Sweet 16 Update & Is Cinderella Dead? + MN Boys State Tourney Preview with Marcus Fuller

In this jam-packed episode, Steven Hartman dives deep into the changing landscape of college basketball before shifting gears to preview the upcoming Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament.

• The Death of the Cinderella? Steven examines whether NIL and the transfer portal have killed the "mid-major" magic in March Madness or if the rise of power conference teams has simply raised the bar.
• Blue Bloods on Life Support: A look at the early exits of perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina, and the coaching transitions that are defining a new era of the sport.
• Tournament Recap: A "quick whip around" the college game, highlighting Iowa’s stunner over Florida and the most exciting moments from the first two rounds.
• Minnesota State Boys Basketball Preview: Marcus Fuller from the Star Tribune joins the show to break down every class of the upcoming state tournament.
• Class 4A: Can undefeated Tartan overcome the "eye test" favorite and defending champion Wayzata? Plus, a look at the intriguing Alexandria vs. Maple Grove quarterfinal.
• Class 3A: Steven and Marcus discuss the Totino-Grace dynasty and whether teams like DeLaSalle or Mankato East can disrupt their run.
• Class 2A: A spotlight on the standout athletes to watch, including NDSU football-bound Darren Russell and high-level prospects like Roman Voss.

Whether you're following the road to the Final Four or heading to Minneapolis for the high school state tournament, this episode has everything you need to stay ahead of the game.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. 

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Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:04

Bag in that bag in that bag again. Whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, hey, hey, hey.

