Out & About: All Star Championship

#3 posting 4.24.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

this game took place on Sunday, April 20
MINNESOTA COACHES ALL STAR
3rd PLACE GAME
at St. Thomas
2A 98, 3A 60

The 2A team put their stamp on the championship game with the biggest victory margin, and highest point total in a championship game, since the start of the class system. 2A used the same team based play in putting their stamp on the 2008 series. Balance was a key word for the 2As. Seven players had 8 or more for the champs, while 3A only had 3. The 3 point barrage that sunk the 4As wasn't quite as potent, but the 2As shot .515 for the game compared to the .293 for 3A. The old saying is most definitely true--"If you shoot good, you look good."

Part of the 2A magic was they looked for each other, and didn't mind giving the ball up, hence the good shots. It is important to get the ball to the right people in the right spots and before the defense knows what is happening.

Another factor in the 2A win was the line and 2A made more than 3A attempted (24-14). The foul differential was not that huge (12-15). 2A was just more aggressive in attacking the basket and 3A picked their fouls up that way.

Kassie Robinson gave 3A the only lead they would have all day with a three on the first possession for the bigger schools. 2A heated up on their third possession with four straight scores. Two of them were on second chancers. Alex Montgomery had the hot hand for the 2As with 11 first half points. Brianna Mastey topped her with 12 for the 3As. Montgomery's team was up 44-34 at half.

2A did not have a lot of down time in the second half. They did have scoring runs of four, five and eight as 2A was scoring at will. The 2As had a 16-6 run during that time. The next dramatic question was whether the 2As could also get to the Century. The champs reached the 90 mark with 3:18 to go. With 20 seconds left it looked like they may get the ball back. They did but only for 3 seconds, not enough time to launch an attack.

Last year 2A was fourth in the four team event.

photos: #1. Brianna Mastey goes up for a shot with Leslie Wilson and Kamille Wahlin defending. #2. Jennie Noreen shoots a lay up with Megan Erlandson defending. photos by Teas.

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
2A
STARTERS
Alex Montgomery, Cannon Falls 19, 16, 118.8, .625
Taylor Voss, Albany 8, 6, 133.3, .500
Angie Jetvig, Hawley 15, 12, 125.0, .667
Leslie Wilson, Hayfield 7, 5, 140.0, .800
Jennie Noreen, Albany 8, 8, 100.0, .500
BENCH
Kamille Wahlin, Crookston 13, 9, 144.4, .667
Becca Friestleben, Holy Family 17, 14, 121.4. .571
Jenny Gilbertson, Winona Cotter 9, 8, 112.5, .625
Faith Tinklenberg, Pipestone 2, 4, 50.0, .250

3A
STARTERS
Kassie Robinson, Simley 8, 12, 66.7., .333
Shelly Stemper, Becker 3, 7, 42.9, .286
Sara Boever, Worthington 5, 9, 55.6, .222
Megan Erlandson, Minnehaha 11, 8, 137.5, .625
Ashley Runge, Grand Rapids 1, 4, 25.0, .250
BENCH
Colleen Raune, Benilde-St. Margaret's 5, 9, 55.6, .222
Maggie Bryant, Sartell 4, 5, 80.0, .400
Brianna Mastey, Becker 21, 13, 161.5, .846
Aaryn Booker, DeLaSalle 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Casey Mann, Rogers 0, 9, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Kamille Wahlin

BY THE NUMBERS
2A 98, 82, 119.5, .573
3A 60, 81, 74.1, .371
made 3s: 2A 4, 3A 4
ftm/fta-ft%: 2A 24/29-.828; 3A 8/14-.571
bench: 2A 41, 3A 36

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
2A
Angie Jetvig 7
Alex Montgomery 6
Leslie Wilson 5
Kamille Wahlin 4
Jenny Gilbertson 4
Jennie Noreen 4
Faith Tinklenberg 4
Taylor Voss 2
Becca Friestleben 1
totals: 37

