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Nnaji powers big second half for Hopkins in win over East Ridge

By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune, 03/21/19, 10:00PM CDT

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A 26-24 Royals lead at halftime grew in a hurry led by Zeke Nnaji, who had 23 points and 10 rebounds in what became a resounding 71-47 victory.


Hopkins forward Zeke Nnaji (22) put up a first-half shot around the defense of East Ridge forward Ben Carlson (23). Photo: JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com

For all of the coaches analysis and postgame thoughts on why Hopkins was able to defeat East Ridge 71-45 in the Class 4A semifinals, one thing stood above all others.

Hopkins has Zeke Nnaji. East Ridge doesn’t.

The 6-11 Nnaji, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, was able to assert himself offensively whenever needed Thursday at Target Center despite the hard-nosed defense of East Ridge forward Ben Carlson. Nnaji powered his way to 23 points and 10 rebounds to send the Royals to the Class 4A championship game for the first time since 2016, when they defeated Saturday’s opponent, Lakeville North, to win the title.

“He’s a tough kid to guard,” Carlson said. “He played well tonight. Credit to him.”

The two teams battled to a near-draw in the first half. Hopkins took a 26-24 lead into the locker room with half of their points coming from their Arizona-bound star player, who said he enjoyed the challenge of playing against the 6-9 Carlson, also a Division I prospect.

“It was fun going again him,” Nnaji said. “He’s a strong guy, tough.”

In the second half, the rest of Hopkins’ lineup took some of the load off of Nnaji’s shoulders. Hopkins scored on its first three possessions and just kept building on its lead.

First report

Hopkins has good players. East Ridge has good players. Hopkins has a Hall of Fame coach in Kenny Novak Jr. East Ridge has a coach, Bryce Tesdahl, from the legendary McDonald basketball family.

Hopkins has Zeke Nnaji. East Ridge doesn't.

That was, simply, the difference in Hopkins' 71-45 victory over first-time state tournament entrant East Ridge in the Class 4A semifinal game at Target Center.

The 6-11 Nnaji, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, asserted himself offensively whenever needed Thursday despite the hard-nosed defense of East Ridge forward Ben Carlson. Nnaji powered his way to 23 points and 10 rebounds to send the Royals to the Class 4A championship game for the first time since 2016, when they defeated Saturday's opponent, Lakeville North, to win the title.

The two teams battled to a near-draw in the first half. Hopkins took a 26-24 lead into the locker room with half of their points coming from their superstar.

The rest of the Royals roster stepped up to help after halftime.

Sharpshooting junior guard Kerwin Walton scored 17 points, 13 after halftime as the Royals defense started catching East Ridge keying on Nnaji. Guard Jalen Dearring was fearless, slashing to the basket for 10 clutch points. And unsung forward Andy Stafford took advantage of a lack of defensive attention to score 13 points.

But make no mistake -- Nnaji's presence made it all happen. He drew extra attention every time he touched the ball, yet was still able to fight his way to the basket. When that attention got to be too much, he was able to find open teammates for basket – he had three assists -- or to keep the possession alive. He had three assists.

Courtney Brown Jr. led East Ridge (28-3) with 13 points and Patrick Lynott added 9.


Hopkins guard Rayquan Valentin (13) guarded East Ridge guard Zach Zebrowski (5) as he moved the ball up court in the first half. Photo: JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com

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