SPEAKER_03 0:09

Hey everyone, welcome to the Splash City Basketball Podcast. I am your host, Steve Hartman. It's been an exciting week. We have a Suite 16 in men's basketball, and I'll get more into that later. We'll talk about what we saw the first two rounds, what we can expect in the Suite 16 and beyond, as well as an interview I did with the Star Tribune's Marcus Fuller. We're going to break down this year's Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament that kicks off today, March 24th. But before that, I want to give a quick shout out to the Gopher Women's Basketball team who earned a trip to the Suite 16 as well. They defeat Ole Miss at home by two on a buzzer beater from Amaya Battle along the right baseline. Just an incredible atmosphere, incredible shot. Gopher's down eight in the fourth quarter, comeback to win. And Mara Braun hits a big three late. Sophie Hart gets a two-point basket down low. And Amaya Battle with the game winner. Three Minnesotans leading the way for the Gopher Women's Basketball team as they make a trip to the Street 16. Exciting times they will face UCLA, the top seed in their region. Going to be a tough battle, but this Gopher team is uh well prepared, well coached, and we'll see if they can they can put up a fight against the Bruins. Um Timberwolves go 5-5 in their last 10. They actually defeat the Celtics most recently, and uh really nice win without Anthony Edwards, obviously. Uh they're just trying to stay, stay out of that playing game at this point, which they are doing. They're currently in sixth in the West, and they will take on the Rockets at home on Wednesday, the 25th. So big game there in terms of Western Conference standings. Timberwolves, like I said, currently sixth. Rockets are Timberwolves in fifth. Now, Rockets in sixth, excuse me. Timberwolves tied with the Nuggets for fourth. So uh a lot of things can change night tonight in the Western Conference. Love to get that four seed, love to get that home game, home series in the first round of the playoffs. But all right, so first thing I want to do, let's break down the Sweet 16 in men's basketball. And with that, let's get into it. All right, for today's first segment, I want to talk about the college basketball tournament, men's march madness. A lot of talking heads, and college basketball junkies are starting to wonder is the Cinderella dead? Has NIL and the transfer portal killed off one of the most exciting components to March Madness. And it's true, for the second straight year, we don't have a mid-major in the Suite 16. We do have a nine-seed Iowa and an 11-seed Texas, though. And to be frank, we were on an epic run of March episodes. We had not once but twice seen a 16 seed beat a one-seed. We had 15 seeds make not just the sweet 16, which we did three straight years in 2021 to 2023. But we saw St. Peter's in 2022 make the Elite Eight. So, yes, there have been upsets like crazy the last, you know, 10 years, let's call it, 15 years. As recently as 2018, Loyola Chicago made the final four as an 11th seed. And in 2023, we had two mid-majors make the final four, San Diego State and Florida Atlantic. But a lot has changed since then. We know the landscape of college basketball and NIL and Transfer Portal. Um, mid-majors have less experience and continuity, which used to be their advantage, right? Like they had great guys playing together for four years. They were playing as freshmen, they grew up, they played as seniors, and they were experienced and they knew each other well. Loyal to Chicago, for instance, in 2018 had that kind of team. They could take advantage of that experience and um seniority against one and done power conference teams. But now those experience teams rarely exist. Purdue, Michigan State, and Duke have the most continuity of any team in this year's whole 64 team field. All that being said, uh 12-seed High Point was close to making this year's sweet 16. They had Arkansas on the ropes in the round of 32 until Darius A. Cuff pulled a pulled the Razorbacks through to the round of 16. 11 seed BCU overcame a 19-point deficit to beat UNC. Santa Clara was an Otega Oway miracle uh 30-footer from advancing to the round of 32, and Utah State pushed top seed Arizona as well. So we're I don't believe the Cinderella is dead. I think part of the deal here is how many more power conference teams are getting into the tournament. More power conference teams mean less chances for Cinderellas. Texas, for instance, has an 11th seed in this year's is this year's lowest seed in the Sweet 16, but they have one of the largest athletic budgets, so they don't feel like a Cinderella years past. Maybe that 11th seed goes to somebody else who has a chance to pull upsets. Um but I do, I mean, obviously the dynamics in college basketball are changing. It is becoming more difficult for mid-majors, I think, to to advance. I just don't think it's impossible. I don't think it's I don't think I don't think we'll we're gonna miss out on these Cinderella runs. It just hasn't happened the last two years. Um also the top end of the sport is extremely good. Um, you know, with the top seats. Uh of course, Florida goes down though. And they go down to an Iowa team who, yes, is a high major, it's a Big Ten program, they have great wins, but they're coached by a guy who coached at the Division II level two years ago. And they're led by a player who played at the Division II level two years ago. So I think if mid-majors can find continuity and find the right coach and keep the right players, um I think we're still gonna see Cinderella runs. Which might be more difficult, but that might make it that much more exciting, more unique, and more special. All right, let's pivot away from that topic and talk about blue bloods on life support. Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina all bow out uh North Carolina in the first round, Kansas, Kentucky the second round. Um, Kentucky actually has a worse record in two years under Mark Pope than they did under a current Arkansas coach and former Kentucky coach John Calapari. UNC is discussing firing Hubert Davis after they blew a 19-point lead against VCU and Bill Self. I think due to health conditions, is considering stepping away from Kansas. Now, one one of the blue bloods that I think is interesting is Duke. Because you rarely see in today's game a transfer from one all-time coach to another coach and not see any drop-off whatsoever. And Duke has done that. You know, at Kentucky we're seeing a drop-off. North Carolina, since Roy Williams left, has seen some struggles here and there. Hubert Davis gets to a national title game his first year with Roy's players. And since then it's kind of been up and down, uh, you know, barely making the tournament, losing in the first round. And then Kansas, you know, they also had um a nice transition from Roy Williams to Bill Self, but we'll see how this next one goes. Um, Jim Beheim at Syracuse, that transition did not go well. The Louisville one after Rick Patino did not go well. So if Kansas uh and and Bill Self does step down and retire, who's gonna be the coach at KU and you know, how quickly can they get them back to Bill Self's level? Or can they keep it at Bill Self's level? Um Jerry McNamara hired at Syracuse, so that's I think good, hopefully, for the ACC in Syracuse. Uh they've been uh they've been kind of a mess since Beheim retired. So um these blue blood programs, it's tough to step in after a Hall of Fame coach. And uh we're seeing that now today, and we could be seeing that here again soon with Kansas and North Carolina. All right, let's do a quick recap of what we saw in the uh first two rounds of the tournament. Iowa stunning Florida, one of the biggest stories over the weekend. Um, sixteen, six Big Ten teams in the Sweet 16, including Thursday, they have Iowa and Nebraska, which should be an outstanding game. That's kind of a rivalry game, at least in football it is. Uh, neighboring states should be an electric game. Bennett Sturts and Ben McCollum versus Fred Hoyberg and the Nebraska Corn Huskers defense should be great. Um, Illinois' number one offense in the country gets Houston's suffocating defense. Really excited to see how that matchup shakes out. I don't think Illinois can guard Kingston Flemings, but Illinois presents so many matchup problems with their size and their ability to for their big guys to step out and shoot. Um, I would give the edge to Kelvin Sampson and Houston, but that might be just because I picked them to win the tournament. Uh another matchup really excited for on Thursday is Darius, Acuff in Arkansas versus Arizona. Um top seed Wildcats look looked the part so far. Uh they they get a less than comfortable win over Utah State to advance. Um, and Arkansas is just being uh you know, I don't know, dragged over the finish line here with Acuff, but he is just coming into his own and really cementing himself as a top three or four NBA pick. He has been electric. So if you watch one player in the tournament this weekend, I would say make sure to watch Darius A. Cuff Jr. from Arkansas. Another interesting game, including a Big Ten team, is Purdue. And they take on Texas. Former boilermaker Cam Heidi transferred to Texas this offseason. And Cam Heidi, for those that don't know, is from Wyzetta, and he he played at Wyzetta High School. So that should be an interesting matchup. I don't know that there's any bad blood there necessarily, but um just the fact that you got a player who leaves the school and now gets to see them in the Sweet 16, that that's pretty fun. Um, Purdue, they get the win over Miami, Florida, and um I feel like Purdue is kind of just gonna grind these games out and win every game by like five points. They haven't been uh outside of the Big Ten tournament, you know, the two games in March Madness here, they've looked solid but not overwhelming like some of the other teams have. But um I think that's maybe the way they want to play. So interested to see how Purdue looks on Thursday. Friday games, um, first of all, St. June, St. John's and Duke. That's gonna be awesome. Rick Petino and St. John's um get a nail biter. They win at the buzzer over Kansas on a darling layup. Honestly, my first reaction when I saw that was that's gotta be the worst end of game, three and a half seconds of defense you could possibly play. Inbound at half court, straight line drive to the rim for a layup. Just unbelievable from Kansas, but maybe kind of epitomizes their season. And then um senior Zuby edge of four for St. John's is gonna match up with Duke's Cam Boozer. Now you got a senior, a grown man against freshman Cam Boozer, who's a very physical player, strong player, skilled player, but I would probably give the edge the edge of four. The X factor might be whether Duke's Isaiah Evans comes out and can get you 20. Because if he can, I think that might be the difference. The other um news here is Caleb Foster has a chance to play. John Shire for Duke mentioned this in his press conference the other day. There's a he said there's an outside chance, but there's a chance nonetheless. That's an interesting development in that game. Uh Michigan State and UConn matchup on Friday as well. This will be awesome. Two great coaches, Izzo and Hurley. Um, physical, Michigan State's looked actually very good. They probably looked as good as anyone in the tournaments through through two games. Um but you that Yukon team is tough, man. They got they got shot makers and they got Terrace Reed inside, who Izzo should be familiar with from his time in the Big Ten. And uh I think in this one, just the way they've been playing lately, I probably give the edge to Sparty a little bit here. Tennessee and Iowa State could be uh could be a could be a fight for the ages, man. This could be a I could see this being the first one to 60, 65 points wins. Um, but Iowa State has been known to throw throw the ball in the hoop a little bit too. They looked really good in their last game. Um, so I uh Tennessee presents some some good matchups for Iowa State. Tamon Lipsy versus Jacoby Gillespie. You got Akara on the inside. Um, you know, whether Joshua Jefferson plays or not, um, they they look good without him. You know, they beat Kentucky going away, not even close without one of the best players in the country. So Iowa State, just a deep talented team. Um, different, different test against Tennessee. Kentucky did not put up much of a fight in that second half against Iowa State's pressure, but I think Tennessee is has better ball handlers, they have more experience. So this should be a good game. I pick Iowa State and then Alabama versus Michigan. Man, if Alabama shoots it like they did last game, they can beat anybody. But three-point shooting can be fickle. And uh, you know, Michigan that has been their Achilles heel. I think back to that game that Michigan lost at home against Wisconsin. And it was the three-point shooting from Wisconsin from all five players on the court that caused them issues. So um, you know, that'll be a test for Michigan. Can they guard the three-point line? But if they can, I don't think Alabama has any way to slow them down, um, especially inside. Um, Alabama's got some decent athletes on the inside, some rim protection, but not against three guys, not against Lindenborg, Morris Johnson, I think, will feast this game. Him and Mara could be the difference. And I pick Michigan for that one. So that's a quick whip around. The college game. We had a great uh first two rounds, couple upsets, not a ton of Cinderellas, but a couple just to keep the keep it going. Uh high point, kind of the the one there being the exciting game against Wisconsin, and then almost pulling the upset against Arkansas. But um, I think this sets up for an outstanding Sweet 16 Elite Eight weekend kicking off Thursday. So after that, we also are this weekend talking Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament. All the big names, all the big players, who to watch coming up in my interview with the Star Tribune and Strip Varsity's Marcus Fuller. All right, joining me today is Marcus Fuller from the Star Tribune and Strip Varsity. We're gonna talk Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament coming up uh shortly, a little bit later than usual. They got the uh the go for women hosting this week at Williams Arena, so the boys had to be pushed. But Marcus, thanks a lot for joining me.

