January 30, 2012)
There were many outstanding performances in the Pine to Prairie Conference this past week in both girls and boys basketball. Headlining the outstanding performances were Shelby Kaster (Win-E-Mac) and Troy Peterson (Ulen-Hitterdal) as they were selected as the Conference Players of the Week by the league coaches and athletic directors.
Shelby (So., Forward) reached a career milestone as she notched her 1000th point against BGMR on Friday. She scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the victory. For the week, Shelby had 62 points, 49 rebounds and 10 blocked shots as the Patriots went 3-0 for the week.
Troy (Sr., Center) had 30 points and 7 rebounds in a win over Lake Park-Audubon on Tuesday. He then added 35 points and 15 rebounds on Friday as Ulen-Hitterdal defeated Norman County West. In the first half of the NCW game, Troy surpassed the 1000 career point plateau.
Other outstanding efforts for the week in girls basketball include: Megan Kolness (Ada-Borup), Cassie Kihne (Win-E-Mac) who also reached the 1000th point milestone last week, Korbyn Ross (Win-E-Mac), Andi Knudsvig (Lake Park-Audubon) and Bailee Bartunek (Lake Park-Audubon). On the boys side, Tyler George (Bagley) and Jake Walker (Win-E-Mac) also had strong weeks.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
“Play 4 Kay” Night on Friday, Feb 3 at UMC Women’s and Men’s Games
(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston’s (UMC) Athletic Department announced today that Friday, February 3 will be “Play 4 Kay” Night at the Golden Eagle Women’s and Men’s Basketball games at Lysaker Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles will take on the University of Mary at 6 & 8 p.m.
Fans who wear pink to the games will be entered for chances to win great prizes. If you don’t have pink apparel, pink t-shirts will be sold at the games for $10 so everyone can be entered into the drawings. In addition, all fans have the opportunity to be one of three contestants to take part in a $100 half court shot competition courtesy of the NCAA CHOICES grant.
The WBCA Pink Zone is being rebranded as Play 4Kay for February 2012. The mission of the initiative, which was brought to life in 2007, will remain intact: a nation of coaches raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund will continue to be the official charity of the initiative.
The justification behind the rebranding is to keep the story and legacy of Kay Yow at the forefront of everything the Fund commits itself to. Coach Yow's third recurrence of breast cancer in 2006 was the catalyst to the WBCA Pink Zone. Before her passing on January 24, 2009, Coach Yow, along with her teammates the WBCA and The V Foundation, achieved the feat of uniting thousands in the fight against women's cancers and since then the movement continues to grow and change lives each and every year during the month of February. (From http://www.kayyow.com/Play4Kay)
The Golden Eagle Basketball teams return to Lysaker Gymnasium on Saturday, February 4 to host Northern State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 & 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at Golden Eagle Sports and on Twitter at @UMCAthletics.
Fans who wear pink to the games will be entered for chances to win great prizes. If you don’t have pink apparel, pink t-shirts will be sold at the games for $10 so everyone can be entered into the drawings. In addition, all fans have the opportunity to be one of three contestants to take part in a $100 half court shot competition courtesy of the NCAA CHOICES grant.
The WBCA Pink Zone is being rebranded as Play 4Kay for February 2012. The mission of the initiative, which was brought to life in 2007, will remain intact: a nation of coaches raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund will continue to be the official charity of the initiative.
The justification behind the rebranding is to keep the story and legacy of Kay Yow at the forefront of everything the Fund commits itself to. Coach Yow's third recurrence of breast cancer in 2006 was the catalyst to the WBCA Pink Zone. Before her passing on January 24, 2009, Coach Yow, along with her teammates the WBCA and The V Foundation, achieved the feat of uniting thousands in the fight against women's cancers and since then the movement continues to grow and change lives each and every year during the month of February. (From http://www.kayyow.com/Play4Kay)
The Golden Eagle Basketball teams return to Lysaker Gymnasium on Saturday, February 4 to host Northern State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 & 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at Golden Eagle Sports and on Twitter at @UMCAthletics.
Monday, January 30, 2012
USCHO.com Division I men's hockey poll
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - With three straight victories and an 11-3-1 record over its last 15 games, North Dakota is ranked No. 17 in the latest released today.
UND climbed one spot from last week's ranking after sweeping conference rival Wisconsin in Grand Forks last weekend. UND won 5-3 on Friday and 4-2 on Saturday to improve to 15-10-2 overall and 11-9-0 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth remained the nation's top-ranked team, followed by No. 2 Minnesota, No. 3 Boston University, No. 4 Merrimack and No. 5 Boston College.
After a week off, UND will return to action Feb. 10-11 at top-ranked Minnesota Duluth.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (28) 17-5-4 959 1
2. Minnesota (21) 19-9-1 918 3
3. Boston University 15-8-1 799 2
4. Merrimack 15-8-1 799 2
5. Boston College 16-10-1 777 7
6. Ferris State (1) 17-8-3 716 10
7. Michigan 15-9-4 689 8
8. Notre Dame 15-10-3 673 4
9. Massachusetts-Lowell 16-7-0 596 11
10. Ohio State 14-8-5 531 6
11. Colorado College 14-9-1 451 12
12. Union 15-6-6 451 14
13. Denver 15-8-3 383 15
14. Cornell 11-6-4 338 9
15. Maine 14-8-3 326 20
16. Western Michigan 13-10-5 290 13
17. North Dakota 15-10-2 227 18
18. Miami 15-11-2 220 17
19. Northern Michigan 12-9-5 111 19
20. Colgate 14-9-3 87 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Michigan State 69, Lake Superior State 52, RIT 15, Nebraska Omaha 10, Michigan Tech 5, Quinnipiac 5, Harvard 4, Northeastern 1
UND climbed one spot from last week's ranking after sweeping conference rival Wisconsin in Grand Forks last weekend. UND won 5-3 on Friday and 4-2 on Saturday to improve to 15-10-2 overall and 11-9-0 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth remained the nation's top-ranked team, followed by No. 2 Minnesota, No. 3 Boston University, No. 4 Merrimack and No. 5 Boston College.
After a week off, UND will return to action Feb. 10-11 at top-ranked Minnesota Duluth.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (28) 17-5-4 959 1
2. Minnesota (21) 19-9-1 918 3
3. Boston University 15-8-1 799 2
4. Merrimack 15-8-1 799 2
5. Boston College 16-10-1 777 7
6. Ferris State (1) 17-8-3 716 10
7. Michigan 15-9-4 689 8
8. Notre Dame 15-10-3 673 4
9. Massachusetts-Lowell 16-7-0 596 11
10. Ohio State 14-8-5 531 6
11. Colorado College 14-9-1 451 12
12. Union 15-6-6 451 14
13. Denver 15-8-3 383 15
14. Cornell 11-6-4 338 9
15. Maine 14-8-3 326 20
16. Western Michigan 13-10-5 290 13
17. North Dakota 15-10-2 227 18
18. Miami 15-11-2 220 17
19. Northern Michigan 12-9-5 111 19
20. Colgate 14-9-3 87 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Michigan State 69, Lake Superior State 52, RIT 15, Nebraska Omaha 10, Michigan Tech 5, Quinnipiac 5, Harvard 4, Northeastern 1
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
MN Lynx to participate in Nat'l Girls & Women in Sports Day Award Ceremony
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – To help celebrate the 26th National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Wednesday, February 1, the Minnesota Lynx will participate in a ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol from 12 - 1:00 p.m. Members of the Minnesota Lynx org anization will be on hand to help spread awareness of this day.
"The Minnesota Lynx are excited to take part in the state's National Girls and Women in Sports Day," Conrad Smith, Lynx Chief Operating Officer said. "This day is very important to our organization. We thank everyone who has contributed to this event for their hard work in promoting female athletics today and all year."
National Girls and Women in Sports Day was first chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986 and honors female athletic achievement and recognizes the positive influence of sports participation for girls and women. The day is recognized in all 50 states.
For more information about the event, go to: http://ngwsd-mn.com/2011-Event.html
Lynx season tickets for the 2012 WNBA campaign, which beings on May 20, are available for as low as $153 and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or by visiting www.lynxbasketball.com.
"The Minnesota Lynx are excited to take part in the state's National Girls and Women in Sports Day," Conrad Smith, Lynx Chief Operating Officer said. "This day is very important to our organization. We thank everyone who has contributed to this event for their hard work in promoting female athletics today and all year."
National Girls and Women in Sports Day was first chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986 and honors female athletic achievement and recognizes the positive influence of sports participation for girls and women. The day is recognized in all 50 states.
For more information about the event, go to: http://ngwsd-mn.com/2011-Event.html
Lynx season tickets for the 2012 WNBA campaign, which beings on May 20, are available for as low as $153 and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or by visiting www.lynxbasketball.com.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
PTP Players of the Week
(January 23, 2012)
Brooke Brommenschenkel (Norman County West), Jake Pavek (Mahnomen) and Joel Merkens (Ada-Borup) haven been awarded Pine to Prairie Girls and Boys Basketball Player of the Week honors. All three players had outstanding weeks in helping to lead their respective teams.
Brooke scored 22 points and had 7 steals as NCW defeated Mahnomen. Brommenschenkel added 16 points and 3 steals in a loss to the Fosston Greyhounds. For the week, Brooke averaged 19 points and 5 steals.
Jake scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against Norman County West and followed that effort up with 27 points and 13 rebounds against Norman County East. Jake averaged 25 points and 14 rebounds for the week, continuing his string of doubledouble games.
Joel scored 25 points andgrabbed 10 rebounds in a 71-53 victory over Fosston. He then added another double-double against Bagley with a 20 point and 12 rebound effort as the Cougars defeated the Flyers at Bagley.
Other outstanding efforts for the week include: Neil Henrickson Ulen-Hitterdal) and Troy Peterson (Ulen-Hitterdal).
Brooke Brommenschenkel (Norman County West), Jake Pavek (Mahnomen) and Joel Merkens (Ada-Borup) haven been awarded Pine to Prairie Girls and Boys Basketball Player of the Week honors. All three players had outstanding weeks in helping to lead their respective teams.
Brooke scored 22 points and had 7 steals as NCW defeated Mahnomen. Brommenschenkel added 16 points and 3 steals in a loss to the Fosston Greyhounds. For the week, Brooke averaged 19 points and 5 steals.
Jake scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against Norman County West and followed that effort up with 27 points and 13 rebounds against Norman County East. Jake averaged 25 points and 14 rebounds for the week, continuing his string of doubledouble games.
Joel scored 25 points andgrabbed 10 rebounds in a 71-53 victory over Fosston. He then added another double-double against Bagley with a 20 point and 12 rebound effort as the Cougars defeated the Flyers at Bagley.
Other outstanding efforts for the week include: Neil Henrickson Ulen-Hitterdal) and Troy Peterson (Ulen-Hitterdal).
