Hawks, Rebel, and Pirates take on March Madness

Several basketball players participating in the college men’s and women’s NCAA championships this month have local ties. That list include Park Center graduate Dan Dainja whose Illinois team is playing in the Sweet 16 this week.

Cooper

Kierra Wheeler’s Norfolk State (15th seed) exited the first round of the NCAA women’s tournament after a 79-50 loss to second-seed Stanford on March 22. Wheeler played 34 minutes in the game, putting up 17 points with eight rebounds, one turnover, and going one-for-one on free throws. Wheeler, a junior forward who graduated from Cooper High School, concluded a highly-acclaimed season with the March Madness appearance.

Vanessa Saidu’s Texas A&M (11th seed) eventually exited the tournament after a 61-59 loss to No. 6 seed Nebraska in the regional first round. Saidu, a freshman forward and Cooper alumna, did not appear in the game.

Champlin Park

Colorado State and Josiah Strong started their campaign with a 67-42 First Four win against Virginia. Strong played 20 minutes, scoring two points, earning two rebounds, an assist, and a turnover.

With the No. 10 seed, The Rams lost to the Texas Longhorns (No. 7) 56-44 in the first round in Detroit. Strong ended the night with 22 minutes, seven points, five rebound, and three turnovers.

Joshua Strong and Howard University concluded their March Madness campaign with a 71-68 First Four loss to Wagner on March 19. Strong did not appear in the game.

Park Center

Dain Dainja’s Illinois (No. 3) opened the regional stage with an 85-69 win over Morehead State (No. 14). Dainja played 23 minutes, finishing with 21 points, 100 percent completion on field goals, and eight rebounds.

Illinois then defeated Duquesne 89-63 in the next round, which earned the team a spot in the regional semifinals against Iowa State on Thursday, March 28. Dainja was again amongst the protagonists, scoring eight points from 13 minutes and adding five rebounds.

Dawson Rudolph’s Minnesota State, Mankato Mavericks earned an elite eight spot in the Division II tournament last week, beating Northwest Missouri 43-42 in the central regional final. Mankato faced Ferris State in the elite eight on March 26.