DeLaSalle guard Tyrell Terry (10) drove to the basket in the first half. Photo: ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com
DeLaSalle senior point guard Tyrell Terry heard the doubts when Dave Thorson, a nine-time state tournament champion coach, stepped down before last season. He heard the laughter when the six-time defending champion Islanders fell in the Class 3A semifinals last year.
So to close out his decorated prep career with a 63-56 victory against Waseca on Saturday at Target Center brought relief and redemption. DeLaSalle captured its seventh state championship in eight seasons and 12th title overall.
“Everyone thought the DeLaSalle dynasty was done,” Terry said. “To have the buzzer go off and to be champions, there isn’t a feeling that’s comparable.”
Terry spent the final seconds streaking down the court with his arms raised in triumph. Earlier in the game, he made similar dashes with the basketball in his hand.
His biggest moment came midway through the second half. Waseca senior guard Malik Willingham, who surpassed the 2,000 career point mark in the game, dribbled near the Islanders’ three-point line when Terry pounced.
Terry stripped Willingham of the ball, then sprinted to the other end for a dunk and a 48-36 lead with 9:08 left.
Waseca didn’t quit. Matt Olsem, called the “Dancing Bear” for quick feet that belie his 250-pound frame, made the play of the second half for the Bluejays.
DeLaSalle captured its seventh state championship in eight seasons and 12th title overall with a 63-56 victory against Waseca on Saturday evening at Target Center.
The No. 1 seed Islanders (27-5) played a bit slower and more methodical against the upset-minded Bluejays (30-2) but got the desired results.
DeLaSalle senior guard Tyrell Terry made his final high school game a showcase for his various talents. He scored 19 points, dished 10 assists and made key plays throughout the game.
Jamison Battle led the Islanders with 26 points.
No. 2 seed Waseca’s leaders were sophomore center Andrew Morgan (19 points) and senior guard Malik Willingham (21). Willingham surpassed the 2,000 career point mark during the game.
Check back later for more on the game.
DeLaSalle forward Jamison Battle (23) tried to grab a loose ball as Waseca forward Kyreese Willingham (1) looked on in the first half. Photo: ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com