Sunday, February 27, 2011

Game Story: Golden Rams Advance to MCAC Championship Game

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team advanced to the MCAC and Region 13 Championship game with a 72-63 victory over top seed Central Lakes on Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Rams built a ten point lead 30-20 about 12 minutes into the first half before Central Lakes closed the half on a 14-8 run as Anoka-Ramsey went into the break ahead 38-34.

The half was essentially even as far as statistics were concerned with Anoka-Ramsey shooting 44.8% to Central Lakes' 44.4%.  The teams were even in rebounds at 15 apiece and turnovers with six on each side.  Central Lakes held a free-throw edge by one make, however Anoka-Ramsey knocked down six three-point field goals to the Raiders' three.

Trey Scott led the Golden Rams with 15 first half points as Central Lakes' Marcus Ayala countered with 14.

The Golden Rams scored the first seven points of the second half to take a 45-34 lead which they extended to as many as 15 in the half.

However, Central Lakes would not go away quietly as they managed to pull within seven on a couple occasions late in the game.

Defense and timely rebounding once again played a huge role for the Golden Rams as they outrebounded the Raiders 35-14 in the second half while holding Central Lakes to 37.5% shooting for the period.

With under a minute to play, Anoka-Ramsey missed the front-end of a bonus free throw situation three times, however each time they came away with an offensive rebound before Jonathan Conner hit 1 of 2 and Trey Scott made two following a technical foul on the Raiders to preserve the victory.

The Golden Rams were led by Trey Scott's 26 points on 8 of 15 shooting and 8 of 12 free throws.  Scott also hauled in a career-high 15 rebounds in the game.

Dan Konz chipped in with 12 points and six rebounds.  Ben Hill and Richard Harmon each had nine points in the victory.

Anoka-Ramsey advances to Sunday's MCAC Championship game versus Rochester Community and Technical College at 2:00pm on the campus of Anoka-Ramsey. 

The winner will also represent Region 13 in the NJCAA Division III National Tournament March 10-12 at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, NY.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Game Story: Golden Rams Advance in MCAC Playoffs

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the MCAC State Tournament with a 70-68 victory over Vermilion Community College on Friday evening.

After overcoming a slow start, the Golden Rams were able to carry a 40-34 lead into the break behind a renewed defensive effort.

Vermilion scored 12 points on their first five possessions to take an early 12-5 lead before the Golden Rams chipped away to take the lead.

The Golden Rams' lead extended to eight early in the second half, but a quick run by Vermilion with two threes brought it back to a one possession game where it remained for much of the half.

Neither team was able to take command as the lead exchanged hands multiple times in the second half.  Anoka-Ramsey was able to fend off Vermilion thanks to some timely free throws and offensive rebounds.

With the Golden Rams leading by two with nine seconds to play, Dan Konz stepped to the line for a one-and-one.  Konz missed the front end, but Richard Harmon kept the ball alive, and the Golden Rams came away with possession, eventually sending Trey Scott to the line with 3.9 seconds remaining.

Scott knocked down both free throws to preserve the win as Vermilion managed a layup with time expiring.

Defense was again the key for the Golden Rams as they limited Vermilion to just 40.3% shooting, including 35.7% in the second half, and only 5 of 16 (31.3%) from the three-point line.  Vermilion entered the game shooting 40% from three as a team for the season.

Rebounding also played a huge role as the Golden Rams won the battle of the boards 50-28 by pulling down 23 offensive rebounds and limiting Vermilion to just ten.

Matt Fridberg led the way inside for the Golden Rams with 18 points and nine rebounds, eight of them on the offensive end.

Richard Harmon recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, six offensive.

Trey Scott had 11 points and five rebounds, Dan Konz chipped in nine points and six rebounds, and Tim Daniels had six points and eight rebounds.

The Golden Rams will face Southern Division foe Central Lakes College at 3:00pm on Saturday in the semifinals of the MCAC State Tournament on the campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.  The two teams split their regular season matchups.

