MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Nites]

Filzen is definitely transferring to Buffalo. He put up 20+ in a game early in the season...and then was put off by a religious coach who is a big-time cusser, apparently. He wasn't getting off the bench to end the year. Not sure how Buffalo got in the mix, though.

He did transfer there and sat out the year.  He's listed on the Buffalo roster.  I believe the link is the Buffalo women's coach who was previously the head coach and Temple  and the University of Minnesota.  Filzen's mom, head coach of the Carleton women's team, was previously an assistant coach at both Temple and UM.

[papahoops]

Some observations from the state tournament yesterday......St. Cloud Tech/Winona game was really ugly low scoring affair. Maybe neither of these teams wanted to play Hopkins . The way Hopkins is firing on all cylinders, goal of teams playing them should be to avoid a running clock in the second half (Blaine didn't meet this goal). If Sibley had played Hopkins the way they played yesterday, it would would not have been pretty. It appears Hopkins is trying to make a statement to those questioning whether they are the best high school team in the history of the state. Normally I would think they might take St. Cloud Tech lightly tonight, since Edina is the only decent metro team they played, but the fact that both teams are  undefeated might cause Hopkins to step it up a notch. That is scary

[Drake Palmer]

There are some ath-u-letes out on the floor in the Mankato West & Spring Lake Park game.  Mad D, wolfing, steals, quicks, treys, & a serious block or two.  Speaking of serious, some very serious All- Names.  Ray Teachout, Derrick Cattrysse, Elijah Sabah & Trey Scott!  What's even nicer, they can all hoop. I like the Teachout kid as a college dual sport athlete, or football player.   I saw him play QB for Mankato in the state championship game & the kid has got a gun for an arm, & ran the option out of the spread offense extremely well.

The class AAA championship game between the winner of this game & the Mpls. Washburn /St. Paul Johnson game ought to be a dandy, & might be the best game of the 4-class tourney.

[columbianmaffia]

Mike Fitzgerald, St. Thomas Academy (older brother played at Marquette?)

yes his brother played at marquette...and his older brother played for UST...he went by the name of kevin fitzgerald...some good basketball blood lines in that family

Is this the same set of fitzgerald's that included a Mike Fitzgerald who played for Northwestern from 90-95?  Probably the best shooter in school history,  43% from 3 with 387 made threes, and 90% at the line.

too bad we can't get a sibley-hopkins rematch.  I understand sibley's best guard had recently hurt his ankle, possibly explaining his 1-13 effort yesterday.  I don't buy the notion that a backcourt makes all the difference in March, but without Hernandez they can barely get the ball up the court.  I'm guessing Tech vs. Hopkins today is going to set some records for the most lopsided game between two undefeated teams with a minimum of 29 wins.

i dont think that was really an issue in this game...jefferson didnt really put on any full court traps or presses...hernandez had plenty of wide open 3pt attempts that he couldnt get to fall and it looked to me like he was moving just fine...i think the biggest issue i had was sibley didnt post up there big men much at all...there front line should have dominated that game inside

[AO]

Mike Fitzgerald, St. Thomas Academy (older brother played at Marquette?)

yes his brother played at marquette...and his older brother played for UST...he went by the name of kevin fitzgerald...some good basketball blood lines in that family

Is this the same set of fitzgerald's that included a Mike Fitzgerald who played for Northwestern from 90-95?  Probably the best shooter in school history,  43% from 3 with 387 made threes, and 90% at the line.

too bad we can't get a sibley-hopkins rematch.  I understand sibley's best guard had recently hurt his ankle, possibly explaining his 1-13 effort yesterday.  I don't buy the notion that a backcourt makes all the difference in March, but without Hernandez they can barely get the ball up the court.  I'm guessing Tech vs. Hopkins today is going to set some records for the most lopsided game between two undefeated teams with a minimum of 29 wins.

i dont think that was really an issue in this game...jefferson didnt really put on any full court traps or presses...hernandez had plenty of wide open 3pt attempts that he couldnt get to fall and it looked to me like he was moving just fine...i think the biggest issue i had was sibley didnt post up there big men much at all...there front line should have dominated that game inside

He might have looked okay, but the ankle had to have a part in a 1-13 outing.  as a member of the frequent ankle sprainers club, I can say it affected my shooting more than my running.  He was the only guy that could be trusted to get the ball into the posts against Hopkins.  he'd be a nice pick-up for any of the d3 teams in the state, but I believe he's getting scholie looks.

