Carefree Highway, Rich get Richer

#1 posting 3.31.2006

Today I am posting from the Carefree Highway Starbucks. The mocha was pretty good. Here is the news.

RICH GET RICHER
ND
Marlee Finley, Four Winds-Warwick is leaving that school and headed for four time defending A champ Mandan. She was a second team B All State player this season.

ALL STAR GAMES
IA
The IGCA 15th annual Gatorade All Star games take place at Mt Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. On Saturday April 1 the schedule is as follows
12:30 3A White vs 3A Gray
2:15 pm 3A Select vs 4A Select
4 pm 4A White vs 4A Gray
Sunday April 2
1 pm 1A White vs 1A Gray
2:15 pm 1A Select vs 2A Select
4:30 pm 2A White vs 2A Gray
MN
The Central Minnesota Conference will have their all star game at Pierz at 6 pm on Saturday.

COACHING MOVES
MN
Kevin Kuznia has resigned from Stephen-Argyle. They finished second to Fosston in 8A this season. Jamie Lunsetter has replaced Kuznia.
Mark Johnson will be coaching the Kittson Central-Kittson County North combination team next season.
ND
Cliff Keplin has been hired at St. John. He replaces Sadie Lech.

COLLEGE TRANSFERS
Players
Shari Welton is leaving Wisconsin. Here is the Wisconsin State Journal Story. This was brought to my attention by Coach Thorpe. http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=wsj:2006:03:25:548686:SPORTS
Coaches
Kristy Curry is leaving Purdue for Texas Tech. Here is the story from the Houston Chronicle http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/3760406.html Again Coach Thorpe has provided the lead on this story. Way to hunt down the information Coach Thorpe.

PLAYER SIGNINGS
ND
Kendra Zak, Thompson is headed to Jamestown. Zak was senior player of the year in Region 2B.

If you have news go to my profile and email me. I will get it up as soon as I can.
I can't answer e-mail when I am away from home. I can read it, but for some reason can't answer.
Next up: tomorrow am

75 and Sunny

#1 posting 3.30.2006

I'm here in the desert. I am at the Desert Broom Library in Phoenix getting you all the updates from the upper midwest.

ALL STAR GAMES
IA
Iowa Basketball Coaches All Star Game, Cedar Rapids, April 2
North Iowa Community College, Friday April 7 at 7 pm
Goalsetter All Star game at Pella date June 7
Iowa vs Illinois Classic
MN
Pepsi All Star Game in Duluth on Tuesday
Duluth 78, Area 73
Anna Bjorlin, Hermantown led Duluth with 19 points and was took home the Jarret Brenner MVP award. Dianna Lister, Hibbing led the Area team with 15 points.

COMMITMENTS (some early)
IL
Courtney Weibel, Hononegah to Marquette (class of 07)
ND
Cammi Greenheck, Fargo South, 5-3, G, 10.5 ppg, to Concordia Moorhead
SD
Megan Doyle, Hanson to Augustana (class of 07)

next up tomorrow morning

A Wireless Booster

#1 posting 3.29.2006

Today I had to get a Linksys Wireless booster to reach you folks. I am at my parents house in AZ and they did not have cable connection, and I didn't have a phone connector. Technology has saved the day, that and a trip to Best Buy.

ALL STAR RESULTS
MN
Pride of the Northeast Games
Green 64, White 59
Katie Jamnick, Tower-Soudan led Green with 15 points
Andrea Millerbrend, Littlefork-Big Falls led White with 17

Polar All Star Game
Blue 88, White 60
Colleen McKay, Barnum 22, Sami Matson, Esko 21 for Blue
Jordan Appicelli, Barnum 11 for White

More to come:
All Star Challenge in Belgrade (BBE HS) Sunday, April 2 at 1 pm.

COACHING CHANGES
WI
Rami Hoaglin, Stoughton resigned
Jamie Ullman has been named coach at Manitowoc. He was coach at Mishicot this past season. Here are more details by the Manitowoc Herald Times http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060329/MAN0101/60329027
Keith Traska, West Bend East has resigned under allegations. Here is more from the West Bend Daily News from Greater Milwaukee Today http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2006/March_06/03282006_07.asp

Next up: Tomorrow morning

Stabbings, and Switches

#1 posting 3.28.2006
From Gallup, NM

ALL STAR GAMES
MN
There will be three all star games this weekend. The Tim Orth Foundation all star games will take place at Glencoe and Lamberton on Friday, March 31, and Bird Island on Saturday, April 1. There will be a girls and boys game. The Orth foundation raises money for kids with large medical bills.

CONFERENCES
MN
Foley will leave the Rum River and join the West Central North in 2008. That move will bump Minnewaska back to the South. Both leagues will have eight teams. The Rum River conference is left with four teams and their future is in doubt. Here are more details from the St. Cloud Times http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060328/SPORTS/103270047/1002

POLICE BLOTTER
NM
An Arizona recruit, Marie McGee, was stabbed along with her mother allegedly by her younger sister Carissa McGee. I first heard about this last night from the local news in New Mexico where it is a big story. In fact they gave more details like the reason for the stabbing. I tried to find the link for the tv station, but had no luck. Here is the Tucson Citizen story http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/breakingnews/032706uawomen_stabbing

TRANSFER
SD
Natalie Carda will be leaving South Dakota State and attend school at South Dakota which is closer to her hometown of Beresford. Here is the Sioux Falls Argus Leader story http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060328/SPORTS0202/603280315/1002/SPORTS

Next up: tomorrow from Arizona

Wireless Monday + Thorpe's Soap Box

#1 posting 3.27.2006
From Wichita KS

I am coming to you today with a wireless connection from the Hampton Inn. If you are staying at a Hampton Inn they will give you a "bridge" wireless device to help your laptop connect with the world.
Anything to keep you up to date.

ALL STAR GAMES
IA
The North Central Conference girls beat the Twin Lakes Conference girls 57-50. Dani Huss from Ft. Dodge St. Edmund had 21 for the NC, Aubrey Hauswirth of Pocahontas had 15 for the TL.

COACHING OPENING
MN
Farmington had an ad in the StarTribune yesterday for girls basketball coach

It is Monday. That means it is time for---

THORPE ON A SOAP BOX:Gopher edition

Kevin found me on the first hole of Pelican working on a fundraiser. Fran and I were trying to dodge balls and measure the closest ball to the cup. No one got more than 14 feet. I might have had a chance.

I watched the Washington game and thought the announcers were a little hard on Pam. It appeared to me she was trying to show some loyalty to her Seniors and do the offensive defensive thing with her two guards. We have all been there. I think it might not have been one of her better coached games but I haven’t seen many perfect coaches. We all have off days. For that matter I haven’t seen many perfect players or how about perfect parents. Coaching can be a lonely job at times and I am in no position and don’t want to second guess another coach. I had enough of that when I coached.

However I will comment on the non basketball stuff I observed. I always believed its better to lose a game than lose your team. I did disagree with the statements in the paper criticizing Jamie for her play in the game. After big losses its important to heal. I would have rather seen Pam get Jamie in a room one on one and deal with her in private. Tell the media it was a disappointing loss but talk about the positive things the team accomplished (record, big wins, etc.) College kids are still kids.

I also know we have all been extremely angry after games at these kids of ours that don’t run what we want, or don’t follow the game plan. We are human and it's only human to be upset. I am also sure that coach Borton realizes this and doesn’t need me or anyone else to remind her. After all opinions are like armpits-- -we all have a couple and they all stink.

Good luck to the Gophers and coach Borton next year.

Dave Thorpe

Next up: from Gallup NM tomorrow

A&W, Wis Miss

#1 posting 3.26.2006

POINT PARADE
HI
Jazzmin Awa-Williams, Konawaena 27 vs Kamehameha 57-43 (m24)

SIGNINGS/COMMITMENTS
WI
Samantha Mayer, Bloomer to UW Stout
Krystal Parr, Bloomer to UW River Falls

MISS BASKETBALL
WI
Elle Radke, Monroe was named Miss Basketball by the WBCA. She is headed to Canisius
Mariah Dunham, Watertown was the AP player of the year. She is headed to Wisconsin.

ALL STAR GAMES
MN
Pride of the Northeast All Star game will take place Monday March 27 at 6 pm at Mesabi Range Junior College in Virginia.

Next up: tomorrow am

Coaching Carousel, Gatorade Winners

#1 posting 3.25.2006

COACHING NEWS
MN
Travis Brown resigned at Sauk Rapids. He had coached there for five years. Last year's record was 7-18. Brown took the 2004 team to the State tournament. Here is the St. Cloud Times story http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060325/SPORTS/103250003/1002
ND
Barb Metcalf resigned at Fargo Shanley. She had a three year record of 26-44. Shanley was 6-16 this season. Here are the details from the Fargo Forum. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=121548&section=Sports
SD
Harrisburg has asked two long time coaches to resign. The Sioux Falls Argus Leader takes you to the problems involved in this issue reaching to the school board. http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060325/NEWS/603250315/1001
WI
Here is more about the Milton coaching situation. Kerry Storbakken was asked to leave. Here is the details from the Janesville Gazette http://www.gazetteextra.com/miltgb032506.asp

CONFERENCES
IA
The South East Iowa Superconference will have two divisions next season as they cut out the West. Their will be a 10 team north and south division next year. Here is the details from the Burlington Hawkeye http://www.thehawkeye.com/daily/stories/sp3_0325.html

GATORADE WINNERS
IL: Amanda Thompson, Chicago Young
IA: Brittany Norris, Cedar Rapids Jefferson
MI: Alyssa DeHaan, Grandville
MN: Jenna Smith, Bloomington Kennedy
NE: Yvonne Turner, Bellevue East
ND: Sara Neubauer, Bottineau
SD: Jill Young, Mitchell Christian
WI: Jamie Braun, Marshfield
You can check out the other states, and other sports for that matter at the Gatorade site: http://www.gatorade.com/playeroftheyear/state.php

UPDATES
MICH
Yesterday I posted a story on the Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart boys team coached by Keisha Brown. They lost today in the D finals in Michigan to Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian 65-51.
MN
The Ellsworth boys were defeated by Rushford-Peterson in the finals 55-52. For those that don't know yet, the Ellsworth Boys were my first coaching job out of college. I got to see most of my last team (1987) today.