SPEAKER_02 16:08

Yeah, appreciate it, Steve.

SPEAKER_03 16:10

Yeah, thanks for coming on. Um, I kind of wanted to start with the foray uh state tournament and just get your thoughts on a few things. Uh, there's a lot of great players, obviously, but um, you know, Wyzetta being a two-seed, it's probably not real familiar for them. Tartan undefeated this year. And um, you know, watching those two teams, I personally still feel like YZ is the team to beat. Um, maybe that can motivate Tartan. Um, as you as you look at this 4A tournament, what are what stands out to you?

SPEAKER_02 16:40

Yeah, I mean, you know, I think you you really said it right there. Um, you know, I I know the seeding came out, and we and not a lot of people were surprised that uh Tartan was the number one seed being undefeated, being the fact that they did beat Maple Grove, who beat YZ twice. But, you know, I don't like to compare scores too much. Uh I like the eye test. And, you know, we were fresh off of uh, you know, YZ beating Hopkins in that epic uh rivalry matchup. You know, it wasn't like last year where you know kind of went down to the wire. Christian Wiggins won it for YZ. Um a lot of hatred on both sides, you know. Uh this one was decided pretty early. Um, you know, in the first half there, it wasn't much of a game, 20-point lead, and Christian Wiggins was amazing in that one. So was Nolan Anderson. And they really, to be honest, um, you know, you're almost surprised that they lost any games this year. You know, I know they have the two losses to Maple Grove. Uh I was at one of them at Maple Grove, the first one that they won, um, and that was down of the wire. So, you know, the shocking part was not that they were number two because of the whole scenario with Maple Grove, but Tartan, you know, I think that the fact that they haven't been in the tournament for 12 years, you know, uh they don't have that experience. They have transfers that come that have come in and they've done great together, but you know, none of these pieces have had experience at that level in the in the state playoffs. And so that experience with uh YZ, the fact that they're defending champions, the fact the fact that they've got the two biggest threats of you know, seniors in the state, and they've already won a championship together in Anderson and Wiggins. And really, you know, you go down their roster. Um, I think Wyatt Macbeth is the only uh like main rotation guy, uh start slash starter that that uh was part of that championship last year. They pretty much return everybody else. So when you when you talk about that, the fact that they did look unbeatable in their last game versus Hopkins, I think they're the favorite. Not I think, I I'm pretty sure a lot of people expect them to defend it. Um but Tartan being there, um the fact that they're undefeated and they've played so well in some big games, they haven't had as many as what as YZ, you know, but they did beat Maple Grove, they did beat Hopkins, beat Alexandria, who's in the tournament. Um, so I I I I like that matchup eventually, but you know, they're gonna have to do uh, you know, obviously uh YZ is gonna have to get through Maple Grove if if it if it ends up being the semifinals, and Tartan's gonna have to win their first uh state tournament game in 12 years.

SPEAKER_03 19:11

Yeah. Um you brought up Alexandria too in there. Um they moved up from 3A to 4A this year. They won the 3A title last year. Uh they got the Wit kids back. Um, they opened with Maple Grove, and that was a I know that was early in the year. They played a seven-point game, but that one is a little intriguing. I um I was at the Maple Grove Osseo section title game and no Babukar on for that game, and Maple Grove still rolled. Do you do you see any potential upset with Alexandria Maple Grove?

SPEAKER_02 19:42

Uh, you know, I I really like uh Maple Grove. Obviously, they beat Wyzetta twice, but they did take take some L's this year. You know, you mentioned Bob Bob Lon, you know, he'll be back. I've heard. I mean, he's I think he was uh he was sick. Sick, I think. Yeah, but you know, I mean, just just because he's back doesn't mean he's you know 100% ready to go. We'll see. I think you know, a lot a lot of the situations with uh health, you know, uh it helps to have a week off.

SPEAKER_01 20:08

Yeah you know what I mean?

SPEAKER_02 20:09

So that that helps them get healthy. Uh as far as Alexandria, you know, they've got weapons. I mean, you talked about uh I don't you almost said the Witt brothers, and everybody you know wants to say that. And their cousins they're the coaches. Yeah, when I first started covering uh you know the high school Strivarsity uh deal, like I I was looking up Alexandria and I remember them last year because Chase Thompson is a high-level recruit, you know, and and I almost made the same mistake. And you know, Forrest, their their coach is like, yeah, one of them is my nephew, one of them, my my son, you know. I'm like, okay, I got that now. Um I just call them the whip boys. That that helps that helps. Um you know, Mason, Mason for sure is uh, you know, he's all-state, you know, I got him like all-state first team type of guy. Um, you know, I know they they won the 3A title this year, but they've done pretty well with a 4A schedule. Their section wasn't too tough, but if you look at their non-conference schedule particularly, um they didn't get a lot of wins, but they did play CDH, they played De La Salle, you know. I mean, you talked about Tartan. Like they they knew that they were gonna have to like get themselves ready for state if they were to beat any of these teams and maybe defend. I don't know when's the last time you know a team won one title in one class and moved up and won the title in in the next the following year. I know in football there's been you know teams that have moved up in classes and and done well. Um, but this will be a first. And you know, we're we're getting ahead of ourselves, right? We just talked about Tartan and Y Zeta. Yeah. Uh and then we're talking about Alexandria, but they're they're sitting there, and if I think they beat Maple Grove somehow and they got some momentum, you never know. Um I really do like uh Gavin Roderick. Um he's the X factor for Alexandria. You know, he had a forty couple 40 point games this year. I think he had 10 threes in one game. Uh uh or, you know, it was just, you know, like you just don't see that. I think he was actually. Either nine or ten threes and he didn't miss. You know, I think he was like either nine for nine or ten for ten from three. So like what? You know what I mean? Like nobody does that uh at any level. But um, and he's not even their their best player, their top scorer. So if you got that kind of firepower, uh Maplegrove, you know, has Jack Sealin inside at seven feet, you know. They've got on, who's I think is the best prospect in the state, regardless of class. Uh, he does have a gopher offer. And then you're you have you have Max Siverson sitting there, and Max is just, you know, he's a big shot maker, um, 30 against YZ, you know, like he's he waits for those big moments. Um, and to have a a trio like that on Maple Grove, which, you know, has the inside presence. You have the perimeter threats. I see them getting through Alexandria, but you know, sometimes I watch this year, you know, they don't necessarily use the post as much at times. And some of those games they've had losses, you know, where they where they haven't necessarily used Jack Sealand as much. But I think lately they have, and he's had a pretty good second half of the year. You know, he's a junior, so he'll have a he's a D1 prospect for next year. But um that's that's probably you I'm glad you pointed it out because that's probably the best first matchup quarterfinal is is definitely Alex versus Maplegrove.

