may have been noticed for the state to see.
THE STARS SHINE
The St. Cloud Tech Tigers took the floor with a new group but there was one fresh face. Alex Hanks led his team to two victories this weekend and even though the workload was much more than what Alex had to do this past season the results were still overly positive. Alex made some threes and he did a nice job of breaking opponents down off the dribble either scoring at the rim, getting to the foul line, or creating for others. Hanks has been given a much bigger creation role and after the first weekend of play he looks to have passed the first test with two thumbs up.
Sebeka 6-foot-4 forward Joey Cuperus was a standout as usual finishing in the paint, grabbing boards, and being a defensive presence. Joey also hit a three a couple times this weekend. In the title game against Hutchinson Joey dominated as Sebeka built a near 20-point lead. Hutch came back but there was too much Joey and Sebeka finished the day undefeated with a 56-52 win.
Forest Lakes’s Zach Riedeman was the highlight dunker at Rogers High School. He posterized somebody in the Champlin Park game plus had several other jams in transition. Riedeman scored 17.3 a game last year and can do more than dunk but his jams were the part of his game on display yesterday.
Jasper Duberry was a steady force Sunday running the show and keeping the ball in the hands of the Rebel playmakers. Jasper made teardrops in transition for scores and his passing in the lane was an important factor as Champlin Park beat Tartan for the top division championship. I also thought Jasper was better with his on ball defensive pressure yesterday than he has been in the past.
The BREAKDOWN
posted 06-29-2009
The Breakdown Summer Showcase is held in Rogers twice during the year because of the outstanding facilities and location. This year the demand for teams was so big that one community could not hold everyone for one day and the towns of St. Michael and Albertville were called upon for help. In all nine divisions were put together this weekend so junior varsity and varsity teams could get time on the floor.
Four of the divisions were played at Rogers High School and Sebeka, Irondale, Pequot Lakes, and Champlin Park won them. Sebeka won using their experience as they bring back all but two points per game from last year’s team. Irondale used an Iron Five for much of the tournament but still beat some good big school teams including Maple Grove for the early session title. Pequot Lakes used their combination of size, strength, and depth to defeat several big school teams including Anoka for their division championship. In the top division at the event Champlin Park defeated Forest Lake, Buffalo, and Tartan (41-37) in a five hour span to take home the championship t-shirts.
There were several impressive player performances throughout the day. Some stars shined brighter than before, some players look like they have turned the corner, and this weekend a couple new stars may have been noticed for the state to see.
THE STARS SHINE
The St. Cloud Tech Tigers took the floor with a new group but there was one fresh face. Alex Hanks led his team to two victories this weekend and even though the workload was much more than what Alex had to do this past season the results were still overly positive. Alex made some threes and he did a nice job of breaking opponents down off the dribble either scoring at the rim, getting to the foul line, or creating for others. Hanks has been given a much bigger creation role and after the first weekend of play he looks to have passed the first test with two thumbs up.
Sebeka 6-foot-4 forward Joey Cuperus was a standout as usual finishing in the paint, grabbing boards, and being a defensive presence. Joey also hit a three a couple times this weekend. In the title game against Hutchinson Joey dominated as Sebeka built a near 20-point lead. Hutch came back but there was too much Joey and Sebeka finished the day undefeated with a 56-52 win.
Forest Lakes’s Zach Riedeman was the highlight dunker at Rogers High School. He posterized somebody in the Champlin Park game plus had several other jams in transition. Riedeman scored 17.3 a game last year and can do more than dunk but his jams were the part of his game on display yesterday.
Jasper Duberry was a steady force Sunday running the show and keeping the ball in the hands of the Rebel playmakers. Jasper made teardrops in transition for scores and his passing in the lane was an important factor as Champlin Park beat Tartan for the top division championship. I also thought Jasper was better with his on ball defensive pressure yesterday than he has been in the past.
While Aaron Anderson may be one of the more explosive shooters out there he used his dribble attack in transition and in the halfcourt set to score yesterday against St. Cloud Apollo and Tartan. Anderson used his quickness to create space and his mobility to finish in the lane over bigger players. This type of ability combined with his shot has impressed schools as Aaron recently picked up offers from North Dakota and UM-Crookston.
TOP PERFORMANCES
In the STMA game against Fridley a three point shot was made with seconds to go to tie things up at 47. But at the buzzer a driving pull-up score was made by Tiger senior to be Devin Hemmerich who justifiably was excited and ran to the corner mobbed by his teammates.