3A
Brianna Mastey 7
Kassie Robinson 5
Shelly Stemper 3
Maggie Bryant 3
Sara Boever 2
Megan Erlandson 2
Ashley Runge 2
Aaryn Booker 1
Casey Mann 1
totals: 26

ASSISTS
2A
Jennie Noreen 9
Kamielle Wahlin 7
Faith Tinklenberg 4
Taylor Voss 3
Angie Jetvig 3
Jenny Gilbertson 3
Alex Montgomery 2
Becca Friestleben 2
Leslie Wilson 2
totals: 35

3A
Casey Mann 6
Kassie Robinson 3
Sara Boever 3
Megan Erlandson 3
Maggie Bryant 3
Colleen Raune 2
Aaryn Booker 2
Brianna Mastey 1
Ashley Runge 1
totals: 24

next up: tomorrow morning

Out & About: 4A/1A 3rd Place Game

#2 posting 4.24.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

this game took place on Sunday, April 20
MINNESOTA COACHES ALL STAR
3rd PLACE GAME
at St. Thomas
4A 100, 1A 65

4A, not used to playing in the third place game, ramped up their defense in the first half and hit the century mark in a 100-65 win over the smaller school class A team.

The beginnings had the small towners up 6-1 as they scored on their first three possessions. But there was to be no replay of the night before. The last 1A lead came at 9-8 after a three by Jenny Noordmans. After that 4A rock and rolled to 48-18 finish in the half. A whopping 33-5 advantage in turnover points for the game was part of the equation. 4A ran on turnovers, but they also ran off missed 1A shots. Just in the first half they had 24 points in transition. 1A had droughts of 8 (4A 11-0 run at that time); and again 8 later in the half. 4A put their pedal to the metal with seven straight scoring situations--14-2 run--9 of which were on transition.

There really was no mystery in the second half other than if 4A would crack 100. The bigger schools reached 90 with six minutes left. They didn't get the 100th point until Ephesia Holmes scored after a steal and that came right at the buzzer.

Turnover differential for the game was a +16 for 4A (24-8). Shots were hard to come by in front of the two point line for 1A and they resorted more to the long bombs.

In 2005, the last time these two team played it was 1A beating the 4A squad 62-48. Since this new series began 4A's record is 6-2, 1A is 3-5.

photos: #1. Steph Sension wins the tip from Brooke DeWall. #2 Kiara Buford splits the 1A defense for a lay up. photos by Teas.

Since I reviewed all these players yesterday, I won't comment in detail, but give some highlights if warranted.
key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
4A
STARTERS
Kiara Buford, St. Paul Central 12, 9, 133.3, .667 another strong performance on both ends. MVP for 4A
Brittnye McSparron, Eastview 23, 14, 164.3, .786 had 18 of her points in the second half.
Stephanie Sension, Hopkins 5, 3, 166.7, .667 had a behind the back pass assist in transition. Molly Geske, Cretin-Derham Hall 6, 5, 120.0, .600
Courtney Boylan, Chaska 13, 9, 144.4. .667 had 11 in the first half. most in transition.
BENCH
Ephesia Holmes, Mpls South 4, 5, 80.0, .400
Kiara Allums, Centennial 7, 8, 87.5, .500 led the team in assists and was second in D stops.
Jackie Voigt, Park-Cottage Grove 13, 17, 76.5, .412 led team in D Stops.
Emily Becken, Centennial 11, 8, 137.5, .625
Jordyn Sears, St. Cloud Tech 6, 6, 100.0, .500

1A
STARTERS
Whitney Langen, Kittson County Central 11, 6, 183.3, .833 points came off second chancers and paint buckets.
Maria Gangelhoff, Sleepy Eye St. Mary's 2, 6, 33.3, .167
Brooke DeWall, SW Star 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Autumn Beasley, Heritage 5, 12, 41.7, .167 still struggled with ball handling duties. suited for shooting guard.
Anna Wicklund, BGMR 11, 7, 157.1, .714 needs to be way more aggressive and active on the defensive side of things.
BENCH
Jenny Noordmans, Hancock 14, 17, 82.4, .353 was the MVP of the 1A
Gretta Hjelseth, Nevis 5, 13, 38.5, .154 needs to get stronger physically and with the ball.
Megan Myhre, Barnum 6, 8, 75.0, .375
Megan Cleveland, Menahga 9, 8, 112.5, .375 all points beyond the arc.

