Learning for Leadership Mustangs Gallop Past Groves Academy Griffins

The Learning for Leadership Mustangs got plenty of leadership from Kafi Abdi as he scored a season high 37 points to lead them to a 99-64 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Tuesday night in St. Louis Park.

It was Kofi Abdi who set the game's tempo early after he got a pass in the left post from Mahat Ibrahim and scored :03 into the game.  Patrick Quinn would tie the game for the Griffins and Learning for Leadership would forge ahead on a 5-0 that included a three pointer from Mohamed Khalif.  There would be dueling three pointer from both teams.  Max Greseth would hit from Highway 100 for Groves Academy followed by Learning for Leadership's Ibrahim.  Then it was the Griffins turn for a three as Malik Bodden would convert.
The Griffins would cut the lead to one on baskets by Max Bilcik and Larry Mohamed.  Would they head into the lead?  The answer would be no as Abdifatah Dakane would help spark a 7-0 run that would give the Mustangs an insurmountable lead.  The one bright spot for Groves Academy would be Bodden as he hit a couple of three point plays and scored 19 first half points.  But it wouldn't be enough to come close to Learning for Leadership as they led at halftime 48-34.

Ibrahim would open the second half scoring for the Mustangs with five consecutive points. Kafi Abdi would add four more to widen the lead.  Bodden would continue his first half dominance for the Griffins with four straight points.  But it was Kafi Abdi, the 6'4" junior who would showcase his athleticism and inside game as he received outstanding inside passes from his teammates that would result in points for the Mustangs.  They would send the game into running time and Groves Academy couldn't catch up as head coach Peter Shutte gave the reserve players a chance to play with the game pretty much decided.

Other players in double figures for Learning for Leadership were Badruden Aden with 19 points.  Khalif added 14, Ibrahim 13 and Dakane scored 11.  Bodden led Groves Academy with 33 points.  The only other Griffin in double figures was Larry Mohamed with 11 points.

The Mustangs improved their record to 8-5 and return to action on Friday, February 3 as they host the Christian Life Academy Hawks at 7 PM.  The Griffins fell to 1-15 and will also be in action on the 3rd, hosting the Heritage Academy Hawks at 7 PM.