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Breakdown Tip Off Classic preview: Braham vs. Maranatha Christian

By Breakdown Staff, 11/30/11, 8:00AM CST

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2:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, Lindbergh Main Court

Preview


Braham's Kelsey Sorenson-Giffrow

For some this is the marquee match-up of the day -- and maybe the year -- in terms of small school basketball. How many opportunities do we have to enjoy watching not only the defending state champions in AA and A, but also defending state champions that are both ranked No. 1 in their respective classes this year? The answer is never! Match-ups like this are what make the Breakdown Tip Off Classic a one-of-a-kind event, and a must see day of basketball.

Braham is coming off a 31-2 season last year with the only two losses to AAAA teams (Minnetonka and Mounds View) and the Bombers brought home a Class AA state championship. In the process, they downed their new bitter rival, Providence Academy not once, but twice! One time was in the 2010 Breakdown Tip Off and the other time in the state semifinals. They are led by all-world guard Becca Dahlman, who scored north of 30 points per game last season.

Maranatha Christian brings a much more balanced attack into this game. They are led by four-year All Conference selection Alexis Long, but there is more behind her, especially at the guard position. The Mustangs posted a less impressive 23-9 record last season, but seven of those losses were to opponents in higher classes. The result of their season was the same, though; it ended with a state championship. This game will be a great early test for them, as they will run off four games in a row against Class AAAA or AAA teams after this game.
 

Key Players


Maranatha's Madison Lee

Becca Dahlman, Braham vs.
All of Maranatha’s guards

Dahlman is closing in on history, as (barring injury) is a lock to shatter Tayler Hill’s state scoring record and become the first playing in Minnesota to score over 4,000 points in her career. Looking to slow her down will be Maranatha’s quartet of guards; Alexis Long, Madison Lee, Abby Torgerson, and Lexi Lee. I’m not sure if you can find better guard play at such a small school anywhere in the country.

Prediction

Why Braham will win:

  • Kelsey Sorenson-Giffrow plays Robin to Dahlman’s Batman and comes up with a huge game in the scoring column.
  • Dahlman has her outside shot really rolling in addition to her great slashing and transition game; and there is nothing Maranatha can do to slow her down.

Why Maranatha will win:

  • Onye Osemenam will control the middle on both ends of the floor and close up driving lanes for Dahlman.
  • They are able to show several different defensive looks and defenders at Dahlman, which shrinks her usually huge effect on the final score.

Our prediction: Maranatha Christian

Tip Off Classic previews