What We Learned from the Jimmie Basketball Classic
Story by Jarann Johnson
High school basketball fans got to see three teams who figure to be in the hunt for a North Dakota Class B state tournament berths Friday night. Solen faced Park Christian (MN) in the first game and No. 2-ranked Beulah faced No. 10-ranked Park Christian at Newman Arena.
Both games featured teams trying to come back. Solen completed the comeback for a 64-59 win. Solen won the game in the final three minutes. Both teams were tied at 57-57. Tanner Brunsberg hit a deep 2-pointer for Park Christian but the lead wouldn’t hold.
Ty Yellow Hammer hit a 3-pointer for Solen putting them up 60-59. Park Christian went scoreless during the final minute of the game and Solen completed the comeback, winning 64-59.
Beulah also found themselves down for most of the game but didn’t complete a comeback. Beulah senior starting point Derek Ferebee hit a 3-pointer, cutting Oak Grove’s lead to 64-54 with 2:30 left in the game. But Oak Grove made sure to close the door and make sure fans would celebrate a win along with Andrew Christianson clearing 1,000 points. Oak Grove won 66-56.
Solen (6-0) can play zone defense. Solen had to figure out a way to slow down Park Christian senior Steele Senske. They tried a little bit of everything but ended up going with a 1-2-2 zone. It’s an important note because it’s an unexpected tactic from a team who played mostly man last year. Solen at their best offensively when they pushed the ball in transition and attacked the rim.
Jayce Archambault showed us two things. He’s packed muscle on to his frame and can’t be bullied around the hoop. He also showed us he’s healed up nicely from breaking his foot during cross-country season. He moved well in all directions and scored 26 points.
Tyrell Rodriguez has the potential to dominate games. Rodriguez consistently gave Beulah trouble in the post, ending the first quarter with 12 points. Rodriguez is listed at 6-4, 240 and he’s on a path to be one of Class B’s most dominant bigs. Oak Grove is 4-0 on the season.
Beulah is still trying to figure out how to operate without Chad Morsette. Morsette suffered a football injury and his return isn’t known. Beulah wasn’t able to get a consistent offensive flow during the game. Beulah is 2-2 on the season.
Ty Yellow Hammer (Solen) and Jacob Weigel (Beulah) showed the ability to play on both sides of the floor despite having tough defensive responsibilities. Yellow Hammer had to deal with Senske and gave up 18, while scoring 14. Weigel gave up 26 to Christianson and scored 15.