Previewing the MLK Jr. Classic
The University of Minnesota, Duluth is playing host to what should be a terrific day of high school hoops Monday in the fourth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Classic. The event is packed with some of the best teams in…
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Continue ReadingThe University of Minnesota, Duluth is playing host to what should be a terrific day of high school hoops Monday in the fourth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Classic.
The event is packed with some of the best teams in Northern Minnesota. A handful of the top teams in Class AA will be there, as will some of the top teams from Class A for a day that could feature a couple of potential state tournament previews.
Here’s the Monday Slate:
11:30 a.m. — Nevis vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl
If this game is anything, it should be fast-paced. Nevis averages 73.7 points per game while the Rangers average nearly 86. Griffin Chase (Nevis) and Jaylon Holmes (Mt. Iron-Buhl) are two of the top guards in northern Minnesota.
This could be a potential state tournament matchup later in the season as well, as both teams figure to contend for section titles. Chase and Holmes have a lot on their plates. But guys like Michael and Jack Landquist for Nevis and Joe Buffetta and Brody Bissonette for Mt. Iron are key players as well.
2:45 p.m. — Annandale vs. Esko
A Class AA state quarterfinal rematch from last season, Annandale beat Esko a year ago in the first round before finishing in fourth. Both teams could very well get there again this year and both are ranked in the top 10 in Class AA.
The marquee matchup will be between the big men. Adam Trapp is one of the best players in the 2018 class and might be the best player at the event. Annandale’s Jaron Wilken is as good as it gets though too. Wilken thoroughly won the battle last year in the state tournament, outscoring Trapp 19-3. While a lot of that was the Cardinals’ scheme, those two guys are the feature players for their respective teams.
The matchups on the perimeter could be good too as Annadale’s AJ Hinz and Trenton Peterson and Esko’s Quinn Fischer and Camden Berger are all capable of putting up points in complementary roles.
4:15 p.m. — St. Cloud Apollo vs. Perham
Perham is another one of the top teams in Class AA and seems to be hitting its collective stride. The Eagles aren’t as experienced as they’ve been in previous seasons, so there have been some growing pains. But their style of play will allow them to stay in games because they can really defend.
In fact this could be a low scoring game in general. The Yellowjackets give up just 45 points per game.
Jenson Beachy’s been excellent so far this year for Perham, averaging 18 points per game. Aaron Solberg is a difference maker inside as well, averaging 11 points and six rebounds. Marquise Smith and Phillip Dromgoole are guys to watch for Apollo, as both average double-figures for an undersized Eagles club.
6 p.m. — Fridley vs. Hermantown
If the Apollo-Perham game is a low-scoring one, Fridley-Hermantown should be quite the opposite. Hermantown allows about 80 points per game while Fridley gives up close to 65. Both teams can score and both play fast.
Tirik Reeves has been terrific so far this year for the Tigers, averaging 22 points per game. The Hawks are balanced offensively with five guys averaging better than 10 points per game. Nate Soumis and David Birkeland are their two top scoring options.
7:30 p.m. — Grand Rapids vs. Duluth East
The final game of the night pits top 50 big guys Cody Carlson of Duluth East and Brock Schrom of Grand Rapids against one another. Carlson’s been ridiculous this season so far, averaging close to 25 points per game. Schrom isn’t the top scoring option for the Thunderhawks but he’s an excellent all-around player who impacts the game in a big way.
The top scoring option for Grand Rapids is point guard Jake Skelly. Skelly’s drawing a lot of NAIA interest and just recently eclipsed 1,000 career points.
The Thunderhawks beat Duluth East a month ago 60-43 at Grand Rapids. This will be a good litmus test game for both teams to evaluate progress.