In addition to Cuperus, Sebeka’s John Clark (who averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds as a sophomore last year) was also an active force all over the floor. In many ways Clark is similar to Cuperus but he shoots the ball a little more crisp and more consistently.
Maranatha Christian Academy was up here this weekend and all I keep hearing about is this dunk that Josh Hanson had on Zach Vraa recently. Hanson scored 15.2 last year as a junior and a big senior year should follow.
Mankato East big Sami Onsomu is a raw prospect at 6-foot-6 but he has a very good frame and he moves all right. Sami’s offensive moves are coming along and he’ capable of scoring from 12 feet and in in several ways. He just has to become more consistent with it. Overall Sami is an interesting prospect who should have a strong year in the Big Nine.
Best offensive rebounder at the event? Forest Lake’s Doug Sewell and it wasn’t close. Sewell is a warrior on the glass who just finds his way to loose caroms. It seemed every time I walked by one of his games Doug was either grabbing o-boards or at the foul line.
Tartan wings Troy Klingsporn and Tim Lubke each had some memorable performances yesterday. Lubke knocked down four triples and scored 18 points in the Titan win over Osseo in front of coaches from Southwest State, St. John’s, UW-Eau Claire, and St. Cloud State. Those coaches were also on hand to check out Manani Beavers of Tartan as well as Aaron Anderson from Osseo.
Klingsporn scored 17 points in the loss to Champlin Park. Troy nailed two deep three-point attempts, he scored in transition raising over traffic, the 6-foot-3 Klingsporn scored strong in the paint in the halfcourt set, and he made his free tosses.
Hassan Abdulkadir of St. Cloud Apollo made a game winning three-pointer as Apollo beat Forest Lake yesterday. After losing initially to Osseo, Apollo came back to defeat Fargo South and Forest Lake winning two of three.
One of the toughest players at the event was Ben Figini. As a sophomore Ben scored 12.7 a game and college coaches say that the thing he is missing is a jumper. Guess what? At one point I watched Ben for about five minutes and he nailed a three, a jumper, and two free throws in that quick time span. Moments later I later I peeked back around a corner to see Figini bump an opposing big to the floor, grab the board, score, and look down at the player like he should not have entered Ben’s domain.
Irondale may not have the most talent when they take the floor but nobody outworks this team. Yesterday Irondale assistant coach Joel Andrychowicz and five Irondale players (for part of the day) traveled north to the showcase and beat Cambridge-Isanti, Sauk Rapids-Rice, and a Maple Grove team that had 12 players who were bigger, stronger, and in cases faster but Irondale outworked them. Down the stretch Irondale guard Danny Blumberg put Maple Grove away with several key free throws as well as some important decisions with the ball in his hands as the Knights went on to win 58-54.
BIG LAKE READY TO BREAK OUT?
Are people out there looking for a sleeper point guard? I think we have found one and his name is Michael Stephens from Big Lake. The left-handed 5-foot-10 Stephens scored five points a game last year for the Hornets as a sophomore but if he plays his junior year like he did this past weekend at the Breakdown Summer Showcase big things should be expected. Against Sebeka there was no stopping Stephens from getting past the first line of defense and into the lane for production. He was able to hang in the air to complete penetrating plays while being fouled and Stephens showed some range making two long jumpers including one trey. Stephens also sat down and was a pest defensively from baseline to baseline.
Big Lake has another couple interesting players in 6-foot-1 shooting guard Chaz Miller and 6-foot-8 big man Tyler Hansen. Both will be seniors next year and both have some ability/potential. The Mississippi 8 is a tough league and the Hornets only won four games in it last year but with Stephens, Miller, and Hansen returning they should be better. That 9-17 overall record should be better too. And we didn’t even mention juniors to be Anthony Saavedra and Micah Sickman who were the 3rd and 4th leading scorers on last year’s team and the top returning scorers for this year’s bunch.
Big Lake had very strong wins over Albany (with Zach Noreen) and Virginia this weekend earning 3rd place. Their lone loss was to Sebeka by seven points.
DRASTIC IMPROVEMENT
This past year I was able to see a couple Delano games and in those contests 6-foot-7 sophomore Mike Yahnke was pretty much ineffective. My oh my has there ever been some work put in by Yahnke as he is easily the most improved player that I have seen over the past couple months.
