January 14-20 quite a week for hoops

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What an interesting week of basketball! Here’s what happened! This is what I saw!

Monday, January 15

Former Minneapolis City Conference players Mike Walker (Roosevelt) and Tim Williams (Washburn)—both starred in 1990s—showcased girls and boys hoopers in the 10th Annual Dream Classic. The event, held at Roosevelt High School, is held each year to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The final contest between Roosevelt and Roseville—who won the game—featured three of the metro area’s top girls basketball players in Kendall Barnes (Roseville), Oliva Wren (Roosevelt), and Jaida Walker (Roosevelt). Barnes leads the Raiders averaging 20.1 points per game. Wren’s 13.6 points leads Roosevelt, and Walker chips in 11.4 points per contest. All three have reached the 1000-point career mark.

Tuesday, January 16

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Junior guard Allan Lankfard Jr. led the way with 29 points and Elijah Moseman and Vontae Lewis added 13 and 12 respectively as St. Paul Central defeated St. Paul Como Park 73-56 in a city conference matchup. Mason Aarnes had 13 and J’Hari Hill 10 for the host Cougars.

Wednesday, January 17

St. Paul Johnson player Michael Jett Jr.’s 15 points, along with 13 from Dhimani Tucker and 12 from Kenneth Turner , contributed to a hard-fought 65-59 city conference victory over St. Paul Harding. Mahamadou Kamara (15 points), Ai’Jhon Douglas (14), Nathaneal Chea (13), and Lugman Ibrahim (10) led a balanced scoring attack for the host Knights.

Thursday, January 18

Former Breck boys basketball standout and current Memphis Grizzlies guard David Roddy scored eight points in 23 minutes of play in a 118-103 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA at the Target Center.

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Friday, January 19

Cretin Derham Hall junior guard Joe Mitchell exploded for 35 points in a 78-67 victory over Stillwater in a Suburban Conference boys basketball game.

Saturday, January 20

After being recognized for reaching the 1000-point career mark, Lankfard Jr. scored 32 points and Vontae Lewis had 23 in an 81-74 city conference victory over St. Paul Highland Park in the second Dion Ford Classic at Central High School. Quintice Combs and Xavier May —another 1000-point career scorer—had 24 and 19 respectively for the Scots.

Former Minnehaha Academy boys basketball star Chet Holmgren scored 15 points in leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 102-97 NBA victory at the Target Center.

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