Monday, January 23, 2012
Lynx Re-Sign Six-Time WNBA All-Star Taj McWilliams-Franklin
Minneapolis/St.Paul - The Minnesota Lynx today announced the re-signing of 13-year WNBA veteran Taj McWilliams-Franklin. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are pleased to have Taj back with us for the 2012 season," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. "She was a big part of our championship team, and will play a big role in our attempt to win back-to-back titles."
A six-time WNBA All-Star, McWilliams-Franklin played a key role in Minnesota's championship run last season, averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in eight playoff games, including 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in the WNBA Finals vs. Atlanta. For the season, McWilliams-Franklin averaged 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 34 games (33 starts).
"I'm excited to be back with the Lynx for the 2012 WNBA season." McWilliams-Franklin said. "Last year was a great year. We all worked hard to achieve our goal of winning the championship. I'm looking forward to getting back with my teammates and Coach Reeve and the assistant coaches and doing it all over again."
"Taj is the consummate pro and her value to our team is immeasurable," Head coach Cheryl Reeve said. "Her return puts us in the best position to defend our title."
McWilliams-Franklin has career-averages of 11.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 407 career games over 13 seasons.
"We are pleased to have Taj back with us for the 2012 season," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. "She was a big part of our championship team, and will play a big role in our attempt to win back-to-back titles."
A six-time WNBA All-Star, McWilliams-Franklin played a key role in Minnesota's championship run last season, averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in eight playoff games, including 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in the WNBA Finals vs. Atlanta. For the season, McWilliams-Franklin averaged 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 34 games (33 starts).
"I'm excited to be back with the Lynx for the 2012 WNBA season." McWilliams-Franklin said. "Last year was a great year. We all worked hard to achieve our goal of winning the championship. I'm looking forward to getting back with my teammates and Coach Reeve and the assistant coaches and doing it all over again."
"Taj is the consummate pro and her value to our team is immeasurable," Head coach Cheryl Reeve said. "Her return puts us in the best position to defend our title."
McWilliams-Franklin has career-averages of 11.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 407 career games over 13 seasons.
USCHO.com DI hockey poll
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The University of North Dakota is ranked 18th nationally in the latest USCHO.com Division I men's hockey poll released earlier today.
The No. 18 ranking represented a slight drop for North Dakota, which slipped one spot after a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) series split at St. Cloud State last weekend. UND won 3-2 on Saturday after suffering a 3-1 defeat on Friday.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth garnered 45 of 50 first-place votes and retained its spot atop the poll. Boston University, which received the other five first-place votes, maintained its No. 2 ranking. Minnesota, Notre Dame and Merrimack rounded out the top five.
UND, which is 9-3-1 over its last 13 games, hosts Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (45) 17-4-3 995 1
2. Boston University (5) 15-6-1 952 2
3. Minnesota 17-9-1 790 4
4. Notre Dame 14-9-3 750 7
5. Merrimack 13-5-5 720 6
6. Ohio State 14-7-4 703 5
7. Boston College 14-10-1 680 3
8. Michigan 15-9-4 675 10
9. Cornell 11-4-4 654 9
10. Ferris State 15-8-3 532 13
11. Massachusetts-Lowell 14-6-0 526 14
12. Colorado College 14-9-1 518 11
13. Western Michigan 12-9-5 360 8
14. Union 13-6-6 349 12
15. Denver 13-8-3 319 15
16. Michigan State 13-9-4 250 16
17. Miami 14-10-2 242 20
18. North Dakota 13-10-2 133 17
19. Northern Michigan 11-8-5 103 NR
20. Maine 12-8-3 101 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Lake Superior State 47, Colgate 43, Quinnipiac 24, Nebraska Omaha, Harvard 8, RIT 7, St. Cloud State 2.
The No. 18 ranking represented a slight drop for North Dakota, which slipped one spot after a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) series split at St. Cloud State last weekend. UND won 3-2 on Saturday after suffering a 3-1 defeat on Friday.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth garnered 45 of 50 first-place votes and retained its spot atop the poll. Boston University, which received the other five first-place votes, maintained its No. 2 ranking. Minnesota, Notre Dame and Merrimack rounded out the top five.
UND, which is 9-3-1 over its last 13 games, hosts Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (45) 17-4-3 995 1
2. Boston University (5) 15-6-1 952 2
3. Minnesota 17-9-1 790 4
4. Notre Dame 14-9-3 750 7
5. Merrimack 13-5-5 720 6
6. Ohio State 14-7-4 703 5
7. Boston College 14-10-1 680 3
8. Michigan 15-9-4 675 10
9. Cornell 11-4-4 654 9
10. Ferris State 15-8-3 532 13
11. Massachusetts-Lowell 14-6-0 526 14
12. Colorado College 14-9-1 518 11
13. Western Michigan 12-9-5 360 8
14. Union 13-6-6 349 12
15. Denver 13-8-3 319 15
16. Michigan State 13-9-4 250 16
17. Miami 14-10-2 242 20
18. North Dakota 13-10-2 133 17
19. Northern Michigan 11-8-5 103 NR
20. Maine 12-8-3 101 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Lake Superior State 47, Colgate 43, Quinnipiac 24, Nebraska Omaha, Harvard 8, RIT 7, St. Cloud State 2.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
6th Annual Cops and Kids Hockey Game
On Sunday January 22nd, at the Moorhead Sports Center, the Moorhead Police Department will proudly host the 6th annual Cops and Kids hockey game. The evening will consist of a 5:30 pm game against boys and girls from the PeeWee, Bantam and U-12 teams. The “Kids” team will be coached by Moorhead High boy’s hockey captains.
The purpose of the event is to promote positive interaction with community youth and local law enforcement. Admission is free courtesy of Moorhead Public Service. There will be a silent auction for autographed sports memorabilia, including a team autographed UND Fighting Sioux jersey, and a raffle for prizes donated by area businesses. There will also be a free drawing for all youth in attendance for an autographed John Lee stick and a Fargo Force jersey. All money raised will be donated to the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association and the Moorhead Police Explorer Post.
Please feel free to contact Officer Scott Kostohryz at 218-790-4128 or scott.kostohryz@moorheadpolice.com if you have any questions about this event.
The purpose of the event is to promote positive interaction with community youth and local law enforcement. Admission is free courtesy of Moorhead Public Service. There will be a silent auction for autographed sports memorabilia, including a team autographed UND Fighting Sioux jersey, and a raffle for prizes donated by area businesses. There will also be a free drawing for all youth in attendance for an autographed John Lee stick and a Fargo Force jersey. All money raised will be donated to the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association and the Moorhead Police Explorer Post.
Please feel free to contact Officer Scott Kostohryz at 218-790-4128 or scott.kostohryz@moorheadpolice.com if you have any questions about this event.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
UMC Softball team to hold chili feed
(Crookston, Minn.) -- The University of Minnesota, Crookston's Women's Softball team will hold a chili feed on Thursday, February 2 at the Crookston Eagles Club. The chili feed will run from 4:30 until 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. Additional bowls of chili can be purchased for $2 at the Eagles. The chili feed tickets can be purchased from any Golden Eagle Softball team member or coach. For more information contact Head Coach Mitch Bakken at 281-8414 or bakke044@umn.edu .
All proceeds of the event go toward Minnesota, Crookston's spring training games which include five games at the Vadnais Heights Dome on February 28-29 and 12 games at Cocoa Beach Spring Training in Titusville, Fla. from March 9-15.
The Golden Eagles open the 2012 season on Tuesday, February 28-29 when the team travels to the Vadnais Heights Dome to play Northern State, MSU Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State in non-conference games. The Golden Eagles open the NSIC season on March 24-25 when the team hosts Winona State and Upper Iowa at the UMC Softball Field. The double-headers are scheduled for 1 p.m. on both days.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com.
Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at /Golden Eagle Sports /and on Twitter at /@UMCAthletics./
All proceeds of the event go toward Minnesota, Crookston's spring training games which include five games at the Vadnais Heights Dome on February 28-29 and 12 games at Cocoa Beach Spring Training in Titusville, Fla. from March 9-15.
The Golden Eagles open the 2012 season on Tuesday, February 28-29 when the team travels to the Vadnais Heights Dome to play Northern State, MSU Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State in non-conference games. The Golden Eagles open the NSIC season on March 24-25 when the team hosts Winona State and Upper Iowa at the UMC Softball Field. The double-headers are scheduled for 1 p.m. on both days.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com
Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at /Golden Eagle Sports /and on Twitter at /@UMCAthletics./
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
NCE/UH sports meeting
There will be a public meeting to discuss the proposed athletic pairing between Norman County East High School and Ulen-Hitterdal High School to be held at the high school in Twin Valley on Monday, Jan 23rd at 5:00 PM. It will consist of an open forum where comments and questions will be heard by the school board, Superintendent Krogstad, Principal Lundin and Activities Director Radniecki.
The comment and question session will end at 5:40 PM. At that time the board will commence a special board meeting with the proposed pairing being the only item on the agenda. A vote will be held by the board at this meeting to determine if Norman County East High School is going to proceed with this pairing.
The comment and question session will end at 5:40 PM. At that time the board will commence a special board meeting with the proposed pairing being the only item on the agenda. A vote will be held by the board at this meeting to determine if Norman County East High School is going to proceed with this pairing.
PTP Players of the Week
(January 16, 2012)
Jenna Lundon (Waubun), Shelby Kaster (Win-E-Mac) and Tate Mosher (Fertile-Beltrami) have been chosen as the Pine to Prairie Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week. All three had outstanding efforts and helped their teams to a combined record of 6-1 for the week.
Jenna (Sr., Guard) reached a career milestone when she scored her 2000th career point during a win over Norman County East. She finished the night with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 assists. For the week, Lundon averaged 18.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 3.0 assists while leading her team to a 2-1 record for the week.
Shelby (So., Forward) had a big night against Bagley as the patriots picked up another North Division victory. Kaster had 24 points and 20 rebounds in the win. She also added 4 steals and 3 assists as her team went 1-0 on the week.
Tate (Sr., Guard) led the Fertile-Beltrami Falcons to a 3-0 week. He had 27 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists in a win over Win-E-Mac. Mosher followed that effort up with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists against Mahnomen and then capped of the week with a 34 point, 10 rebound and 3 assist performance against Climax-Fisher. Tate hit two three-pointers in the last 8 seconds of the game against Climax-Fisher to send the game into overtime. He scored 11 of the Falcons’ 15 points in overtime to seal the win.
Other outstanding performances for the week include: Andi Knudsvig (Lake Park-Audubon), Bailee Bartunek (Lake Park-Audubon), Sam Lerud (Waubun), Jake Pavek (Mahnomen), Neil Henrickson (Ulen-Hitterdal), and Tyler George (Bagley).