Sunday I was able to see Mike play two full games against Mankato East and Jamestown (ND). The level of footwork, shooting touch, moves and counter moves, and physical play in Yahnke’s game is increased several levels. Against East big Sami Onsomu, Yahnke scored several times including drop step scores, jump hooks, a face-up jumper, and an elbow jumper. Then against Jamestown the 6-foot-7 Delano banger dominated the game with his scoring and rebounding. At one point he scored four straight field goals including a play where he ran the floor and was rewarded in transition.
Mike has gone from a player that looked very raw to a certain scholarship prospect level player with good footwork. His offensive repertoire is much expanded and he’s learned not only moves and a touch but also counter moves where he finishes with that touch.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Breakdown Summer Showcase Thoughts
My thoughts from Sunday at Minnetonka for the Breakdown Summer Showcase
Blue Pool A
Big Lake wins the pool with wins over GFW and Austin. Austin without Connor Gunderson despite Glory's 1st round playoff lost in Mankato. GFW with 5 points in the 1st 25 minutes of that game vs Big Lake. 38-22 final in an ugly one. 6'8 Center Tyler Hansen for Big Lake is an interesting player. Lanky athlete and can shoot a little. He played well.
Blue Pool BLoaded pool here.
Delano with Darius Clare and Mike Yahnke held off New London-Spicer who had Jayme Moten and Erik Tengwall 57-55. NLS then had too much inside for MACCRAY in a 69-53 win. Seth Hinrichs with 11 in the 2nd half but Shaun Condon only 3 FTs and 2 FG attempts. Condon finishes with 15. Hinrichs in a tough spot having the game of a perimeter player but having to defend the top post player. MACCRAY held off Delano in the last pool game 55-51. MACCRAY up 27-24 at half behind 16 points from their star Shaun Condon. In the 2nd half, when Delano would get close, Condon would make a play. He finishes with 28 in the win. Mike Yahnke with 15 points for Delano. So that means all 3 teams finish 1-1. Delano and NLS finish with the same points allowed so despite a head-head win, we go to the coin flip which Delano thankfully wins.Delano couldn't generate any offense in the championship game vs Big Lake and the Hornets get the surprise championship.
Red Pool A
Apollo with all 3 of their stars from the class of 2011 on hand but it didn't matter vs a loaded Hopkins squad. Hopkins wins 72-49. Zach Stahl really made a case for that 5th spot with his play in this one. Only Riley Dearring missing, but Marvin Singleton, Siyani Chambers, DJ Peterson and Joe Coleman all on hand for the Royals. Cameron Selmer was the only kid from Mankato who made the trip back. Champlin Park shorthanded as Kyle Zimmerman and Jasper Duberry weren't available. But they gave Hopkins all they wanted. CP had a late lead thanks to a Josh Pella steal and layup but a Hopkins 3 and a Dillon Hager miss allows Hopkins to survive 44-40.
Red Pool B
Sibley rolled through Pool B despite not having Jake Kreuser and Jimmy Ryan (2 key components of next year's team). Interesting that Kreuser didn't play on Sunday in Mankato with what appears to be a bum knee.
Red Championship (Hopkins vs Sibley)
This one had some intensity to it. Interesting to hear Hopkins talk smack about Jordan Jackson transferring to Sibley. I found the irony rather humorous. Then the game was chippy at times too as there was some chirping going on. 26-20 Hopkins at the half with Mike Rostampour scoring 8 points and Jordan Jackson with 6 points on 2 circus field goals. Sibley comes out with 9 in a row to start the 2nd half before a DJ Peterson 3 breaks the run. Rostampour on the bench to end the run as he has 4 fouls. But he returns with 9:30 left in a surprise move. 33-31 Hopkins with 8:30 to play. Siyani Chambers runs out for a pair of layins to push the lead to 6 with 4:20 left. Marvin Singleton with a 3 point play and then Chambers for 3 for a 12 point lead with 2:45 left to conclude a 10-0 run. But DJ Peterson misses a front end with 32.7 seconds left and Chambers misses another front end at 20.5 and Sibley is only down 2 with a chance to tie. But they turn it over with 12.1 to go. Chambers seals the 49-45 Hopkins win with 2 FTs. Mike Rostampour with 17 and 10 as Hopkins had trouble with him inside. Jordan Jackson with 10 points but his shot selection more than once left something to be desired. Jackson is still adjusting to the new style, but coach Dasovich is going to have to determine if he's a 1 or a 2 next season. He's a scorer in a PG body but his athleticism is a major plus. DJ Peterson with 15 points, Siyani Chambers with 12. Marvin Singleton did see plenty of perimeter touches during the day, but he's the guy who's going to have to be an interior presence for them in 09-10.
