Class AA Final: Redhawk Repeat
For the second straight season Minnehaha Academy his worn the gold medal at the Class AA level. A Redhawks repeat.
The Game
- The Redhawks took over later led by Jalen Suggs but this was a highlight filled contest. Jalen of course had several plays that will make the highlight film including a putback dunk. Chet Holmgren and Prince Aligbe also had dunks that excited the crowd. Several of the Suggs and King Family attack finishes – Owen, Noah, and Eli – were exceptional plays that really made the game fun.
- Suggs is a gamer. He perfoms in the spotlight. There have been games this year he didn’t shoot well or he had some turnovers, but Jalen’s talent is so special because it’s a physical gifts, skill, and a great feel. He was simply too good and took over the contest.
- The future is bright. Grade 8 players Eli King of Caledonia and Prince Aligbe of Minnehaha Academy are going to be special. Then you have Minnehaha freshmen Chet Holmgren as well. Prince and Chet made game changing plays off the bench and Eli was trusted to try and defend Suggs.
- JaVonni Bickham was the key ingredient to this win that people might not think of. His physical movement off the ball led to 17 points and when he was on balance attempting shots nobody could stop home from finishing. When the trophy was given he walked around with it proudly and it’s well deserved.
The Players
- Jalen Suggs of Minnehaha Academy, a sophomore. Jalen scored on 11 of 17 shots for his 27 points with eight assists in five rebounds. Coming downhill there was nothing anybody could do with him but the dribble separation with hesitations and in and out attack, it left defenders frozen.
- Owen King of Caledonia, a senior. With coaches from his future South Dakota State school in attendance Owen had 22 points on 9 of 17 shooting. The things that stood out today the most were the four three-point makes and his ability to attack gaps and create tough angled finishes.
- Prince Aligbe of Minnehaha Acandey, Grade 8. People will always remember the dunk in transition where his elbows were above the rim and he exploded office feet to finish. At 6-5 Prince is so long and his massive strides led to athletic plays. Prince is also physically gifted and he battled his way to 15 rebounds.
- Chet Holmgren of Minnehaha Academy, Freshman. Chet is 6 foot 10 but don’t label him like many other players his size because this kid works his butt off and can really move. Length for days but effort forever. I love his thirst for blocks and his lust for boards.
- Marten Morem of Caledonia, Senior. Marten finished off a great week of finishing by scoring 17 in the final. Did Gustvus get a steal here? Maybe. Morem looks 6-6 and plays off his guards so well moving to finishing spaces.