By Matt Krumrie
MaxPreps.com
Here is a look at some recent develops in Minnesota boys basketball:
Starting Five
1. Cadets Defeat Henry in 3A Clash: In a battle of perennial 3A basketball powers, No. 10 St. Thomas Academy defeated No. 3 Minneapolis Henry Friday, 75-64. Michael Fitzgerald scored 35 points to lead the Cadets, while Jordan Hughes had 20 points to lead the Patriots. It was a big win for the Cadets, who started the season 0-3, losing to talented Mankato West, Cretin and Northfield teams before beating Henry. Billy Chapman added 11 for the Cadets in the win. Fitzgerald is averaging 22 points per game.
2. Hastings Hot: The Hastings Raiders are off to a strong start to the 2008-09 season. The Raiders are 4-1 and have a trio of players averaging double figures in points. Leading the way is Shane Monjeau with 16.4 points per game. Nick Gmiterko is averaging 13.6 and Jake Ryan 11.8. Monjeau averages seven rebounds per game and Gmiterko 6.2.
3. Strong Start For Sibley East: The Wolverines are 3-0 on the season and ranked sixth in the state in 2A. Marshall Bjorklund leads the team in scoring at just over 24 points per game, and is averaging 17 rebounds and 6 blocks per game. He has made 66 percent of his field goal attempts and is shooting 77 percent from the free throw line. Michael Shultz is averaging 12 points per game and Ian Berg 11. Lincoln Bjorklund has 14 assists in three games.
4. Burnsville Blazin’: There might not be a hotter team in the state than the Burnsville Blaze, who are 8-0 and haven’t scored less than 68 points per game. They have scored 94 and 81 points in games, and over 70 three times. It’s safe to say this team knows offense, but it’s a balanced attack that has been key. Leading the way is Devon Knopke, who averaged over 13 points per game heading into Monday’s 71-68 win over Owatonna. Alex Wheeler averages 12 points per game, Patrick Rogers just over 10, JakeGhizoni 8 and Jeff Fallat 7. Fallat scored 21 in a 94-79 win over Lakeville South Saturday.
5. Figuring Out Figini: No team has had any luck shutting down Chisago Lakes big man Josh Figini. He’s averaging a metro-leading 29 points and 15.4 rebounds per game. He has a high game of 46 points and 24 rebounds in the season opener against Princeton. Chisago Lakes is 2-3 through five games.
Three to Watch
1. T.J. Oakes/Yuriy Malashenko, Jordan: The Hubmen are off to a 4-1 start and defeated Lester Prairie 85-70 Monday behind the strength of Oakes and his 28 points and Malashenko and his 22 points. The 1-2 punch has been key for Jordan. Through five games Oakes is averaging just over 23 points per game and Malashenko just over 16 per game.
3. Jack Gavin, Elk River: Gavin led the Elks with 22 points in a 76-53 win over Rogers Saturday. Gavin is averaging 19 points per game for the 4-1 Elks.
3. Damarius Cruz, Armstrong: Cruz is averaging 20.7 points this season for the Falcons and is among the top players in the Classic Lake Conference.
Two Hot Too Handle
1. Shaun Jensen, Spring Lake Park: The Panthers are off to a 5-0 start this season and Jensen is leading the way. The senior guard is averaging 23.1 points per game and has scored 24, 28, 22, 27 and 17 points in those five games. Teammate Trey Scott is averaging 15 points per game and Tyler Ylvisaker 10.
2. Jordan Aaberg, Rothsay: Aaberg scored 17 points, had 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocked shots in a 46-45 loss to Barnseville Monday. Through five games Aaberg is averaging 22 points, 21 rebounds, 5.9 blocks and almost 4 assists per game.
Inside the Numbers
2,000 – Zach Towle went over that career point milestone in a 79-62 loss to Minnehaha Academy Saturday. Towle scored 22 points in the loss and should be in contention for the state scoring title this season. He’s averaging 26.4 points a game so far this season.
29 – Points Dave Burnham of Minnehaha Academy scored in that win over Concordia Saturday. Burnham made seven 3-pointers in the win.
20 – Steals this season for Mac Johnson of Lake of the Woods
18 – Points Mounds View’s Justin Harding scored in a 72-67 overtime win over Forest Lake Friday. He made four 3-pointers in the win.
