Apple Valley endured a well-rounded test to earn its first boys’ basketball state championship berth. Zach Goring’s team had to overcome Eden Prairie’s strength, ability to slow down the game, and then make free throws to secure a 62-55 victory in Thursday night’s Class 4A semifinals at Target Center.

Tyus Jones made four of Apple Valley’s final seven free-throws and finished with a game-high 23 points, six steals and five assists. Dennis Austin had 15 points, eight rebounds, and Dustin Fronk 11 points.

“It’s a great feeling, almost overwhelming,” Jones said about leading his team to the program’s first title game. “Right now, what wins these games is defense and rebounding and that’s what we try to do.”

Apple Valley did both well against one of the state’s more physical teams. Eden Prairie’s deep bench of big bodies wore down Apple Valley’s 6-10 freshman center Brock Bertram. He struggled to finish layups and keep Jack Cottrell (15 points, eight rebounds) and Anthony Anderson (double-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds) away from the basket.

Bertram, however, managed to maintain his presence on the boards (13 rebounds, nine points) and helped create breathing room in the final minutes. Eden Prairie trailed by a bucket, 53-51, with 2:14 to play. Then Jones scored six of Apple Valley’s 9-4 run to end the game.

Eden Prairie started fouling in hope of working its way back. The strategy didn’t pan out as Apple Valley made 7-of-10 free throws despite shooting 13-of-22 for the game.

“Not only was it my best defensive effort, but the whole team’s effort,” said Apple Valley’s Harry Sonie, who held Eden Prairie’s leading scorer Andre Wallace to six points. “Defense kept getting us stops.”

Apple Valley’s guards forced 18 turnovers and only gave up five. Eden Prairie’s Grant Shaeffer had seven of them and 12 points.

“Our whole game plan was to try and slow down their transition, but they kept transitioning,” Wallace said. “They were tougher than we were.”

1. Tyus Jones, Apple Valley

Jones led all scorers with 23 points shooting 8-for-17 from field-goal range. He was 7-for-11 from the charity stripe. Jones had a strong second half with 16 points. He made key free throws in the second half shooting 6-of-9 from the line. Jones also recorded six key steals.

2. Anthony Anderson, Eden Prairie

Anderson recorded the double-double for Eden Prairie with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He was a big help on both offense and defense for the Eagles grabbing nine defensive rebounds. He was 5-for-9 from field-goal range and 1-for-1 from the line.

3. Dennis Austin, Apple Valley

Austin finished with 15 points for the Eagles. He had a big first half shooting 5-for-7 with 10 points. Austin was a huge help on the boards for Apple Valley grabbing eight rebounds. 

-Rachel Stalley, MN Basketball Hub