SPEAKER_03 23:20

On the 4-5 game, uh Chaska's coming in with like I think it's a 21-game win streak, and they've been hot to beat Prior Lake, who, you know, prior Lake had some nice wins too. They won at CDH earlier in the year. Um I I don't know honestly as much about Lakeville South. What do you think of that matchup, the four-five?

SPEAKER_02 23:37

Yeah, I mean Lakel South, uh, again, like a football at college football schools, you know, uh know more about them in football, but um Nolan, uh Nolan Green, he's a kid sophomore for Lakeville South. And uh, you know, I I was uh I was privileged to watch him a little bit. Um my son plays AAU with the Minnesota Fury, and he's on a really good AAU team. You could argue he's on the best AAU team for his grade in the state. And um, you know, he's been a lot of big games in that regard, but he played varsity as a freshman. He was, you know, he played a lot of good varsity minutes as a freshman. And so this year they have some veterans, but they relied on Nolan as well. And he came up big with them in the section final. Um, I feel like they're a team that spreads it around and you really don't know where it's gonna come from. You know, Nolan has the ability to lead his team, but there's a lot of other pieces. Um, so they're they're a dangerous team because again, whenever you play a team that uh you can't really rely rely on defending one guy and shutting him down, um, that's tough. And with Chaska, I think it's the other way around. You know, Tyler Forrest, you know, if he needs to have a good game uh for them to win. And he has he's had a really good uh junior season, and that's why they've gone on this win streak and and and they're they're back at state, you know. And so I think that uh on one side, Tyler, if he has a big game, no no doubt that Chaska's gonna move on. And you know, he's played well recently. Um, but also like Lakeville South, you know, I think they can win like an ugly game where you know the lean scorer has like 14 points, and you know what I mean? Like if they yeah, and there's like a bunch of guys in double figures, um, they're really tough. Um, you know, I I I look at it as that that that conference, you know, like Lakeville North didn't have a necessarily a good record this year, but they could beat anyone, and that that rivalry, you know, was really good. And there's just a lot of teams, you know, from that league that um you could see, you know, in the state tournament if they went on a run and Lakeville South is there, and Chaska, again, they have that win streak. But um I I think you're right. They're they're probably a little bit vulnerable there. Um, but but again, Tyler Forrest is the best player on the court in that game.

SPEAKER_03 25:48

Yeah. There's the the amount of, I mean, there's a lot of great seniors that you mentioned, YZA, but like Tartan's led by a sophomore, Chaska's underclassman. Uh, we just talked about Maple Grove having two juniors that are D1 guys. And so like it's just from a talent and player perspective, it's really an intriguing tournament, almost like the senior-led teams of Alexandria and YZA versus some of these underclassmen, uh, which makes for fun this year, but also like hopefully in the future, you know, these teams and these players keep keep developing.

SPEAKER_02 26:18

Yeah, I mean, it it just, you know, sometimes you don't know when you're gonna be back. And then a lot of these teams ended droughts, you know, like Lakeville South, you know, Tartan, I mean, just name it, like they haven't been in in the tournament in in over a decade. So uh you feel like uh if you have the the talent and and those guys are coming back, but at the same time, Tartan got here because of some transfers, uh helped him get there. You know, KJ Kevin Wilson Jr., like he is amazing talent. Um, you know, he's probably the best guard, best player in his class. But if you watch that game in CDH, you know, Dude King, a senior, Tyrell Pride, a senior, like some of these guys, other seniors that um were around a long time and you know they they just weren't winning and they they moved and and transferred to Tartan, or they were on Tartan's team and they just couldn't get over the hump. You know, they finally got there. So I like I like the underclassmen and the non-seniors in this in this tournament a lot, but I think it's probably gonna be decided by the guys that this is their last go-round, you know, especially when you're looking at YZ. I mean, uh, you know, not just uh Anderson and Wiggins, but you got Isaac Olmstead, you know, you got other guys, uh Tommy, and I'm not gonna try to say his last name. I love the kid. He's a beast inside, and last year he he shut down uh CDH's center. Um, you know, and so there's yeah, yeah. And so the other Tommy, you know, he's back and he's really good presence inside for them, doesn't have to score a lot, but defensively, I think that's where you're probably gonna see uh a team win the championship or advance. Um not just on offense, it's the defensive side. And I think Tartan You know, when they put that pressure on you, um, you know, it's really hard to get going. They they shut down or they really made a tough time for um, you know, one of the best players in the state, Ty Schlegel for CEH. And and I think that helped them advance to their first state tournament since uh 2014.

SPEAKER_03 28:13

Yeah, when I saw that, I actually had a hard time believing that Mark Klingsborne and Tartan hadn't been to the tournament since 2014. So good good on them to break through. Should be a fun 4A tournament. Let's let's move over to 3A. Um, there's some you know, I think there's like three teams here that are maybe I don't want to say clearly above the rest because it's March and anything can happen, but you know, the the Totino, D LaSalle, Richfield group is is really good. And again, D LaSalle and Richfield kind of loaded with some underclassmen. Um and then Totino, they're led by again Dothan, and I I I I don't want to say his last name because I can't pronounce it, but um, and then you know they got some underclassmen as well. So how do what what stands out to you in the 3A tournament?

SPEAKER_02 28:58

Yeah, and Dolphin's another guy that I've known for a while, so I'll I'll try to say it in Ija Dimbola. Okay, sorry, Dalton, if I didn't do a good job, but I thought that was pretty good. Um, but yeah, I uh Totino's an interesting team because you know they they won three out of the last four state championships. If they had won last year, it'd been four in a row, and that just doesn't happen very often. You know, you gotta look back in state history and just like, wow, like you know, this is an amazing dynasty. Um, but they didn't even get to the championship game last year, right? They ran into, you know, Alexandria, Chase Thompson, like, you know, he was on a mission, Mr. Basketball. Um, I think Clemson might have lost in the N-State tournament, I'm not sure. But you know, he did make they did, okay. Oh shoot. Well, he had to bring up Iowa. Sorry, Gopher fans.