Jenna Lundon (Waubun), Shelby Kaster (Win-E-Mac) and Tate Mosher (Fertile-Beltrami) have been chosen as the Pine to Prairie Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week. All three had outstanding efforts and helped their teams to a combined record of 6-1 for the week.
Jenna (Sr., Guard) reached a career milestone when she scored her 2000th career point during a win over Norman County East. She finished the night with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 assists. For the week, Lundon averaged 18.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 3.0 assists while leading her team to a 2-1 record for the week.
Shelby (So., Forward) had a big night against Bagley as the patriots picked up another North Division victory. Kaster had 24 points and 20 rebounds in the win. She also added 4 steals and 3 assists as her team went 1-0 on the week.
Tate (Sr., Guard) led the Fertile-Beltrami Falcons to a 3-0 week. He had 27 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists in a win over Win-E-Mac. Mosher followed that effort up with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists against Mahnomen and then capped of the week with a 34 point, 10 rebound and 3 assist performance against Climax-Fisher. Tate hit two three-pointers in the last 8 seconds of the game against Climax-Fisher to send the game into overtime. He scored 11 of the Falcons’ 15 points in overtime to seal the win.
Other outstanding performances for the week include: Andi Knudsvig (Lake Park-Audubon), Bailee Bartunek (Lake Park-Audubon), Sam Lerud (Waubun), Jake Pavek (Mahnomen), Neil Henrickson (Ulen-Hitterdal), and Tyler George (Bagley).
Monday, January 16, 2012
Local K of C Free Throw Contests
All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 as of Jan. 1, 2012, are invited to participate in a local level of competition for the 2012 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship.
This event in Mahnomen is being hosted by the Mahnomen Knights of Columbus Council #2573 on Saturday, Jan. 28th, 11:30 a.m., at the Mahnomen High School gymnasium, Mahnomen, MN. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m., immediately following the Mahnomen Elementary recreation program. For additional information on the Mahnomen event, please contact Ray Bisek, Joe Dewey, Dave Vipond, or Leo Bettels.
The Free Throw Shooting Contest in Ada will be on Sunday, Jan. 29th, at 1pm at the Ada-Borup High School.
Winners in each gender/age level will progress through local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C International Headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions.
Boys and girls from the surrounding schools, 10 to 14 years (Jan. 1st) are encouraged to participate and will compete in their respective age and gender divisions for this local competition. Boys and girls, ages 10 and 11 will shoot from a 12’ foul line using a woman’s regulation sized basketball. Boys and girls ages 12, 13, and 14 will shoot from the normal regulation 15’ foul line, with girls using a regulation woman sized basketball. All contestants at the local level are recognized for their participation with participation certificates. Winners from this local competition will advance to the District level of competition, which will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12th.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to participate in a fun-filled event that promotes good sportsmanship and competition. In past years, winners from our local level have advanced all the way to the state competition.
This event in Mahnomen is being hosted by the Mahnomen Knights of Columbus Council #2573 on Saturday, Jan. 28th, 11:30 a.m., at the Mahnomen High School gymnasium, Mahnomen, MN. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m., immediately following the Mahnomen Elementary recreation program. For additional information on the Mahnomen event, please contact Ray Bisek, Joe Dewey, Dave Vipond, or Leo Bettels.
The Free Throw Shooting Contest in Ada will be on Sunday, Jan. 29th, at 1pm at the Ada-Borup High School.
Winners in each gender/age level will progress through local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C International Headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions.
Boys and girls from the surrounding schools, 10 to 14 years (Jan. 1st) are encouraged to participate and will compete in their respective age and gender divisions for this local competition. Boys and girls, ages 10 and 11 will shoot from a 12’ foul line using a woman’s regulation sized basketball. Boys and girls ages 12, 13, and 14 will shoot from the normal regulation 15’ foul line, with girls using a regulation woman sized basketball. All contestants at the local level are recognized for their participation with participation certificates. Winners from this local competition will advance to the District level of competition, which will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12th.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to participate in a fun-filled event that promotes good sportsmanship and competition. In past years, winners from our local level have advanced all the way to the state competition.
USCHO.com DI men's poll
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The University of North Dakota maintained its No. 17 ranking in the most recent USCHO.com Division I men's poll released earlier today.
UND, which has lost just twice in the last 11 games (8-2-1), is coming off of a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) split with Minnesota last weekend, winning 2-1 on Friday and losing 6-2 on Saturday. Minnesota climbed one spot to No. 4 following the split.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth was the unanimous No. 1 once again after receiving all 50 first-place votes. Boston University and Boston College, ranked second and third, respectively, rounded out the top five.
UND will travel to St. Cloud State next weekend. The Huskies were unranked in this week's poll but did receive a pair of votes.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (50) 15-14-3 1000 1
2. Boston University 13-6-1 871 6
3. Boston College 14-8-1 856 4
4. Minnesota 16-8-1 783 5
5. Ohio State 14-6-3 780 2
6. Merrimack 12-4-5 747 7
7. Notre Dame 13-8-3 731 3
8. Western Michigan 12-7-5 627 10
9. Cornell 10-4-3 571 9
10. Michigan 14-8-4 563 15
11. Colorado College 13-8-1 505 8
12. Union 12-5-6 417 14
13. Ferris State 14-8-2 396 13
14. Massachusetts-Lowell 12-6-0 370 11
15. Denver 13-8-3 338 16
16. Michigan State 12-9-3 205 18
17. North Dakota 12-9-2 201 17
18. Colgate 12-8-2 156 12
19. Lake Superior State 13-10-3 129 19
20. Miami 12-10-2 91 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Northern Michigan 81, Nebraska Omaha 43, Quinnipiac 15, Harvard 6, Northeastern 6, Minnesota State 4, Maine 3, RIT 2, St. Cloud State 2, Mercyhurst 1.
UND, which has lost just twice in the last 11 games (8-2-1), is coming off of a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) split with Minnesota last weekend, winning 2-1 on Friday and losing 6-2 on Saturday. Minnesota climbed one spot to No. 4 following the split.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth was the unanimous No. 1 once again after receiving all 50 first-place votes. Boston University and Boston College, ranked second and third, respectively, rounded out the top five.
UND will travel to St. Cloud State next weekend. The Huskies were unranked in this week's poll but did receive a pair of votes.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (50) 15-14-3 1000 1
2. Boston University 13-6-1 871 6
3. Boston College 14-8-1 856 4
4. Minnesota 16-8-1 783 5
5. Ohio State 14-6-3 780 2
6. Merrimack 12-4-5 747 7
7. Notre Dame 13-8-3 731 3
8. Western Michigan 12-7-5 627 10
9. Cornell 10-4-3 571 9
10. Michigan 14-8-4 563 15
11. Colorado College 13-8-1 505 8
12. Union 12-5-6 417 14
13. Ferris State 14-8-2 396 13
14. Massachusetts-Lowell 12-6-0 370 11
15. Denver 13-8-3 338 16
16. Michigan State 12-9-3 205 18
17. North Dakota 12-9-2 201 17
18. Colgate 12-8-2 156 12
19. Lake Superior State 13-10-3 129 19
20. Miami 12-10-2 91 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Northern Michigan 81, Nebraska Omaha 43, Quinnipiac 15, Harvard 6, Northeastern 6, Minnesota State 4, Maine 3, RIT 2, St. Cloud State 2, Mercyhurst 1.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
UMC Ice Fishing Tourney
CROOKSTON, Minn. – Fish for prizes and support scholarships at the same time during the 2nd Annual Justin Knebel Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament to be held Saturday, February, 4, 2012. The tournament, which supports scholarships at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, will be held at Zippel Bay Resort on Lake of the Woods, Williams, Minn. Tickets are available for $25 ($30 at the gate) by contacting Alysa Tulibaski at 701-215-4300 or Bill Tyrrell at 218-281-8436. Tickets are also available at Zippel Bay Resort, 6080 39th St. NW, Williams, Minn., 800-222-2537.
Registration, limited to the first 150, begins at 10 a.m. on the ice at the tournament site with fishing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first person to catch a fish, along with prizes for the largest walleye, northern, sauger, and perch caught during the tournament. The registration fee also includes a $5 raffle ticket and road access fee. Additional raffle tickets will be available at the gate. All proceeds from the tournament support the Justin Knebel Memorial Scholarship Fund at the U of M, Crookston.
Registration, limited to the first 150, begins at 10 a.m. on the ice at the tournament site with fishing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first person to catch a fish, along with prizes for the largest walleye, northern, sauger, and perch caught during the tournament. The registration fee also includes a $5 raffle ticket and road access fee. Additional raffle tickets will be available at the gate. All proceeds from the tournament support the Justin Knebel Memorial Scholarship Fund at the U of M, Crookston.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
D-II men's BB poll
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the first time ever, a team from the South Atlantic Conference heads the national rankings for NCAA Division II as Lincoln Memorial is the new No. 1-ranked squad in the latest NABC/Division II men’s basketball poll.
The Railsplitters, who stand at 14-0 on the season, moved to the top spot after losses last week by the top two teams, Metropolitan State and Southern Indiana. They will face an immediate test this week as the nation’s No. 1 team, as they are slated to play Saturday at Anderson, a team that handed them two of their three losses a year ago.
Kentucky Wesleyan moved up two spots as well to No. 2, while fellow Great Lakes Valley Conference member Bellarmine moved up to No. 3. West Liberty also advanced back into the top five at No. 4, while Metropolitan State slipped to No. 5 after its loss Friday at Colorado School of Mines, who jumped to ninth as a result of that victory.
Tarleton State moved up to No. 6 this week, followed by Southern Indiana, who dropped five places after a loss to Missouri S&T, with Northern Kentucky jumping three spots to No. 8. Colorado School of Mines and Cal Poly Pomona rounded out the top 10.
Midwestern State, one of the four remaining undefeated teams in Division II, begins the second 10 at No. 11, followed by Bowie State, Winona State, Indiana (Pa.) and Christian Brothers, one of six new teams in this week’s poll. Minnesota State-Moorhead moved up to No. 16, followed by Alabama-Huntsville, Hillsdale, Fort Hays State and Montevallo.
The final five teams in this week’s poll are St. Cloud State, District of Columbia, Missouri Southern, Northwest Missouri State and West Georgia.
