Minneapolis Washburn and St. Paul Johnson put on quite a show in the Twin City boys’ basketball game two weeks ago.
Washburn won in a 90-89 classic after senior forward JERRY PRATT converted his own missed layup as time expired. His putback helped the Millers offset a 30-point performance by Johnson senior guard MARCUS MARSHALL.
If the two teams take care of business this week, they could end up seeing each other again in the Class 3A state tournament next week.
Washburn, ranked No. 2, captured their third City and TC titles in four years behind the outstanding play of Pratt, CHUCKIE SMITH, DWIGHT ANDERSON, JOSEPH DOBY, DEJON DAVIS, NICK ANDERSON, MYLES SHEPHERD-ANDERSON, NOAH SCARVER and JEFF JONES. Outstanding performances by Marshall, QUASHINGM SMITH-PUGH, DE’VONTA DURR, BAJAUN ADAMS, JALEN ALBRITTON, ROBERT CHATTARD, DARIUS WATSON, JALEN MOBLEY and SHELBY ASHFORD have helped Johnson, ranked No. 10, capture their ninth consecutive City Conference title and a chance to make their fourth-straight state tournament appearance.
Washburn won the Class 3A crown in 2009, and Johnson captured the crown the following year, compiling a 32-0 record.
It will be interesting if the intercity rivals meet in the state tournament. Before one can even think of that happening, there is the matter of the section playoffs that need to be taken care of first.
Regardless of what happens, it was nice to glance into the future — if only for a minute!
Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.
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