Prep Scene
Minneapolis South Boys Basketball Coach Joe Hyser and Assistant Charles Hallman, who have both led the Tigers since 1997, saw a 32-year state tournament drought broken last month.
Led by the outstanding play of seniors Poet Davis (6’0” guard), Jumarion Weh (6’0” guard), James Underwood (6’0” guard), Jamari Stewart-Scott (6’2” forward), Kevaughn Fields (6’1” forward), Maurice Hargrow (6’0” guard), Eugene Brown (6’2” forward), and Romero Walker (6’8” center), South had one of its best seasons, capturing their first section title (Class 3A Section 3), qualifying for its first state tournament (Class 3A) appearance since 1992, while finishing with a 22-7 record. A far cry from their 6-20 mark in 2023.
Many contributors to South’s success
Davis led South in scoring averaging 19.4 points per game with his outside shooting and penetration. Weh used his shooting and ball handling to be the ultimate backcourt mate to average 17.1 points per game.
Underwood was a sharpshooter from three-point range for the Tigers, averaging 9.4 points per game. Stewart-Scott was a force inside with timely baskets while finishing with a 6.8 rebound per game average and 38 blocked shots.
Fields averaged 11.1 points per game while providing clutch play on the offensive and defensive end. Hargrow’s outstanding defense (24 steals) and steady offensive play contributed to South’s successful season.
Brown’s 77 rebounds and clutch play proved to be valuable during South’s run. Walker was averaging 12.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game before breaking his leg and being lost for the season during a non-conference game against St. Paul Harding in February. His injury left a void filled amicably by the outstanding play of Stewart-Scott, Fields and Brown.
Highlights and accomplishments
Memorable moments from the season include a two-game sweep of crosstown conference rival North (79-76 at North, January 8, and 69-66 at South, February 7), a 62-61 victory over St. Thomas Academy in the Class 3A Section 3 championship game, and a 77-73 Class 3A state consolation victory over Chisago Lakes.
Davis, Weh, Underwood and Walker were named to the all-conference team. Davis also made the all-tournament team.
Final words from the coaches
Hyser, who became head coach after Craig LeSuer resigned in 1997, and Hallman, who joined the Tigers as an assistant in 1995, were proud of what the team accomplished this season, as their goal of an outstanding season seemed unreachable at times.
LeSuer led South to their last state tournament appearance during his first season in 1992. “Things didn’t look so good after we lost Romero for the season, Hyser said. “There was the season-ending injury, and then we lost to Washburn our next game. In the end it made the team stronger.
“We really didn’t know how the players would respond after the injury,” Hallman added. “After Romero broke his leg, the players didn’t want to continue, so we stopped playing the game [against St. Paul Harding]. But the players rallied around him.”
And in doing so, the Minneapolis South boys basketball team had a season that will live in the hearts of students, staff, alumni and community for years to come.