Search tip. Go to the archives. Click on the month you are interested in. Then use the Ctrl and F for find.

Next up: tomorrow unknown time.

Karel to Wisconsin, Coaching Twist, Transfers

#1 posting 3.24.2006

TRANSFERS FROM MINNESOTA
Lauren Lacy and Brittany Davis have been granted their release from the University of Minnesota basketball team. No word as to where they are headed.

VERBAL/SIGNINGS
MN
According to the March 22 issue of the Wisconsin State Journal, Alyssa Karel, Cretin-Derham Hall point guard class of 2007 has made an oral committment to Wisconsin. Karel averaged 14 ppg for the 22-6 Raiders this past season.

COACHING NEWS
MICH
Here is a boys story, but it has an interesting twist. Mt Pleasant Sacred Heart is playing for the state title in Michigan and is coached by a woman. Here is the ABC 12 station story on the team http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=local&id=4022420
Shawn Sharrow will be the new coach at Marine City. It is a return home for Sharrow, a '94 grad.

SCHOOLS
MICH
Livingston Christian is adding the 10th grade next year and will soon be a K-12 school.
MN
Lake Benton and Lincoln HI will be pairing in all sports starting in the fall. The combo will have a new name and mascot. The girls basketball games in the 2006-07 season will take place in Lake Benton, and switch over to Ivanhoe in 2007-08.

POLICE BLOTTER
MICH
Tyrone Vaughn, Engadine has been arraigned with two counts of third degree criminal sexual contact. He had just been named girls coach at Engadine in the last month.

INFO YOU CAN USE
Here is a site that has a strong interview section. Check out http://www.whatshoopin.com/

BOYS CONNECTIONS
The Ellsworth boys won this afternoon in case you were wondering. They beat Osakis 70-63 and will play Rushford-Peterson who beat Maranatha 51-50. I have seen many students, teachers, and community members from the early days. Good luck to the Panthers tomorrow at noon.

I also have an association with Robbinsdale Cooper (I sub in the district, and have coached volleyball there). Cooper is in the finals tomorrow night against Hopkins.

If you have news/information---go to the profile section and email me.

Next up: tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday: Night of Stars

#1 posting 3.23.2006

It will be a busy All Star night on Saturday with at least five games going on. Iowa and South Dakota are each holding two, and Wisconsin will have one.
Signings are picking up now that the season is over. Again, to check on the fall signings, go to the archives and check October or November.

POINT PARADE
MD
JUCO
Antelia Parrish, Prince George's 28 vs Bismarck State 72-61 (m15)

ALL STAR GAMES
IA
There will be an all star game at Benton HS in Van Horne on Saturday, March 25 at 5:30 between the WaMaC conference and the South Iowa Cedar League.
I originally wrote the Dordt games were on the 26th. It should be on the 25th (Saturday)
MICH
On June 20 Michigan and Indiana will battle at Bethel College in Indiana. Michigan will face the Indiana East all stars at 7 pm, with the Indiana West team taking on the Indiana Metro team later that night. The Championship will be on June 23.
MN
The Bernick Pepsi All Star game will take place Tuesday, March 28 at Duluth East HS between the Duluth team vs "Area" team mainly from Iron Range and Section 7 teams.
SD
The Corn Belt Conference vs Custer Battlefield Highway Conference takes place at 2 pm at the Hanson Activity Center in Alexandria on Saturday, March 25.
Sisseton All Star game is also on the 25th.
WI
FVA/Valley 8 All Star game will take place Saturday, March 25 at Kaukauna
at 6 pm the FVA will play the Valley 8
at 8 pm the FVA North will play the FVA South

COACHING NEWS
MN
Mike Power will not be coaching the SW MN State team next season. Here is the Marshall Independent story on the situation. The next coach will be the third in three years. http://www.marshallindependent.com/sports/articles.asp?articleID=1790

SIGNINGS
IL
Ashley Thomas, Moline to Eastern Illinois
IA
Margo Muhlbauer, IKM to Buena Vista. IKM won the 1A Tournament in Iowa this year, and Muhlbauer was named captain or MVP of the 1A Tournament.
Olivia Hansen, Davenport Assumption to Kirkwood CC. Hansen is a 6-1 forward. Her #1 team was upset in the 2A quarterfinals by Audubon.
Toia McGowan, Davenport West to David Lipscomb
Brittany Norris, Cedar Rapids Jefferson to Upper Iowa. Norris is a 6-2 post and her team lost in the 4A semifinals in the State tournament.
ND
Lindsey Sannes, Wahpeton to Mayville State. Lindsey's sister Val is at North Dakota.

I have to give a shout out to the Ellsworth Boys basketball team. They won their quarterfinal game against Stephen-Argyle 74-62. I used to coach the boys there before I switched over to coaching girls in 1987.

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Hawaiian Points, Introductions, and Thorpe is Found

#1 posting 3.22.2006

Thorpe has been found. After a two day absensce he mounts the soap box again.
Also Hawaii has started their HS season and that starts the parade.

POINT PARADE Hawaiian Style
Artevia Wily, Kahuku 29 vs Kalaheo 74-76 2ot (m18)
Ashley Medcalf, Christian Academy 29 vs Hawaii Baptist 32-62 (m17)
Kendra Fischer, Kalaheo 27 vs Kahuku 76-74 2ot (m18)
Shanadee Canon, Kalaheo 27 vs Kaiser 63-50
Shanadee Canon, Kalaheo 25 vs Kahuku 76-74 2ot (m18)

BUZZER BEATERS
HI
Shanadee Canon, Kalaheo scored the game winner with 3.6 left in a 76-74 two overtime win over Kahuku on March 18.
Brittany Stafford, Leilehua made two free throws with five seconds left in a 33-32 win over Kapolei.

ONE MORE THING THAT BUGS ME....
At the state tournament there are these grand choreographed routines when a player is announced in the starting lineups. Some are quite theatrical and, it appears, takes a lot of time, effort and planning to get the dust offs, pat downs, or tweaks, dance moves what have you. I just wish the players would spend as much time, if not more time on basic ball handling and passing skills than theatrics. It would make for a better game.


THORPE ON A SOAP BOX

Kevin finally located me .
A beautiful day in Florida. I missed my Monday deadline but didn’t miss Happy Hour at Nancy Lopez’s Country Club last night.

First congratulations to all the State Champions as well as all the teams that had the opportunity to participate in the Minnesota State Tournament. Kevin mentioned that the attendance was terrible and asked me why?? I remember that we played to over 10000 fans in ‘89 and I don’t know what it was this year but it sounds like a lot less. I can only guess as to why.
I think I will risk looking like an old dinosaur and play devils advocate by supporting the old class A and AA system. I know all the arguments:

Small out state teams would never make it to the big show. Don’t sell outstate short. Some of the best team we faced were teams outstate. I remember in ‘89 Little Falls took us down to the wire in the State Championship. I remember being so proud of breaking Rochester Lourdes State winning streak one year only to return the next year to be totally destroyed by Rochester Lourdes. Teams like Marshall, Willmar, New London Spicer are quality programs along with many others. Are there weak small schools outstate? Sure, but there are also very weak programs in the city that get hammered week in and week out.

More kids get a chance to play in the State Tournament. Yes that’s true. However I think the tournament feel had been diluted and is not as big as it once was. Also a big school like Osseo has so many kids that often even though you have a better chance of going to State you have kids on the bench(in both big metro and outstate schools) that would be a starter and playing many minutes in small schools. What is better for kids. Sitting on the bench in a big school and going to a diluted State or playing all season and having a smaller chance of going to State??

Second, Basketball is not a numbers game like football. Yes bigger schools have an advantage but you can win a basketball state championship with 6 or 7 player and sometimes less. Who can forget Edgerton in the ‘60s winning their State Championship? I know you are know saying Thorpe are you still talking about the 60s. Well could Edgerton have won a football championship? I think not. I truly believe that Basketball is still one sport where small schools have a chance to win it all.

I will take a chance on boring you with a flashback to our ‘89 mid season game with Little Falls. We were ranked 1 Metro and Little Falls 1 outstate. The gym was packed and people came from small towns miles around to see the Metro get kicked by the outstate team. This was always a good rivalry and there were times were went back to the city humbled.

I know there are many people that disagree with my arguments and, to be honest, I see your side as well, but wanted to throw out an idea or two. I do think what ever system we have there are changes that could be made to make it a better experience for kids. I see some of the changes over the years and the high school league’s standard line is it’s" best for kids." I appreciate all the things the high school league has done over the years and I truly believe they care about young people. However, I don’t thing many of the changes they have made is “best for kids” but has to do with money. I wish they would just say that.

Dave Thorpe

You can locate old postings with the archives. Go to the month you are interested in and scroll and roll. The "Out & Abouts" go back to early December. I have postings on who is going where back in October and November, with periodic updates throughout the year. If you have news let me know by e-mail. Go to the profile area and send me the information.

Next up: tomorrow afternoon.

D'Alie to Wisconsin

#1 posting 3.21.2006

AAU Schedule
MN
Here is the key dates on the District qualifiers and District Championships for MN
Qualifier: May 5-7 at Bloomington Jefferson, Concordia St. Paul; Hastings; Hopkins; Minnetonka; Tartan & North St. Paul
Championship: May 19-21 at Bloomington Kennedy; Concordia St. Paul; and Hopkins.
there are more tournaments listed at the MN AAU website
http://www.minnesotaaau.org/

COACHING NEWS
WI
Kerry Storbakken has resigned at Milton. They had a 17-6 record this season. Here is more details in the Janesville Gazette http://www.gazetteextra.com/miltgb032006.asp

CONFERENCE NEWS
WI
The Marawood Conference is now going to be playing home and away beginning in 2007-2008 season. For further details see the Marshafield News Herald http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060321/MNH02/603210660/1753/MNHsports

SIGNINGS, VERBALS
WI
Rae Lin D'Alie, Waterford verballed Wisconsin. Here is the Milwaukee Journal Times on the story. http://www.journaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=4668

Curious about some past story this past season? Go back to the archives. It is listed by month on the lower right hand corner. I started in October, and updated about three times a day during the season.

