The Tigers will play a nationally televised game on Monday night when they travel to the Twin Cities to take on Minnehaha Academy. The game will air on ESPNU at 6 p.m.
“Most of the kids on our team, this will probably be one of the only times they’ll be in a situation like this,” Stewartville coach Adam Girtman said. “I think it’s a great experience for them and probably something they’ll remember for a long time.”
The game was just finalized on Sunday. Minnehaha was supposed play a team from Memphis, but that team was unable to travel due to weather conditions.
“So they reached out to another team and we were fortunate to pick this one up,” Girtman said.
The game will feature the top two ranked individual players in the state as well as two state-ranked teams.
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Chet Holmgren leads deep and talented Minnehaha Academy (7-1). Holmgren is not only ranked No. 1 overall in his class for the state of Minnesota, but also for the entire country. The 7-footer has yet to announce his college decision.
“They’re long and deep and it will be a real good challenge,” Girtman said.
Will Tschetter has sparked Stewartville to an 8-1 record. Tschetter, a 6-9 senior forward, led the state in scoring a year ago and is averaging more than 34 points per game this season. He is ranked No. 2 in the state for basketball players and will play his college ball at the University of Michigan.
Senior guard Nolan Stier also averages in double figures for Stewartville, which is ranked No. 4 in the state in Class AA.
Minnehaha Academy has been a Class AA state power for a number of years. The Redhawks have moved to Class AAA this season and are ranked No. 1 in the state.
“It will be a great experience for our team and I’m confident that we’ll be able to hang with them and hopefully we’ll be there at the end and can make a play or two and potentially get the victory,” Girtman said. “That’s always the goal, but play hard and we can be right there with them.”
Minnehaha was 25-3 a year ago and earned a state berth, but did not get a chance to defend its state title as the state tournament was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Redhawks had won three straight Class AA state titles prior to last year's event being called off. In that period they featured Jalen Suggs, the top-ranked player in the entire class of 2020. Suggs now plays at Gonzaga.
The Redhawks beat Lake City in the state quarterfinals in 2017 and in the semifinals in 2019. They defeated Caledonia in the 2018 championship game. All of those wins were by double figures. Minnehaha lost in the state title game in 2016.
Minnehaha is averaging a lusty 80.8 points per game this year and allowing just 53.5. Stewartville is averaging 73.7 points per game and allowing 54.1.
“They’re No. 1 and one of the best teams in the state for a reason,” Girtman said. “Any time you go up against a team like that you know it’s going to be a tall task. You have to do things right and the ball’s going to probably have to bounce your way every now and then.”
Stewartville has never been to the state tournament in boys basketball.
Tigers on ESPNU
What: Boys basketball, No. 4-AA Stewartville (8-1) at No. 1-AAA Minnehaha Academy (7-1).
When: 6 p.m. Monday
National TV: The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU (Spectrum channel 816 in Rochester).
Who to watch: Minnehaha features 7-foot senior Chet Holmgren, the top-ranked player from the class of 2021 in both the state and the country. Stewartville features 6-9 senior Will Tschetter, the No. 2-ranked player in Minnesota who will play college ball at Michigan.
https://www.postbulletin.com/sports/basketball/6887397-Stewartville-to-play-game-on-national-TV
2021-02-14 18:27:14Z
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