NABC/Division II Coaches Poll (Jan. 10, 2012)
Rec Pts Pvs
1. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. (6) 14-0 196 3
2. Kentucky Wesleyan (2) 12-0 194 4
3. Bellarmine, Ky. 11-1 186 5
4. West Liberty, W.Va. 12-1 163 7
5. Metropolitan State, Colo. 13-1 159 1
6. Tarleton State, Texas 11-1 154 9
7. Southern Indiana 11-1 151 2
8. Northern Kentucky 12-0 145 11
9. Colorado School of Mine 12-1 142 12
10. Cal Poly Pomona 9-1 129 6
11. Midwestern State, Texas 12-0 126 16
12. Bowie State, Md. 9-1 115 15
13. Winona State, Minn. 13-2 88 10
14. Indiana, Pa. 10-2 81 20
15. Christian Brothers, Tenn. 11-2 69 NR
16. MSU Moorhead 12-1 59 19
17. Alabama-Huntsville 9-3 52 13
18. Hillsdale, Mich. 13-1 46 NR
19. Fort Hays State, Kan. 10-3 45 8
20. Montevallo, Ala. 12-2 39 NR
21. St. Cloud State 11-2 33 NR
22. District of Columbia 12-1 31 NR
23. Missouri Southern 12-3 29 14
24. Northwest Missouri State 12-1 27 NR
25. West Georgia 14-2 26 25
Others receiving votes: Findlay (Ohio) 20, Western Oregon 20, Alaska-Anchorage 16, Arkansas-Monticello 15, South Carolina Aiken 13, Western Washington 10, Bentley (Mass.) 6, Charleston (W.Va.) 4, Seattle Pacific (Wash.) 4, King (Tenn.) 3, West Texas A&M 3, Missouri-St. Louis 1.
Dropped out: Findlay (17), Alaska-Anchorage (18), Augustana (21), Arkansas Tech (22), Western Washington (23), Benedict (24).
Records and previous rankings are through games of Jan. 8, 2012. The next poll will be released on Tuesday, Jan. 17
The Railsplitters, who stand at 14-0 on the season, moved to the top spot after losses last week by the top two teams, Metropolitan State and Southern Indiana. They will face an immediate test this week as the nation’s No. 1 team, as they are slated to play Saturday at Anderson, a team that handed them two of their three losses a year ago.
Kentucky Wesleyan moved up two spots as well to No. 2, while fellow Great Lakes Valley Conference member Bellarmine moved up to No. 3. West Liberty also advanced back into the top five at No. 4, while Metropolitan State slipped to No. 5 after its loss Friday at Colorado School of Mines, who jumped to ninth as a result of that victory.
Tarleton State moved up to No. 6 this week, followed by Southern Indiana, who dropped five places after a loss to Missouri S&T, with Northern Kentucky jumping three spots to No. 8. Colorado School of Mines and Cal Poly Pomona rounded out the top 10.
Midwestern State, one of the four remaining undefeated teams in Division II, begins the second 10 at No. 11, followed by Bowie State, Winona State, Indiana (Pa.) and Christian Brothers, one of six new teams in this week’s poll. Minnesota State-Moorhead moved up to No. 16, followed by Alabama-Huntsville, Hillsdale, Fort Hays State and Montevallo.
The final five teams in this week’s poll are St. Cloud State, District of Columbia, Missouri Southern, Northwest Missouri State and West Georgia.
NABC/Division II Coaches Poll (Jan. 10, 2012)
Rec Pts Pvs
1. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. (6) 14-0 196 3
2. Kentucky Wesleyan (2) 12-0 194 4
3. Bellarmine, Ky. 11-1 186 5
4. West Liberty, W.Va. 12-1 163 7
5. Metropolitan State, Colo. 13-1 159 1
6. Tarleton State, Texas 11-1 154 9
7. Southern Indiana 11-1 151 2
8. Northern Kentucky 12-0 145 11
9. Colorado School of Mine 12-1 142 12
10. Cal Poly Pomona 9-1 129 6
11. Midwestern State, Texas 12-0 126 16
12. Bowie State, Md. 9-1 115 15
13. Winona State, Minn. 13-2 88 10
14. Indiana, Pa. 10-2 81 20
15. Christian Brothers, Tenn. 11-2 69 NR
16. MSU Moorhead 12-1 59 19
17. Alabama-Huntsville 9-3 52 13
18. Hillsdale, Mich. 13-1 46 NR
19. Fort Hays State, Kan. 10-3 45 8
20. Montevallo, Ala. 12-2 39 NR
21. St. Cloud State 11-2 33 NR
22. District of Columbia 12-1 31 NR
23. Missouri Southern 12-3 29 14
24. Northwest Missouri State 12-1 27 NR
25. West Georgia 14-2 26 25
Others receiving votes: Findlay (Ohio) 20, Western Oregon 20, Alaska-Anchorage 16, Arkansas-Monticello 15, South Carolina Aiken 13, Western Washington 10, Bentley (Mass.) 6, Charleston (W.Va.) 4, Seattle Pacific (Wash.) 4, King (Tenn.) 3, West Texas A&M 3, Missouri-St. Louis 1.
Dropped out: Findlay (17), Alaska-Anchorage (18), Augustana (21), Arkansas Tech (22), Western Washington (23), Benedict (24).
Records and previous rankings are through games of Jan. 8, 2012. The next poll will be released on Tuesday, Jan. 17
Transfer Mitch MacMillan joins brother, Mark, at North Dakota
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota Head Coach Dave Hakstol announced today that forward Mitch MacMillan has transferred to UND and will join the team immediately. MacMillan is eligible to begin practicing with the team, but will not be eligible to compete until January 2013.
MacMillan will have two years of NCAA eligibility remaining when he resumes competition next January.
A native of Penticton, British Columbia, MacMillan transferred to UND from St. Cloud State, where he had five assists in 14 games this season. In 28 games last season as a freshman, MacMillan had four goals and two assists.
MacMillan's younger brother, Mark, is currently a freshman forward at UND. The last time the two were teammates was in 2009-10 with Alberni Valley of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), when they were the team's top two scorers and combined for 173 points (87 goals, 86 assists) in 59 games.
MacMillan will have two years of NCAA eligibility remaining when he resumes competition next January.
A native of Penticton, British Columbia, MacMillan transferred to UND from St. Cloud State, where he had five assists in 14 games this season. In 28 games last season as a freshman, MacMillan had four goals and two assists.
MacMillan's younger brother, Mark, is currently a freshman forward at UND. The last time the two were teammates was in 2009-10 with Alberni Valley of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), when they were the team's top two scorers and combined for 173 points (87 goals, 86 assists) in 59 games.
PTP Players of the Week
(January 9, 2012)
Alecia Stene (Sr., Center) from Norman County East and Alex Wentzel (Sr., Forward) from Climax/Fisher have been selected as the Conference Girls and Boys Players of the Week.
Alecia helped lead the Eagles to a 2-0 record last week. Against Barnesville, Alecia had 21 points, 16 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocked shots. She followed that effort up with 15 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocked shots against Norman County West.
Alex recorded three double-doubles in the three games the Knights played last week. Wentzel tallied 24 points against Red Lake County Central, 21 points against Mahnomen and added 22 points against Central Valley giving him a 22.3 points per game average for the week.
Other notable performances for last week included: Jenna Lundon (Waubun) averaging 23 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games, Jace Hennen (Ada-Borup) averaged 17 points in two wins, Tyler Schow (Win-E-Mac) scored 19 points in a win, Sam Lerud (Waubun) scored a career high 39 points in a win, and Seth Carlin (Fosston) recorded 18 points and 8 rebounds in a win.
Alecia Stene (Sr., Center) from Norman County East and Alex Wentzel (Sr., Forward) from Climax/Fisher have been selected as the Conference Girls and Boys Players of the Week.
Alecia helped lead the Eagles to a 2-0 record last week. Against Barnesville, Alecia had 21 points, 16 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocked shots. She followed that effort up with 15 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocked shots against Norman County West.
Alex recorded three double-doubles in the three games the Knights played last week. Wentzel tallied 24 points against Red Lake County Central, 21 points against Mahnomen and added 22 points against Central Valley giving him a 22.3 points per game average for the week.
Other notable performances for last week included: Jenna Lundon (Waubun) averaging 23 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games, Jace Hennen (Ada-Borup) averaged 17 points in two wins, Tyler Schow (Win-E-Mac) scored 19 points in a win, Sam Lerud (Waubun) scored a career high 39 points in a win, and Seth Carlin (Fosston) recorded 18 points and 8 rebounds in a win.
Monday, January 9, 2012
USCHO.com DI hockey poll
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The University of North Dakota has climbed two spots and is now ranked No. 17 in the most recent USCHO.com Division I men's poll released earlier today.
UND, which has lost just once in the last nine games (7-1-1), is coming off of a 3-1 non-conference win over Clarkson Saturday night at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth was the unanimous No. 1 in this week's poll after receiving all 50 first-place votes. Ohio State maintained its No.2 ranking, while No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Boston College and No. 5 Minnesota rounded out the top five.
UND will host Minnesota on Friday and Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) action.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (50) 14-3-3 1000 1
2. Ohio State 14-4-3 928 2
3. Notre Dame 13-6-3 907 5
4. Boston College 13-7-1 846 4
5. Minnesota 15-7-1 806 3
6. Boston University 11-6-1 698 10
7. Merrimack 11-4-4 656 7
8. Colorado College 12-7-1 632 6
9. Cornell 9-4-2 525 13
10. Western Michigan 10-7-5 493 8
11. Massachusetts-Lowell 12-5-0 473 12
12. Colgate 12-6-2 392 9
13. Ferris State 13-8-1 370 17
14. Union 10-5-6 357 14
15. Michigan 12-8-4 343 16
16. Denver 11-8-3 293 11
17. North Dakota 11-8-2 160 19
18. Michigan State 11-9-2 157 15
19. Lake Superior State 12-9-3 125 18
20. Northern Michigan 10-7-4 121 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Miami 108, Northeastern 48, Nebraska Omaha 11, Harvard 7, Maine 6, Quinnipiac 2, Air Force 1, Mercyhurst 1, St. Cloud State 1
UND, which has lost just once in the last nine games (7-1-1), is coming off of a 3-1 non-conference win over Clarkson Saturday night at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth was the unanimous No. 1 in this week's poll after receiving all 50 first-place votes. Ohio State maintained its No.2 ranking, while No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Boston College and No. 5 Minnesota rounded out the top five.
UND will host Minnesota on Friday and Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) action.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (50) 14-3-3 1000 1
2. Ohio State 14-4-3 928 2
3. Notre Dame 13-6-3 907 5
4. Boston College 13-7-1 846 4
5. Minnesota 15-7-1 806 3
6. Boston University 11-6-1 698 10
7. Merrimack 11-4-4 656 7
8. Colorado College 12-7-1 632 6
9. Cornell 9-4-2 525 13
10. Western Michigan 10-7-5 493 8
11. Massachusetts-Lowell 12-5-0 473 12
12. Colgate 12-6-2 392 9
13. Ferris State 13-8-1 370 17
14. Union 10-5-6 357 14
15. Michigan 12-8-4 343 16
16. Denver 11-8-3 293 11
17. North Dakota 11-8-2 160 19
18. Michigan State 11-9-2 157 15
19. Lake Superior State 12-9-3 125 18
20. Northern Michigan 10-7-4 121 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Miami 108, Northeastern 48, Nebraska Omaha 11, Harvard 7, Maine 6, Quinnipiac 2, Air Force 1, Mercyhurst 1, St. Cloud State 1
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
3 T-wolves on 2012 NBA All-Star Ballot
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The 2012 NBA All-Star Ballot was unveiled today during a special tip-off event in Orlando, the Official Host City of NBA All-Star 2012. Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Ricky Rubio will represent the Timberwolves on the ballot as fans worldwide have the opportunity to vote for their favorite players as starters for the 61st NBA All-Star Game. The 2012 NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at Amway Center on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012.