Next up: tomorrow afternoon.

All This, and All That, but Where is Thorpe?

#1 posting 3.20.2006

ALL THIS, ALL THAT
Many All State, Tournament, Conference teams are being decided now. There is always debate on the players. Any time you make a list, someone is left off. Passions are stirred.
Here is what the Bismarck Tribune has to say about the whole process http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2006/03/20/news/columnists/thomas/111854.txt

ALL STAR GAMES
SD
The Pheasant Country All Star game will be held on Saturday, March 25 at Ben Reifel gymnasium in Sisseton. SD. It will feature NE South Dakota players and the teams will divided into A and B

MINNESOTA STATE LEFTOVERS
Things I hate: rolling the ball in from out of bounds. There is no advantage to that move. Usually a team will do it with the clock stopped. A player has to bend down and pick it up. Why not pass it in as far up court as possible? If you want to join bowling, just do it. The roll reached absurd levels in the AAAA championship game when Kennedy rolled the ball in even when the clock was running! Just eliminate that stupid manuevere from the playbook.

NUMBER 1
HAWAII
It is springtme in Hawaii, and that means HS girls basketball. Iolani is the new #1 in the Honolulu Star Bulletin poll. Previous #1 Punahou did not play last week.

POLICE BLOTTER
WI
Here is the update on the Hortonville basketball ex-coach from the WBAY-TV http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=4657811

RATING THE STATE'S WEB SITES
With the state tournaments over I will grade out the various websites, their strengths and weaknesses.
IOWA: B....updates during the game a draw. box scores, play by play listings.
MINNESOTA: B-.....Didn't provide the halftime box score like Iowa.
NORTH DAKOTA: F.....flat, no box, no play by play, needs upgrade
SOUTH DAKOTA: A+.... any time you have live feeds and can watch any of the three games on your computer that earns the A. Add the interactive shot charts and you get a plus. Clearly the best. They use DakStats which is based out of South Dakota.
WISCONSIN: B-....One plus for Wisconsin--you can look at their program with photos and rosters. However their play by play somehow eliminates all missed shots and turnovers. Put that information up on line in you play by play. It will make your site a better site.

SIGNINGS/VERBALS
IA
Caitlin Stachon, West Des Moines Dowling Catholic has commited to Columbia. Stachon is a 6-2 C and averaged 4.5 ppg for the State Tournament entrant in 4A.

THORPE'S SOAP BOX
is empty this week.

Next up: tomorrow, probably in the afternoon.

The Day After

#2 posting 3.19.2006

POINT PARADE
MN
AAAA
Kiara Buford, St. Paul Central 33 vs Roseville 71-52
Jillian Schurle, Hopkins 29 vs Bloomington Kennedy 65-48
AA
Hannah Linz, Eden Valley-Watkins 27 vs MN Valley Lutheran 51-58

DOUBLE VISION
Vision was single yesterday

MN Coaches Hall of Fame 2006
Dave Burgett, Cloquet, Esko
Roger Hansgaard, Brooklyn Center, Concordia Roseville
Janet Karvonen, New York Mills player, Media
Dale Wallin, Spring Lake Park

STATE CHAMPS PARADE
IL
AA: Bolingbrook
A: Hillsboro
IA
1A: IKM
2A: North Butler
3A: Norwalk
4A: Des Moines Roosevelt
MI
A: Southfield-Lathrup
B: Detroit Renaissance
C: Houghton
D: Frankfort
MN
A: Fulda
AA: Cannon Falls
AAA: Benilde-St. Margaret's
AAAA: Hopkins
NEB
A: Bellevue East
B: Gretna
C1: Crofton
C2: Ravenna
D1: Humphrey St. Francis
D2: Newcastle
ND
A: Mandan
B: Bottineau
SD
AA: Sioux Falls Roosevelt
A: Dell Rapids
B: Mitchell Christian
WI
D1: Ashwauebon
D2: Monroe
D3: Cuba City
D4: Flambeau
Congratulations to all teams.

MN Tournament Wrap
Championship game Redux
AA
Here is the Fargo Forum's view of the Cannon Falls/Crookston game. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=121057&section=Sports

Third Place aren't covered in depth by the big Twin Cities papers. If you want details you have to go to the local coverage area. I wasn't there to view the games. Here are some reports.
AA
Here is a result from the Mankato Free Press about the third place game between MVL and EVW http://www.mankatofreepress.com/sports/local_story_078010636.html?keyword=secondarystory The St. Cloud Times covers the action for EVW, here is their side of the story http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060319/SPORTS/103190040/1002
A
Barnum captured the third place game against Ada-Borup. Here is the Duluth News Tribune's story. http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/sports/14136563.htm Well that seemed more like an AP feed. Here is a real story from the Fargo Forum about the Ada-Borup side of things. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=121056&section=Sports

CRYSTAL BALL.
It ink isn't even dry on this year's season when the speculation begins on 2007. Here is what the crystal ball has in store:
A: Fulda
AA: Winona Cotter
AAA: too murky
AAAA: St. Paul Central

Well the high school season is over. I have been to over 75 games (and they all seem like they were in the last three weeks). The season just flew by. I got to see a lot of good teams and good players. I am still digesting the newspapers and internet information. I will be publishing my guides in the fall, close to the first weekend in October when the MN Girls HS coaches have their convention.

I was at two High School State Tournaments: Iowa and Minnesota. I also made it to a Wisconsin sectional game.
These are my favorites during the post season:
Flag men waving you into parking spots at the River Falls Sectional in Wisconsin. That indicated to me it was a big time event, and the crowd was big time as well. They even had "neutral seating."
Six day event: Iowa runs their tournament at one site with all 32 teams playing on the Wells Fargo floor. There are six games from Monday through Wednesday with only 15 minutes of warm up. That seemed to work out fine for the teams. I never read in the papers "We didn't have enough warm up time," as a reason for losing. I like the six days because I can see everyone and everybody.
Seedings: ND, SD, and Iowa seed their tournaments. It is time that Minnesota get that straight. It worked out this year in AAAA and AAA that the two top teams faced each other in the finals, but what kind of rip off tournament would it be if Hopkins had to play Kennedy at 10 am on Wednesday morning?
Band: Most bands play the ordinary 25 year old songs recycled over and over again. Ada-Borup, however, was a breath of fresh air in a stale environment. They had a jazz feel, used some guitars, and had some singers. The crowd got into it, and press row appreciated it.
Tight games decided in the last seconds: More so in Iowa. Kelsey Bolte of Battle Creek-Ida Grove making the shot at the buzzer to advance to the semis 59-57. #8 Audubon dumping #1 Davenport Assumption 72-66; Cedar Rapids Xavier edging Spirit Lake 30-29; Cedar Rapids Jefferson surviving and upsetting #1 Dowling Catholic 57-55. There wasn't as many nail biters in MN, but the Kennedy vs Central game had all that at 53-51. The class A Semis were tight with a four point spread for each. And Hopkins putting on a tour de force in the last 12 minutes for a strong dramatic exclamation point to the year.

Not Liking:
Arena food. Overpriced and unhealthy. That is everywhere. It is robbery.
Empty seats: More so in MN. It seems like in the past if your team was done in the districts/regions/sections/ you would come to get the feel for the tournament. I don't see that happening very much anymore. It is too bad because there were some good games. The sense of community is not as strong as it once was. Even section finals are rather ordinary affairs at the AAAA and AAA level at least. I hope that feeling isn't dead, or on life support.
TV Timeouts: They drag the game on too long, ruin momentum and are a general nuisance.
All Tournament balloting: They announced an MVP from our ballots. We media types are generally handed a ballot with all the players of all the teams making the tournament before the championship game. We are supposed to turn it in at halftime. First off no one voted for MVP that was a decision made by who knows who. After the first game I circled my MVP. But even then the second half comebacks in the two late games may negate that. I also don't like the fact that all 10 players are from the semifinalists. What a joke. A player may have had a great game and been beat in the quarters, but no one was there to see the action, or their hometown paper/radio already took off back home and their votes go uncounted. That system needs to be changed.

What is up next?
For me I will be reintroduced to my wife.
I will catch up on some zzzs, no more 1 am postings.
I will eat better food, no fast junky food, or arena food...well maybe after Ellsworth is done in the boys tournament.
I will catch up on the paper work that has piled up in my office.
I will continue to put up interesting facts as they pertain to the season. I have a good mountain of data, it depends on what questions I ask of myself how that data will dance.
I will continue to post, maybe not three/four times a day, but at least once a day. There will be news of Coaching changes, player moves, spring all star games, AAU, summer leagues, summer all star camps/games. Hawaii plays in the spring and I will track that action, but unfortunately not attend any games on Waikiki Beach. I will also be looking for any information you can send me. Go to my profile page and e-mail me if you have some news/information.

Next posting Tomorrow, but I haven't decided if it will be AM or Afternoon. Of course Thorpe on a Soap Box is due out tomorrow, but he may be golfing or softballing.

Out & About: Hopkins/Bloomington Kennedy

#1 posting 3.19.2006

MN AAAA Championship
Hopkins 65, Bloomington Kennedy 48

#1 Hopkins was the only #1 to make it to the finish line in a 65-48 redemption victory over Kennedy. Kennedy defeated Hopkins last year in overtime. Tonight's game featured a tour de force comeback and showcased a strong defensive game plan by Hopkins. Kennedy held the lead for the first 39:07 minutes of the game.

Kennedy led early, but something was up even then. Heather MacPhie was the leading Kennedy scorer with 11 points at half. That was a strange sign. It was a sign that underneath the surface Hopkins' defensive plan was working. The 2/3 zone was packing it inside and encouraging the long distance dialing. At half Kennedy had taken nine 3s with MacPhie cashing all three. Another key was the foul situation only had five, but Jenna Smith had three and only played 11 minutes. The other player with fouls was Tera Steinbauer with two. That changed the natural play and movement of both players. Kennedy held the lead at half 27-24, but both teams were not that efficient in the first half. Neither team had any prolonged droughts, but they didn't string any possessions together either. That was going to change in the second half.