SPEAKER_01 29:44

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 29:45

Um but but but Chase was, you know, he he's 6'8, you know, he's he's he's all everything. I mean, Alexander doesn't have that this year, but like Totino, if if they don't run into Chase Thompson, I feel like they win, you know, they get to the state title game and they beat Mankato East for the state title. So they would have won four in a row with basically this group and a couple other guys, right? And then now they added uh some transfers. D'Angelo Dungey is he's on a tear. Like um, we too bad because our our hub stats for the Star Tribune is sure varsity are not as updated because coaches sorry Nick Carol to call you out, but um certain coaches, some coaches like don't you know don't put all the games in there. So but if you just look at if you look at the games that the the that coach did put in there, D'Angelo's leading them in scoring, you know, and that's because like in the last six or seven games or so, like give or take a few. I didn't look at my notes for that, but like he's averaging over like 24 points a game. You know, like he's just been on a tear. And so you got that added to a team with Dolphin and Malachi Hill, who were, you know, they've been on championship teams before in the past, you know. Um I I think that they're really, really, you know, kind of getting back to that that that point. Uh Minneapolis South, the first round opponent, is actually a little better than I think people are gonna realize when they you see them play. They've got a really good sophomore, Jamar Wright. But I think it's still Tinos to lose. Um, you know, I'm not mentioning some other guys, you know, Tien Chapman, who's Tasting Chapman's brother, uh, you know, he's at Ohio State now, and and then Daniel Zoe is a sophomore who's got all the potential in the world. Like they just have so many pieces. What they don't have is like a traditional post. You know, they play Dolphin and Daniel uh Zoa is about 6'5. They play him in the post a lot. But really, like in high school basketball, you know, like a lot of levels now, like they don't have traditional centers, you know, and they just run and they run and gun and they pressure you. And, you know, Toltino, I mean, they they've played in some big games already this year, but like they just haven't had they haven't had much competition, you know, in the last, I don't know what their money streaks like, 20-something games. So like I I feel like the Dale Salle is right there, is the only team that can really compete with them, um, you know, defensively and then talent-wise. But um, you know, mancato, mancato East is sitting there and they've had experience uh playing in a state championship recently. I know they lost some kids, um, but like, you know, they've got they've got talent as well. So it'll be interesting to see that, you know. I'm not saying Northfield's not gonna win. I know Northfield hasn't been in the state tournament since 1932.

SPEAKER_01 32:28

Yep.

SPEAKER_02 32:29

Uh a lot of people I wrote about that recently, and you know, I I hate to have to pick Mankato East. Not that I don't believe in Northfield, but I just feel like Mankato East with that experience, you know, I think they've been in the the state finals or state at least state semifinals last two years, and there's some of those guys still left, you know. So um that that I'm glad you brought up that side of the bracket because that was like really tough for me to pick that Mankato East Northfield game. And then obviously Totino, they're just not just they're not just the number one seed. They're literally like if they win the state championship this year, that's just you know, five out of six years, or you know, four out of four out of six years is like it's it's it's it's awesome. Like four, I'm four out of five. My math is off. My bad. You got it. But yeah, like four out of five years is just like wow. You know, like that that's really that's really uh incredible for Nick Krip, Nick, Nick Carroll and that program. And you know, De LaSalle would like to would like to say something about that, I think.

SPEAKER_03 33:26

Yeah, yeah. I was at uh the D LaSalle Richfield game in Richfield when they knocked him off at home, and that was great atmosphere. So I would love to see round three. I know D kind of ran away with the the most recent matchup, and they've they've been playing really well. Um Jaden Udin, if you haven't seen him play, is I mean, I know you have, but like for people listening, I mean he's he's pretty fun to watch when he gets it going. Uh and they they they kind of you know play that like typical D. I mean their defense is is relentless. So a couple of fun teams to watch in 3A, uh for sure. That's gonna be a great tournament. Um, I should have mentioned that these all kick off on is it Wednesday this year? They Wednesday or Tuesday. It's Tuesday. Oh, that's right. They extended, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 34:06

24th. And yeah, I'm I'm glad that we get to get get right into it because you know, we've been waiting a week, so let's let's go.

SPEAKER_03 34:13

Yeah, absolutely. Um the double A bracket is is loaded with some teams. I feel like uh early in the year had a you know, we're highly ranked, took a couple losses, and then now they're kind of elevating. Like Jackson County, I think I feel like started in the top three or four, took some L's. Good Hughes, same thing. Um, so there's I mean, again, the double A bracket is super intriguing to me. Blake coming out of nowhere. They were the nine seed in their section to get to the state tournament. Uh, they got a big time shooter on their team, uh, playing Pequot Lakes in round one, who's awesome. Alseca with the um uh I forget his last name, Darren. Is it Russell? Darren Russell? Yeah, yeah, going to NDSU, I think, for football. Like, I mean, there's just tons of awesome player. Roman Voss is in this bracket. So um, any big storylines or any really interesting things uh coming out of the double A bracket for you?

