DeLaSalle, Austin to meet for Class 3A state title again

Top-ranked DeLaSalle isn't overlooking opponents on its way to a third consecutive state championship. The talent-rich Islanders are simply overwhelming them.

Wasting little time against Orono, DeLaSalle started the game on an 8-0 run and never looked back in a 67-41 rout in the Class 3A semifinals Thursday at Target Center.

"We came out with a lot of fire and emotion," DeLaSalle standout forward Reid Travis said. "When we do that, we usually play well."

The only member of Minnesota's "Big Three" recruiting class to reach the state tournament, the Stanford-bound Travis showcased his various talents.

He finished plays around the basket and drew fouls. He exploded off the baseline for a dunk. The 6-7, 240-pound Travis even dribbled end-to-end for a layup.

Travis finished with game highs in points (27) and rebounds (12) and impressed Orono coach Barry Wohler.

"Reid Travis was all that he was advertised," Wohler said. "I looked at the guys on the bench and said, 'He is a beast, gentlemen.' "

Wohler said starting the game down 8-0 had Orono (22-9) "just scrambling from there on."

"I was proud of our effort, but this year, all the rest of us could beat each other and DeLaSalle was that wild card," Wohler said.

"In my mind, they are clearly the best team no matter the class."

Austin 70, Holy Family 42: The Pack is also back.

DeLaSalle might be the state's best team regardless of class, but Austin proved it belongs in the Class 3A championship rematch, routing Holy Family in the other semifinal. A year ago DeLaSalle beat Austin 50-33 to repeat as state champion.

"Our chances — people say it's not there, but I believe we can win," said senior forward Ajuda Nywesh, who led all scorers with 21 points.

"People said we weren't even supposed to be here. So we're going to give it all we've got Saturday."

An all-out approach worked well against the Fire.

Austin stormed to an 18-8 lead a little more than five minutes into the game and never led by fewer than 10 points again.

"We're not DeLaSalle; we don't quite compare with them," Austin coach Kris Fadness said.

Looking ahead to DeLaSalle, Fadness accepts the underdog role.

"They are a very dynamic team and by far the best team in the state," Fadness said.

"We know the beast is in front of us and we're just going to play Packers basketball, hope it's good enough to be competitive and see what happens."