Minneapolis North is averaging 87.0 points per game this season, but that doesn't matter much to Polars players because those numbers aren't posted inside coach Larry McKenzie's office.
"We keep defensive points, and so our guys are excited about our defensive scoring system," McKenzie said. "They want those (defensive) points ... we tell them our leading scorer is on that board."
McKenzie may need a bigger board if North keeps up this pace.
Ranked No. 1 in Class 1A by Minnesota Basketball News, the Polars thrashed No. 4-3A Fridley 96-57 on Saturday at the Breakdown Sports USA Tip Off Classic at Minnetonka High School, forcing 32 Tigers' turnovers and racking up 16 steals.
Isaac Johnson and Patrick Dembley each posted 20 points and Tyler Johnson, who recored five steals in the first half, added 19 points as North improved to 6-0 on the season.
"It's fun. It's exciting. Everybody can score," Dembley said.
But behind the fun and excitement is a team burning to prove itself after back-to-back two-point losses to Maranatha Christian Academy in the Class 1A, Section 4 finals the previous two seasons (67-65 in 2014 and 69-67 in 2015).
McKenzie said the program's theme since last season's final loss has been "Unfinished Business."
"We feel like we've left it on the table the last two years," McKenzie said. "That's what every day is about. We're going to take one game at a time, but we certainly know we got some business we need to get done."
Tyler Johnson said Dembley, who had to sit out last season due to Minnesota State High School League transfer rules, deserves a good amount of recognition for the Polars' blazing start.
"We're on a big mission," Johnson said. "(Dembley is) a very good point guard, and I think he's increased our tempo a bit and we're playing at the pace he wants."
North averaged 80.8 ppg last season. With Dembley running the team, and Tyler Johnson and Isaac Johnson flying through the air for highlight dunks, the Polars may average closer to 100 ppg this season.
But McKenzie knows how his team will finish its business this season.
"Offense is for show and defense is for dough," McKenzie said. "That's where we're trying to get to: we're trying to win the gold. So it's gotta be done on the defensive end."
Fridley head coach Jim MacDonald giving his team some direction during action Saturday against Minneapolis North. Photo by Korey McDermott
First Report
Patrick Dembley and Isaac Johnson each scored a game-high 20 points as Minneapolis North blasted Fridley 96-57 on Saturday afternoon in the Breakdown Sports USA Tip Off Classic at Minnetonka High School
The Polars (6-0), ranked No. 1 in Class 1A by Minnesota Basketball News, also got 19 points from Tyler Johnson.
The No. 4-3A Tigers (2-1) were led by Tirik Reeves, who scored 12 points.