Love, who made his first All-Star Game appearance last season, is averaging 25.4 points and 15.2 rebounds per game. He ranks second in rebounding, sixth in scoring and fifth in minutes per game (39.0). The fourth-year forward recorded 31 points and 20 rebounds at Milwaukee on Dec. 27, the fifth 30/20 game of his career. He tied his career-high with five three-pointers in a 99-82 win vs. Dallas on Jan. 1, and is currently shooting a career-high .440 from long distance. In 2010-11. Love averaged 20.2 points and a league-leading 15.2 rebounds per game, en route to being named the NBA's Most Improved Player.
Beasley currently is averaging 14.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He tallied 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 2-for-2 from three-point range, in the Wolves' 106-96 win vs. San Antonio on Jan. 2. In 2010-11, Beasley averaged a career-high 19.2 points per game.
In his rookie season, Rubio is averaging 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. He is shooting .517 (15-for-29) from the field and .500 (4-for-8) from three-point range. Rubio scored a career-high 14 points and dished out seven assists in the Wolves' 99-82 win vs. Dallas on Jan. 1. The rookie scored 12 points and tallied a career-high 12 assists in the Wolves' 103-101 loss to the World Champion Miami Heat on Dec. 30. Among rookies, Rubio ranks first in assists (17th overall), seventh in rebounding and ninth in scoring.
2012 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by Sprint gives fans around the world the opportunity to vote daily for their favorite players as starters for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. There are several ways fans can cast their votes as part of this season’s all-digital program, including in 16 languages on NBA.com and through mobile phones by texting the player's last name to 6-9-6-2-2 ("MYNBA") or by visiting m.NBA.com on any wireless carrier. Sprint customers can also access the ballot and vote through the new “Sprint NBA Mobile” application, the most comprehensive app in the marketplace for NBA fans.
2012 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by Sprint also includes expanded SMS voting. Fans can now vote for 10 different players per day, per phone number, via SMS voting by sending 10 separate SMS messages, each one with a different player's last name. Fans can vote for All-Stars via SMS at any time by texting from their mobile phones. Previously, fans could cast one SMS vote for one player per day.
Fans can vote directly on NBA.com or use their Facebook profile information to help create an NBA.com All-Access account, which enables them to complete a ballot.
Wireless and SMS balloting, as well as voting on NBA.com, will conclude on Jan. 31. Starters will be announced live on TNT on Feb. 2, during a special one-hour pregame show at 7 p.m. ET featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. The special will air prior to TNT’s exclusive doubleheader featuring the Chicago Bulls at the New York Knicks (8 p.m. ET) and the Denver Nuggets at the Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 p.m. ET).
The NBA All-Star ballot lists 120 players – 60 each from the Eastern and Western conferences – with 24 guards, 24 forwards, and 12 centers from each conference comprising the list. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center from each conference.
The 120 players on the ballot were selected by a panel of media who regularly cover the NBA: Bill Simmons (Grantland), Sekou Smith (NBA.com), Doug Smith (Toronto Star/PBWA), and Ian Thomsen (Sports Illustrated).
NBA All-Star 2012 in Orlando will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league’s history for a global celebration of the game. TNT will televise the All-Star Game for a 10th consecutive year, marking Turner Sports' 28th year of All-Star coverage. NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm will feature the Haier Shooting Stars, Taco Bell Skills Challenge, Foot Locker Three-Point Contest, and Sprite Slam Dunk. Other events at NBA All-Star 2012 will include the NBA Rising Stars Challenge, Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and NBA All-Star Jam Session. Orlando also hosted NBA All-Star in 1992.
Love, who made his first All-Star Game appearance last season, is averaging 25.4 points and 15.2 rebounds per game. He ranks second in rebounding, sixth in scoring and fifth in minutes per game (39.0). The fourth-year forward recorded 31 points and 20 rebounds at Milwaukee on Dec. 27, the fifth 30/20 game of his career. He tied his career-high with five three-pointers in a 99-82 win vs. Dallas on Jan. 1, and is currently shooting a career-high .440 from long distance. In 2010-11. Love averaged 20.2 points and a league-leading 15.2 rebounds per game, en route to being named the NBA's Most Improved Player.
Beasley currently is averaging 14.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He tallied 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 2-for-2 from three-point range, in the Wolves' 106-96 win vs. San Antonio on Jan. 2. In 2010-11, Beasley averaged a career-high 19.2 points per game.
In his rookie season, Rubio is averaging 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. He is shooting .517 (15-for-29) from the field and .500 (4-for-8) from three-point range. Rubio scored a career-high 14 points and dished out seven assists in the Wolves' 99-82 win vs. Dallas on Jan. 1. The rookie scored 12 points and tallied a career-high 12 assists in the Wolves' 103-101 loss to the World Champion Miami Heat on Dec. 30. Among rookies, Rubio ranks first in assists (17th overall), seventh in rebounding and ninth in scoring.
2012 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by Sprint gives fans around the world the opportunity to vote daily for their favorite players as starters for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. There are several ways fans can cast their votes as part of this season’s all-digital program, including in 16 languages on NBA.com and through mobile phones by texting the player's last name to 6-9-6-2-2 ("MYNBA") or by visiting m.NBA.com on any wireless carrier. Sprint customers can also access the ballot and vote through the new “Sprint NBA Mobile” application, the most comprehensive app in the marketplace for NBA fans.
2012 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by Sprint also includes expanded SMS voting. Fans can now vote for 10 different players per day, per phone number, via SMS voting by sending 10 separate SMS messages, each one with a different player's last name. Fans can vote for All-Stars via SMS at any time by texting from their mobile phones. Previously, fans could cast one SMS vote for one player per day.
Fans can vote directly on NBA.com or use their Facebook profile information to help create an NBA.com All-Access account, which enables them to complete a ballot.
Wireless and SMS balloting, as well as voting on NBA.com, will conclude on Jan. 31. Starters will be announced live on TNT on Feb. 2, during a special one-hour pregame show at 7 p.m. ET featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. The special will air prior to TNT’s exclusive doubleheader featuring the Chicago Bulls at the New York Knicks (8 p.m. ET) and the Denver Nuggets at the Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 p.m. ET).
The NBA All-Star ballot lists 120 players – 60 each from the Eastern and Western conferences – with 24 guards, 24 forwards, and 12 centers from each conference comprising the list. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center from each conference.
The 120 players on the ballot were selected by a panel of media who regularly cover the NBA: Bill Simmons (Grantland), Sekou Smith (NBA.com), Doug Smith (Toronto Star/PBWA), and Ian Thomsen (Sports Illustrated).
NBA All-Star 2012 in Orlando will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league’s history for a global celebration of the game. TNT will televise the All-Star Game for a 10th consecutive year, marking Turner Sports' 28th year of All-Star coverage. NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm will feature the Haier Shooting Stars, Taco Bell Skills Challenge, Foot Locker Three-Point Contest, and Sprite Slam Dunk. Other events at NBA All-Star 2012 will include the NBA Rising Stars Challenge, Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and NBA All-Star Jam Session. Orlando also hosted NBA All-Star in 1992.
NCHC names Jim Scherr as First Commissioner
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference, the new eight-school, Division I men’s hockey conference that will start play in the 2013-14 season, today announced highly respected, veteran sports executive Jim Scherr as its first Commissioner.
Scherr, who has over 20 years in sports management leadership, including as the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Olympic Committee and executive director of USA Wrestling, was introduced by Brian Faison, University of North Dakota Athletic Director, at a news conference at Penrose House in Colorado Springs, the headquarters city of the Conference.
“The selection of Jim Scherr as our first Commissioner is the culmination of a thorough, national search to identify an exceptional sports business executive who will provide the leadership, vision and credibility to make our new Conference the benchmark for excellence in collegiate hockey,” Faison said. “While the position attracted dozens of very impressive candidates, Jim distinguished himself as someone who exceeded the leadership criteria established by our athletic directors. Jim’s depth of experience will serve the Conference well and we are delighted he has agreed to accept this important position.”
“I am honored to have been selected by the National Collegiate Hockey Conference to become its first Commissioner,” Scherr said. “I am grateful to the athletic directors and coaches of our Conference’s member institutions for their support, confidence and trust. We have just 21 months before we drop the puck to launch our first season and there’s a lot to accomplish. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity and I look forward to leading a Conference, including the eight outstanding hockey programs with their coaches, staffs, student-athletes and fans, that has the potential to become the premier single-sport conference in intercollegiate athletics.”
The eight member institutions of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference are: Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami University, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and Western Michigan University. The Conference was assisted in the search for the Commissioner by its consulting team of The Goldwater Group and Stafford Sports.
Scherr will immediately begin building a Conference staff and working on several key organizational functions and projects, including hockey operations and competition, business development and marketing initiatives.
Scherr served as CEO of the USOC from 2005 to 2009, overseeing 45 Olympic sports and directing the day-to-day operations of an organization dedicated to providing unparalleled service and support to America’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. During that time, the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team collected 110 medals, the most ever for an American Olympic team in a non-boycotted Games, to lead the overall medal count at the Beijing Summer Games. At the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Team USA finished an impressive second with 25 Olympic medals, the highest total for an American team in a Winter Games held outside of the United States.
Scherr was the Interim CEO of the USOC from 2003 to 2005 and led the organization through a critical period that resulted in the most comprehensive reorganization of its governance and management structures in history, culminating with sweeping changes to the USOC constitution and bylaws and the appointment of a new, 11-person Board of Directors in May 2004.
He was Chief of Sport Performance for the USOC from 2000-2003, directing the programs and services offered by the UYSOC in support of America’s athletes and National Governing Bodies.
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A former Olympian and World silver and bronze medalist in men’s freestyle wrestling, Scherr served as Executive Director of USA Wrestling from 1990 to 2000. He successfully reorganized and restructured the national office, resulting in record levels of athlete and coach memberships, initiated a financial turnaround and spurred an upsurge in wrestling participation and medals.
Most recently, Scherr was founder and CEO of 776 Original Marketing in Colorado Springs, a company he started in 2009 to provide marketing and public relations services. Clients have included national governing bodies, international federations and other sports organizations.
