Five Observations: 2020 AAU State Championship Game
Bloomington, MN — #1 ranked North Tartan outlasted the #3 ranked Minnesota Fury Gauntlet squad to win the Class of 2020 AAU Minnesota State Championship BOTH TEAMS ARE LOADED WITH TALENT The 2020 state championship game featured 9 of the top…
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Continue ReadingBloomington, MN — #1 ranked North Tartan outlasted the #3 ranked Minnesota Fury Gauntlet squad to win the Class of 2020 AAU Minnesota State Championship
BOTH TEAMS ARE LOADED WITH TALENT
The 2020 state championship game featured 9 of the top 10 and 15 of the top 20 players in Minnesota’s class of 2020, and it did not disappoint. Paige Bueckers (Hopkins) and Lauren Jensen (Lakeville North) paced North Tartan with 13 each. While Mackenzie Kramer (STMA) led a balanced scoring attack for the Fury with 10 points.
BIGS ON THE MOVE
I love transition basketball. More specifically, I love post players who are willing to run the floor. And let me tell you, the bigs in this game were more than happy to run to the rim. I will start by saying that kudos are definitely in order for the guards of both teams. They delivered crisp 3/4 court passes right on the numbers on multiple occasions. But what I was particularly impressed by was that when either team got a defensive rebound, post players were immediately sprinting down the middle of the court expecting to be passed the ball. I counted at least 5 times where a team went from rebound to layup on the other end in less than 3 dribbles … and I loved it every time!
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
After being down 28-29 at halftime, North Tartan gave up just 5 points in the final 7 minutes of the second half. With six players listed at 6′ or taller, their length was a difference maker. Mallory Brake (Hastings) and Tete Danso (Simley) both had multiple blocked shots, and affected many others. North Tartan’s bigs disrupted MN Fury’s attempts at penetration all game. On the other side of the court, Alyssa Ustby (Rochester Lourdes) and Molly Mogensen (Farmington) caught my eye with their stellar on-ball defense for the Fury. Their defensive pressure made North Tartan’s guards uncomfortable from start to finish.
LAUREN JENSEN IS A STAR
It’s hard to say the #3 ranked player in the Minnesota class of 2020 could be underrated, but here I am saying that just may be the case. On a team with Paige Bueckers leading the way, it can be easy to overlook the depth of talent up and down the rest of North Tartan’s roster. Jensen stood out to me by making the right play over and over against the best competition that her grade level has to offer. She showcased her deadly pull-up jumper and crafty handles to consistently find her way to the basket. Her vision was equally impressive, as her passes often put teammates in positions to score. Consider me a BIG Lauren Jensen fan.
A MEANINGFUL MATCH-UP
As soon as I walked in to Jefferson High School, it was clear to me this wasn’t just another Sunday afternoon AAU game in a toasty gym. From the players’ focus during warm-ups, to the intensity of the coaches throughout the game, to the enthusiasm of the fans, North Tartan 2020 vs. MN Fury Gauntlet 2020 is a match-up that carries more weight than most. It was a fantastic atmosphere, complete with nearly non-stop cheers and chants from parents and supporters. And good sporting events do, it left me wanting more. I’m not sure when these 2 teams will meet next, but you can count on this fan being in the bleachers when they do.
You can follow Logan for more Minnesota girls basketball coverage on Twitter at @LoganMoorse