Ashly Robinson of Kennedy was the only Kennedy player able to score in the first part of the half. She scored the first 12 points for Kennedy. Their biggest lead took place at the 13:52 mark of the second half with Robinson's basket and free throw to make it 36-29. Caitlyn Rowland's 3 started what would soon be a tidal wave. Hopkins high octane offense kicked into overdrive. The Royals looked to attack the basket and stayed aggressive. Meanwhile Kennedy on the offensive end forced shots beyond the arc. Jenna Smith was one that was pressing her game at that point. Hopkins closed out the game with 36-12 run. The impressive number is the possession streak--Hopkins finished out the game with 18/22 on possessions with strings of 7 and two fours. Kennedy could not generate any offense from their big three. In their last 18 possessions they scored only three times with Smith and Robinson only scoring once each. Jillian Schulre contributed 13 points. One key possession was when Schurle made a free throw, but missed the second. Wilkinson rebounded and eventually the ball was blocked out of bounds and Wilkinson took a hard fall. In the ensuing out of bounds play Schurle scored to make it 46-44. Smith scored her last high school points to tie it at 46. Hopkins took over the game for good on Rowland's drive, basket, and one to make the score 49-46. After that Jenna Smith did not have a possession, Robinson had four, and Steinbauer had one.

The defensive game plan, efficient offense, composed players all equaled the second state title in three years for Coach Cosgriff and the Hopkins Royals. It was an outstanding effort to end the high school season.

player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Hopkins Player Evaluations
Starters
Abby Greene 9, 11, 81.8, .545 point guard kept team focused, wasn't rattled
Jackie Hiebert 12, 12, 100.0, .500 again lifted her perfomance. started slowly, but came on. attacked and made big time moves against the Kennedy front line
Tiana Wilkinson 2, 2, 100.0, .500 gets the job done. scrambles for loose balls, physical presence.
Caitlyn Rowland 8, 9, 88.9, .333 made the 3 shot that set in motion the Hopkins run.
Jillian Schurle 29, 17, 170.6, .824 look at the numbers. An outstanding performance. had muted performance in the semis. 14 points in the first half when things were on the verge she pulled through with key shots. not phased, focused.
Bench
Stephanie Sension 5, 5, 100.0, .400 came in and delivered a 3 ball that caught Kennedy off guard.

Bloomington Kennedy Player Evaluations
Starters
Tara Steinbauer 4, 8, 50.0, .250 RF: not visible in the second half. She only had two possessions in the second half. foul problems.
Tasha Mrosak 0, 4, 0.0, .000 RF: shot consistency
Ashly Robinson 16, 15, 106.7, .467 scored the first 12 points in the second half as others were silent. but: RF: only scored two more points the with 12:17 left.
Heather MacPhie 11, 10, 110.0, .400 on fire the first half with three 3s. Also led with assists. RF: halftime cooled her shot, passes were forced in the second half.
Jenna Smith 8, 7, 114.3, .571 RF: forced 3s instead of working the blocks. fouls hampered her game. played tenative defense the rest of the way in the second half.
Bench
Shakila Boler 7, 9, 77.8, .333 a lot asked of an 8th grader. made some shots, but RF: more shots were missed.
Katie Lukanich 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Melanie Wigen 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Brittany Zins 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Trench player: Schurle won't be denied.

BY THE NUMBERS
Hopkins 65, 57, 114.0, .544
Bloomington Kennedy 48, 58, 82.3, .345
Second half
Hopkins 44, 31, 141.9, .677
Kennedy 21, 32 65.6, .281
Last 12 minutes
Hopkins 36, 22, 163.6, .818
Kennedy 12, 21, 57.1, .238
I know I might be obsessive about these numbers, but they show the utter domination to close the game.
Bench: Kennedy 9, Hopkins 5
Paint ball: Hopkins 24, Kennedy 18. The height advantage was not an advantage and Hopkins was the aggressor.
made free throws: Hopkins 20, Kennedy 6. Kennedy only went to the line eight times the entire game.
3 attempts: Kennedy 22, Hopkins 10. The difference--Hopkins converted five, Kennedy only four.

Next up: tomorrow morning with the latest from the papers.

Out & About: Benilde-St. Margaret's/Marshall

#5 posting 3.18.2006

MN AAA Championship
Benilde-St. Margaret’s 54, Marshall 39

#2 Benilde-St. Margaret’s upended #1 Marshall after trailing at half 22-19. They doubled up Marshall 35-17 in the second half.

Everything was going to be challenged in this game. BSM played like they were on a mission. BSM started off with five no scoring possessions, but they turned it right around with six straight scoring possessions. They went on a 12-3 run. Kachine Alexander was the main event as she scored 8 of those points. Right after that run BSM in a manic/depressive way went 0/7 with their possessions. BSM led most of the first half, but Marshall took the lead at 1:29 with Kelsie Kruger’s lay up 18-17. Marshall closed the half with a 6-2 run starting with Kruger’s basket, and led 22-19 at half.

Marshall picked up where they left off with two straight scores and a 25-19 lead. That was the high water mark. BSM went right inside to Williams to start their comeback. BSM put together a four possession string and 8-0 run to take a 30-27 lead. Eliese Hasberry gave BSM the lead for good at 13:17 to go 28-27. Marshall was mired in an 0/7 drought with five of those possessions turnovers. Marshall again went 7 possessions without scoring. The problem this time was five missed shots. Marshall was pressing. BSM kept adding and padding it’s lead. There was no real drama, there was no real suspense. Kachine Alexander was shadowing Michelson throwing off the Marshall offensive rhythm all night. BSM closed out the night with seven straight scoring possessions leaving no doubt as to who the #1 team in AAA is.

Player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Benilde-St. Margaret’s Player Evaluations
Starters
Jessie Monk 6, 7, 85.7, .429 steady performer, has range.
Samantha Morgan 4, 9, 44.4, .222 tough nosed competitor. RF: shot consistency
Eliese Hansberry 4, 2, 200.0, 1.000
Kachine Alexander 19, 15, 126.7, .667 When the money was on the table Kachine delivered. She was not going to be denied, she was active on the boards, handcuffed Michelson. The heart and soul of BSM.
LaToya Williams 4, 5, 80.0, .400 the muscle in the hustle. Team keys off her physical style. RF: needs to get quicker
Bench
Margaret Skoglund 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Chanica Hall 17, 19, 89.5, .474 quick, and aggressive. Gets out fast on the break. RF: forced things early in the first half as she wanted to play at a faster pace.
Katy Anderson 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Anna Viehman 0, 1, 0.0, .000

Marshall Player Evaluations
Starters
Macie Michelson 13, 18, 72.2, .333 spunky, feisty, and the motor. Goes 100 miles per hour. RF: got out of control at times and did more than was needed.
Julia Schultz 2, 8, 25.0, .125 RF: decisions/ball handling.
Kirsten Haukom 7, 9, 77.8, .333 RF: shooting consistency.
Kelsie Kruger 12, 11, 109.1, .545 able to score inside and play physical.
Jessica Onken 3, 4, 75.0, .500
Bench
Amanda Beekman 0, 4, 0.0, .000
Anna Full 2, 7, 28.6, .143
Katie Mulder 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Trench Player: Kachine "Ka-Ching the money player" Alexander

BY THE NUMBERS
Benilde-SM 54, 62, 87.1, .419
Marshall 39, 62, 62.9, .323
Bench: BSM 17, Marshall 2
Points off turnovers: BSM 18, Marshall 6
Fast Break: BSM 12, Marshall 4
Paint ball: BSM 22, Marshall 18
Made free throws: BSM 19, Marshall 7
All these numbers add up that BSM was the aggressor throughout the night. They played to win, and played it physical. It looked like Marshall was playing not to lose. When the roof caved in on Marshall in the second half, they didn’t have the experience of coming back. Most of the time this year they would be far ahead so comebacks were not needed.

Next up: Hopkins vs Kennedy in the AAAA championship.

Out & About; Cannon Falls/Crookston

#4 posting 3.18.2006

MN AA Championship
Cannon Falls 66, Crookston 50

Cannon Falls rose to the occasion and played nearly flawless ball in downing the youngsters from Crookston 66-50. It was a battle between two fresh faces in an event usually featuring New London-Spicer, Breck/Blake, or Rochester Lourdes.

Cannon Falls dominated right from the git go. It was basically over after the 12th CF possession as they went 9/10 during that stretch and led 23-11. The last three possessions they cashed in to the tune of 3. Jackson from beyond the arc, Cory Montgomery with an old fashioned three point play, and Jackson again with an old fashioned three as well. CF played with extreme efficiency in the half scoing 39 points in 26 possessions, a pp100 level of 150. Crookston could not stop the inside strength, or get out on the arc to stop Jackson or Anderson. Score at half 39-19.

The second half was more of the same. CF again strung together a five string and led 49-25. With 2:57 to go CF led 66-42. There was not a lot of drama to report on. The benches emptied, and Crookston was able to out score the CF bench 8-0.

Player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Cannon Falls Player Evaluations
Starters
Nicole Anderson 7, 4, 175.0, .750 Stepped it up big time. The best improvement was on cutting the turnovers to zip. She shot well and ran the team well. It was the best performance I have seen with her (fourth game). She is a tough kid, fast and competitive. RF: today not much, but she still needs to develop a left hand
Korie Jackson 20, 13, 153.8, .615 great 3 point bomber. Prefers corner. Can run the floor. RF: still needs to develop ball handling skills and decision making skills
Amanda Schreyer 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Alex Montgomery 18, 13, 138.5, .692 worked well inside. Active and steady performance. RF: needs to get stronger and more aggressive inside.
Cory Montgomery 15, 13, 115.4, .538 capped off great stretch run. Didn’t have to carry the load since her teammates rose to the occasion. Focus of defensive effort helped free teammates. RF: I still would like her to make every chip shot, but that is the curse of being tall, high expectations. She did deliver when she needed. She will need to toughen up at Nebraska
Bench
Amanda Moen 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000
Julia Thompson 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000
Alison Banks 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Halley Harrison 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Megan Sabrowsky 0, 1, 0.0, .000

Crookston Player Evaluations
Starters
Kamille Wahlin 16, 14, 114.3, .571 smooth pull up jumper, good elevation, good body control. Sees floor. Reminds me of a Kelly Roysland, expect maybe smoother. RF: the typical stronger etc things that all high school kids need to play at a higher level.
Sydney Epema 6, 8, 75.0, .375 RF: shooting consistency
Macy Hanson 7, 6, 116.7, .500
Danielle Gasper 3, 5, 60.0, .200
Taylor Davis 6, 7, 85.6, .429 RF: shooting bothered her against the trees.
Bench
Molly Simmons 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Brea Aamoth 3, 3, 100.0, .333
Allison Schumacher 1, 3, 33.3, .333
Erin Steer 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Marley Hanson 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000
Katie Baldock 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000
Trench: Hard not to pick Cory Montgomery. She delivered.

