Saturday was a monumental day for Jalen Suggs as he scored a game high 31 points and became Minnehaha Academy's all time career scoring leader who helped the Redhawks beat the Austin Packers 81-61 in Minneapolis.
The Redhawks, the top ranked team in Class AA struck early with six straight points from freshman Prince Aligbe. His first basket came :05 into the game on a right handed dunk. Another came on an alley oop pass from Suggs behind the three point line and Aligbe turned it into another slam. As for the Packers, ranked fourth in Class AAA, they put pressure on Minnehaha Academy's 7'0" center Chet Holmgren, but he would beat the double team and score five consecutive points. Ngor Deng would begin the scoring for Austin and Medi Obang would hit a three pointer. The Redhawks would get a couple of shots from West River Parkway from Holmgren. Minnehaha Academy was 27-14, when foul trouble hit the Packers as Agwa Nywesh picked up his third foul with 8:05 left in the first half. But it didn't stop Austin from making a run at Minnehaha Academy as they would go on a 10-0 run. It would include three pointers from Dongrin Deng and Gavin Owens. Defense would be a factor for the Redhawks as Holmgren blocked Dongrin Deng's shot. Austin would cut the lead to 31-29 and had possession for the final first half shot that could tie the game or give them their first lead. LaHenry Gills attempted a three pointer but Suggs made an outstanding block and Minnehaha Academy held their lead at halftime
There would be good news for Austin fans in the second half when Obang hit a couple of free throws to tie the game at 31. However it would be the only bright spot for the Packers since Suggs would hit a three pointer to regain the lead. The game was stopped briefly when it was announced that Suggs scored 2000 career points and became the Redhawks all time leading scorer. How bad could things go for the Packers? Nywesh would pick up his fourth foul with 15:34 left. Minnehaha Academy would extend their lead with a 9-0 run. Obang would end the run, scoring on a right side armed shot. Holmgren would be a dominant force inside and outside for Minnehaha Academy. He would score on three straight dunks and two consecutive three point plays. Suggs would score six straight points and before the starters were finished and head coach lance Johnson cleared his bench, Aligbe mad an outstanding scoring play, connecting on a left handed scoop shot.
Other players in double figures for Minnehaha Academy were Holmgren with 24 points and Aligbe added 15. Obang was Austin's leading scorer with 18 points. Nywesh was the only other Packer in double figures, finishing with 15 points.
Suggs, Kaden Johnson, Craig McDonald and Siegel Howard were key components of the Class AAAA SMB Wolfpack's state championship team.
The Redhawks improved their record to 13-2 and return to action on Tuesday, February 5 as they travel to St.Paulto take on the St. Paul Academy Spartans at 7 PM. The Packers fell to 13-3 and will also be in action on the 5th, hosting the Rochester John Marshall Rockets, led by Matthew Hurt at 7:30 PM.
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