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Class 3A title preview: DeLaSalle vs. St. Paul Johnson

By Star Tribune, 03/13/15, 11:00PM CDT

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A look at the 3A title game.

No. 1 DeLaSalle (26-4) vs. No. 2 St. Paul Johnson (27-3), 5 p.m.

Why DeLaSalle will win: Goanar Mar, a sophomore defensive stopper, forces his man to take a bad shot. Jeffrey Daubanton, bound for Division III Briar Cliff next season, rebounds. He outlets to Josh Collins (North Dakota) who can drive, dish to Jarvis Johnson (Gophers) for a sure two points or throw an alley-oop to Sacar Anim (Marquette). Any questions?

Why St. Paul Johnson will win: What DeLaSalle boasts in talented starters it lacks in quality off the bench. The Governors can roll out three reserve players and not lose a step. Johnson’s slashing, attacking style could cause DeLaSalle foul trouble. If so, the Governors win the numbers game.

Keys to watch: Johnson’s blender-fast style must be on point. Turnovers against three-time defending state champion DeLaSalle will hurt, Governors coach Vern Simmons said, because the Islanders “feed off their defense.”

Did you know? DeLaSalle’s Johnson collapsed at basketball practice in eighth grade and was clinically dead for about 10 minutes. A defibrillator was surgically implanted into his chest to shock his heart in case it quits on him again.

DAVID LA VAQUE

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