Anoka Beats Elk River: Game Review; Plus JV Notes

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rBiTwcIDQM </div></figure>   Elk River came out with a deliberate plan of attack on offense and defense. Offensively was to attack the rim with drives and post-ups, and defensively hound [player_tooltip player_id='2121367' first='Dre' last='Ellis'] and try to keep the ball out of his hands. For much of the first half before [player_tooltip player_id='1560879' first='Jackson' last='Boll'] picked up his 2nd personal foul that strategy was working.   The 2026 six-foot-four-inch senior center Boll scored inside at the rim to open the game and hit an above the break 3-pointer as Elk River led early. [player_tooltip player_id='2447459' first='David' last='Balisidya'] a 2027 junior guard for the Elks had the task of staying with Ellis from baseline to baseline and the defensive back on the football field shadowed Ellis considerably well.   Balisidya moved laterally well to stay in front and bother Ellis on drives and made Ellis work every possession. Eventually Ellis's determination paid off and he got enough space to unleash his perimeter jump shots. Ellis hit four triples in the first half and remained aggressive driving to the hoop. Ellis showed good ball handling ability as the lead guard for the Tornadoes doing well to not pick-up his dribble when the Elks doubled him off screens when Ellis was a ball handler.    What helped Anoka throughout was a pair of six-foot-five-inch players, 2029 Freshman Kolden Jonnson and 2026 senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2118481' first='Brody' last='Lakanen']. Lakanen particularly stepped up for the Tornadoes scoring 16 points on 5 of 6 shots including three 3-pointers. Lakanen used size advantage when he had a small defender to score inside and took advantage on the perimeter.   Johnson in the short-roll and high-post made quick and decisive decisions as a passer that led to secondary assists and four overall assists. Johnson's ability to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket showed versatility to his offensive game and he stretched the floor in the first-half with a corner 3-pointer.   For the Elks 2026 seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2381228' first='Nick' last='Rebrovich'], [player_tooltip player_id='1560770' first='Chase' last='Sheldon'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1560831' first='Levi' last='Harris'] tried to keep them in the game after trailing at half-time. Rebrovich, who since the Elks January 15th game versus Cambridge has made 32 3-pointers (7 games), shot 3 of 7 from beyond the 3-point line.   Anoka did well to limit South Dakota football commit Harris to just 9 shots and used 2028 sophomore quarterback on the Anoka football team [player_tooltip player_id='2437658' first='Alpha' last='Assibu'] to lead the guarding of Harris. Alpha is a six-foot-three-inch guard who has good length that enables him to guard up when needed, is very quick and fast and his athleticism showed defensively throughout.   Sheldon, a 2026 six-foot-two-inch guard showed his finish ability I've highlighted before was just a one time thing. He scored multiple times going hard downhill to the rim and finishing over Anoka's size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819128' first='Bryce' last='Gaustad'] Anoka's six-foot-eight-inch 2027 double double machine collected another in the game. The left handed big man scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while blocking one shot. Gaustad, a perimeter oriented forward, looked comfortable facing up and making shots off the dribble a bit.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">JV Notes</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2833959' first='Cedric' last='Thomas'] - Thomas is a six-foot-three-inch guard that played one half of JV and the entire Varsity game off the bench for Anoka. In the JV game Thomas displayed good ability with the ball and being a secondary ball handler for the Tornadoes. In the Varsity game his size enabled him to guard around and he rebounded well. He ended the Varsity game with 7 points and in the middle of the 2nd half had a very good baseline cut that he finished above the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2860203' first='Andrew' last='Leaf'] - Leaf is a six-foot-eight-inch 2028 sophomore front-court player from Anoka. Leaf is a long, lanky player who had no problems getting up and down the floor. His length presented problems for the Elks every time Leaf was in for the Tornadoes defensively. Offensively Leaf is a developmental big man but he did show signs of potential like when he pick and pop for a 3-pointer and he displayed soft hands catching the ball. Leaf's development is getting stronger and maturing.   Edward Benson - Benson is a six-foot-four-inch 2028 forward for Anoka that is a wide receiver/defensive back in football. He has excellent length with a seven-foot wingspan that enables him to cover ground quickly. Benson is already strong and mature athlete that allows him to cause problems for opponents he's guarding and playing defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='2842087' first='Thomas' last='Schoenert'] - Last week Schoenert , a six-foot-two-inch 2028 guard for Elk River missed a game due to injury. Against Anoka Schoenert showed an improved leaping ability from last season, playing faster, and more aggressive as well. Schoenert has the ability on the perimeter to shoot and he stays very active as a cutter and passer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2842103' first='Jackson' last='Davis'] - The five-foot-ten-inch 2028 Davis is an intriguing prospect I've written about before with his superb passing ability and speed with the ball. Davis showed much of the speed with the ball, even faster with his growth and strength he's added. For Davis to make the next jump in effectiveness he needs to find ways to control his speed and quickness and make jump shots.   [player_tooltip player_id='2949814' first='Logan' last='Beckman'] - Beckman did not play versus Anoka. The six-foot-three-inch 2028 forward for the Elks played really well last week with multiple JV players out versus Andover. He's showed better shooting ability, looks more confident on the floor, and does a lot of the little stuff that contributes to winning for your team.