Blue Pool A
Big Lake wins the pool with wins over GFW and Austin. Austin without Connor Gunderson despite Glory's 1st round playoff lost in Mankato. GFW with 5 points in the 1st 25 minutes of that game vs Big Lake. 38-22 final in an ugly one. 6'8 Center Tyler Hansen for Big Lake is an interesting player. Lanky athlete and can shoot a little. He played well.
Blue Pool BLoaded pool here.
Delano with Darius Clare and Mike Yahnke held off New London-Spicer who had Jayme Moten and Erik Tengwall 57-55. NLS then had too much inside for MACCRAY in a 69-53 win. Seth Hinrichs with 11 in the 2nd half but Shaun Condon only 3 FTs and 2 FG attempts. Condon finishes with 15. Hinrichs in a tough spot having the game of a perimeter player but having to defend the top post player. MACCRAY held off Delano in the last pool game 55-51. MACCRAY up 27-24 at half behind 16 points from their star Shaun Condon. In the 2nd half, when Delano would get close, Condon would make a play. He finishes with 28 in the win. Mike Yahnke with 15 points for Delano. So that means all 3 teams finish 1-1. Delano and NLS finish with the same points allowed so despite a head-head win, we go to the coin flip which Delano thankfully wins.Delano couldn't generate any offense in the championship game vs Big Lake and the Hornets get the surprise championship.
Red Pool A
Apollo with all 3 of their stars from the class of 2011 on hand but it didn't matter vs a loaded Hopkins squad. Hopkins wins 72-49. Zach Stahl really made a case for that 5th spot with his play in this one. Only Riley Dearring missing, but Marvin Singleton, Siyani Chambers, DJ Peterson and Joe Coleman all on hand for the Royals. Cameron Selmer was the only kid from Mankato who made the trip back. Champlin Park shorthanded as Kyle Zimmerman and Jasper Duberry weren't available. But they gave Hopkins all they wanted. CP had a late lead thanks to a Josh Pella steal and layup but a Hopkins 3 and a Dillon Hager miss allows Hopkins to survive 44-40.
Red Pool B
Sibley rolled through Pool B despite not having Jake Kreuser and Jimmy Ryan (2 key components of next year's team). Interesting that Kreuser didn't play on Sunday in Mankato with what appears to be a bum knee.
Red Championship (Hopkins vs Sibley)
This one had some intensity to it. Interesting to hear Hopkins talk smack about Jordan Jackson transferring to Sibley. I found the irony rather humorous. Then the game was chippy at times too as there was some chirping going on. 26-20 Hopkins at the half with Mike Rostampour scoring 8 points and Jordan Jackson with 6 points on 2 circus field goals. Sibley comes out with 9 in a row to start the 2nd half before a DJ Peterson 3 breaks the run. Rostampour on the bench to end the run as he has 4 fouls. But he returns with 9:30 left in a surprise move. 33-31 Hopkins with 8:30 to play. Siyani Chambers runs out for a pair of layins to push the lead to 6 with 4:20 left. Marvin Singleton with a 3 point play and then Chambers for 3 for a 12 point lead with 2:45 left to conclude a 10-0 run. But DJ Peterson misses a front end with 32.7 seconds left and Chambers misses another front end at 20.5 and Sibley is only down 2 with a chance to tie. But they turn it over with 12.1 to go. Chambers seals the 49-45 Hopkins win with 2 FTs. Mike Rostampour with 17 and 10 as Hopkins had trouble with him inside. Jordan Jackson with 10 points but his shot selection more than once left something to be desired. Jackson is still adjusting to the new style, but coach Dasovich is going to have to determine if he's a 1 or a 2 next season. He's a scorer in a PG body but his athleticism is a major plus. DJ Peterson with 15 points, Siyani Chambers with 12. Marvin Singleton did see plenty of perimeter touches during the day, but he's the guy who's going to have to be an interior presence for them in 09-10.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
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