Minnesota Playoff Central: Thursday
Playoff Central is back talking about last night’s big upset, the top seniors who played their last game, the freshmen making an impact, and we tell you where to go this evening! Minnesota Playoff Central. The small schools step into…
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Continue ReadingPlayoff Central is back talking about last night’s big upset, the top seniors who played their last game, the freshmen making an impact, and we tell you where to go this evening!
Minnesota Playoff Central. The small schools step into the spotlight tonight with 74 games combined between Class A and Class AA. There are numerous double headers to check out around the state.
The Big Stage. Tonight the big stage will be at St. Peter High School. A double-header of Class 2A basketball first putting New Ulm Cathedral against BOLD followed by Minnesota Valley Lutheran against Mayer Lutheran. Four quality basketball teams that include talent like USF bound Jake Kettner (MVL), Upper Iowa bound Baden Noennig (ML), Carter Henry (BOLD), Gavin Vosika (BOLD), and Jon Ziniel (NUC).
Upset City! Roseville picking up their 10th win of the season on Wednesday defeating 15-win Spring Lake Park who was at once point ranked earlier in the year (very early in the year when they were 5-0 and wins over Eastview and Osseo looked bigger than they are right now). Raiders Coach Kevin McKenzie announced that he will be stepping down after the season to spend more time at home (with family) so this was a special victory for him. A balanced effort led by guard Yohanes Gebeyehu and Camryn Walker brought home the victory. The headliner was the defense that held the Panthers 18 points under their season average.
Upset City 2. The other “upsets” were 4/5 games and most contests were 50-50 affairs. Red Wing beat Simley, Columbia Heats knocked off St. Anthony, St. Paul Central defeated White Bear Lake, and of course Shakopee got the win over Chaska. The biggest surprise had to be Red Wing who had only won three games all year, defeating 10-win Simley. I would of picked WBL and Chaska to win their games but Central and Shakopee are not surprises at all. Again, those are outstanding 4/5 games.
Right on Schedule. North Woods has won their last four games by 69, 35, 37, and 39 points so last night’s 86-46 victory over South Ridge was far from a surprise. The Grizzlies received 21 points from freshman guard TJ Chiabotti who was one of four players in double figures. Next up is Mountain Iron-Buhl on Saturday at one.
Where’s the Czar? TC Hoops Czar saw The Fridley Tigers face Vern’s St. Paul Johnson Governors and the game ended 43-39 with the Govs moving on. Freshman Mac Thomas led Johnson with ten points while Fridley frosh Hassan Kamara had a game high 15.
Tip of the Hat to the Career. Some talented seniors had to step out of the high school locker room for the last night last night. Big scorer Dajuan Carter of North St. Paul is one example as he scored 29 a game this year. The White Bear Lake trio of Jeremy Beckler, Sam Schwartz, and Isaac Tessier took WBL to a 20 win season and advanced the program in a big way. Guys like Nate Shikenjanksi of Stillwater, Gavin Patton of Minnetonka, and Miles Mendes at Farmington left it all on the floor in their final game.
The biggest name is likely Cole Nicholson. The future Northern Colorado forward had a 23 point per game season leading the Hawks to 21 victories – a total that is likely 2-3 games more than some expected. Nicholson is the latest talent to come through Chaska and make a big mark on the record books.