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Minnehaha Academy, driven by larger purpose, defends 2A title with victory over Caledonia

By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune, 03/24/18, 3:00PM CDT

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Talented sophomore Jalen Suggs scored 27 points in the Redhawks' 75-60 win over the Warriors.


Minnehaha Academy's Jalen Suggs dove for a loose ball over Caledonia's Andrew Goergen in the first half. Photo: Shari L. Gross • shari.gross@startribune.com

There are two levels upon which to view Minnehaha Academy’s 73-60 victory over Caledonia in the Class 2A championship game, its second consecutive state title.

First, the game itself. The Redhawks put together at least three game-changing runs to fight off repeated charges from the Warriors, including a 14-3 stretch over the last 7:51 of the game after Caledonia had cut a 12-point halftime lead to just two, 59-57.

“At halftime, I felt like [Caledonia] had a good run left in them,” Minnehaha Academy coach Lance Johnson said. “They’re a team of character and we respect them a ton.”

Caledonia senior guard Owen King led the Warriors with 22 points. Senior forward Marten Morem added 17.

First report

Jalen Suggs scored 27 points and dished out eight assists to lead Minnehaha Academy to a 73-60 victory over Caledonia in the Class 2A championship game Saturday at Target Center.

The Redhawks (28-4) won their second consecutive state championship and third in six seasons.

Minnehaha Academy built a 12-point first-half lead, weathered a second-half run by Caledonia that cut the lead to two, then calmly built the lead back to double-digits and cruised to victory. JaVonni Bickham added 17 points and eighth-grader Prince Aligbe grabbed 15 rebounds for the Redhawks.

Caledonia was led by Mr. Basketball candidate Owen King, who had 22 points, and Marten Morem, who had 17.

Check back later for more on the game.


Minnehaha Academy's Chet Holmgren (34) blocked a shot by Caledonia's Owen King (23) in the first half. Photo: Shari L. Gross • shari.gross@startribune.com

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