SPEAKER_02 35:04

Yeah, I mean, um, you know, one team that that that has experienced recently, you know, Pequot Lakes, you know, they're in. Um, but like you see all these other teams, and you know, good Good Hughes, you know, they moved, they moved up, you know what I mean? Like they played in 1A last year, but it they're they're talent-wise, like they you know, you look you look at the Roshan brothers, the Russian brothers, like those guys are really good athletes. They were in the state championship in football, but like Luke, you know, Luke Russian is playing Southwest Minnesota basketball. Like he's he's gonna go there next year. And like he to me, he's he might even be the best, you know, player in this whole uh state tournament that's not named Deron Russell, because I love that kid. I mean, you know, Wasika made the championship on his back last year. I know his brother was on the team, but like that kid, if you watch him, you're like, okay, why isn't this kid playing Division I basketball? And he could, you know, like I'd love the you know, all Gopher fans, I'm like, I love this even a gopher uniform. But you remind, you know, it reminds me of Alan Iverson out there. Like the kid at 50 in the you know, section game, and like, you know, like he just he he had I think he had six 40-point games this year. You know, if you saw him in the AU circuit for Minnesota Select, like he's putting, you know, six, ten guys on posters. Um, he's an amazing athlete, and he's a really good basketball player going to play football. And you know, I I it sounds familiar, right? Like you got Roman Voss in here. Roman Voss is, you know, he's one of the best uh basketball players in his pro in his program in his school's history. Obviously the best football player, um, but they've got size, you know. That's the thing, like Jackson County. I mean, they come with like 6'10 and 6'7, you know, Roman's, you know, a good 6'4, 230, 225. So I think they they they have a lot of experience playing together as well. You know, this is a group that the the seniors at least that they've been playing since used basketball together. And, you know, I I had a the privilege of spending time with Roman and his family up in Jackson County, and um, they really like enjoyed like Roman's basketball career, you know, with that group. Um, you know, his his brother Rudy like was a really good basketball player in high school, and probably I I joke that he's better, he's probably better than Roman because he did have the school record. Um, could have played college basketball, but that's such an amazing story with Jackson County Central and the football state state championships they won together and finally won with Roman on the court on the field. So to see them here, like continuing that story, you know, with that group of kids, those seniors, you'd love to see them, you know, in the in a state championship game. But that sitting there is Goodhue, man. Like, I just there's something about Goodhue. Like, they were number one for a while, like toward the set kind of the second half of the year. They just kind of like took that and ran with it. There was a couple other teams that had the you know the that that's that spot. You know, I I really do like Cherry, you know, because they've had an experience, you know, in the state championship in the state tournament. You know, the Osama brothers are still there. Um I'm sorry, uh family, Osama's brother, Noah, and then also like you know, obviously his cousin, so Isaiah, like those two kids right there are also really good athletes. And and and this tournament right here for 1A, you put like any of these athletes, the Roman bosses, the Weston Rose, like the Russian boys, like the Osama boys, like you put them on the on any other like sport. Baseball, no awesome, you know, he's going to play for the Gophers. Like, you you know, obviously you got Gopher football recruits. Like, this is a really, really good tournament in 1A, and like wherever you wherever team you watch, there's gonna be like Division I athletes out there. So I'm I'm excited about it. I do think Goodhue has enough to move on. One name I haven't mentioned is Alex Luce, who's a really, really good sophomore. He's put up 30 in games, and you know, he's a good football player as well. He played in the state championship. So um I like I like I like Goodhue. Um, I know a lot of people are gonna be like, what about Albany?

SPEAKER_03 39:06

You know, like Yeah, ridiculous.

SPEAKER_02 39:09

Yeah, exactly. But I just I think that they, you know, they they I'm not surprised that they're in the tournament tournament, you know, because they have the experience, but they've kind of been under the radar, you know, and maybe that's what they want. You know, that you're not talking about us, and all of a sudden they go and they win another title. But um, I just I I I feel like you know, it's it's it's good Hughes time, you know. I feel like Wasika has the best player in this in this tournament, and Darr, you know, Daron Russell. And so like I, you know, people people have seen my sure varsity picks. I like Wasika, I like Goodhue, but I feel like you know there's there's other teams that could make a run here.

SPEAKER_03 39:46

Yeah, this I think the semifinals in this tournament are gonna be awesome. Like Good Hugh, Jackson County rematch of the state title football state title game. And then you could have Wasika or Mini Haha, which we haven't talked about much, and Pequot Lakes. I mean Minih. Speaking of go for football, you got Coupado, uh uh his uh Brian's son, Carter, right? Carter Coupido? Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 40:08

Yeah. I think I I I think Minnie Haw's people are gonna like, if they watch this, they're gonna get on me because you're the one who mentioned Minnie Haw, not me. And I got nothing against the Red Hawks, man. I've heard about all about Redhawks this year with Miami, Ohio, you know. Yeah, and I I I'm glad you brought Minnie Haha because, you know, I picked Wasika in that game, you know, and that's a that's a big upset. I I do think Minnie Ha is a really good team. You know, we didn't mention Kellen Troop. He's like, you know, I I talked about DeRon Russell. I do think he's the best player in this tournament, you know, but like Kellen Troop is the might be the best prospect. You know, he's six foot eight, he can shoot the ball, he's a good athlete. He plays center, but really like the guy's a wing at the Division I level, in my opinion. And then if you have that kind of talent on your team, plus, you know, the Coupado and they've got other, you know, I'm gonna mention all of them, but like this is a team that's gonna be back. You know, Kellen Troop's a junior. I mean, they have a lot of talent and then and they're non-seniors and they're young. So like if they don't, you know, get past Paul Seca or if they don't win the state title this year, they'll be back next year. And um, like uh Mini Hawai Academy, we know like they've been around a long time, got a lot of experience. Like they reloaded again, and um, you know, they could be right there for another state championship.

SPEAKER_03 41:25

For sure. Yeah, I mean it it's it's great. I I mean all these tournaments, honestly, like I feel like there's a good five or six teams in each bracket that you're like could totally see them getting hot and making a run. Um, class 1A has obviously Henning undefeated, number one team. Uh probably if you were see I mentioned I mentioned Cherry.

SPEAKER_02 41:44

I mentioned Cherry. I apologize. Uh I was getting ahead of myself, you know, like for 1A. Um, but yeah, two A obviously, you know, uh Mini Ha. Um again, I didn't mention them earlier, but yeah, we we we let's let's move on to 1A. But like you're gonna go back and be like, hey, you mentioned Cherry and 2A, but like, yeah, I I got ahead of myself there for one A.

SPEAKER_03 42:05

No, I mean it's just like good athletes across the board, right? Even in these small schools, Cherry, um, you know, henning with uh I think it is it misigata, misagades? I don't know I'm not sure how you pronounce it like that.

SPEAKER_02 42:17

Yeah, miss misigade's, yeah. Like Kale, yeah, kale's, you know, again, we we look at these smaller classes like, oh well, you know, these guys can't compete if they're move up and play, you know, whoever. But you know, they yes, they're not playing YZ. Um, but if you like I I just use players as an example. Um, like if you put any one of these players like on one of these top teams, like they're gonna be able to compete with anybody, you know. Like, yeah. And and Kel Kiel Kel Miscottis is is one of those guys. Like, he's probably the best, uh, I would say like the best uh greater Minnesota uh player out there right now. Like I really like, you know, I I I think I think you know, for Mr. Basketball, they tend to lean towards you know, the Twin Cities guys, maybe on a you know, defending champion, wink wink, or like, you know, a gopher recruit or something like that. But yeah, you know, if Kale was playing in the cities for a team that we all know that's competing for one of the bigger class championships, like I think we'd be talking about him a lot more. Um he's put it up really big numbers. You know, I uh he's going to southwest Minnesota State to play basketball. Um, like I I really enjoy watching, I did get to see him in person, but you know, live stream and like just uh talking to his his father as the coach, Randy. Like they they they have a really good team and they didn't expect to be there, you know. Like they're they're really uh a lot of inexperienced guys as far as top level varsity experience, with with the exception of Kale, but like he leads that team so well, and then Randy's been there before. I believe we want to stay taught in 2019. Um, so I I I'm actually looking forward to seeing them in person.