TRENCH PLAYER
Brittnye McSparron

BY THE NUMBERS
4A 100, 84, 119.0, .583
1A 64, 82, 79.9, .341
made 3s: 1A 8, 4A 4
ftm/fta-ft%: 4A 16/21-.762; 1A 9/15-.600
bench: 4A 41, 3A 34

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
4A
Jackie Voigt 10
Kiara Allums 8
Brittnye McSparron 6
Ephesia Holmes 5
Stephanie Sension 4
Kiara Buford 3
Molly Geske 3
Courtney Boylan 3
Emily Becken 1
Jordyn Sears 1
totals: 44

1A
Jenny Noordmans 5.5
Brooke DeWall 5
Gretta Hjelseth 4.5
Whitney Langen 4
Megan Cleveland 4
Anna Wicklund 1
totals: 24

ASSISTS
4A
Kiara Allums 8
Kiara Buford 5
Courtney Boylan 5
Stephanie Sension 5
Brittnye McSparron 3
Ephesia Holmes 3
Emily Becken 3
Jordyn Sears 3
Molly Geske 2
Jackie Voigt 1
totals: 38

1A
Maria Gangelhoff 6
Autumn Beasley 5
Gretta Hjelseth 4
Megan Myhre 3
Megan Cleveland 3
Whitney Langen 2
totals: 23

next up: later today with the All Star Championship

Out & About: 2A/4A

#3 posting 4.23.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

This game took place Saturday, April 19
MINNESOTA COACHES ALL STAR GAME
at St. Thomas
2A 87, 4A 70

Many people looked at this score as an upset. But for those that follow the blog during the high school season know that 2A had some deep talent this year. Coach Teas & I thought the 2A state tournament was going to be the most competitive. That talent rose up and took the 4A down 87-70 in the second game Saturday at St. Thomas. 2A played the game like the old Bill Russell Boston Celtics-- as a team-- while the 4A played the style angle like the Los Angeles Lakers. The fact was that 4A had seven D1 players on the roster while 2A had three. 4A plays tough competition day in and day out. All the 4A players travel around the country in the summer tournaments. But 2A were not intimidated by the bigger schools and had could shoot, shoot, shoot. I think one big difference is 2A had shooters on their roster, while 4A had scorers. The smaller schools also took better care of the ball and didn't breakdown under the 4A pressure. Another factor in 2As advantage--they had 8 players 5-10 or bigger compared to 4A with five. That advantage is pronounced on the perimeter. All were potent ingredients in this upset. This was the first time 4A lost in a first round game in this series.

Kamille Wahlin got things going first with a pull up after the fourth 2A possession. On the next 2A possession Becca Friestleben knocked down the first of five 3s. 2A did have a mini drought of five but 4A didn't take advantage of the down time. 4A did tie the game at 9 on a three by Brittnye McSparron. 4A did have a lead at 13-11 after a rebound basket by Ephesia Holmes. On the next eight 4A possessions they were only able to find the bottom of the basket once. 2A didn't take time off and went of a 8-2 run to lead 19-15. Friestleben with another 3 put 2A up for good. The biggest class was able to get the margin down to one twice, the last at 23-22, but 2A always had an answer. The answer this time was a Taylor Voss three. 2A had a 9-4 run in four straight possessions to take a 41-32 lead. Again the 2As struck gold behind the arc with Jenny Gilbertson dropping the bomb. 2A led 48-39 at half. Kiara Buford had 10 points to lead 4A. Friestleben led the 2A with 9.