The other semifinal will feature Rochester versus Northland at 1:00pm.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Golden Rams Receive Votes in Top 10

The Anoka-Ramsey Men’s Basketball team received four votes in the latest NJCAA Division III National Poll this week after defeating Minnesota West and then-#1 Rochester last week.
This is the first time Anoka-Ramsey has received votes in the Top 10 in at least the past decade.
The four votes would theoretically place the Golden Rams in the #12 spot, if the rankings went beyond the Top 10.
Anoka-Ramsey finished the regular season with a 20-7 record after winning their past seven games including road victories over then-#3 Central Lakes (currently #4) and then-#1 Rochester (currently #2).
During their streak, they also recorded a home victory over Minnesota State-Fergus Falls who at the time was receiving votes in the Top 10.
Anoka-Ramsey begins the MCAC State Tournament on Friday, February 25th at 6:00pm as they face Vermilion Community College. 
In two regular season meetings the teams split their matchups with the home team winning on their respective court.
Friday’s game will take place on the campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Scott Named Player of the Week...Again

Anoka-Ramsey sophomore guard Trey Scott was named the MCAC Southern Division Player of the Week for his effort in victories over Minnesota West and #1 ranked Rochester.
Against Minnesota West, Scott recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals while shooting 9 of 15 from the field and 3 of 6 from the three-point line.
In the Golden Rams’ 73-64 victory over Rochester, Scott tallied 34 points, five rebounds, and four steals while shooting 11 of 22 overall and 3 of 8 from the three-point line.  Scott was also 9 of 11 on free throws.
For the two games, Scott averaged 29 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and four steals.
This is the second consecutive week Scott has earned the award, sharing it with teammate Richard Harmon last week.  Scott has won the award four times this season and six times in his career.
Anoka-Ramsey will face Vermilion Community College in the first round of the MCAC State Tournament on Friday, February 25 at 6:00pm on the campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

MCAC State Tournament Pairings Set

The 2011 MCAC State Tournament pairings have been decided after a couple coin flips to determine the #1 seeds in each division.

Rochester and Central Lakes finished tied for first in the Southern Division and split their two matchups during the season.  Central Lakes won the coin flip to get the #1 seed for the South.

Likewise, Vermilion and Northland finished tied for first in the Northern Division and also split their two regular season matchups.  Northland won the coin flip to earn the #1 seed for the North.

All games will be held on the campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids, MN

Friday, February 25th
Quarterfinal #1: 1:00pm - (1N) Northland vs (4S) MSCTC-Fergus Falls
Quarterfinal #2: 3:00pm - (2S) Rochester vs (3N) Rainy River
Quarterfinal #3: 6:00pm - (2N) Vermilion vs (3S) Anoka-Ramsey
Quarterfinal #4: 8:00pm - (1S) Central Lakes vs (4N) Hibbing

Saturday, February 26th
Semifinal #1: 1:00pm - Winner Quarterfinal #1 vs Winner Quarterfinal #2
Semifinal #2: 3:00pm - Winner Quarterfinal #3 vs Winner Quarterfinal #4

Sunday, February 27th
Championship: 2:00pm - Winner Semifinal #1 vs Winner Semifinal #2

Game Story: Golden Rams Defeat #1 Rochester 73-64

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team went on the road and defeated the #1 ranked team in the nation on Saturday afternoon.  The Golden Rams topped Rochester 73-64 behind a seldom-used 2-3 zone and a big night from sophomore Trey Scott.

After starting down 9-0 and 19-5 only five minutes into the game, the Golden Rams switched to a 2-3 zone in order to slow down the Rochester attack.  It worked.

The Golden Rams slowly worked their way back into the game through the rest of the half and only trailed 34-33 at the break. 

Trey Scott and Jonathan Conner combined for 22 points in the half to keep the Golden Rams within striking distance.

Anoka-Ramsey kept with the zone defense in the second half and Rochester was never able to get anything going either inside or out as they shot 23.1 percent for the half (9-39) including 2-15 from the three-point line.