SPEAKER_03 43:56

Yeah, I mean, you got them, and then um so undefeated Hennett. But also uh Janesville, Waldorf, Penberton, they're I think 28 and 3, Southland's 28 and 1, Red Lake County's 28 and 3. Like there's there's some big time uh you know programs here that are winning a ton of games. The Bauer, the Bauer brothers down at uh Janesville, Waldorf, Penaverton, they're they're fantastic too. Um Dalton and he's a senior, Gavin's a sophomore. Um the other team that I again not as familiar with, kind of uh under the radar in the Twin Cities is Liberty Classical. Uh what do you know about Liberty Classical? I think they're the sixth seed in the tournament.

SPEAKER_02 44:32

Yeah, I mean, it's their first time in the state tournament. Um the the school's located in White Bear Lake. Um, you know, I I my son's played them at Hail Murray, and and uh they got some athletes. Um they got some size. Um Sam Ruppnow, uh he's about 6'1, 6'2, uh, averaged 29 points a game, and and um he'll play college somewhere. Um, you know, really good score. And I just I think that, you know, with a team like that, that um, you know, obviously they, you know, we didn't hear about them last year because they were not in the state tournament, but they had a really good season last year. Um, and they, you know, uh Sam's a kid that, you know, he's just he's he's in the Stillwater area, like he's pretty close to Stillwater. He knows some kids over there that's 4-A. You know, they play like high-level basketball, and he's sitting there thinking, like, you know, I'm good enough to to play at a at a bigger school, but I'm not. I'm at Liberty Classical. I'm gonna take them to a state championship or the state tournament. So good for him, you know, to be able to like stick around at Liberty Classical and like, you know, get them to this this point, you know, and then you never know what's coming, you know, moving forward. You never know what's gonna happen. Um, so I'm happy for uh that program to see them. Um I live in the Stillwater area and and I I've I've known, you know, uh I've seen some of those kids around. So um, you know, it's good for them to get in. But again, you know, it we talked about these other schools like Henning and you know, Southland is the first time they're in this in the state tournament as well. You got Cherry sitting there. So um Red Lake County is not uh a team that's been in the tournament, you know, before recently, and you know, it's it's hard to pick, you know. That's yeah, I joke to people like, and I guess I put a link on there. I didn't mean to like say it that way, but like it's hard to pick this tournament, you know. I mean, the N State tournament, you you see all these teams, and most of them um you do a lot of research, you know, like before the tournament on like some of these mil mid-majors and low majors, but like you you see most of these teams, and for the smaller class schools, like they they're really good teams, really good records. Um, but like how good are they when they get on the stage? Like, you just don't know. I mean, red, like I said, Ray Lake County's been here before, Liberty Classical has not. But that 6'3 could be just flipped because Liberty's been a really good team this year, and I think they have like some guys that could play at the college level. So, you know, the same thing with uh J JWP, you know, I think Gavin Bauer, one of the best prospects in this tournament, you know, uh sophomore, and and so and then Cherry, I mean, Isaiah Ostamo, that that that family, I mean, you know, Isaac is is really done well with the Gophers and Nico Medviv, but like, you know, his cousin Isaiah is a really good basketball player, and I think he's gonna play in college somewhere. And then Noah, like, you know, he's gonna play college baseball. But, you know, a couple years ago, um, a few years ago when they won a state title, um, like he he was uh uh um you know he was right there, you know, like so like contributing and and and starting and and playing well. So um I think that this this this bracket is probably the hardest for me to pick, not just because it's a small class and I I haven't unfortunately seen a lot of these teams in person, but I do think that you could just pick. I did pick the seventh seed to make the championship game. So that that goes to say right there that I think there's gonna be some upsets like from the start.

SPEAKER_03 47:56

Yeah, that that's what I was thinking. Like of all the the four classes, this one feels the most kind of wide open. Um obviously Henning's undefeated and might have the best player in the tournament, but when you have Cherry and and the Osama cousins uh at a seven seed, like that's pretty scary. So I think those all these games, the first round games, might might even be fantastic uh in this tournament. So um anything you want to uh shout out? I know you guys do a lot of writing and a different articles coming up. You know, is there anything you want to preview or or tease out?

SPEAKER_02 48:29

Yeah, no, I I just uh I want to thank all the people that that read strip varsity and that that watch us on social media and you know comments and and definitely see us out like uh you know it's at games. Uh I really appreciate the feedback everybody's given. It's been a really good season as far as like the fall and the winter sports are coming down to a close here. So everybody that that watches and reads Strip Varsity appreciate it. And yeah, there's more to come. I mean, we've got a great tournament coming up. Um we have our all Minnesota boys basketball team. Um, and we just got a lot of great coverage coming um from all of our reporters, and and I I love this is the best time of the year, March Madness.

SPEAKER_03 49:09

Absolutely. Speaking of that, I'm not gonna let you go unless we talk a little college hoops. Um first of all, golfers make the crown. I I know you maybe don't cover them on a day-to-day basis as much as you used to, but um, I mean, that to me that's a huge win for for Nico and his program to get a showcase like that and a matchup against Baylor, who's won a national title five years ago. I mean, that's gotta feel good for the program over there.

SPEAKER_02 49:32

Yeah, I mean, I I, you know, we'll start off with like Nico and him taking over the gophers, you know, being a former gopher and growing up in Minnesota, and it's just a great story. And um, you know, I I think the fact that, you know, we have a coach that uh has won uh before and that he's recruiting Minnesota kids, um, you know, and he's got a couple, right? That they're gonna uh that had a really good senior season, Nolan Anderson's in the tournament. So I think, you know, he's he's his future is bright in that program. They've had injuries this year that haven't uh allowed them to win at the level that he wants, but to win seven games in the Big Ten and then to see the growth, especially with the local kids like Isaac, Osama, and and you know, Grayson Grove, those guys have gotten a lot better this year. Uh, I'm anxious to see what the future holds. You talk about the crown tournament, and I'm not a big fan uh necessarily of these tournaments outside the end state tournament, but um, you know, I think it you'd be right. It's the opportunity to face a team like Baylor and to actually, you know, there's some NIL money that potentially there. I can I can see why you accept something like that. And really, you know, people have been taking them for granted all season because of the fact they only play about five or six guys, you know, major minutes. So I wouldn't be surprised that Baylor does the same, you know, and they and Kate Tyson, one last chance to, you know, put up 30 or 40 for the gophers. He's had a really good year transferring in. Um, and uh, you know, you know, Bobby Durkin and some of those other guys, the Langston Reynolds. I mean, it's funny because you you you see these guys just for one year, but because they've had his first year Nico Medved and and they've had some big wins, like you know these guys' names very well, you know, because they've had a lot of really cool wins and good moments, and you're only enjoying them for a year. You know, I haven't covered the team, but I watched them closely and you know, Langston Reynolds and Bobby Durkin and you know Bobby Buckets and then Kate Tyson, like these guys, I feel like they've been around for like three years, but they've only been there for for you know for year for one season, and you know, they're they got one last game if they don't win, but I'm sure that they'll they'll try to put on another show.