Friestleben drained her 4th three on the first possession of the second half. The 2As pushed the lead to 14 before a five possession drought breathed new life into the 4As. They managed to cut the margin to 58-51 after a three by Holmes. The give and take of the game, the push the pull kept the margin in the 12 to 8 point range. 4A had one last great push with five straight scores. The problem was 2A also managed to score during the same time. 2A led 76-68 with 6:29 left. Then there was a power outage. It affected both teams and lasted 14 possessions and three minutes. The 2As had 7 empty possessions but the power outage lasted one longer. It was a 1/13 finish for the big school. Meanwhile the 2As finished up with six straight scores. Wahlin started it off with a jumper and four different 2A players scored afterward. It wasn't the 4A had chances, sometimes they had multiple chances on each possession. The proverbial Davids slayed the Goliaths 87-70.

2A only had nine players in action. Renae Henjum of New London-Spicer was out due to a knee injury.
Albany coach Jon Noreen was sporting a clean face. After the state tournament win he was forced to shave the moustache off by the team.


Photos: #1 Courtney Boylan sails through the air on a lay up attempt. #2. Becca Friestleben ready fire another 3. photos by Teas.

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
2A
STARTERS
Becca Friestleben, Holy Family 15, 13, 115.4, .385 Where I was sitting I could here 4A fans go "oh no" every time she caught the ball and shot. deadly behind the arc with five 3s on the night. also was a force on defense with the most d stops.
Angie Jetvig, Hawley 17, 12, 141.7, .750 unknown to most of the crowd. We named her player of the week late in February so we were aware of her ability to handle the ball and smooth style in the paint. tough enough to get hit and score. Left an impact on the crowd and 4A players.
Kamille Wahlin, Crookston 8, 8, 100.0, .500 the floor general for 2A. great vision. involves the team. gets the ball to the player before they know they are open. nice pull up. lefty.
Jenny Gilbertson, Winona Cotter 15, 15, 100.0, .400 a post player that runs the floor. also has 3 point range (3 times).
Faith Tinklenberg, Pipestone 13, 11, 118.2, .636 has competitive drive. understands the game. balanced. contributed on all phases. runs the floor.
BENCH
Alex Montgomery, Cannon Falls 4, 7, 57.1, .286 another lefty. post player with perimeter shooting ability. also runs the floor.
Jennie Noreen, Albany 4, 7, 57.1, .286 guard. has quickness and slashing ability.
Leslie Wilson, Hayfield 2, 5, 40.0, .200 guard.
Taylor Voss, Albany 9, 7, 128.6, .571 shooting guard. runs the floor.

4A
STARTERS
Ephesia Holmes, Mpls South 9, 10, 90.0, .400 point guard. has good body control. delivered a three.
Kiara Allums, Centennial 6, 11, 54.5, .273 athletic forward. runs the floor.
Jordyn Sears, St. Cloud Tech 0, 5, 0.0, .000 guard. transition game was closed to her.
Jackie Voigt, Park-Cottage Grove 8, 6, 133.3, .667 post with perimeter shooting.
Emily Becken, Centennial 5, 6, 83.3, .500 guard.
BENCH
Molly Geske, Cretin-Derham Hall 4, 5, 80.0, .400 perimeter.
Stephanie Sension, Hopkins 1, 7, 14.3, .143 post player. needs to protect the ball better. ball was exposed. on defense the refs weren't buying the charges
Kiara Buford, St. Paul Central 19, 15, 126.7, .667 led both teams in scoring. very active around the basket. had five points on second shots. can score a variety of ways. built to run.
Courtney Boylan, Chaska 9, 10, 90.0, .400 led her team in assists. has strength and body control. Knocked down a three.
Brittnye McSparron, Eastview 9, 11, 81.8, .364 has pull up shot down. quick hands. passes were a bit off.