Meanwhile, the Golden Rams found their groove inside with Matt Fridberg scoring eight of his ten points, and Scott's acrobatic drives to the basket leading to a game-high 34 points.

The Golden Rams finished shooting 24-53 (45.3 percent) and made 21 free throws.  Rochester finished the evening shooting 32.4 percent and 3-21 from the three-point line.

The Golden Rams held a 46-43 edge in rebounds as well.

Scott was 11-22 from the field and 9-11 from the free throw line while also pulling down five rebounds.

Fridberg added 11 rebounds to his ten points to complete his first career double-double.

Richard Harmon narrowly missed a double-double as well with eight points and nine rebounds.

Anoka-Ramsey finishes the regular season 20-7 and alone in third in the Southern Division at 8-4.  Next up is the MCAC State Tournament, February 25-27 to be held at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Game Story: Defense Leads to Victory over Minnesota West

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men’s Basketball team used a stifling defensive display to defeat Minnesota West Community and Technical College 78-51 on Wednesday evening.
The Golden Rams held Minnesota West to 19-60 shooting for 31.7 percent, the lowest defensive field goal percentage the Golden Rams have allowed this season.  The 51 points were the second fewest Anoka-Ramsey has allowed.
The Golden Rams jumped out to an early ten point lead behind threes from Trey Scott and Dan Konz and built their lead to as many as 22 points in the first half.  Anoka-Ramsey entered the halftime break with a 41-23 lead after holding Minnesota West to 29.6 percent shooting.
The highlight of the first half was Trey Scott scoring his 1,000th point as a Golden Ram.  In typically fashion, the basket pushing him above 1,000 was from the three-point line as Scott leads the nation in made three-point field goals with 83.  Scott has now scored 1,016 points in his two year career.
The second half saw the Golden Rams extend their lead into the 30’s before Minnesota West caught fire and hit three consecutive threes to bring the margin back down.  Anoka-Ramsey held on from there thanks in part to seven offensive rebounds and a 7 for 7 performance from the free throw line in the second half.
Scott finished the evening with 24 points, ten rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.  Matt Fridberg had another efficient night with 14 points on 6 of 7 shooting.  Fridberg leads the MCAC Southern Division in field goal percentage at 63.6 percent.
Dan Konz chipped with 11 points.  Jonathan Conner and Tim Daniels recorded seven points apiece with Daniels also hauling in seven rebounds.  Tyler Salkey also had seven rebounds to go with six points. 
Brandon Spears pulled down four offensive rebounds off the bench as Anoka-Ramsey had a 48-37 edge in rebounds on the evening.
Anoka-Ramsey improves their record to 19-7 on the season, 7-4 in the MCAC.  The Golden Rams hold a one-game lead over Minnesota State-Fergus Falls for third in the Southern Division as Fergus Falls lost to Rochester Community College on Wednesday.
Anoka-Ramsey travels to Rochester on Saturday for a 3:00pm tip in the last regular season game of the season.  Rochester defeated the Golden Rams 81-61 in their previous meeting.
With Wednesday’s win, and Fergus Falls’ loss, the Golden Rams have clinched the #3 seed in the Southern Division for the MCAC State Tournament.
The MCAC State Tournament will be held February 25-27 on the campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.  Matchups and game times will be unveiled at the conclusion of the regular season.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Scott, Harmon Named Co-Players of the Week

Anoka-Ramsey's Trey Scott and Richard Harmon were named MCAC Southern Division Co-Players of the Week for their efforts in the Golden Rams' two victories last week.

Scott averaged 21 points and 6 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and 38% from the three-point line.  He recorded 23 points and 8 rebounds in their win over nationally-ranked Central Lakes College.

Harmon averaged 19 points and 6 rebounds in the two games including 26 points and 8 rebounds against Central Lakes.

This is the third time Scott has been honored this season and the fifth time in his career. 