BY THE NUMBERS
Cannon Falls 66, 54, 122.2, .556
This would place them fourth in the list I've watched this year. Their Floor % would place them fifth.
Crookston 50, 55, 90.9, .418
CF just had a great night shooting and taking care of the ball. Crookston wasn’t bad with the 90.9 number, but they never could stop the avalance of CF points.
Bench: Crookston 10, CF 4
Paint ball: CF 42, Crookston 14 and there it is.
Turnover points: Crookston 21, CF 13. Even dominating this number didn’t dent the outcome.

Next up: Championship games in AAA and AAAA

Out & About: Fulda/GHEC A Championship

#3 posting 3.18.2006

MN A Championship
Fulda 57, GHEC 49

Fulda won it’s first championship 57-49 over GHEC. It was a battle between two #2 subsection seeds. It was also the second state championship for a section 3 team in the last three years. The key break point came in the first half when GHEC went silent for eight possessions. GHEC missed six shots in that stretch, and they were only getting one chance as Fulda controlled the boards. Fulda had a 9-0 run during this stretch to give them a 21-12 lead. They did not relinquish it the rest of the night. Sam Raddle had five points during that stretch, including a 3 to break a 12-12 tie. Sarah Raddle tickled the twine for three 3s in the first half. It was 31-20 at half with the Raddles combining for 20.

In the second half GHEC had another 7 possession dry patch. Fulda wasn’t exactly on fire only pushing the lead to 38-25. Sarah Raddle’s three gave Fulda it’s biggest lead at 41-25. GHEC mounted its comeback at this point and went on a 13-1 run to cut the lead to 42-38. GHEC had a four possession string in the run. Katy Uttech and Abby Shoen each had four for GHEC. Fulda pushed the lead back to seven at 46-39 on Nicole Gunderman’s two free throws with 4:49 left. GHEC had one last run in them and cut the lead to 48-45 on one free throw from Abby Shoen with 4:02 left. But GHEC never got the stop it desperately needed. Laura Kramer scored on the next Fulda possession to put the lead back at five. It became a foul/free throw event at this point with Fulda making their last seven points at the line. One key point was when the score was 53-45 and Sam Raddle missed her second free throw. Kaitlyn Kramer grabbed the board and eventually Nicole Gunderman made two more free throws for a total of three points on the possession and a 55-45 lead with 1:20 left.

Player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Fulda Player Evaluations
Starters
Sam Raddle 19, 16, 118.8, .688 handled the GHEC pressure, got things rolling in the first half.
Kaitlyn Kramer 11, 14, 78.6, .429 steady performance, strong frame, RF: forced the issue at times
Nicole Gunderman 4, 6, 66.7, .500 scrappy, made her free throws today. RF: Consistency
Chelsey Speckmeier 3, 4, 75.0, .250 tough nosed. Scored on a three to open scoring for Fulda. RF:
Laura Kramer 8, 11, 72.7, .364 came up again with key rebounds. RF: consistency in shooting, Decisions/passing
Bench
Sarah Raddle 12, 11, 109.1, .364 delivered again from beyond the arc. RF: stronger with the ball, needs to add a drive or pull up jumper to the resume.
Brittany Goedtke 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Brooke Kuehne 0, 1, 0.0, .000

GHEC Player Evaluations
Starters
Ashley Walterman 9, 9, 100.0, .444 quickest of the GHECers, runs floor, not afraid of contact. RF: needs strength for the next level.
Katy Uttech 11, 9, 122.2., .667 stepped up her game. Used left hand well, and was in position. RF: foot speed.
Jessica Petrowiak 2, 9, 22.2, .111 RF: speed/quickness caught up today. Decisions were forced at times.
Abby Shoen 8, 12, 66.7, .417 had ice on shoulder/neck before the game. Active, aggressive on floor for balls. RF: size matters
Lori Balcom 7, 11, 63.6, .364 RF: size bothered her inside today.
Bench
Lisa Balcom 5, 3, 166.7, .667
Tatia Nawrocki 1, 4, 25.0, .250
Sara Petrowiak 2, 4, 50.0, .250
Tiffany Lenort 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Felicia Peterson 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000
Lindsey Stennes 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Trench Player: Sam Raddle

BY THE NUMBERS
Fulda 57, 65, 87.7, .431
GHEC 49, 65, 75.4, .400
Bench: GHEC 12, Fulda 12
Made free throws: GHEC 17, Fulda 13. GHEC did the job getting to the line and shot better than Fulda. Rebounding was the difference with Fulda gathering 20 more than GHEC.
Paint ball: GHEC 24, Fulda 16….odd considering Fulda is bigger. GHEC got the offense rolling, but they were limited to one shot most of the night.

Next up Cannon Falls vs Crookston AA Championship

Friday Night Flights & A Cautionary Tale on Comebacks

#2 posting 3.18.2006

POINT PARADE
NY
JUCO
Fantasia Goodwin, Monroe 28 vs Ridgewater 71-60

AA
Cory Montgomery, Cannon Falls 37 vs MN Valley Lutheran 68-58
Hannah Linz, Eden Valley-Watkins 34 vs Crookston 54-61
Kamille Wahlin, Crookston 25 vs EVW 61-54

DOUBLE VISION
AA
Cory Montgomery, Cannon Falls 37 p, 17 r----54 vs MVL 68-58
A
Laura Kramer, Fulda 17 p, 18 r----35 vs Ada-Borup 54-50

The tournaments are winding down. Today four championship games are on tap in MN at the Target Center in Minneapolis
A
Fulda vs GHEC at noon. I had Fulda right, but I had Meadow Creek winning in the final. They never survived my Kiss of Death on Thursday. So I guess by default Fulda gets the Kiss of Death now. It should be a tight game. Spread for you Las Vegas types Fulda by three.
AA
Crookston vs Cannon Falls at 2 pm. Well my kiss of death was fatal on Wednesday with Both Winona Cotter and Albany going down. Since in my do over I called for Cannon Falls to make it and EVW you can see Cannon Falls has the Kiss of Death. Cory Montgomery will have to carry her team against the youngsters from Crookston. Spread--Cannon Falls by one.
AAA
Marshall vs Benilde-St. Margaret's at 6 pm #1 vs #2. The right matchup if you believe the polls. Marshall however got my kiss of death to start the tournament, and they still have it. Spread Marshall by seven.
AAAA
Bloomington Kennedy vs Hopkins at 8 pm---#3 AP vs #1. This is what I called before the tournament started. Kennedy however had the kiss of death. This is the second year in a row that they faced each other in the finals. I don't see overtime this season. Spread Kennedy by four.
Detailed information at the MN high school league website http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/activitypage.asp?actnum=403

MINNESOTA STATE TOURNAMENT
You read about the games yesterday. Now read what the professionals wrote
A
Fulda edged Ada-Borup. Here is the Fargo Forum's take on it. http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=120925&section=Sports From the Fulda side we turn to the Worthington Daily Globe http://www.dglobe.com/articles/index.cfm?id=791&section=Sports Even more with the focus on Laura Kramer http://www.dglobe.com/articles/index.cfm?id=792&section=Sports
GHEC beat Barnum in a Barn burner. Here is the Duluth News Tribune's story
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/sports/14129999.htm
Here is the GHECer's side of the story from Fairmont Sentinel http://fairmontsentinel.com/sports/articles.asp?articleID=1313
AA
Crookston moved on beating Eden Valley-Watkins. Here is the Fargo Forum with details http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=120926&section=Sports Here is the St. Cloud Times with the EVW angle http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060318/SPORTS/103180001/1002
Here is the Mankato Free Press article on the MVL/Cannon Falls game. http://www.mankatofreepress.com/sports/local_story_077013520.html?keyword=topstory

NJCAA III Tournament
Ridgewater fell to unbeaten Monroe NY in the semifinals 71-60. Here is the West Central Tribune's details http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=5719&section=sports NJCAA website http://www.njcaa.org/sports.cfm?sid=25&divid=3&gender=w&slid=11 and Mohawk Valley's site http://www.mvcc.edu/stdsrvs/athltcs/nationals.cfm

A CAUTIONARY TALE
I am throw in a boys game story for a couple of reasons. Once upon a time I coached the Ellsworth boys (1983-1987). That is not the reason for this story. The reason is comeback miracles do happen. I give you two sides of the story. I talked to someone that was at the game. Ellsworth was down big and fans were leaving the gym. Read the rest. It should give hope to those who are behind, and make those in the lead play with focus until the final horn.
http://www.dglobe.com/articles/index.cfm?id=781&section=Sports
http://www.marshallindependent.com/sports/articles.asp?articleID=1677

ALL STAR GAMES
IA
Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa will host the Pizza Ranch All Star game featuring players from the Lakes, Siouxland, and War Eagle Conferences. The game takes place Saturday, March 26 at the DeWitt gym. It is a double header with the girls taking the floor at 6:15.

POLICE BLOTTER
IA
This time it is a fan related incident with refs. Here is the Des Moines Register with the brief account. http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060317/NEWS01/60317002/1001

Next up: After the afternoon sessions at the Target Center with champs in A and AA

Out & About: Cannon Falls/MN Valley Lutheran

#1 posting 3.18.2006

MN AA Semifinal game #2
Cannon Falls 68, MN Valley Lutheran 58

Cory Montgomery destroyed MVL's undefeated season almost single handed as she scored 37 points. She had help in the form of sister Alex as she added 16 points. CF never trailed, and was only tied once at three. This sets up a Crookston vs Cannon Falls final. It also marks the first time since 1989 the these three coaches from four different schools are not in the finals: Mike Dreier from New London-Spicer, Myron Glass from Rochester Lourdes, and Ray Finley from Blake and Breck. The times they are a changin.'