[TommieHoops4Life]

Spent yesterday at the Target Center and I have a few thoughts...

Hopkins truly is a group of men that plays against boys every time they step on the floor. Four of their five starters are built like linebackers. I would've loved to see them play Sibley again, that's the only team that can match up with their size. They feed off their defense to provide energy, and it translates to offense. I've never seen five guys with more active hands. The only way Tech has a chance tonight is if they keep it to a half court game and shoot the lights out.

Wolters from Tech will be a nice player in college. He made some plays late, but he needed to step up more and be more willing to take over. The game shouldn't have been that close. The only reason it happened was because they held the ball for the last 1:20 when the game was tied. They kept Winona in it, and the Winhawks would've lost by 60 today if they were the ones playing Hopkins.

Game of the Day goes to Jefferson and Sibley. Great match-up, exciting game, great crowd, awesome atmosphere. The Jags hung with Sibley in the first half despite Moses Alipate being in early foul trouble. His floor presence and making shots was the difference in the outcome. I also like his little bro, Marcus Alipate. Just a sophomore, but if he continues to develop and stays healthy, his college will be getting paid for because of his basketball ability. I also loved the throwback look with the uniforms. Bruesewitz and Halvorsen both have the potential to be stars in college.

I was a little tired by the time AV and Osseo hit the floor. But Dower will be solid at the next level. Sonie (Mr. Football) is also one heck of an athlete and pretty much single-handedly kept the Eagles in it. Where were the Eagle fans? Terrible showing for a big suburb not far from Minneapolis.

All in all, a great day in Minneapolis. The only hitch was trying to remember where my car was in the parking ramp when I wanted to leave.

[columbianmaffia]

Where were the Eagle fans? Terrible showing for a big suburb not far from Minneapolis.

they are on spring break...so the majority of them are out of state...same thing happened to burnsville last year

[VOJ]

Mike Fitzgerald, St. Thomas Academy (older brother played at Marquette?)

yes his brother played at marquette...and his older brother played for UST...he went by the name of kevin fitzgerald...some good basketball blood lines in that family

Is this the same set of fitzgerald's that included a Mike Fitzgerald who played for Northwestern from 90-95?  Probably the best shooter in school history,  43% from 3 with 387 made threes, and 90% at the line.

too bad we can't get a sibley-hopkins rematch.  I understand sibley's best guard had recently hurt his ankle, possibly explaining his 1-13 effort yesterday.  I don't buy the notion that a backcourt makes all the difference in March, but without Hernandez they can barely get the ball up the court.  I'm guessing Tech vs. Hopkins today is going to set some records for the most lopsided game between two undefeated teams with a minimum of 29 wins.

AO...ZIP IT...give the Tigers credit for coming up with a game plan which may have been boring for some, but gave them the best chance of winning...at least they were not down 21-6 or got hammered by 40.  Go write your drivel in the often NOT visited UMAC board

[AO]

Mike Fitzgerald, St. Thomas Academy (older brother played at Marquette?)

yes his brother played at marquette...and his older brother played for UST...he went by the name of kevin fitzgerald...some good basketball blood lines in that family

Is this the same set of fitzgerald's that included a Mike Fitzgerald who played for Northwestern from 90-95?  Probably the best shooter in school history,  43% from 3 with 387 made threes, and 90% at the line.

too bad we can't get a sibley-hopkins rematch.  I understand sibley's best guard had recently hurt his ankle, possibly explaining his 1-13 effort yesterday.  I don't buy the notion that a backcourt makes all the difference in March, but without Hernandez they can barely get the ball up the court.  I'm guessing Tech vs. Hopkins today is going to set some records for the most lopsided game between two undefeated teams with a minimum of 29 wins.