This is the first time Harmon has received the award.

Anoka-Ramsey continues MCAC Southern Division play on Wednesday, February 16th at 8:00pm vs. Minnesota West.  It will be the last regular-season home game for the Golden Rams.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Game Story: Golden Rams Knock Off #3 Central Lakes

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team knocked off the #3 ranked team in the nation, Central Lakes College, 83-76 in Brainerd, MN on Saturday afternoon.

Anoka-Ramsey jumped out to an early lead 21-12 before Central Lakes closed the gap.  The teams exchanged leads ten times in the opening period and were also tied ten times with Central Lakes hitting a runner in the lane to take a 36-34 lead at the halftime buzzer.

Richard Harmon scored 16 of his game-high 28 points in the opening period to keep the Golden Rams in the game.  As a team, Anoka-Ramsey shot 51.9 percent in the half.

The second half was just as close with neither team leading by more than the seven point final margin.  With 45 seconds left, and Anoka-Ramsey clinging to a two point lead, Jonathan Conner stepped to the line to hit two free-throws and give the Golden Rams a four point edge.

Following a timeout after Conner's second free-throw, Trey Scott came up with a steal and layup on the inbounds pass to all but seal the game for Anoka-Ramsey.

Clutch free-throw shooting by both Scott and Harmon helped keep Central Lakes at bay in the final seconds.

Neither team shot particularly well from the charity stripe, with Anoka-Ramsey finishing 15-24 and Central Lakes 16-27 but only 11-22 in the second half.

Anoka-Ramsey shot 53.4 percent for the game after going 17-31 in the second half.  Central Lakes shot 41.3 percent with the Golden Rams holding the Raiders to only 38.2 percent in the second half, including 3-11 from the three-point line.

Both teams pulled down 33 rebounds.

The Golden Rams were led by Harmon's 28 points and eight rebounds on 8-17 shooting and 9-12 from the line.  Scott scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half and also had eight rebounds.

Matt Fridberg scored all 12 of his points in the second half on 6-7 shooting.  Conner contributed nine points off the bench including the two late free-throws.

With the win, and Riverland's loss to Rochester on Saturday afternoon, Anoka-Ramsey clinched a spot in the MCAC State Tournament.  Anoka-Ramsey is now in a tie for third place at 6-4 in the Southern Division with Minnesota State-Fergus Falls.

The Golden Rams are now 18-7 on the season.  They next play on Wednesday, February 16th at 8:00pm at home vs. Minnesota West.  Anoka-Ramsey defeated Minnesota West 70-53 in their earlier meeting this season.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Game Story: Golden Rams Hold Off Spartans

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men’s Basketball team held on for a 72-69 victory over the Minnesota State – Fergus Falls Spartans on Wednesday night.  Anoka-Ramsey entered the game 1.5 games behind Fergus in the MCAC Southern Division standings.
The game was tight throughout with neither team leading by more than seven points. 
With the Golden Rams leading scorer, Trey Scott, in foul trouble in the first half, Anoka-Ramsey pounded the ball inside to big men Dan Konz and Matt Fridberg.  Konz had 13 points in the opening period, including a shot-clock-beating, off-balance, three-pointer.  Fridberg recorded eight points in the half.
Anoka-Ramsey held Fergus Falls to 33.3% shooting in the opening period.  However ten offensive rebounds by the Spartans kept it a five point game at the break, 34-29 in favor of the Golden Rams.
The second half continued to be tight, with Anoka-Ramsey pulling ahead by seven with about four minutes remaining.  Following a timeout, the Spartans hit two quick threes to trim the deficit to just one point.
Anoka-Ramsey was able to make some big plays down the stretch including a dunk by Matt Fridberg off a nice pass from Richard Harmon, a three by Ben Hill, and a steal and layup by Scott to keep the Golden Rams in control.
Hill went to the line with 5.8 seconds remaining and the Golden Rams ahead by two.  Hill made the first free throw but, following a Spartan timeout, Anoka-Ramsey committed a lane violation giving the Spartans one last hope.
On the inbounds pass, the Spartans stepped on the sideline trying to push the ball up the court and Anoka-Ramsey safely inbounded the ball to run out the clock, preserving the win.
The Golden Rams shot 51% for the game and made 16 free-throws to the Spartans 10.  Fergus Falls shot 39.7% and committed 16 turnovers for the game.  Anoka-Ramsey also went to the inside game regularly, attempting a season-low nine three-pointers and making four.
Anoka-Ramsey was led by Konz with 19 points and 10 rebounds.  Scott followed with 19 points and three steals.  Fridberg scored 14 points and Richard Harmon recorded ten points to round out the double-figure scorers.
The Golden Rams improve their record to 17-7 on the season, 5-4 in the MCAC and alone in fourth place in the Southern Division, a half-game behind Fergus Falls and two games ahead of Riverland. 
Anoka-Ramsey travels to Brainerd, MN to take on nationally-ranked Central Lakes College on Saturday, February 12th at 3:00pm.  In their first meeting, Central Lakes narrowly defeated the Golden Rams 86-83 in overtime.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Golden Rams in Latest NJCAA Statistical Rankings