SPEAKER_03 51:40

Yeah, hopefully we get Bobby back because I think he's kind of a fan favorite at this point, and Jalen Crocker Johnson coming back would be huge for them. Um one one thing I want to get your thoughts on. I I haven't watched a ton of Nolan Anderson in person, but I've seen a lot of highlights, and he looks to me like Cade Tyson reincarnated. So is is that kind of the mold that Nico's looking for there, that 6'7, 6'8 Wayne who can do kind of a little bit of everything?

SPEAKER_02 52:04

Yeah, I mean, I I you would love to see that, right? I mean, for a local kid, especially. I mean, we we had Dawson Garcia here recently, and you know, he was the best player uh that I've seen play for the Gophers that played high school basketball here. Um I know was a different coach. Um we still have Dave Thorsten there, and like, you know, he does a really good job with Nico and recruiting local talent. And you know, at the time when they they really looked at Nolan, you know, he wasn't necessarily like the the top you know recruit in the state. It was Christian Wiggins, you know. So those guys playing high school together, sometimes you could not really see the future because one of them is like carrying the team or over the other. But like I think Chris is ceiling is through the roof. And I think the same for Nolan. Like, and the fact that he's actually grown, you know, in size, strength, and and and athletic ability within the last year is scary because last year the state tournament, especially a state championship game, I thought he was the best player on the floor. You know, he could take it to the basket, finish uh well at the basket, but he's also a great spot up shooter, but also off the dribble. That's one thing that's improved this year. His scoring off the dribble at six foot eight. He's a legit six foot eight. That's what I think is is high major Big Ten and a future gopher star, like you said, in Nico's system, if he can fit that mold at Kate Tyson. One thing it is hard because you bring up Kate Tyson, you bring up Nolan Anderson, people are gonna expect that in year one. Um, but he's he'll be a freshman and then and he'll be able to like develop hopefully into that role, you know, because Cade was a, you know, he's he's a he's a senior and he's been around a long time, been through the ups and downs and figured out like how to be successful at the college level. But I think Nolan has some of those attributes and Nico's the perfect system to get that out of him.

SPEAKER_03 53:52

Yeah, I certainly don't expect that year one, but I just body type and like how they move and score. I it looks very similar to me. Um, last thing, and I'll let you get out of here. Uh NCAA tournament pick. If you had to choose a team, uh who's who's your pick? I don't know if you guys publish brackets, uh, but um, who do you who do you got?

SPEAKER_02 54:12

Yeah, I actually did, you know, so first time in 20 plus years that I didn't have a bracket that was going in online or the paper for the Star Tribune or the Pioneer Press. But uh I enjoy doing it with my family, so I don't mind sharing it with you. Like, I I really think Arizona is uh unbelievable, uh talented team, and they've got the best mix of like, you know, they got a freshman prospect that's up, you know, for like one of the best freshmen in the country, but they also have like really good guard play and they have size, they have everything. They have a coach that I think is one of the best, if not the best coach in the tournament. So I wouldn't be surprised to see the number one overall seed uh or the second overall seed, I'm sorry, what Duke is, but I'd love to see Arizona in there, um, but versus Houston. Um, my guy Kelvin Sampson, I'd love to see that that that championship matchup, but I'm sure there there'll be some Big Ten teams that they'll want to say something different, especially Michigan. So we'll see. Uh I've enjoyed the tournament so far, and um, it's a little different not covering it, you know, uh as a class basketball writer, but and I have a different kind of march madness with high school, but I'm still following it. So uh like it's it's fun. It's a fun time of year.

SPEAKER_03 55:20

You mentioned Houston, that that's my team. So we'll see how it shakes up. I just I I love I love that they how Samson gets his teams to play so hard, and I just feel like that's so difficult to to prepare for on you know a day or two sometimes. And then you got they finally have that kind of offensive. I mean, they had Jamal Shedd a few years ago, but like Kingston Flemings, he's got just some juice, and I love I love what he brings to that team. So I I'd I'd like to see them finally finally cut him down. I normally I'm a dupe guy, but the injuries, man, I just don't I don't think they with with Caleb Foster out and Gungba missed the first one. I think he's supposed to be back, but uh we'll see.

SPEAKER_02 55:57

So you and I both be happy if Houston wins it. I will be happy for for him.

SPEAKER_03 56:02

So yeah, for sure. All right. Well, thanks a lot, Marcus. This was great. Uh great preview of the state boys basketball tournament. And um, if you uh don't read or follow Strip Varsity, do that because there's so much great content, so many great stories. The the Madden Greenway thing you guys just did was phenomenal. The partnership with Strictly B-ball was is great all year long. So um thanks again, Marcus, for joining me.

SPEAKER_02 56:25

Appreciate it. Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 56:29

All right, that's the show today. Uh thanks, Marcus Fuller, for joining. Marcus Fuller, writer for the Star Tribune and Strip Varsity. Check out all his work this weekend covering the Minnesota State Boys basketball tournament and throughout the season and other prep sports. Uh Marcus, also a former Gulf or Beat writer, a college basketball writer, so we broke down a little bit of the college game as well. He likes Arizona, I like Houston, somebody out of the Big 12, perhaps, winning the national title this year. Um thanks again for listening. Uh, if you do want to follow, you can follow Splash City Basketball on Instagram, Blue Sky, and Facebook. You can subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcast, or subscribe on YouTube, follow us there. Um, I did launch a website this week, splashcitybasketball.com. So please feel free to check that out. Um but I appreciate you all listening. Take care, everybody. Enjoy the week. This has been the Splash City Basketball Podcast.

SPEAKER_02 57:26

Bag and bag and bag in the