For the first time in recent memory, the St. Paul City Conference boys’ basketball title is up for grabs. As demonstrated last Friday evening, there is no clear-cut favorite for this year’s crown.
Highland Park, led by the dynamic duo of guard Amitri Collins-Westlund and forward Dreem Kelly-Jabbar, scored an impressive 72-67 victory over Minnehaha Academy last Tuesday.
Humboldt, led by guards Patrico Webster, Derron Riley, Guatalupe Tovalin and forward La’Vonta Bryant, pushed perennial conference power Johnson to the edge before the Governors, led by guards Kyle Lee and Justin Yang, prevailed 63-58.
Washington, with guard Curtis Bell leading the way, defeated Como Park, who were led by guards Cornell Chandler, Trey Clark and Jason Jett and forward Kyrin Wood, 87-82.
Central, who got outstanding play from guards Daveaonte Davis, Ronnell Porter and Re’Twan Balenger, defeated Harding, led by Chris English and Jovan Christian, 69-57.
Johnson has won or shared the City Conference title since 2004. The Governors shared the crown with Highland Park (2004) and Central (2005, 2008 and 2016).
The Governors captured Twin City Championships in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015).
It’s going to be an interesting conference season.
St. Paul City Conference coaches include Scott Howell (Central), John Robinson (Como Park), Dean Keenan (Harding), Jon DePerry (Highland Park), Augie Garcia (Humboldt), and Anthony Harris (Washington).
Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.
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