AO...ZIP IT...give the Tigers credit for coming up with a game plan which may have been boring for some, but gave them the best chance of winning...at least they were not down 21-6 or got hammered by 40.  Go write your drivel in the often NOT visited UMAC board

What do you want me to say?  "should be a good contest between two evenly matched teams".    Tech's not a bad team, but Hopkins is much, much better.  Kudos to Tech for keeping it close for a half, I was hoping they'd find a way to keep it close the whole way.  I don't see why they didn't try to hold the ball for the entire 2nd half too.  Why not?  You're clearly stalling already.  Did they feel bad after holding it for 90 seconds?  I'm highly in favor of the shot clock, but the only way I see it coming to high school ball is more teams taking advantage of the no-shot clock and attempting to hold the ball for extremely long periods unless they get an absolutely easy layup.  Even if High School ball had a 45 second shot clock, it would be a vast improvement.

[Nites]

He might have looked okay, but the ankle had to have a part in a 1-13 outing.  as a member of the frequent ankle sprainers club, I can say it affected my shooting more than my running.  He was the only guy that could be trusted to get the ball into the posts against Hopkins.  he'd be a nice pick-up for any of the d3 teams in the state, but I believe he's getting scholie looks.

I can relate.  Running wasn't an issue from my spot on the bench next to the coach.  However, if I grabbed a ball and tried to launch one from there, it affected the lift on my shot.   

[miacsuperfan]

some random gunnings:

mshsl tournament as a whole has been a bit of a sleeper  so far.   henry sibley going down was a big disappointment.  hopefully championship saturday will be a bit more interesting.  hopkins does appear to be as good as touted, however.   hope to see some future miac stars in next weekend's coaches all star series in st. cloud and st. paul. 

ncaa side note:  congrats to tom izzo and jim boeheim on their "over-achieving" in the wives department.  as verne lunquist would say, "oh my goodness!!"   

very belated congratulations to ust on their great run.  i still believe the turning point in their entire season was lonnie robinson's  decision to play his final year of bb elligibility.   robinson appeared to be the heart and soul of that team!

congrats also to the miac all-americans this year:  zach johnson, tim madson, and joe scott.   pretty impressive stuff.   checking back on d3hoops.com, here are the league all-americans since d3hoops did this back in '98:

'99 Devean George(AUG)
     Luke Schmidt (GAC)

'02 Mark Buri (UST)

'03Tim Brown (GAC) Hon. Mention

'04 Ben Van Thorre (MAC)
    Tim Brown (GAC)

'06 Isaac Rosefelt (UST)

'07 Isaac Rosefelt (UST)
     Bryan Schnettler (UST) Hon. Mention

'09 Zach Johnson (CAR)
     Tim Madson (BU)

[localcoach]

Hello everyone.  I've been on a little vacation the past couple of weeks.  Looks like the board has been quite active.  I have attended the high school state tournament the past couple of days and have spoken with a handful of coaching friends and others.  Here is what I can add in terms of tidbits to Drake's list.

Robbie Anderstrom, New Life Academy (older brother played at AO's school)
Derrick Cattrysse, Mankato West
Mike Fitzgerald, St. Thomas Academy - Has a couple of lower Division I offers
Chris Halvorsen, Henry Sibley (scholie to Valpo - brother of UST's Anders H.)
Cedric Martin, Mpls. Washburn - Grades will force him to attend junior college
Caleb Palkert, Southwest Christian - Signed with Division I newcomer S. Carolina-Upstate
Taylor Steinbauer, Owatonna
Isaiah Thomas, Fridley
Zach Towle, Concordia Academy (little scoring machine, holds state record for career 3s.)

Jordan Aaberg, Rothsay
Brandon Brekke, East Grand Forks
Sam Dower, Osseo - scholie: Gonzaga
Mike Felt, Redwood Valley (PI don't you like this kid's talent?)
Josh Figini, Chisago Lakes - Recently committed to Cornell
Shaun Jensen, Spring Lake Park - I think he has some D1 interest, possibly NDSU
Aaron Lindahl, Benson
Zak Mathson, Cambridge-Isanti
Marc Sonnen, Tartan - scholie: Northern Iowa
Dion Suggs-Young, St. Paul Johnson