Some of the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball players appear in the latest NJCAA Statistical Rankings:

Scoring
Trey Scott - 5th (21.56 points per game)

Steals
Trey Scott - 3rd (5.13 per game)

Free Throw Percentage
Richard Harmon - 4th (86.9%; 40-46)
Trey Scott - 27th (79.7%; 55-69)

Field Goal Percentage
Matt Fridberg - 12th (59.1%)
Tyler Salkey - 13th (58.8%)

Three-Point Field Goal Percentage
Dan Konz - 28th (41.1%; 28-68)
Jonathan Conner - 42nd (38.6%; 39-101)

Three-Point Field Goals Made
Trey Scott - 1st (75 total; 37%)
Jonathan Conner - 44th (39 total; 38.6%)

As a team, the Golden Rams are 23rd in scoring (80.7 points per game), 24th in points allowed (70.9 points per game), 22nd in overall field goal percentage (45%), 6th in 3-point field goal percentage (36.8%), 5th in made 3-point field goals (180 total), and 9th in free throw percentage (68.6%)

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Game Story: Golden Rams Overcome Cold Shooting; Win 72-63

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men’s Basketball team overcame a poor shooting performance to pull out a 72-63 victory over the University of St. Thomas JV team on Wednesday night.
The Golden Rams shot 22 of 56 from the field (39.3%) and 4 of 12 from the three-point line; only the fourth time this season they have made less than five three-pointers.  The 22 field goals were also the lowest they have made in a game this season.
However, the Golden Rams made a season-high 24 free throws while also shooting a season-high 88.9% from the line (24-27) to offset their woes from the field.
The Golden Rams trailed 33-27 at halftime after managing only nine made field goals and committing 16 first half turnovers.  But more steady play led to more opportunities from the field as well as the free throw line as Anoka-Ramsey only committed six more turnovers the rest of the game.
On the strength of 17 offensive rebounds, the Golden Rams outrebounded St. Thomas 43-28.
Trey Scott led the team in scoring with 19 points including 13 of 13 from the free throw line.  Matt Fridberg finished with 16 points while Dan Konz scored the first ten points for the Golden Rams in finishing with 15 for the game.
Tim Daniels recorded a career-high ten rebounds including five on the offensive end.  Richard Harmon pulled in eight rebounds, while Brandon Spears came off the bench to grab a career-high seven rebounds.
Anoka-Ramsey runs their record to 15-7 on the season, 3-4 in the MCAC.  They face Riverland Community College on Saturday, February 5th at 3:00pm on the Coon Rapids campus. 
The Golden Rams are currently tied for fourth in the Southern Division with Riverland as the top four Southern Division teams make the State Tournament.  Riverland defeated Anoka-Ramsey 88-83 in their previous meeting in Austin, MN.