The final championship game of the
@PrepHoops #UpperMidwestFinals was a straight heavyweight classic between MN Fury 17U-Zern and MN Select 17U, and this one was absolutely must see TV. It had everything. Big runs, momentum swings, clutch shots, physical defense, and nonstop intensity from start to finish in the highest scoring game I saw all weekend.
Early on it was a fast paced back and forth battle with both teams trading huge buckets possession after possession. The offense was simply lethal on both sides. MN Select got rolling behind #1 Tyrese Hagler who rained in 4 first half triples, but Fury slowly found a strong rhythm offensively and carried a 49-44 lead into halftime.
The second half turned into an all out war. #22 Dre Collins completely took over stretches of the game for MN Select with tough finishes, physical play, and huge momentum swings. #5 Waleed Muhammad joined him with clutch buckets that kept the pressure on Fury every possession. But Fury answered every run behind the steady leadership of #4
@ojbreezz who stayed composed all game and delivered massive plays down the stretch.
@TheisTrey also maximized every minute he was on the floor with relentless hustle and high impact basketball on both ends.
Late in regulation the drama exploded. MN Select battled back and tied the game 81-81 to force overtime, sending the gym into a frenzy. But the play that kept Fury alive was a massive blocked shot at the end of regulation that gave them another chance.
Overtime was pure survival. Both teams emptied the tank, but with seconds left Fury grabbed an 84-83 lead that held after MN Select ran out of time before getting another shot off.
MN Fury was led by #4
@ojbreezz with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block in the unforgettable championship win. Teammate
@TheisTrey added 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
MN Select was led by #22 Dre Collins who stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Teammate #1 Tyrese Hagler finished with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, while #5 Waleed Muhammad added 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in the heartbreaking loss.