Super 64: D1 MN 15s beat the Hawks

<p>D1 Minnesota is used to winning.  When they have their dynamic duo of Race Thompson and Gabe Kalscheur they rarely drop games.  In fact they have lost two games all month and  have a great shot at making a run in the Adidas Super 64. </p> <p>Their first playoff game had some bright moments: Zach Theisen scoring six attacking points in 90 seconds, the guard combo of Theisen, Kyler Kluge, and Anders Nelson controlling the tempo late, Gabe Kalscheur exploding for 8 early, and Race Thompson showing his full game playing several different positions.  It was another day, another win for D1 Minnesota.</p> <h2>Player Rundown</h2><p><strong>Gabe Kalscheur</strong>.  Two quick threes showing that nasty stroke right away…A smooth transition score saw Gabe run, catch, take a step and glide to the rim laying the ball off the glass.  So effortless yet such an athletic play…Runs to the corner in transition and if a defender doesn’t move fast a head up PG will find him for three and that happened early in the second half…Posted up and hit a hook shot late in the game while getting hacked…Position defense was Gabe was twice in the correct spot to get a steal down the stretch as opponents tried to force the ball to a spot.  You can tell Gabe has had the coaching and absorbed it…</p> <p><strong>Race Thompson.</strong>  Race plays the five for D1 but the way he moves he is without a doubt an athletic four.  A long athletic floor.  Totally grabbed my attention with a transition push feeling so comfortable handling and then his there at the top of the key rimmed out but the stroke is so nice…Had to bring the ball up the floor at times and did it comfortably.  His development makes me wonder what his position will be in the future.  There is the possibility with more skill development he could play a lot of small forward…Race is playing point guard now.  This is after sprinting back and swatting a shot pretty much sending the kid into depression…Knocked out free throws late in the game showing a feel for the late game moment….</p> <p><strong>Anders Nelson</strong>.  This is one slippery young guard.  The stroke is hit first and then when you take an extra step to guard Anders will blow by you in either direction.  Quick and skilled at about 5-foot-10 or 5-foot-11….Love his feisty approach too.  Comes off the floor and an opponent rudely steps in his path and Anders doesn’t back down.  Sits down and has so much fire about what is going on on the floor…</p> <p><strong>Zach Theisen</strong>. A dependable player in all ways.  A guy who you want on the floor at the end of the game.  Smart and a hard worker.  Down the stretch Zach attacked the cup three times in a row and three times he finished over a longer defender touching the ball in.  There were no fouls called but at least two of the buckers were And1 were.  Not to mention earlier in the game the feet set jumper was butter…</p> <p><strong>Kyler Kluge</strong>.  Liked his approach late in the game.  Took some big shots that didn’t fall but took them and that was big.  Kyler was the decision maker often igniting the transition attack but was vocal in getting his teammates to pull up…Type of kid that is on the floor late also because defensively he gets it.  He’s deep in stance, he was angling athletes to the wing into help, and Kyler was in good help position…</p>