Cory Montgomery made two 3s early. Korie Jackson made CF's first three. MVL played the 2/3 zone and didn't get out on the skip pass. The looks were too good to pass up. Also MVL did not pressure early. That may have been a tactical decision to save players from fouling out. Two eventually did. MVL had a 0/8 drought early in the first half and that cloud hung over MVL the whole game. It was a matter of just being a tad off from seeing the height difference for the first time. CF had an 8-0 run at this point. CF wasn't immune to the drought and went through 7 possessions with nothing to show for it. CF had a double figure lead at 17-7, but MVL quickly cut it to 17-13. CF had the game in hand, but could never really shake MVL. In fact other than Cory Montgomery it was a pretty sloppy game. CF had another 6 possession drought. MVL matched them with their own 6 drought at the same time. That meant the crowd got to see 12 possessions of either great defense, or poor execution on offense. Cory Montgomery had 16 points at half as CF led 30-23.

It was more of the same in the second half. Cory Montgomery would make key steals or key baskets whenever MVL had some faint embers of a comeback stirring. Early in the second half the margin hung around 11. MVL was able to whittle that lead down to 3 at 54-51 with 3:33 to go. If you haven't guessed by now Cory Montgomery stopped the bleeding with a layup and one as Amanda Dettman fouled her. The lead was back to six. It ballooned back to 8, but MVL wasn't quite done with their undefeated dreams. They cut it to five 63-58 with 1:19 to go, but Cory Montgomery answered with free throws. CF won 68-58 and will now face in Crookston in the unranked finale. It should be noted both teams were rated at some point during the year, with Crookston spending the most weeks there of the two.

Player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Cannon Falls Player Evaluations
Starters
Nicole Anderson 3, 11, 27.3, .182 RF: made unforced errors, as point guard need to use both hands and let game flow.
Korie Jackson 9, 15, 60.0, .267 nice shooter, likes corner shots, RF: doesn't handle the ball as well as I would think.
Amanda Schreyer 2, 6, 33.3, .167 RF: decisions, decisions, decisions
Alex Montgomery 16, 19, 84.2, .474 works the paint, lefty, as expected get boards. RF: even Alex wasn't immune to the turnover bug. In fact the four players listed above had 26 combined turnovers. If Crookston cranks up the heat I have a hunch they will finish unlike MVL.
Cory Montgomery 37, 22, 168.2, .682 huge night, and accolades should be given. Remember I saw her at CF vs Winona Cotter less than a month ago and she was dreadful. Now she is playing with authority and as if she is on a mission. Always came up with the big play to stop any potential MVL run. RF: does she have one more in her?
Bench
Julia Thompson 0, 4, 0.0, .000 RF: as usual, value the ball better
Amanda Moen 2, 3, 66,7, .333

MN Valley Lutheran Player Evaluations
Starters
Karissa Kramer 6, 15, 40.0, .200 has tools like speed, but RF: need to finish, especially layups, didn't hold follow through on shot. That hurt her consistency.
Kristin Patterson 20, 22, 90.9, .409 nice speed and made some nice shots, but: RF: get away from the finger roll when traveling in the land of the giants.
Amanda Dettman 2, 5, 40.0, .200 RF: fouls put her down
Kelsey Krohn 0, 1, 0.0, .000 RF: lost in the trees
Laura Hunter 12, 16, 75.0, .375 had some nice moves inside, but: RF: too few to make a dent.
Bench
Kristin Becker 4, 5, 80.0, .400
Cara Hanson 11, 12, 91.7, .500 came off the bench to provide a spark, but no one else caught fire.
Amanda Barrer 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Trench Player: Why even ask? Cory Montgomery hands down

BY THE NUMBERS
Cannon Falls 68, 80, 85.0, .388
MVL 58, 78, 74.4, .372
CF without Cory Montgomery 31, 58, 53.4, .276
Bench: MVL 15, CF 2
made free throws: CF 16, MVL 8

CF needs to take care of the ball. Others need to step up other than Montgomery sisters. It will be an interesting final, free throws will also be a big part.

Next up: am news

Out & About: Crookston/Eden Valley-Watkins

#5 posting 3.17.2006

MN AA Semifinal game #1
Crookston 61, Eden Valley-Watkins 54

Crookston had an outstanding first half and survived the second in advancing to the finals in a 61-54 over Eden Valley-Watkins. The 08s of Crookston were clicking in the first half to the tune of 45-30. EVW wasn't that off, it was the Crookston was plain on. If Crookston had 100 possessions at the first half rate they would have 145 points. This was a strong efficient offense with more than one kid cashing in. The player that caught the fans attention was Kamille Wahlin. The Crookston point guard had the game under control that first half with smooth shots, and clear decisions. EVW had a 3-2 lead and that was it for the night. Crookston put together two strings of five, and they also had strings of four in the first half. They were scoring at a .645 clip. EVW also was performing effectively led by the dynamic duo of Krista Opheim and Hannah Linz. Linz had 17 thanks to the Opheim set ups.

As strong as Crookston was in the first half, they were pretty flat out off in the second half, especially early on as they started off 0/10. The EVW zone confused them. They had three turnovers all of the first half, in the 0/10 string they had four turnovers. EVW went on a 9-0 run at this time. Wahlin was the only Crookstoner to score during the first 9 minutes. She had six while the others had nothing. EVW was pretty steady all night cut the lead twice to three the last time at 55-52 with 2:19 to go. Crookston then scored their last three possessions with Wahlin finishing up with four free throws. EVW's Linz ended the scoring as usual, on a pass from Opheim. Crookston moved on 61-54.

player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Crookston Player Evaluations
Starters
Kamille Wahlin 25, 21, 119.0, .619 smooth, nothing forced, good vision. good decisions, good hang time, nice stroke, decent speed. point guard, coach on the floor. good elevation. RF: not too much to complain about.
Sydney Epema 10, 9, 111.1, .444 good stroke from the arc,
Macy Hanson 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Danielle Gasper 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Taylor Davis 6, 9, 66.7, .333
Bench
Molly Simmons 10, 12, 83.3, .333 popped on the arc for two. RF: decisions, consistency
Allison Schumacher 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Brea Aamoth 6, 2, 300.0, 1.000 look at the pp100 number, 300--no wasted possessions here.

Eden Valley-Watkins Player Evaluations
Starters
Hannah Linz 34, 22, 154.5, .682 outstading performance. scored in side on post ups, scored on transition, scored on 3 bombs. scored, scored, scored.
Krista Opheim 7, 14, 50.0, .286, savvy all time assist maker in the state, knows where teammates are. RF: forced some things, size post HS
Jena Albright 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Amber Junker 7, 15, 46.7, .267 RF: did not deliver, needs consistency.
Dani Babbitt 4, 3, 133.3, .667
Bench
Megan Stommes 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Ellen Becker 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Trench Player: Good performances abound. Wahlin hits the mark.

BY THE NUMBERS
Crookston 61, 59, 103.4, .525
Eden Valley-Watkins 54, 59, 91.5, .390
Bench: Crookston 18, EVW 2
Made Free throws: Crookston 13, EVW 13. Wahlin made 11 free throws. They will need more players cashing in at the line in the title game.

Did Crookston get through their mandated Glaeser's Theorem test? EVW did outscore them by 8 in the second half. We will find out tomorrow. Crookston will need to put two good solid halves together. They will need to pressure Cannon Falls (they beat #2 MVL 68-58) all over the floor. They will need to control the boards. They gave away 34 to one player tonight and survived. They won't tomorrow if they do it again.

Next up Cannon Falls vs MVL...I know the suspense is ruined.

Out & About: GHEC/Barnum

#4 posting 3.17.2006

GHEC 50, Barnum 46

GHEC advanced to the final in a hard fought, give and take tussle with bigger Barnum. The lead changed 9 times during the game and had 8 ties. Barnum was the highest seed left in the tournament at #2. GHEC now takes on that role with a #9 final AP ranking. Both GHEC and first game winner Fulda were #2 seeds in their respective sub sections.

Both teams traded 3s to open scoring. Megan Myhre opened with a 3, Jessica Petrowiak answered for GHEC, Myhre finished the sequence. Then it was into the paint. Both teams had sight of each other. Barnum would have the biggest leads of the first half with 3. Both teams also suffered droughts GHEC had a 0/6 string while Barnum was 0/7 during the same time. Barnum led for much of the half, but GHEC took the lead on a Lori Balcom basket from Petrowiak at 20-19. McKay gave the lead back to Barnum at 21-20. Petrowiak finished scoring in the first half with a drive 22-21.

