2023-24 State Tournament: Cherry brings home the title.

Ryan James March 23, 2024 @ 01:59 PM

The biggest issue the Falcons had was getting back in transition defense and getting matched up. Not necessarily getting back and getting immediate stops, they busted tail to get back, but getting back to locate and then having the legs to defend with the right match-up (they played a 48 minute game a day ago).

It was not a problem exclusive to them, Cherry has been transitioning with quick outlets, a fast run out by whomever collects, or both, all season. The quick outlets led to immediate attempts, or they led to bad match-ups for the opposition and Cherry was shooting comfortable lay-ups or jumpers at a consistent rate.

Noah Asuma Noah Asuma 6'1" | SG Cherry | 2026 State MN led the way with 22 points and eight rebounds including three threes. Older brother Isaac Asuma had 12 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 blocks and two steals, Noah Sundquist Noah Sundquist 6'3" | SF Cherry | 2025 State MN scored 15 points with nine boards and Carson Brown Carson Brown 6'0" | PG Cherry | 2025 State MN scored 14.

The Quote: " Noah Sundquist Noah Sundquist 6'3" | SF Cherry | 2025 State MN is the Iron Range Dennis Rodman" - Jordan Christianson, Head Coach of Cherry.

MVP (co). Isaac Asuma (sr), The Future Minnesota Gopher took on a big share of responsibility once again and led his team to another wide margin victory. The biggest thing Asuma did, and this is most common with his game, was move the basketball in a way that led to comfortable shots for teammates constantly. He had eight assists. Asuma also defended the Fertile-Beltrami best player and blocked five shots while grabbing eight boards. Throw in a dozen points and it was another outstanding all around game.

Top Underclassmen/MVP (co). Noah Asuma Noah Asuma 6'1" | SG Cherry | 2026 State MN (soph). I looked up Noah's season long stats and it showed he came into the state tournament shooting 52 percent from the arc this year! He hit three threes today plus scored five times near the rim for his game high 22 points plus Noah grabbed eight boards. We know he is a hell of a baseball prospect and making a career of it in the sun is a great idea. But he is also a strong football player and we have really seen the skills develop this year.

Three More Title Game Standouts

Noah Sundquist Noah Sundquist 6'3" | SF Cherry | 2025 State MN of Cherry (jr). Noah laid the foundation with his early three followed by that lob catch and finish. Those early scores get the crowd into the game and put his team up double figures fast. He is a fun to watch player that really gets off his feet well and runs as well as just about any basketball player. He made seven of eight shots for 15 points and nine boards. I am really looking forward to seeing him develop going forward because if he can become a better shooter and his defense takes another step forward, that is a nice 2025 prospect.

Caiden Swenby Caiden Swenby 6'3" | SG Fertile-Beltrami | 2024 State MN of Fertile-Beltrami (sr). I am going to let Prep Network analyst and Maple Grove coach handle this one.... " Caiden Swenby Caiden Swenby 6'3" | SG Fertile-Beltrami | 2024 State MN will be a good college player. Great frame, good balance on hid jumper as a movement shooter. Nice pickup for UM-Crookston." That is what Jared said and I could't say it any better. He had 14 points with five boards and six assists for the Falcons.

Preston Hanson Preston Hanson 6'5" | PF Fertile-Beltrami | 2026 State MN of Fertile-Beltrami (soph). I thought the 6'5 sophomore had a great state tournament. He put together 55 points and 23 rebounds on 18 of 36 shooting and to do that as a young player at this level is impressive. I think he has a chance to be an All State level Class A player by the time he graduates.