Mike Muscala, Roseville - Signed with Bucknell last fall
Dylan Rodriguez, Blaine - Signed with Minnesota Duluth
Tom Sawatzke, Monticello
Eric Shulstad, Pelican Rapids -
Kellen Taylor, Wayzata I believe he is committed to Winona St.
Scott Theisen, Champlin Park
Mike Vorwald, Worthington
Nate Wolters, St. Cloud Tech -  Received a scholarship offer this week from Colorado State
Rodney Williams, Robbinsdale Cooper - scholie: Gophers
Matt Zager, Shakopee - Signed with SW Minnesota State

Mike Brusewitz, Henry Sibley - scholie: Wisconsin (Tubby stop the Badger bleeding) 
David Burnham, Minnehaha Academy (Minnehaha has 2-3 other quality seniors)
William Giddings, Blaine - Signed with SW Minnesota State
Dylan Hale, Mpls. Washburn - Committed to Division I Texas State
Jordair Jett, St. Bernard's - Will have to attend a junior college
Connor O'Brien, New Prague
Chris Palmer, Bethlehem Academy
Josh Pedretti, Maple Grove (apparently all the MIAC coaches love this kid)
Tyler Pendleton, Cedar Mountain
Tydan Storrusten, Pelican Rapids - The NSIC schools love this young man and are all over him

[wabbit]

Robbie Anderstrom, New Life Academy (older brother played at AO's school)
Derrick Cattrysse, Mankato West
Mike Fitzgerald, St. Thomas Academy - Has a couple of lower Division I offers
Chris Halvorsen, Henry Sibley (scholie to Valpo - brother of UST's Anders H.)
Cedric Martin, Mpls. Washburn - Grades will force him to attend junior college
Caleb Palkert, Southwest Christian - Signed with Division I newcomer S. Carolina-Upstate
Taylor Steinbauer, Owatonna
Isaiah Thomas, Fridley
Zach Towle, Concordia Academy (little scoring machine, holds state record for career 3s.)

Jordan Aaberg, Rothsay
Brandon Brekke, East Grand Forks
Sam Dower, Osseo - scholie: Gonzaga
Mike Felt, Redwood Valley (PI don't you like this kid's talent?)
Josh Figini, Chisago Lakes - Recently committed to Cornell
Shaun Jensen, Spring Lake Park - I think he has some D1 interest, possibly NDSU
Aaron Lindahl, Benson
Zak Mathson, Cambridge-Isanti
Marc Sonnen, Tartan - scholie: Northern Iowa
Dion Suggs-Young, St. Paul Johnson

Mike Muscala, Roseville - Signed with Bucknell last fall
Dylan Rodriguez, Blaine - Signed with Minnesota Duluth
Tom Sawatzke, Monticello
Eric Shulstad, Pelican Rapids -
Kellen Taylor, Wayzata I believe he is committed to Winona St.
Scott Theisen, Champlin Park - Carleton is pursuing heavily
Mike Vorwald, Worthington
Nate Wolters, St. Cloud Tech -  Received a scholarship offer this week from Colorado State
Rodney Williams, Robbinsdale Cooper - scholie: Gophers
Matt Zager, Shakopee - Signed with SW Minnesota State

Mike Brusewitz, Henry Sibley - scholie: Wisconsin (Tubby stop the Badger bleeding) 
David Burnham, Minnehaha Academy (Minnehaha has 2-3 other quality seniors)
William Giddings, Blaine - Signed with SW Minnesota State
Dylan Hale, Mpls. Washburn - Committed to Division I Texas State
Jordair Jett, St. Bernard's - Will have to attend a junior college
Connor O'Brien, New Prague
Chris Palmer, Bethlehem Academy
Josh Pedretti, Maple Grove (apparently all the MIAC coaches love this kid)
Tyler Pendleton, Cedar Mountain
Tydan Storrusten, Pelican Rapids - The NSIC schools love this young man and are all over him

[columbianmaffia]

how is everyones final 4 brackets lookin?

i got 3 of the 4...i got nova wrong...i got UConn beatin UNC in the ship...first time in 3 years my bracket has done well

[Gacman]

Sounds like GAC is geting a talented 6'5" wing from Edina.