Barnum started out the second half with a 9-0 run. This gave them the largest lead by either team at 30-22. McKay led the scoring push with four during the run. GHEC put together a 4/5 string and tied it at 30 with 12:39 to go. Ashley Walterman kicked it into overdrive with all 8 points. Barnum worked it into McKay when they had a chance Walterman would be a thief and score the lay up with her speed seperating herself from the oncoming persuers. The game was tied at 36. GHEC went up 42-36 after Abby Shoen scored and was fouled. She missed the free throw but Lori Balcom was there to get the rebound and put it in. Myhre regained her 3 touch to cut it to 42-39. GHEC would lose the lead when Myhre hit another 3, her fourth in the game with 2:17 to go. Barnum had the ball, but turned it over with 1:04 to go. Ashley Walterman delivered once again for the GHECers and they would not relinquish the lead. There was 59 seconds left and GHEC led 47-46. Barnum was looking inside but the lanes were closed. Four times they had to pass it in during that possession. On the last pass in Kylea Seboe went over and back. Jessica Petrowiak scored twice on free throws. with 15 seconds left. Another turnover, this time by Halverson on a fumble gave the game ball back to GHEC. Lori Balcom added a free throw to finish it off.

player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
GHEC Player Evaluations
By the way GHEC= Granada-Huntley-East Chain
Starters
Ashley Walterman 18, 16. 112.5, .563 strong second half, good speed, good anticipation, can finish the break. has nice stroke. RF: happy feet at times
Katy Uttech 0, 6, 0.0, .000
Jessica Petrowiak 7, 8, 87.5, .375 very deceptive passer. with a quick flick of the wrist and a nonchalant look away she has delivered the ball right into the heart of the defense to one of her post players with fatal results. Also can hit the 3. RF: foot speed.
Lori Balcom 13, 13, 100.0, .538 effective inside. using body for position well. RF: needs to board more.
Abby Shoen 5, 10, 50.0, .200. RF: also needs to crack the boards harder.
Bench
Tiffany Lenort 4, 3, 133.3, .667
Lisa Balcom 1, 3, 33.3, .333
Tatia Nawrocki 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Sara Petrowiak 0, 1, 0.0, .000

Barnum Player Evaluations
Starters
Jordan Appicelli 0, 9, 0.0, .000
Megan Myhre 12, 10, 120.0, .400 6-0 point guard, hit two 3s right off the bat. all of her points from beyond the arc. RF: I would like to see a drive game or some regular old 2 point game develop.
Jenna Halverson 5, 10, 50.0, .300 can jump, RF: size
Colleen McKay 19, 18, 105.6, .500 Nice inside player. can use both hands shooting well. RF: I would like to see her dominate the glass. develop more vertical
Kylea Seboe 10, 15, 66.7, .333 floated in and out faced the basket and could score. another big body. RF: Not consistent
Bench
Katrina Newman 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Trench player: Ashley Walterman

BY THE NUMBERS
GHEC: 50, 62, 80.6, .387
Barnum 46, 64, 71.9, .328
Bench: GHEC 7, Barnum 0
Paint ball: GHEC 26, Barnum 16. This seems odd because Barnum was bigger and McKay was getting her share. Obviously the other two big players did not produce points in paint land.
points off turnovers: GHEC 21, Barnum 12 Walterman had 9 of the GHEC points

The keys for GHEC tomorrow will be to take better care of the ball; limit Fulda to one shot, and get the offense flowing smoothly throughout the game. It should be a good matchup. Who will step up and deliver tomorrow. The brass ring calls.

Next up: the AA Semi results after tonight's rounds Eden Valley-Watkins vs Crookston; MVL vs Cannon Falls

Out & About: Fulda/Ada-Borup

#3 posting 3.17.2006

MN A Semifinal game #1
Fulda 54, Ada-Borup 50

The Fulda Raiders withstood a spirited comeback from Ada-Borup to advance to the A finals.

After being tied at six, Fulda went on an 8-0 run and never trailed after that. AB had an 0/9 run during this stretch with five turnovers in the mix. Fulda also was on a mini drought of sorts with an 0/5 string with four turnovers causing problems. Perhaps it was being under the bright TV lights that had both teams a bit flustered. Perhaps it was the defensive intensity. Perhaps it was just not paying attention. Fulda again had a flourish with a 15-7 run and a 6 possession string. Their biggest lead in the first half was 15 at 27-12. AB staged a late comeback in the half with the 3 ball the preferred route. Their run was 10-2 with three 3s. Nicole Smart had two of them as she led her team with 10 at half. Kaitlyn Kramer also had 10 for Fulda which led 29-22 at half.

In the early portion of the second half Fulda pushed the lead back to 12 38-26. Twice Laura Kramer came through with put backs in consecutive possessions. AB had it's turn with a 9-2 run to cut the lead to 40-35. Fulda was held scoreless in seven straight possessions at this point. Fulda re-established a 9 point lead at 48-39 with Kaitlyn Kramer stepping up and delivering five points in a 8-4 run. But Ada-Borup would not quit and roll over. Laura Kolness started off a 9-4 Ada-Borup run with four points in two consecutive possessions. Kelli Smart hit a three from the left side with 47.8 seconds left to cut the lead to 50-48. Chelsey Speckmeier missed two free throws for Fulda, but on the next possession Laura Kramer intercepted an errant pass and Sam Raddle was fouled in the insuing melee. She made the first for a 51-48 Fulda lead. Ashley Filipi scored for AB on a dish from Katy Ness to cut the lead to 51-50. Sam Raddle was fouled again and made the first, but missed the second. Laura Kramer stepped in, got the rebound and finished it off to end the scoring at 54-50 with 11 seconds left. A desperation 3 by Kelli Smart bounced away and Fulda advanced to the A Finals.

player, points, possessions, pp100, floor%
Fulda Player evaluations
Starters
Sam Raddle 4, 4, 100.0, .750 point guard. steady, not flashy. RF: vision against pressure
Kaitlyn Kramer 15, 22, 68.2, .409 moves with authority. aggressive. RF: forced the issue at times with shots and ball handling.
Nicole Gunderman 5, 7, 71.4, .429 enforcer.
Chelsey Speckmeier 2, 7, 28.6, .143
Laura Kramer 17, 15, 113.3, .600 delivered in the clutch with a steal, and with key rebounds off missed free throws. good passer in high low situation. good anticipation on defense. RF: strength at the next level. Out of position on defense, but able to make up for it with long arms and legs
bench
Brittany Goedtke 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Sarah Raddle 9, 4, 225.0, 1.000 in both games I have watched she has delivered huge both times. can score. nice stroke. RF: not enough possessions, more can be had.
Mandy Gunderman 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000

Ada-Borup Player Evaluations
Starters
Nicole Smart 18, 14, 121.4, .429 point guard, scrappy, good shot. RF: size
Kelli Smart 10, 15, 66.7, .267 caught fire late. emotional, fighter. RF: size again
Brittany Gunderson 0, 4, 0.0, .000
Ashley Filipi 7, 5, 140.0, .800 more effective inside than you might expect, but: RF: size will not make it post HS for her position.
Laura Kolness 6, 7, 85.7, .429
Bench
Corin Gunderson 8, 12, 66.7, .333
Katy Ness 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Trench Player: Laura Kramer, Key Steals, Key Rebounds, Key points

BY THE NUMBERS
Fulda 54, 62, 87.1, .452
Ada-Borup 50, 62, 80.6, .371
bench: Fulda 11, AB 10
Made free throws: Fulda 15, AB 13
2nd chance points: Fulda 16, AB 4
Paint ball: Fulda 24, AB 20
Fulda's size was put to good use. To wear the championship crown and cut the nets down they will need to eliminate turnovers against pressure, maintain good offensive flow more like the first half, understand time and score, and value the ball.

Next up the GHEC vs Barnum game.

Top of the Mid Mornin' to you

#2 posting 3.17.2006

POINT PARADE
MN
A
Kali Olstad, Elgin-Millville 33 vs GHEC 56-62

DOUBLE VISION
AAAA
Jackie Hiebert, Hopkins 13 p, 17 r----30 vs Roseville 58-53
AAA
Jodi Reinschmidt, St. Michael-Albertville 13 p, 11 r----24 vs Marshall 39-58
A
Kali Olstad, Elgin-Millville 33 p, 13 r----46 vs GHEC 56-62
Kaitlyn Kramer, Fulda 21 p, 13 r--------34 vs Fosston 73-45
Colleen McKay, Barnum 16 p, 12 r------28 vs Meadow Creek 49-40

MN A Quarterfinals
I did not attend these contests at Williams Arena as I was watching semis at the Target Center.
Here is what some papers are saying about the A Quarters
Barnum beat Meadow Creek 49-40. It was the first time Barnum made it past the quarters, and it is the only section 7 team in any class to advance this year to the semis. Here is the Duluth News Tribune's report http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/sports/14121194.htm By the way McKay is a junior, not a senior as the News Tribune reported.
Fulda smoked perennial tournament entrant and three time champion Fosston 73-45 Here is the view from the Grand Forks Herald http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/sports/14118941.htm Now from the Fulda side of the game from the Worthington Daily Globe. http://www.dglobe.com/articles/index.cfm?id=780&section=Sports
Ada-Borup won the battle of first time entrants in a battle with Browerville 51-44. Here is the Fargo Forum's story http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=120773&section=Sports
I can tell you GHEC beat Elgin-Millville and there will be a new state champ. With 1:55 left EM led by one 55-54 and GHEC outscored EM 8-1 to finish the game 62-56. Kali Olstad had 33 points for EM and fouled out with 44 seconds to go and the score 56-55 GHEC. The Fairmont paper isn't up yet, but here is the general site. It usually will have GHEC stories. http://fairmontsentinel.com/ I think the story will be up later in the afternoon. check sports for details.
Here is the state tournament site from the MSHSL. http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/activitypage.asp?actnum=403

NJCAA Division III Tournament
There is another tournament going on. It is in New York, and Ridgewater won their first game in the DIII portion of the JUCO tournament 63-51 over DuPage IL. They now will face #1 Monroe. Here is the West Central Tribune's detailed story. http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=5679&section=sports

POLICE BLOTTER
IA
Here is another coach gone bad situation. This is from the Quad City Times about a coach that had an alledged improper contact with a player. He was an assistant at Vinton-Shellsburg http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/03/17/news/local/doc441a5f1d679ef432780481.txt
MICH
This is a case between coach, principal and affairs in Napoleon. The story is from the Jackson Citizen Patriot http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1142528786323660.xml&coll=3
WI
More on the Hortonville situation from yesterday from WBAY TV in Green Bay
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=4643688

CHANGE OF SEASONS
MICH
The case is now before the courts to change the Michigan girls season from fall to winter. Here is an editorial in favor of that in the Detroit Free Press. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060317/OPINION01/603170336/1068/OPINION

At the MN Tournament Today:
A & AA Semis
In the A Afternoon session it will be Fulda facing Ada-Borup, and in the second game Barnum takes on GHEC. Both Fulda and GHEC are two seeds from their sub section. Barnum ended the year #2 in AP poll.
In the evening session Crookston's super sophs take on assist wizard Krista Opheim and the Eden Valley-Watkins squad. This will be a good contest my pick of the day. In the last game on the menu Cannon Falls takes on undefeated MN Valley Lutheran. Cannon Falls with their height has a shot to knock MVL off the perch. MVL is the highest rated team left checking in at #2.

