4A: Minnetonka 66, Bloomington Kennedy 59

Last update: March 26, 2008 - 9:41 PM

Skippers race, then hang on

Recap: The top-seeded Skippers used a 20-2 run in the first half to build a 35-14 lead. From that point on, however, the Eagles took it to the Skippers, who had to hold on at the end. Minnetonka's Anthony Tucker -- the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year and an Iowa recruit -- had 15 of his game-high 27 points in the game's first 11 minutes.

Turning point: Though Kennedy outscored Minnetonka 45-31 over the game's final 22:39, the hot start by the Skippers (26-3) proved to be the game's defining stretch. The Eagles (19-9) never fully recovered, getting closest at 62-57 with only 44 seconds remaining.

The quote: "I figured we would, even though I hoped we wouldn't. I didn't know how long it would last." -- Kennedy coach Matt Vollum on his team coming out nervous to start the game. The Eagles were making their first state tournament appearance since 1984.

Noteworthy: Tucker, normally a deadly marksman, was only 2-for-8 on three-pointers. "I didn't shoot the ball well, but I wouldn't blame it on the scenery," Tucker said of the spacious Target Center. ... C.J. Erickson had 13 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and three assists for Minnetonka. ... Alfred Jaryan led Kennedy with 16 points and was 3-for-3 from three-point range. ... Minnetonka shot 46 percent on free throws but 53 percent from the field.

MICHAEL RAND

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