Scherr has been inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Nebraska Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was NCAA Division I wrestling champion for the University of Nebraska (1984), USA Wrestling Man of the Year (1994) and a member of the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team in 1986, 1988 and 1989.
Scherr graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BS degree in Business Administration in 1985 and earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in 1989.
Scherr, who has over 20 years in sports management leadership, including as the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Olympic Committee and executive director of USA Wrestling, was introduced by Brian Faison, University of North Dakota Athletic Director, at a news conference at Penrose House in Colorado Springs, the headquarters city of the Conference.
“The selection of Jim Scherr as our first Commissioner is the culmination of a thorough, national search to identify an exceptional sports business executive who will provide the leadership, vision and credibility to make our new Conference the benchmark for excellence in collegiate hockey,” Faison said. “While the position attracted dozens of very impressive candidates, Jim distinguished himself as someone who exceeded the leadership criteria established by our athletic directors. Jim’s depth of experience will serve the Conference well and we are delighted he has agreed to accept this important position.”
“I am honored to have been selected by the National Collegiate Hockey Conference to become its first Commissioner,” Scherr said. “I am grateful to the athletic directors and coaches of our Conference’s member institutions for their support, confidence and trust. We have just 21 months before we drop the puck to launch our first season and there’s a lot to accomplish. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity and I look forward to leading a Conference, including the eight outstanding hockey programs with their coaches, staffs, student-athletes and fans, that has the potential to become the premier single-sport conference in intercollegiate athletics.”
The eight member institutions of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference are: Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami University, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and Western Michigan University. The Conference was assisted in the search for the Commissioner by its consulting team of The Goldwater Group and Stafford Sports.
Scherr will immediately begin building a Conference staff and working on several key organizational functions and projects, including hockey operations and competition, business development and marketing initiatives.
Scherr served as CEO of the USOC from 2005 to 2009, overseeing 45 Olympic sports and directing the day-to-day operations of an organization dedicated to providing unparalleled service and support to America’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. During that time, the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team collected 110 medals, the most ever for an American Olympic team in a non-boycotted Games, to lead the overall medal count at the Beijing Summer Games. At the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Team USA finished an impressive second with 25 Olympic medals, the highest total for an American team in a Winter Games held outside of the United States.
Scherr was the Interim CEO of the USOC from 2003 to 2005 and led the organization through a critical period that resulted in the most comprehensive reorganization of its governance and management structures in history, culminating with sweeping changes to the USOC constitution and bylaws and the appointment of a new, 11-person Board of Directors in May 2004.
He was Chief of Sport Performance for the USOC from 2000-2003, directing the programs and services offered by the UYSOC in support of America’s athletes and National Governing Bodies.
& nbsp;
A former Olympian and World silver and bronze medalist in men’s freestyle wrestling, Scherr served as Executive Director of USA Wrestling from 1990 to 2000. He successfully reorganized and restructured the national office, resulting in record levels of athlete and coach memberships, initiated a financial turnaround and spurred an upsurge in wrestling participation and medals.
Most recently, Scherr was founder and CEO of 776 Original Marketing in Colorado Springs, a company he started in 2009 to provide marketing and public relations services. Clients have included national governing bodies, international federations and other sports organizations.
Scherr has been inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Nebraska Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was NCAA Division I wrestling champion for the University of Nebraska (1984), USA Wrestling Man of the Year (1994) and a member of the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team in 1986, 1988 and 1989.
Scherr graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BS degree in Business Administration in 1985 and earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in 1989.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Safety alert from MSHSL
The recent injury to Benilde-St. Margaret’s hockey player Jack Jablonski has prompted staff of the Minnesota State High School League to remind all participants involved in hockey about the continued emphasis on eliminating checking from behind. The following note was sent today to all League athletic administrators, to all hockey coaches, and to all hockey officials.
- - - - - - - - - -
As you are probably aware, a member of the Benilde-St. Margaret’s boys’ hockey team was injured in a junior varsity hockey game last week. In that contest an inadvertent check from behind resulted in the severe injury. This situation reminds all of us in the hockey community to renew our efforts to emphasize the elimination of hitting from behind in hockey and to emphasize proper contact techniques.
For nearly a decade the MSHSL has identified the reduction and removal of checking from behind as a major point of emphasis for coaches, officials and hockey players. This education process continues the foundation laid for boys and girls who grew up playing youth hockey under the guidelines created by Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey. High school coaches, officials and student-athletes all have an essential and continuing role in helping to remove this type of contact from games and practices.
Currently, 124 girls’ hockey teams with students from 241 schools and 156 boys’ hockey teams drawing students from 270 schools participate in MSHSL high school hockey. Together, players from those teams working with the thousands of high school hockey coaches and officials across the state can sustain this awareness and emphasis to ensure the game will be played within the rules which will help eliminate these potentially catastrophic injuries.
With that in mind, MSHSL staff makes the following recommendations.
Coaches:
* Daily remind your hockey players to eliminate checking from behind.
* Prior to checking or contact drills, emphasize proper checking and contact technique.
* Before every game and every period remind your team to be aware of hitting from behind situations and to stay away from those situations.
* Be grateful when officials enforce the rules which will make the game safer for all involved.
Officials:
* In your pre-game meetings with captains and coaches emphasize appropriate contact and checking.
* Prior to each period talk to the captains or coaches to again remind them of the points of emphasis.
* When there are checks from behind do not hesitate to make the call—you are protecting all of the players involved.
Hockey Players:
* Remember what your coaches and the officials have taught you—stay away from checking from behind situations.
* Remind each other to keep it clean and hit the brakes when you see the numbers on the back of the jersey.
- - - - - - - - - -
As you are probably aware, a member of the Benilde-St. Margaret’s boys’ hockey team was injured in a junior varsity hockey game last week. In that contest an inadvertent check from behind resulted in the severe injury. This situation reminds all of us in the hockey community to renew our efforts to emphasize the elimination of hitting from behind in hockey and to emphasize proper contact techniques.
For nearly a decade the MSHSL has identified the reduction and removal of checking from behind as a major point of emphasis for coaches, officials and hockey players. This education process continues the foundation laid for boys and girls who grew up playing youth hockey under the guidelines created by Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey. High school coaches, officials and student-athletes all have an essential and continuing role in helping to remove this type of contact from games and practices.
Currently, 124 girls’ hockey teams with students from 241 schools and 156 boys’ hockey teams drawing students from 270 schools participate in MSHSL high school hockey. Together, players from those teams working with the thousands of high school hockey coaches and officials across the state can sustain this awareness and emphasis to ensure the game will be played within the rules which will help eliminate these potentially catastrophic injuries.
With that in mind, MSHSL staff makes the following recommendations.
Coaches:
* Daily remind your hockey players to eliminate checking from behind.
* Prior to checking or contact drills, emphasize proper checking and contact technique.
* Before every game and every period remind your team to be aware of hitting from behind situations and to stay away from those situations.
* Be grateful when officials enforce the rules which will make the game safer for all involved.
Officials:
* In your pre-game meetings with captains and coaches emphasize appropriate contact and checking.
* Prior to each period talk to the captains or coaches to again remind them of the points of emphasis.
* When there are checks from behind do not hesitate to make the call—you are protecting all of the players involved.
Hockey Players:
* Remember what your coaches and the officials have taught you—stay away from checking from behind situations.
* Remind each other to keep it clean and hit the brakes when you see the numbers on the back of the jersey.
16th Annual Timberwolves Shootout
The 16th annual Timberwolves Shootout will be held at Target Center on Saturday, Jan. 7 with six games featuring top-ranked high school teams. The Shootout will feature seven of Minnesota's top boys basketball programs along with five elite entries from outside of the state.
The Timberwolves Shootout has attracted some of the best basketball talent from all over the country. Through the years, 23 future NBA players have participated in the Shootout, including Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love along with recent top draftees DeMarcus Cousins, Jrue Holiday and All-Star Josh Smith. In addition, more than 200 participants proceeded to play Division I college basketball. This year's Timberwolves Shootout will bring in many players expected to play in Division I college basketball programs.
The Shootout's first game (11:00 a.m.) features the St. Thomas More (Rapid City, S.D.) Cavaliers against Minnesota's Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. St. Thomas More has won the South Dakota Class A title three times in the past six years (2006, 2007 and 2011) and was runner-up in 2010. The Cavaliers, who finished 25-1 last season, return two starters, led by guard Skye Warwick who signed with Division II's Northern State this fall. Benilde St. Margaret's is ranked No. 1 in Class AAA. The Red Knights are led by three Division I signees, who are combining for more than 50 points per game this season. Isaiah Zierden, who is headed to Creighton, is one of the state’s top outside shooters. He is averaging a team-best 19.1 points per game. Sanjay Lumpkin, who signed with Northwestern, adds 18.9 points and Will Dunn, a strong outside threat who will play at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne next year, is averaging 12.6 points per game.
The Rice Lake (Wisc.) Warriors and Duluth East Greyhounds will face off in the second game at 12:30 p.m. Rice Lake, currently No. 2 in Wisconsin’s Division 2 rankings, returns four starters, including Minnesota signee Wally Ellenson, who is averaging 18.6 points per game. His brothers join him in the starting five. Junior forward Ellwood Ellenson is averaging 7.6 points and Henry Ellenson, a freshman, adds 12.3 points. Alex Cuskey, a 6-foot-4 forward, was a first team All-conference selection last year and averages 14.2 points per game. Duluth East is a high-scoring team that is playing without its top player, senior Johnny Woodward, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Point guard Taylor Stafford is averaging 30.5 ppg and scored a tournament record 114 points in three games at the Best Buy Holiday Classic. Six-foot junior guard Shaq Coleman is averaging 16.1 points per game.
An interstate matchup will take place at 2:00p.m. as the Pelican Rapids Vikings take on the Minnetonka Skippers in a small school vs. big school tilt. Pelican Rapids won the 2009 Class 2A state title on the Target Center floor with a perfect 33-0 mark. The Vikings finished 23-5 last season and are ranked second in the state this year. They are led by seniors Luke Halbakken and Casey Bruggeman, who are averaging 18.4 and 17.2 points per game, respectively. The Vikings have good size with four players 6-foot-5 or taller. Minnetonka is arguably the state’s most improved team this season. The Skippers were just 4-23 last year, but added three transfers, including two starters. The Skippers are getting excellent scoring balance with four players averaging double figures. Senior guard Tommy McDermott is averaging a team-best 16.2 points per game. Junior Riley Dearring, who played at Minneapolis DeLaSalle last season, is scoring 16.1 points per contest. Patrick Henry transfer Latrell Love add s 15.9 points and senior Joe Risinger is contributing 11.9 points per game.
