The 2010-11 Minnesota boys basketball season is off and running, although recent developments have forced action for some to a slow-paced half-court pace as opposed to the frenetic fast break they had hoped for.
A record snowstorm that wreaked havoc on the state - and throughout the Midwest - forced the cancellation of the popular Tip-Off Classic tournament last weekend. The early-season tournament that was expected to be a good gauge of where some of the state's top teams are at at this stage of the season (such as
Braham,
Eden Prairie,
Minnetonka,
Eastview (Apple Valley),
Shakopee,
Minnesota Transitions (Minneapolis) and
Apple Valley, among others) will now be played Jan. 22. The good news is that it will allow top teams more games and more time to get ready for the competition. By then though, some of those teams may have already faced each other - but there's nothing like a good rematch to stoke the fire, right?
While there are numerous outstanding players at all grade levels across the state, including Minnesota recruit and Hopkins star
Joe Coleman, Hopkins' Northern Iowa recruit
Marvin Singleton and 6-8 freshman Ian Theisen at
Osseo, there is no more dynamic player than Apple Valley's Tyus Jones. Jones is already a household name on the national scene and averaged 16.3 points per game as an eighth-grader last season. However, the 6-0 freshman, who scored 19 points in win over St. Louis Park last week, will be sidelined indefinitely because of a kidney injury suffered in that game.
The school released this statement in regards to Jones' situation:
"After spending some time at Children's Hospital over the last few days, he is on the road to recovery. Further medical tests will be done to evaluate his progress. No timetable has been set for his return to action. The thoughts and well-wishes from so many people is appreciated."
It's an unfortunate injury to a rising star and a player the entire state was hoping to watch develop. While Jones' injury is a setback, basketball fans can still find plenty of intriguing storylines, teams to watch and players to follow this season.
If there is one thing certain about Minnesota high school basketball, it's that the talent pool is deep and there are many teams and players to watch. No matter where you live or what level you follow, you can find a good game somewhere during this long, cold winter. Each week this notebook will feature news, notes and recaps of action across the state. Here is a look at five of many storylines to follow this season:
1. Hopkins: The Royals are ranked No. 9 in the nation in the
MaxPreps Xcellent 25 presented by the Army National Guard. Coleman and Singleton are headline names, but team is much more than two deep.
2. Johnson (St. Paul): The Governors dominated on their way to an undefeated season and first state championship in school history last year. As for that Hopkins team that is ranked No. 9 in the nation? The 3A Governors defeated the 4A Royals in a non-conference game last season, staking their claim as best team in the state, regardless of class.
Estan Tyler, who averaged 14 points per game last season, is one of three key starters back. Johnson led 32-0 over Minneapolis North in a game earlier this season.
3. The other Apple Valley star: It shouldn't be considered an insult, and it isn't. There is more to Apple Valley than Jones. In fact, Jones benefits from playing with the other half of Apple Valley's dynamic duo - 6-8
Tom Schalk. Schalk committed to William and Mary after averaging 22.5 points per game as a junior. He owns Apple Valley single game school records for 3-pointers in a game (seven) and blocks (10).
4. Tartan (Oakdale): The Titans have been a steady producer of outstanding players over the years. They have had a pipeline of talented players sign with Northern Iowa and it's also home to former Iowa State shooting guard Jake Sullivan. Considered a Top 10 big school team this year, the Titans have depth and balance. Four players scored in double figures in a 70-51 win over St. Paul Central on Dec. 15. Kyle Von Schmidt-Pauli led the way with 17 points, while Drew Preiner, Luke Preiner and Joel Awich all scored 11 points for the Titans, who have won 20 games or more for 13 straight seasons under coach Mark Klingsporn.
5. DeLaSalle (Minneapolis): The Islanders are off to a strong start (2-0, including a win over 4A Minnetonka) and have depth. Among key players are 6-6
Jonah Travis, averaging 20 points through two games, and Bretson McNeal (14 points per game), the son of former Western Kentucky player and Mr. Basketball Minnesota Brett McNeal.
