Howard Pulley League
The early game matched A&A Millwork against the Sabes Foundation Blocks. While Sabes managed to keep the game close in the first half (they trailed just 47-40 at the break), it was clear from the get-go that A&A is the likely team to beat this summer. They’ve been the runner-up the past two years despite some similar predictions, but this might be the year they finally go all the way.
And if you’re interested in checking out some former members of the Maroon and Gold, A&A is the team to see. Playing for them on Friday were Randy Carter, Ariel McDonald, Mitch Ohnstad, Dusty Rychart, and John Thomas. All had solid games, but it was Thomas who really proved to be too much for the young Sabes team to handle. Big John scored 30 points and also tracked down just about every rebound he set his sights on.
Mitch showed that he still has an extra step on most guys on the court, as he pushed the ball at every opportunity and scored several fast break baskets. He finished with 14. Dusty had 12 points and grabbed several rebounds. And Luke Witt (one of the few non-Gophers on the team) finished with 21 points after knocking down three consecutive NBA 3s early in the game.
A&A won going away 101-83.
The second game matched Petters Group against the TRP Group and featured the one likely future Gopher playing this summer. That would be 7-foot junior college sophomore-to-be James Davis. The Minneapolis North grad is playing for Petters along with his Garden City CC teammate (and former Polar teammate) Kevin Henderson.
The two arrived partway into what may have been the lowest-scoring first half in Pulley League history (a 35-25 Petters advantage after a late “flurry” by both teams). James only scored 5 points in that partial opening half, but of course his size attracted attention from the moment he walked into the gym. What made the biggest impression once he stepped on the court was his hustle (it only took a few seconds before he was on the floor diving after a loose ball) and the way he moves for a man his size. He’ll definitely be a player to focus on the rest of the summer.
Kevin looked good and of course still has the combination of strength, athleticism, and skills that made him a force in high school. Eagan grad and current Minnesota State-Mankato junior-to-be Luke Anderson proved to be Petters’ go-to guy early, knocking down a few jumpers as well as scoring off the dribble. Luke has added some strength since high school and is a very solid player. Also having added some strength since his high school days (at Tartan) is fellow Maverick Gameli Ahelegbe. Gameli will be a senior next season (and his younger brother Kwadzo will be a junior point guard at Tartan).
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