Five Takeaways: Minnehaha Academy 58 New Prague 41
Minnehaha Academy knocked off New Prague 58-41 on Thursday night with one of the best defensive efforts we’ve seen all year long. Redhawk Defense. NHR talked with Coach Lance Johnson and Minnehaha Academy standout went into detail after the game…
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Continue ReadingMinnehaha Academy knocked off New Prague 58-41 on Thursday night with one of the best defensive efforts we’ve seen all year long.
Redhawk Defense. NHR talked with Coach Lance Johnson and Minnehaha Academy standout went into detail after the game about how improved the team’s defense has been this year. A big reason for that? Chet Holmgren. The now seven foot big that is behind the defense as a major rim protector. Blocked shots, contesting shots, forcing players to shoot long jumpers instead of attacking, all of it has allowed the guards and wings around Holmgren to live in transition. There’s also the numerous athletes on the roster that can pressure the ball and jump lanes to make plays. New Prague shot 6 of 25 in the first half and only had 14 first half points. Credit should also go to Bennett Theisen and Siegel Howard for what they do each game as role playing, hard working defensive players.
Double-Doubles. Jalen Suggs biggest contribution last night was his creative passing finding teammates from pretty much every angle on the floor for scores. Skip passes, baseline in-bound plays, quick transitions, bullets, and everything else, they were all there as Jalen totaled ten assists. Suggs also made 6 of 15 shots for 17 points. Then there is Chet Holmgren who was a model of efficiency. Chet took nine shots and made six including a three, a few dunks, and scored 14 in all. Add in the 11 rebounds and seven blocks and you had another big performance from Holmgren, a nationally ranked standout.
Hunter was Game. New Prague had a tough time with Minnehaha Academy and at times that was a massive understatement. At times guys looked scared and at other times cool was lost. But 6-foot-7 Hunter Nielsen was one that was ready to fight, ready to compete all game long. Nielsen didn’t shoot well but he scored a dozen and more impressively he collected 16 rebounds many of which were fought for in a crowd. Hunter also battled like one of the state’s better defenders using his length and fight for position to make sure guys weren’t attempting shots on or near him. And if shots were taken Hunter contested them in a strong way. Hunter earned a lot of respect last night.
What’s next for the Trojans? The Trojan schedule is no joke. Nielsen, Tyler Kemp, and Nathan Brusseau are all sizable players that will find good spots at the college level. They will keep this team in a good spot especially considering they are big and talented at the one, four, and five. All three will need to play very well plus get support if they are to beat Eden Prairie, Prior Lake, and Holy Family (the next three opponents). Love Tyler Kemp as a leader plus scored a dozen and dished out four assists, and Nathan Brusseau scored 11.
Maturity. There is just something that is more business like about Minnehaha Academy. Jalen Suggs seems like he’s matured three years since last March (which is crazy considering this is his fifth year of high school basketball) in the way he handled a post game interview, the way he played, the way he led the team at point guard, and added ten points to his average (now at 27). Chet Holmgren is making few mistakes especially in how he never seems to foul anybody while blocking shots. Then you have mature role players plus Prince Aligbe who scored 14.