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Tip Off Classic preview: Osseo vs. Eastview

By Ryan James, Breakdown Sports USA, 12/05/12, 3:00PM CST

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5:15 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 at Minnetonka West gym

Preview

Osseo and Eastview were two of the best teams in state last year.  Osseo won the state title while the Lightning went to state but were dropped in round one of the playoffs when Grant Shaeffer had one of the most amazing performance in state history for EP. 

This year the programs come into the year with high expectations again but reaching last season’s success could be tough.  The Orioles do return two of the best players in Bridge Tusler and Ian Theisen plus DeLaSalle transfer Wheeler Baker will provide a third big time scoring option.  Eastview isn’t as fortunate with only Ben Oberfeld back from last year’s regular rotation but don’t overlook coach Mark Gerber’s ability to get his kids to defend. 

Key Matchup

Ian Theisen vs Ben Oberfeld: These two are a major reason why this game was selected for the event.  Oberfeld is one of the best defending power forwards this state has seen and he’s headed to division one Bucknell next year.  Theisen is a top five level junior in the state who has already accumulated a handful of D1 offers.  It’s going to be a great match-up to view.

Prediction

Why Osseo will win:

  • The Orioles have a lot more returning talent.  Theisen averaged nearly 15 points and 12 rebounds a game last year while Tusler totaled 14 points a contest.  What’s amazing is that Baker may top both of them as he’s likely their best shot creator.  It’s one of the state’s best trios for certain.
  • Last year Tusler hit Theisen with the game winning assist for the state winning baseline jumper.  These are state tournament tested, championship approved players back to defend their title.  Tusler looked incredible in the Minnetonka Fall League just a month ago.  Ready to defend a state title.

Why Eastview will win:

  • Eastview is one of our state’s elite defensive teams.  Coach Gerber has put his program in there with DeLaSalle, Hopkins, and Tartan as teams that will defend from start to finish ready to be as physical as they can to win a game.  They will defend.
  • Oberfeld may be the only guy back in the rotation but Gerber has a lot of young players ready to step in.  Mark Dwyer is an excellent junior guard who will step right in and fill the role as a scorer and intelligent decision maker.  Junior forward Dar Nwaundo is also a talented player ready to play.

Our Prediction:  Osseo

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