One other note: last night a Roseville fan ran onto the floor trying to inspire the crowd to louder cheers. Not the best idea. Three security guards tackled the fan and escorted him quickly away. They were not in a warm and friendly mood.

Next up: posting after the A afternoon games.

HAVE A FINE, FINE ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Out & About: Hopkins/Roseville

#1 posting 3.17.2006

Just my luck. Two great games, and the blog won’t publish.

MN AAAA semifinal game #2
Hopkins 58, Roseville 53

Hopkins got off to an uncharacteristic slow start with an 0/6 string to begin with and four turnovers to boot. Roseville took advantage only once on an Amy Beggin basket from an out of bounds play for their only lead at 2-0. Once Hopkins got the jitters out, they rolled big. They went on a 12/13 scoring string, the last 9 in a row. The machine was primed and every one felt the magic. Jackie Hiebert opened the scoring with a rebound basket. Everyone contributed on that 26-9 scoring barrage. Hanna Muegge off the bench knocked down two 3s for good measure. Wilkinson missed a layup off a spin move from the high post or it would have been 11 straight possessions. After that performance Roseville could have thrown up their hands and say it’s not our night! But from that point on they outscored Hopkins 37-28. To close the half they outscored the Royals 11-5 with Alison Nash-Gerloch leading the way with 6. It was Hopkins up at half 33-22.
In the second half Hopkins held the lead throughout. As Hopkins dominated with the 9 possession scoring string in the first half, they showed the other side of the coin with an 8 possession drought in the second half. Like at the start of the game five decisions, and executions fouled up the possessions, not a missed shot. Roseville closed to 47-40 at that point. Roseville started cashing in on the 3 bomb late, late in the game. Three straight times they scored on 3s by Beggin, Starr, and Beggin again. The margin did narrow to four with 7 seconds left after Talisha Barlow hit a jumper in the paint 57-53. Abby Greene made on free throw in the insuing foul and Hopkins advanced for a rematch of last year’s tournament finale.
The question is—did Hopkins have their Glaeser theorem mandated bad half tonight in the second half?

player, points, possessions, pp100., floor %
Hopkins Player Evaluations
I’ve seen these teams quite often, I feel I’m repeating myself. I will share new insights only
starters
Abby Greene 10, 9, 111.1, .667 I like the way she handles the team. Steady and ready
Jackie Hiebert 13, 14, 92.9, .500 I am impressed with the way she has improved this season. She is more physical and making a statement with her play and not shrinking away from the action, but putting her self right in the heart of things. Controlled the boards limiting Roseville to one shot only. Becoming more complete as a player.
Tiana Wilkinson 2, 7, 28.6, .143
Caitlyn Rowland 13, 16, 81.1, .375 May have forced some shots tonight instead of taking them in the flow of the action.
Jillian Schurle 12, 11, 109.1, .545 a quiet 12
Bench
Hanna Muegge 6, 3, 200.0, .667 dropped two 3s, not as shy about shooting.
Stephanie Sension 2, 2, 100.0, .500

Roseville player Evaluations
Starters
Amy Beggin 13, 19, 68.4, .316 not in the familiar point guard role. Outside shot has the hitch
Deborah Barany 5, 6, 83.3, .333
Talisha Barlow 14, 16, 87.5, .500 outside shot has a hitch. Prefers to take it to the glass. Can leap and bound.
Alison Nash-Gerloch 13, 16, 81.1, .438 a bit stronger than I remember. Maybe that was because I’m on the floor, maybe that is because a state championship berth is at stake.
Brittany Starr 5, 3, 166.7, .667
Bench
Kelsey Florian 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Trench player: I’m going with Hiebert. She came up big and controlled the boards limiting Roseville to one shot early in the game.

BY THE NUMBERS
Hopkins 58, 62, 93.5, .468
Roseville 53, 62, 85.5, .403
Bench: Hopkins 8, Roseville 2
Paint ball: Roseville 26, Hopkins 20

Of note to a certain select few. I saw the Ron and Deanna Podratz at the game tonight. We talked about the semis in 1996 when Osseo played Rochester Mayo in a barnburner. It is shame that the arena was not filled like it was then for tonight's great contests.

Also of note: a Roseville fan got on the court trying to inspire the crowd to cheer louder. Not the best idea. He was tackled by three security officers and led away. They were not soft and cuddly in escorting him out.

Next up if the blog will let me, will be in the morning.

Out & About: Bloomington Kennedy/St. Paul Central

#4 posting 3.16.2006

MN AAAA Semifinal #1
Bloomington Kennedy 53, St. Paul Central 51

This was an outstanding game if you enjoy tight action, underdogs, and comebacks. Kennedy survived a bullet coming staight at them by the name of St. Paul Central. Angel Robinson was pulling the trigger for Central, but Kennedy got their act together late in the contest to survive to the next round. If Glaeser's Theorem is to be believed, Kennedy has had their bad half (or more like 3/4 of the game). Glaeser's Theorem states in order for a team to win a tournament, they need to survive their inevitable bad half.

Kennedy, at the beginning, was led by Tara Steinbauer. She was the only Eagle to find the bottom of the basket early on. She had 11 points as the rest of her teammates were struggling. They weren’t struggling from the floor as much as having problems with turning it over against the catquick Central pressure. They went 4 possessions without getting a shot off. Central took a 12-11 lead on two free throws by Angel Robinson. Kennedy, at that point, went on another 6 possession drought with only one shot taken during that stretch. The pressure was taking it’s toll. Central bumped that lead up to 16-11. Angel Robinson was doing everything except sell popcorn at time outs. Kennedy, being a defending champ awoke from it’s offensive snooze and put together five straight possessions and went on a 9-2 run to take a 20-18 lead. Angel Robinson immediately tied it up on a drive. Jenna Smith gave the lead back to Kennedy. Shayla Johnson gave Central the lead with a three. Central needed more from their role players and this was a needed shot. Smith was fouled as she scored, she missed the free throw and got her own rebound. Kennedy worked it around and found Shakila Boler open for a four point play on one possession. That brought the score to 26-23. Two Angel Robinson free throws cut the lead to one. Central closed off the scoring in the first half with who else? Angel Robinson and led 27-26 at half time.

Central opened the second half with an 11-4 run. After being held to one basket in the first half, Kiara Buford started to get into the groove. She scored seven of the points. Central led 38-30 at that point. It was their high water mark. Kennedy cut it to four at 38-34. The makings of the comeback were in the works. Central overachieved and hung on to slim leads, They did push the lead back to 47-41. Then Buford picked up her fourth foul and had to sit with 6:03 to go. Kennedy took advantage of her bench placement with a four possession string (the best in the second half, and 8-0 run to take the lead. Jenna Smith got the ball rolling with three straight post ups. Providing the lead change was 8th grader Shakila Boler. It would be a lead they would not surrender. That basket was scored with 4:23 to go. Smith added a free throw to make the margin three. Central went seven possessions with out scoring. Cyonna West broke the drought with a steal and lay up to cut the margin to 50-49. With 46 seconds to go Ashly Robinson scored on a layup from Steinbauer after a side line out of bounds play. She made the free throw and Kennedy led 53-49. Angel Robinson quickly answered with a jumper and that closed the scoring at 53-51. But there was plenty that happened in the last 33 seconds. Tasha Mrosak missed two free throws for Kennedy, but Central could not convert on their next possession as they had two cracks at it. Ashly Robinson rebounded and was fouled. She missed her two chances with 2.8 seconds to go. Angel Robinson rebounded for Central. They were trying to call time out but the horn sounded. Players rushed the floor, but the refs waved them back to the bench. The first time in State tournament history they checked to see how much time Central had when they called time out. It turned out to be .5 seconds. Central did get the ball in but no shot. Kennedy had survived the Angel Robinson bullet for a chance to defend their state title. .

player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Bloomington Kennedy Player Evaluations
Starters
Tara Steinbauer 20, 13, 154.8, .692 kept Kennedy in the contest as she scored the first 11 points for Kennedy.
Tasha Mrosak 0, 5, 0.0, .000 RF: defense is her trademark, but Angel Robinson escaped her clutches
Ashly Robinson 7, 13, 53.8, .231 can pass and one of her post buddies, RF: decisions on press.
Heather MacPhie 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Jenna Smith 16, 15, 106.7, .600 finished strong when she was needed to carry the team from the brink. powered comeback. RF: not the best start, may have been pressing and trying instead of doing.
Bench
Melanie Wigen 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Shakila Boler 8, 8, 100.0, .500 stepped it up and deliverd the go ahead basket. handled ball against Central pressure with good graces. RF: still young and will get better.
Brittany Zins 2, 2, 100.0, .500

St. Paul Central Player Evaluations
Starters
Cyonna West 2, 4, 50.0, .250 thisquick. RF: offense needs work, shot consistency
Angel Robinson 20, 14, 142.9, .714 commanding performance. had the shakes and bakes and delivered for SPC. hit pull up jumpers over the tall front line of Kennedy. when team needed her to shoot she canned the shot. when she drove and sucked the defense on her she dished it out for others to get the job done. did her part to put SPC in position to win. RF: not tonight
Kiara Buford 13, 14, 92.9, .429 flourished in the second half. hit big shots, took hits and delivered. Handled ball when Robinson was sitting. RF: some fouls that were not needed. She needs to be on the floor. It is much easier for five to guard one than it is five to guard two.
Cate Schafer 0, 4, 0.0, .000 RF: needs to deliver on offense something to keep defense honest.
Megan Howard 8, 13, 61.5, .308 doesn't play with fear against the Kennedy front line, she battles. RF: needs to keep out of foul problems and get fouled more often.
Bench
Natalie Schneider 2, 4, 50.0, .250
Abby Gust 3, 4, 75.0, .250 RF: needs to develop offense against man defense and not just be content to hit 3s in a zone.
Shayla Johnson 3, 2, 150.0, .500
Trench Player: I don't do this too often, but I'll take Angel Robinson for her top level performance

BY THE NUMBERS
Kennedy 53, 60, 88.3, .400
Central 51, 59, 86.4, .408
Bench: Kennedy 10, Central 8
Paint Ball: Kennedy 38, Central 24

Next up Hopkins vs Roseville