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Tip Off Classic preview: DeLaSalle vs. Apple Valley

By Ryan James, Northstar Hoops Report, 12/12/14, 11:30PM CST

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8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 at Minnetonka's West gym

Preview

DeLaSalle and Apple Valley play in the last game of the night in the main gym at Minnetonka (West Gym).  In the past long games have led to the final game starting at around 10:30 so the scheduled tip time of 8:30 is without a doubt tentative…The Eagles are currently 5-0 with four wins over solid big school programs in Minnesota (Tonka, Chaska, Prior Lake, Chanhassen) all by double figures.  They also defeated a top team in Iowa (Waukee) despite their leading scorer Gary Trent Jr making only two shots.  It’s been a fantastic start for Zach Goring’s Eagles…

The Islanders have only played two games: a crushing win over Brooklyn Center and a loss to North Scott (Iowa) last weekend.  They will have had a week of practice in preparation for the game with Apple Valley…

Gary Trent Jr leads Apple Valley with 23 points a game followed by 16.6 a night from Jordan Bolton, 15 points per game from Brock Bertram, and Cameron Kirksey scoring 13 a night. Freshman Tre Jones is averaging eight points…After two games Sacar Anim has scored 50 points, Jarvis Johnson 42, and Joshua Collins 25…DeLaSalle is the number one ranked team in Class AAA, Apple Valley is ranked second in Class AAAA…

Key Matchup

Sacar Anim, DeLaSalle vs Gary Trent Jr., Apple Valley 

Sacar will spend some time defending Trent but so will Collins.  But Anim and Trent are the leading scorers for their teams and both are big wings that can score in many ways.  An excellent head to head battle to see when they do go at it.

Prediction

Why DeLaSalle will win:  Coach Thorson has had them working for a week improving on everything from last week’s loss so the defense will be improved as will the halfcourt offensive execution.  DeLaSalle is a more experienced team age wise and their backcourt is much more physical.

Why Apple Valley will win:  The Eagles will go deeper into the bench and they will be bigger up front.  If they can use that to their advantage than the Eagles have a chance to grab the win. 

2014 Boys' Tip Off schedule


Tip Off Classic previews