TRENCH PLAYER
Angie Jetvig

BY THE NUMBERS
2A 87, 85, 102.4, .471
4A 70, 86, 81.4, .419
made 3s: 2A 9, 4A 3
ftm/fta-ft%: 2A 10/12-.833; 4A 11/18-.611
bench: 4A 42, 2A 32

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
2A
Becca Friestleben 9.5
Angie Jetvig 6
Alex Montgomery 6
Faith Tinklenberg 5.5
Taylor Voss 3
Jenny Gilbertson 2.5
Kamille Wahlin 2
Leslie Wilson 1.5
Jennie Noreen 1
totals 37

4A
Jackie Voigt 6
Brittnye McSparron 6
Ephesia Holmes 5
Kiara Allums 5
Courtney Boylan 3
Jordyn Sears 2
Emily Becken 2
Stephanie Sension 2
Kiara Buford 2
Mollie Geske 1
totals: 34

ASSISTS
2A
Kamille Wahlin 9
Jenny Gilbertson 8
Faith Tinklenberg 6
Taylor Voss 5
Jennie Noreen 3
Becca Friestleben 2
Leslie Wilson 2
Angie Jetvig 1
totals: 36

4A
Courtney Boylan 6
Kiara Allums 3
Emily Becken 3
Ephesia Holmes 2
Jordyn Sears 2
Jackie Voigt 2
Stephanie Sension 2
Brittnye McSparron 2
Kiara Buford 1
totals: 23

next up: tomorrow

Out & About: 3A/1A

#2 posting 4.23.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

This game took place Saturday, April 19
MINNESOTA COACHES ALL STAR GAME
at St. Thomas
3A 71, 1A 53

The 3A all stars stopped 1A 71-53 in the first all star match up at St. Thomas.

Future Gopher Brianna Mastey started the scoring for 3A from a pass from rival Casey Mann of Rogers. The bigger class never trailed. 1A had a pretty slow beginning with a 1/11 start with five turnovers to begin the game. 1A did start flowing offensively a bit later as they scored four straight times to cut the margin to 14-11. 3A pushed out to 20-13 after a lay up by Kassie Robinson, but 1A battled back with a 12-6 run. 1A cut the margin to 26-25 after a three by Megan Cleveland. That was to be 1A's last basket of the half. Aaryn Booker on the next possession scored on a reverse lay up for 3A. 1A tried the 3ball the next three times down the court. As it was 1A was dry for the last seven chances of the second half. 3A had a four point possession with a &1 chance for Booker. She missed the rebound, but 3A retained the ball and Mann scored on a drive. Mastey finished the half with a lay up to make it 36-25.

There was not too much drama in the second half. A 13-6 run at the start of the half put the game firmly in the bigger schools hands. 3A's biggest lead came at 59-36.

Turnovers were to be a theme for 1A throughout the weekend. The bigger faster, quicker players exposed the ball handling skills of the smallest class. Turnovers lead to transition baskets and 3A had 15 more points off turnovers. 3A also dominated the paint with a 22 point advantage inside. Most of that can be traced to Brianna Mastey with 16 points. She was the only player to crack double digits for either team.

Ashley Walterman of GHEC had a bus load of fans at the game. However she suffered a concussion on Friday night in practice and was limited to only two minutes of action. Her fans chanted for her appearance later in the game, but as a precaution she remained on the sidelines.

Also both games used the shot clock. Each team had 30 second violations, mainly because they were unaware of the time.

Photos: #1: Megan Myhre posts up for 1A with Kassie Robinson defending. #2. Ashley Walterman with her shiner. photos by kja

