Caledonia Advances To Semis Behind Great Defense

The Caledonia Warriors forced 28 turnovers in the Class AA State Quarterfinals against Minnewaska Area to get an 80-41 victory and advance to the semis Friday night.

It all started on defense for the Warriors who actually struggled to shoot the ball from deep. Caledonia was just 7-of-24 from deep in the game, but the defense was incredible.

Eli King was active early, getting seven steals in the game, to go along with eight points in 21 minutes. He fast hands were the key for Caledonia jumping out to an 11-2 lead. The Warriors offense was slow early, but Marten Morem was hot from the field, going 5-of-5 in the first half and 8-of-8 in the game to finish with 18 points.

The Lakers were able to tie things up at 11, before Caledonia went on a 12-2 run to push their lead back up to double digits. That run helped the Warriors take a 37-26 lead into the break.

A quick start to the second half led the Warriors to open a 20-point lead with 11:28 to play. The Lakers were never able to overcome the deficit, as the Warriors defense clamped down and held the Lakers to just 31% shooting.

Morem paced the way with 18 points, while Noah King added 14. Owen King had eight in just 18 minutes. He was fouled hard and took a tough fall early in the game but returned to action. Eli King finished with eight points, seven steals and three rebounds.

The Lakers were led by Garrett Jensen, who had 13.

The Warriors will take on Brooklyn Center in the Class AA Semis Friday night at the Target Center. The pregame show will be at 7:45pm, with tip-off set for 8pm.

KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Caledonia) - Eli King

KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Minnewaksa) - Garrett Jensen

Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball (Caledonia) - Sam Barthel