The fourth game of the day (3:30 p.m.) will feature an Iowa-Minnesota border battle, pitting Iowa's Cedar Falls Tigers against Minnesota's Prior Lake Lakers. Cedar Falls returns eight letter winners from a team that won the Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division last season. The Tigers are led by outstanding athlete James Harrington, who also excels at football and track -- he has signed with Alabama for track. Harrington is averaging 22.8 points per game. Caleb Konieczny is adding 15.0 points per game for the Tigers. Prior Lake is a young team that has made strong strides from a 6-21 season last year. Sophomore point guard Jon Sobaski is one of the top playmakers in the state and is averaging 17.1 points per game. Seven-foot junior center Carson Shanks has already committed to Utah State and is averaging 10.1 points per contest for the Lakers.
Another Iowa-Minnesota border battle follows at 5:00 p.m. as Iowa's Sioux City East Black Raiders takes on Minnesota's defending Class AAAA champion Hopkins Royals. Sioux City East is led by Iowa signee Adam Woodbury. The 7-foot-1 center led the Black Raiders to the Iowa State Tournament last season, averaging 18.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. He is contributing 17.4 points and 11.0 rebounds this year. J.C. Fuller, a 6-foot-3 senior point guard, is an experienced playmaker and scorer and is averaging 16.8 points per game. Hopkins won its second straight Best Buy Holiday Classic this past week, defeating its opponents by an average of 28.7 points in the three games. The Royals have won three straight Class 4A titles and are going for an unprecedented fourth consecutive crown. Senior Zach Stahl was named the Best Buy Holiday Classic MVP after scoring 22.7 points per game. He is averaging 21.8 points on the season. Senior shooter Demitrius Martin has more than doubled his scoring from last season as he is contributing 15.0 points per game. Point guard Siyani Chambers, who is headed to Harvard, is adding 14.8 points. Andre McDonald, who is the state’s top wide receiver, has shown off his skills on the hardwood by averaging 10.0 points. The Vanderbilt commit is an outstanding athlete and leaper.
The final game of the day (6:30 p.m.) will feature the second Wisconsin-Minnesota border battle of the day as Wisconsin's Onalaska Hilltoppers takes on Minnesota's Apple Valley Eagles. Onalaska is currently ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin’s Division 2. The Hilltoppers are led by 6-foot-4 shooting guard Matt Thomas, who is one of the top juniors in the state of Wisconsin. Thomas, who is drawing scholarship offers from most of the top Midwest schools, including Minnesota, is averaging 21.4 points per game. Nick Arenz, a 6-foot-8 big man, signed with Wisconsin Green Bay in the fall. Arenz, who suffered an ACL tear last year, is averaging 12.4 points per game. Apple Valley is led by standout sophomore point guard Tyus Jones, who is ranked fifth in the Class of 2014 by ESPN. He helped lead the USA 16-and-under team to the gold medal this past summer in Mexico. Jones is averaging 27.4 points per game and has three games of 30 or more points this season. Junior guard Dustin Fronk is one of the state's top outside threats and adds 18.1 points per game.
Tickets for all six contests are available for $10 at the Target Center box office on the day of the Shootout. The ticket is good for the entire day and also includes a free ticket to a future Timberwolves game.
2012 Timberwolves Shootout Schedule
11:00 p.m. St. Thomas More (S.D.) vs. Benilde-St. Margaret's
12:30 p.m. Rice Lake (WI) vs. Duluth East
2:00 p.m. Pelican Rapids vs. Minnetonka
3:30 p.m. Cedar Falls (IA) vs. Prior Lake
5:00 p.m. Sioux City East (IA) vs. Hopkins
6:30 p.m. Onalaska (WI) vs. Apple Valley
The Timberwolves Shootout has attracted some of the best basketball talent from all over the country. Through the years, 23 future NBA players have participated in the Shootout, including Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love along with recent top draftees DeMarcus Cousins, Jrue Holiday and All-Star Josh Smith. In addition, more than 200 participants proceeded to play Division I college basketball. This year's Timberwolves Shootout will bring in many players expected to play in Division I college basketball programs.
The Shootout's first game (11:00 a.m.) features the St. Thomas More (Rapid City, S.D.) Cavaliers against Minnesota's Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. St. Thomas More has won the South Dakota Class A title three times in the past six years (2006, 2007 and 2011) and was runner-up in 2010. The Cavaliers, who finished 25-1 last season, return two starters, led by guard Skye Warwick who signed with Division II's Northern State this fall. Benilde St. Margaret's is ranked No. 1 in Class AAA. The Red Knights are led by three Division I signees, who are combining for more than 50 points per game this season. Isaiah Zierden, who is headed to Creighton, is one of the state’s top outside shooters. He is averaging a team-best 19.1 points per game. Sanjay Lumpkin, who signed with Northwestern, adds 18.9 points and Will Dunn, a strong outside threat who will play at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne next year, is averaging 12.6 points per game.
The Rice Lake (Wisc.) Warriors and Duluth East Greyhounds will face off in the second game at 12:30 p.m. Rice Lake, currently No. 2 in Wisconsin’s Division 2 rankings, returns four starters, including Minnesota signee Wally Ellenson, who is averaging 18.6 points per game. His brothers join him in the starting five. Junior forward Ellwood Ellenson is averaging 7.6 points and Henry Ellenson, a freshman, adds 12.3 points. Alex Cuskey, a 6-foot-4 forward, was a first team All-conference selection last year and averages 14.2 points per game. Duluth East is a high-scoring team that is playing without its top player, senior Johnny Woodward, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Point guard Taylor Stafford is averaging 30.5 ppg and scored a tournament record 114 points in three games at the Best Buy Holiday Classic. Six-foot junior guard Shaq Coleman is averaging 16.1 points per game.
An interstate matchup will take place at 2:00p.m. as the Pelican Rapids Vikings take on the Minnetonka Skippers in a small school vs. big school tilt. Pelican Rapids won the 2009 Class 2A state title on the Target Center floor with a perfect 33-0 mark. The Vikings finished 23-5 last season and are ranked second in the state this year. They are led by seniors Luke Halbakken and Casey Bruggeman, who are averaging 18.4 and 17.2 points per game, respectively. The Vikings have good size with four players 6-foot-5 or taller. Minnetonka is arguably the state’s most improved team this season. The Skippers were just 4-23 last year, but added three transfers, including two starters. The Skippers are getting excellent scoring balance with four players averaging double figures. Senior guard Tommy McDermott is averaging a team-best 16.2 points per game. Junior Riley Dearring, who played at Minneapolis DeLaSalle last season, is scoring 16.1 points per contest. Patrick Henry transfer Latrell Love add s 15.9 points and senior Joe Risinger is contributing 11.9 points per game.
The fourth game of the day (3:30 p.m.) will feature an Iowa-Minnesota border battle, pitting Iowa's Cedar Falls Tigers against Minnesota's Prior Lake Lakers. Cedar Falls returns eight letter winners from a team that won the Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division last season. The Tigers are led by outstanding athlete James Harrington, who also excels at football and track -- he has signed with Alabama for track. Harrington is averaging 22.8 points per game. Caleb Konieczny is adding 15.0 points per game for the Tigers. Prior Lake is a young team that has made strong strides from a 6-21 season last year. Sophomore point guard Jon Sobaski is one of the top playmakers in the state and is averaging 17.1 points per game. Seven-foot junior center Carson Shanks has already committed to Utah State and is averaging 10.1 points per contest for the Lakers.
Another Iowa-Minnesota border battle follows at 5:00 p.m. as Iowa's Sioux City East Black Raiders takes on Minnesota's defending Class AAAA champion Hopkins Royals. Sioux City East is led by Iowa signee Adam Woodbury. The 7-foot-1 center led the Black Raiders to the Iowa State Tournament last season, averaging 18.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. He is contributing 17.4 points and 11.0 rebounds this year. J.C. Fuller, a 6-foot-3 senior point guard, is an experienced playmaker and scorer and is averaging 16.8 points per game. Hopkins won its second straight Best Buy Holiday Classic this past week, defeating its opponents by an average of 28.7 points in the three games. The Royals have won three straight Class 4A titles and are going for an unprecedented fourth consecutive crown. Senior Zach Stahl was named the Best Buy Holiday Classic MVP after scoring 22.7 points per game. He is averaging 21.8 points on the season. Senior shooter Demitrius Martin has more than doubled his scoring from last season as he is contributing 15.0 points per game. Point guard Siyani Chambers, who is headed to Harvard, is adding 14.8 points. Andre McDonald, who is the state’s top wide receiver, has shown off his skills on the hardwood by averaging 10.0 points. The Vanderbilt commit is an outstanding athlete and leaper.
The final game of the day (6:30 p.m.) will feature the second Wisconsin-Minnesota border battle of the day as Wisconsin's Onalaska Hilltoppers takes on Minnesota's Apple Valley Eagles. Onalaska is currently ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin’s Division 2. The Hilltoppers are led by 6-foot-4 shooting guard Matt Thomas, who is one of the top juniors in the state of Wisconsin. Thomas, who is drawing scholarship offers from most of the top Midwest schools, including Minnesota, is averaging 21.4 points per game. Nick Arenz, a 6-foot-8 big man, signed with Wisconsin Green Bay in the fall. Arenz, who suffered an ACL tear last year, is averaging 12.4 points per game. Apple Valley is led by standout sophomore point guard Tyus Jones, who is ranked fifth in the Class of 2014 by ESPN. He helped lead the USA 16-and-under team to the gold medal this past summer in Mexico. Jones is averaging 27.4 points per game and has three games of 30 or more points this season. Junior guard Dustin Fronk is one of the state's top outside threats and adds 18.1 points per game.
Tickets for all six contests are available for $10 at the Target Center box office on the day of the Shootout. The ticket is good for the entire day and also includes a free ticket to a future Timberwolves game.
2012 Timberwolves Shootout Schedule
11:00 p.m. St. Thomas More (S.D.) vs. Benilde-St. Margaret's
12:30 p.m. Rice Lake (WI) vs. Duluth East
2:00 p.m. Pelican Rapids vs. Minnetonka
3:30 p.m. Cedar Falls (IA) vs. Prior Lake
5:00 p.m. Sioux City East (IA) vs. Hopkins
6:30 p.m. Onalaska (WI) vs. Apple Valley
Scott Berry wins coaching award
(Kansas City, MO) – The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has selected Mayville State University (Mayville, ND) Head Coach Scott Berry as the recipient of the 2011 Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award. Berry will receive his award during the FCA Baseball Breakfast held Saturday, January 7 at the American Baseball Coaches Convention in Anaheim, CA.
Berry has led Mayville State University’s baseball program since 1982. In his 30 years as head coach, Berry has accumulated an impressive 826-478 career record, which places him among the top winningest coaches in NAIA baseball. Berry’s teams are a dominant presence in the Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) by winning 21 conference championships, 18 conference playoff championships and tallied 21 appearances in the NAIA national playoffs.
