Minnehaha Academy will try to repeat as state Class AA champions on Saturday after powering their way past St. Cloud Cathedral 77-51 Friday night in the semifinals at Target Center. The Redhawks hit eight three-pointers to build a 42-24 lead by halftime. Jalen Suggs scored 17 of his 25 points before halftime, while connecting on a trio of treys. He also had four assists in the game. Minnehaha Academy held Cathedral to 35 percent shooting. The 'Hawks outscored the Crusaders 22-2 on fast break points 23-12 on points off turnovers and 42-22 on points in the paint.

Kaden Johnson supplemented the Minnehaha scoring with 15 points. Terry Lockett had 13 points, four rebounds and three steals. JaVonni Bickham added 10 points, six rebounds and three steals. Six-foot-ten freshman Chet Holmgren had three blocked shots. One of Cathedral's highlights was a first-half dunk by 6-for-7 Mitchell Plombon over Holmgren. Plombon led Cathedral with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists. Michael Schaefer had 16 points with eight rebounds.

Cathedral scored the first points of the game, but the Redhawks went on a 9-0 run and never trailed again. The Crusaders got within 18-14 only to watch Minnehaha Academy go on a 14-4 run for a 32-18 lead. The closest Cathedral got in the second half was 64-48 with just over four minutes to go.

Minnehaha Academy beat Crosby-Ironton for the title in 2017 and won a championship in 2013. Saturday's 1PM game can be heard on AM 920 KDHL radio, which is in its 70th year of baseline-to-baseline coverage of the state boys' tournament.

 

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