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
3A
STARTERS
Casey Mann, Rogers 8, 16, 50.0, .250 helped run point. led both teams with assists. favorite target, Brianna Mastey. scored on drives. turnovers tended to be on the pass.
Brianna Mastey, Becker 16, 11, 145.5, .727 runs like a deer. jumps like a kangaroo, definitely the force on the floor. injected her authority in the game, took over when needed. also involved others in the offense.
Maggie Bryant, Sartell 9, 6, 150.0, .667 was able to catch and shoot. Still yanks her hand back with no follow through left for photographers.
Colleen Raune, Benilde-St. Margaret's 4, 5, 80.0, .400 quick hands, scored her points off her defense.
Aaryn Booker, DeLaSalle 7, 6, 116.7, .500 strong and physical. not afraid of contact had three trips to the line. showed her creativity and imagination with the reverse lay up.
BENCH
Kassie Robinson, Simley 6, 8, 75.0, .375 post with perimeter tendencies. runs the floor. rebounded well on the defensive end
Megan Erlandson, Minnehaha 6, 5, 120.0, .600 point guard. scored off the dribble had nice pull up.
Sarah Boever, Worthington 6, 6, 100.0, .500 another guard with quickness and three range.
Shelly Stemper, Becker 6, 9, 66.7, .333 active big perimeter. scored off the drive. led team with d boards. exposes the ball on spin dribbles.
Ashley Runge, Grand Rapids 3, 5, 60.0, .400 lefty, perimeter shooter. With man defense wasn't able to shake free as often.

1A
STARTERS
Megan Myhre, Barnum 9, 13, 69.2, .308 a post with perimeter background. likes to take a 3.
Brooke DeWall, SW Star 6, 6, 100.0. .500 forward. had a more active second half.
Jenny Noordmans, Hancock 8, 9, 88.9, .444 an aggressive, assertive player. has a linebacker's mentality.
Megan Cleveland, Menahga 3, 5, 60.0, .200 point guard. looked to launch 3s. needs to involve teammates more. came down and launched without any one else touching the ball.
Gretta Hjelseth, Nevis 8, 6, 133.3, .667 taller guard. scored inside. needs to gain strength.
BENCH
Autumn Beasley, Heritage 3, 18, 16.7, .056 point guard on her shift. more of a shooting guard. Had issues bringing the ball up against pressure. Needs to improve vision, strength. Needs to avoid turning back to basket and taking ball down the sidelines.
Anna Wicklund, BGMR 4, 8, 50.0, .250 cored in the right corner. needs to be more assertive on defense. more involved on offense.
Ashley Walterman, GHEC 0, 1, 0.0, .000 a good athlete that was limited due to injury
Maria Ganglehoff, Sleepy Eye St. Mary's 6, 6, 100.0, .500 maybe related to Noordmans. Plays very similar. scored off drives.
Whitney Langen, Kittson Central 6, 6, 100.0, .500 post, all her points came on second shots.

TRENCH PLAYER
Brianna Mastey

BY THE NUMBERS
3A 71, 77, 92.2, .455
1A 53, 78, 67.9, .333
made 3s: 1A 3, 3A 2
ftm/fta-ft%: 1A 8/12-.750; 3A 5/14-.357
bench: 3A 28, 1A 19

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
3A
Shelly Stemper 7
Aaryn Booker 6
Kassie Robinson 6
Maggie Bryant 5
Brianna Mastey 4.5
Colleen Raune 3.5
Casey Mann 3
Sarah Boever 3
Megan Erlandson 2
Ashley Runge 1
totals: 41

1A
Brooke DeWall 5
Jenny Noordmans 5
Maria Gangelhoff 5
Whitney Langen 5
Megan Myhre 5
Autumn Beasley 3
Gretta Hjelseth 3
Anna Wicklund 2
Megan Cleveland 1
totals: 34

ASSISTS
3A
Casey Mann 8
Brianna Mastey 5
Megan Erlandson 5
Kassie Robinson 3
Colleen Raune 3
Shelly Stemper 2
Ashley Runge 2
Aaryn Booker 2
Maggie Bryant 1
Sarah Boever 1
totals: 32

1A
Autumn Beasley 5
Whitney Langen 5
Jenny Noordmans 2
Megan Myhre 2
Maria Ganglehoff 2
Anna Wicklund 1
Gretta Hjelseth 1
totals: 18

Next up: 2A vs 4A