Coach Berry has also accumulated several personal awards and recognitions. He has been inducted into four Hall of Fames, including: Mayville State University Athletic Hall of Fame (1996), NAIA Hall of Fame for Baseball (2002), North Dakota Amateur Baseball Association Hall of Fame (2003), and the Christian Sports Commission Hall of Fame (2009). He’s also tallied 11 different NAIA District 12 Coach of the Year honors and 19 conference coach of the year awards, been awarded the NAIA Great Plains and Region 3 Coach of the Year, received the North Dakota Associated Press Sportswriters and Sportscasters “Special Achievement Award,” and the NAIA Robert E. Smith Achievement Award among many others.
“I have known Scott personally for over 25 years and can readily testify that he is an exceptional godly man,” said FCA Baseball Leadership Board Chairman, Dave Altopp, adding that “his faith was never more clearly demonstrated than during his wife’s recent losing battle with cancer.” One of Scott’s former players, Mark Andresen, wrote in his letter of recommendation for the Kindall Award that “Coach Berry has touched the lives of numerous people and continues to be a ‘rock’ even as he struggles with the realities of life.” Andresen further commented that in “losing the love of his life, Coach Berry relied on his faith, his immediate family, and his baseball family to help provide support in dealing with this loss.” His immediate family includes a daughter and three sons, all of whom have played for him at Mayville State.
A native of LaMoure, N.D., Berry played college baseball for the Mayville State Comets under legendary coach Al Meyer. After graduating he went on to coach teams in Ellendale, Binford, Rolla and Casselton (ND) before returning to Mayville in 1981 as Coach Meyer’s assistant. He then took the program’s helm in 1982.
Named after Jerry Kindall, former major league player and retired head coach at the University of Arizona, the Character in Coaching Award is presented annually to the college or high school baseball coach who best exemplifies the Christian principles of Character, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Service on and off the baseball field. Coach Kindall was the honorary first recipient of the award at the 2006 FCA Baseball Breakfast.
Berry has led Mayville State University’s baseball program since 1982. In his 30 years as head coach, Berry has accumulated an impressive 826-478 career record, which places him among the top winningest coaches in NAIA baseball. Berry’s teams are a dominant presence in the Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) by winning 21 conference championships, 18 conference playoff championships and tallied 21 appearances in the NAIA national playoffs.
Coach Berry has also accumulated several personal awards and recognitions. He has been inducted into four Hall of Fames, including: Mayville State University Athletic Hall of Fame (1996), NAIA Hall of Fame for Baseball (2002), North Dakota Amateur Baseball Association Hall of Fame (2003), and the Christian Sports Commission Hall of Fame (2009). He’s also tallied 11 different NAIA District 12 Coach of the Year honors and 19 conference coach of the year awards, been awarded the NAIA Great Plains and Region 3 Coach of the Year, received the North Dakota Associated Press Sportswriters and Sportscasters “Special Achievement Award,” and the NAIA Robert E. Smith Achievement Award among many others.
“I have known Scott personally for over 25 years and can readily testify that he is an exceptional godly man,” said FCA Baseball Leadership Board Chairman, Dave Altopp, adding that “his faith was never more clearly demonstrated than during his wife’s recent losing battle with cancer.” One of Scott’s former players, Mark Andresen, wrote in his letter of recommendation for the Kindall Award that “Coach Berry has touched the lives of numerous people and continues to be a ‘rock’ even as he struggles with the realities of life.” Andresen further commented that in “losing the love of his life, Coach Berry relied on his faith, his immediate family, and his baseball family to help provide support in dealing with this loss.” His immediate family includes a daughter and three sons, all of whom have played for him at Mayville State.
A native of LaMoure, N.D., Berry played college baseball for the Mayville State Comets under legendary coach Al Meyer. After graduating he went on to coach teams in Ellendale, Binford, Rolla and Casselton (ND) before returning to Mayville in 1981 as Coach Meyer’s assistant. He then took the program’s helm in 1982.
Named after Jerry Kindall, former major league player and retired head coach at the University of Arizona, the Character in Coaching Award is presented annually to the college or high school baseball coach who best exemplifies the Christian principles of Character, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Service on and off the baseball field. Coach Kindall was the honorary first recipient of the award at the 2006 FCA Baseball Breakfast.
Monday, January 2, 2012
SMSU outlasts UMC in Women's BB
(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's
Basketball team returned to the court this evening after a two week
semester break layoff. Both teams shot just 30% from the field in the
first half but it was Southwest Minnesota State University who shot 45%
in the second half to help in the 69-56 Mustang victory.
The Golden Eagles were led this evening by *Brittani* *Wiese (G, 5-7,
Jr., Albertville, Minn.)*, *Ashley Martel (G, 5-8, Fr., Somerset,
Wis.)*, and *Cienna Walker (G, 5-10, Fr., Ajax, Ontario)* who all scored
double-digits in points. Wiese tallied a team-high 16 points. She was
6-14 from the field, 2-6 from long range and 2-4 from the free-throw
line. Walker finished with a career-high 11 points and six rebounds
while Martel finished with 10 points. *Lauren Kessler (C, 6-1, Jr.,
Albertville, Minn.)* earned a game-high two blocks in the contest. UMC
as a team combined for 17 points off of SMSU turnovers in the contest.
Southwest Minnesota State was led by Hannah Beeler who tallied a
game-high 17 points. She was 6-10 from the field, 1-2 from beyond the
arc and 4-4 from the line. She also played strong defensively grabbing a
game-high nine rebounds. Abby Kenealy followed Beeler with 16 points
while Bree Holleman dished a game-high four assists.
Minnesota, Crookston falls to 6-4 on the season and 3-3 in conference
play.Southwest Minnesota State advances to 4-7 on the season and 3-4 in
the NSIC.The Golden Eagles return to the court on Tuesday, January 3 to
resume conference play.UMC hosts Minnesota State University, Mankato at
6 p.m.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at:
http://www.goldeneaglesports.com
Basketball team returned to the court this evening after a two week
semester break layoff. Both teams shot just 30% from the field in the
first half but it was Southwest Minnesota State University who shot 45%
in the second half to help in the 69-56 Mustang victory.
The Golden Eagles were led this evening by *Brittani* *Wiese (G, 5-7,
Jr., Albertville, Minn.)*, *Ashley Martel (G, 5-8, Fr., Somerset,
Wis.)*, and *Cienna Walker (G, 5-10, Fr., Ajax, Ontario)* who all scored
double-digits in points. Wiese tallied a team-high 16 points. She was
6-14 from the field, 2-6 from long range and 2-4 from the free-throw
line. Walker finished with a career-high 11 points and six rebounds
while Martel finished with 10 points. *Lauren Kessler (C, 6-1, Jr.,
Albertville, Minn.)* earned a game-high two blocks in the contest. UMC
as a team combined for 17 points off of SMSU turnovers in the contest.
Southwest Minnesota State was led by Hannah Beeler who tallied a
game-high 17 points. She was 6-10 from the field, 1-2 from beyond the
arc and 4-4 from the line. She also played strong defensively grabbing a
game-high nine rebounds. Abby Kenealy followed Beeler with 16 points
while Bree Holleman dished a game-high four assists.
Minnesota, Crookston falls to 6-4 on the season and 3-3 in conference
play.Southwest Minnesota State advances to 4-7 on the season and 3-4 in
the NSIC.The Golden Eagles return to the court on Tuesday, January 3 to
resume conference play.UMC hosts Minnesota State University, Mankato at
6 p.m.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at:
http://www.goldeneaglesports.com
D-I men's hockey poll
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - North Dakota is ranked No. 19 in this week's USCHO.com Division I men's poll released earlier today.
UND is coming off of a win and a tie against non-conference foe Harvard last weekend, winning 7-3 on Saturday after a 4-4 overtime tie on Friday. UND had been ranked No. 18 in the previous USCHO poll, which was released prior to the Christmas break.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth maintained its grip on the poll's top spot by garnering 47 of 50 first-place votes. No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Minnesota, No. 4 Boston College and No. 5 Notre Dame rounded out the top five.
UND returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Clarkson in Winnipeg at the MTS Centre, in a game dubbed the U.S. College Hockey Classic.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (47) 12-3-3 997 1
2. Ohio State (2) 14-4-1 930 4
3. Minnesota (1) 15-6-1 862 2
4. Boston College 13-7-0 839 3
5. Notre Dame 12-6-3 833 5
6. Colorado College 12-6-0 675 6
7. Merrimack 11-3-3 648 7
8. Western Michigan 10-5-5 618 8
9. Colgate 12-4-2 573 12
10. Boston University 10-6-1 523 9
11. Denver 10-7-3 435 15
12. Massachusetts-Lowell 12-5-0 375 17
13. Cornell 8-4-1 350 13
14. Union 9-5-5 349 10
15. Michigan State 11-7-2 337 14
16. Michigan 11-8-3 264 20
17. Ferris State 11-8-1 223 11
18. Lake Superior State 12-8-2 198 16
19. North Dakota 10-8-2 157 18
20. Yale 7-5-1 111 19
Others Receiving Votes: Northeastern 75, Northern Michigan 61, Air Force 34, RIT 12, Miami 9, Nebraska Omaha 8, Harvard
UND is coming off of a win and a tie against non-conference foe Harvard last weekend, winning 7-3 on Saturday after a 4-4 overtime tie on Friday. UND had been ranked No. 18 in the previous USCHO poll, which was released prior to the Christmas break.
Defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth maintained its grip on the poll's top spot by garnering 47 of 50 first-place votes. No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Minnesota, No. 4 Boston College and No. 5 Notre Dame rounded out the top five.
UND returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Clarkson in Winnipeg at the MTS Centre, in a game dubbed the U.S. College Hockey Classic.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Minnesota Duluth (47) 12-3-3 997 1
2. Ohio State (2) 14-4-1 930 4
3. Minnesota (1) 15-6-1 862 2
4. Boston College 13-7-0 839 3
5. Notre Dame 12-6-3 833 5
6. Colorado College 12-6-0 675 6
7. Merrimack 11-3-3 648 7
8. Western Michigan 10-5-5 618 8
9. Colgate 12-4-2 573 12
10. Boston University 10-6-1 523 9
11. Denver 10-7-3 435 15
12. Massachusetts-Lowell 12-5-0 375 17
13. Cornell 8-4-1 350 13
14. Union 9-5-5 349 10
15. Michigan State 11-7-2 337 14
16. Michigan 11-8-3 264 20
17. Ferris State 11-8-1 223 11
18. Lake Superior State 12-8-2 198 16
19. North Dakota 10-8-2 157 18
20. Yale 7-5-1 111 19
Others Receiving Votes: Northeastern 75, Northern Michigan 61, Air Force 34, RIT 12, Miami 9, Nebraska Omaha 8, Harvard
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