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Basketball

The Minnesota High School Boys Basketball Top 25 Ranking

2024-12-05

High school football is a sport that brings together teams with unique characteristics. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the teams and what makes them stand out.

Uncover the Stories Behind These Football Powerhouses

Albany (1-0, Class 2A)

The Albany team boasts an aggressive defensive group that truly knows how to play with pace. Their defensive strategies are sharp and they constantly put pressure on the opposing team. This has been a key factor in their 1-0 start, showing that they have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in Class 2A.

During their games, you can see the determination and focus on defense. The players work together seamlessly, communicating effectively and reacting quickly to any offensive plays. This defensive prowess gives Albany an edge and sets them apart from other teams.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s (0-0, Class 3A)

Jalen Wilson leads the Benilde-St. Margaret’s team, and the question on everyone's mind is how far he can take the Red Knights. Wilson is a talented player with a lot of potential, and his leadership will be crucial in their upcoming season.

Under his guidance, the team has been working hard to improve and gel as a unit. They have a strong core of players and are looking to make a mark in Class 3A. The Red Knights are ready to show what they can do and build on their potential.

Tartan (1-0)

The Tartan Titans are coming off a remarkable 24-5 season, and a big part of their success is due to the outstanding leadership of coach Mark Klingsporn. His coaching style has inspired the team and helped them reach new heights.

The Titans have a winning mentality and a strong sense of teamwork. They know how to handle pressure and perform well in crucial moments. With their experience and coach's guidance, Tartan is expected to continue their success in the upcoming season.

Caledonia (0-0, Class 2A)

This veteran group from Caledonia has ten seniors, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Their experience on the field gives them an edge and allows them to handle different situations with ease.

The seniors have set an example for the younger players, showing them how to work hard and stay focused. Their presence on the team adds a level of maturity and stability that is crucial for success. Caledonia is ready to make their mark in Class 2A with this experienced group.

Maple Grove (0-0)

The Maple Grove Crimson are loaded with perimeter players, giving them a unique advantage on the court. These players have great shooting skills and the ability to create scoring opportunities from the outside.

With their perimeter firepower, the Crimson can stretch the defense and open up the floor for their teammates. Their offensive game is dynamic and they have the potential to score a lot of points. Maple Grove is looking to use their perimeter players to their full potential in the upcoming season.

Alabama basketball is on the cusp of a significant event as it awaits a visit from a blueblood in the upcoming SEC/ACC Challenge. This opportunity holds great importance for the program and the state of college basketball. The Crimson Tide's recent victory over UNC in Dean Smith's house has sparked the question of why Duke shouldn't make the trip to Tuscaloosa to face Coach Nate Oats' team.

Alabama Basketball's Path to Blueblood Rivalry

Alabama's Past Encounters with Duke

In over 110 seasons, Alabama and Duke have faced off just once. It wasn't in Coleman Coliseum but rather in the NIT Season Tip-Off at Madison Square Garden in 2013-14. Coach K led his team to a 74-64 victory on their way to an NCAA Tournament appearance. Alabama finished that year with a 13-19 record, marking the program's last losing season.This was a different era for Alabama basketball. Fast forward to today, and Alabama vs. Duke is a marquee matchup. The Crimson Tide has proven itself in various competitions and is now a respected basketball school with a football program that has won 18 national championships.

The Chris Youngblood Injury Update

Alabama basketball fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of player Chris Youngblood. There is a sense of anticipation as the team looks to strengthen its lineup. The injury to Latrell Wrightsell Jr. has created an opportunity for others to step up and make an impact.The Crimson Tide will be tested as they navigate through these challenges. Players will need to rise to the occasion and showcase their skills to help the team move forward.

Alabama's Home Game Appeal

Alabama basketball fans deserve marquee home games, and the first-ever appearance against Duke in 2013-14 was a significant moment. The Big 12/SEC Challenge brought exciting matchups, and Alabama hosted teams like Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Baylor.While these teams are good, they don't hold the same allure as Duke. Duke is a five-time national champion, and their presence brings a certain level of pomp and circumstance. Alabama has shown that it can compete with the best and has a history of success in March Madness.After the 94-79 win at UNC, Coach Oats emphasized the league's desire to be good in basketball. Alabama has the potential to become the SEC's second blueblood and should be given every chance to prove itself.Alabama basketball loves to go out and do what rival Auburn can't. The team is focused on continuing to build on its success and making a name for itself in the world of college basketball.Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.

When reflecting on the University of Alabama's basketball history during the Mark Gottfried years, there was a glimmer of success yet it never quite reached the zenith I had envisioned. We all know that football holds a special place in Tuscaloosa, but witnessing the remarkable success of "football schools" on the hardwood left me puzzled as to why the Crimson Tide couldn't join the elite like the Florida Gators, who clinched two National Championships during my time at school, or the likes of Ohio State and Michigan who have graced national championship games.

The Key to Building a Basketball Powerhouse

The most crucial aspect of establishing a great basketball program and being recognized as a "basketball school" is identifying the coach who can propel the program to new heights. Gottfried achieved some success in Tuscaloosa, but it was not consistent enough. The talent pool seemed abundant, yet we only managed to make the tournament sporadically and had just one deep run. After his departure, I believed Alabama made two outstanding coaching hires in a row.Sometimes, I still ponder why neither Anthony Grant nor Avery Johnson could transform the program into a consistent winner. Honestly, after Avery Johnson's tenure, I was uncertain if we would ever find the right coach to bring Alabama as close to a basketball school as I had imagined.Then came Nate Oats. In his first six years, he surpassed all my wildest expectations, reaching three Sweet 16s and achieving our first Final Four appearance. His seventh year in Tuscaloosa has raised the bar on the court, surpassing that of the football field.The 2024 - 25 season has begun as anticipated, but the most remarkable feat so far is defeating North Carolina decisively in Chapel Hill. A win over North Carolina is significant, but three consecutive wins is something that many long-time Alabama fans never thought possible. My lifetime expectations have been shattered in the last six-plus years, and now the focus turns to cutting down the nets in April. The foundation has been laid, and the goal is to become a championship basketball school.