Bjorklund puts up double-double

Sibley East was 15-3 coming into last night's game and Minnesota Preps managed to be on hand for all three of their previous losses. Enter Yuriy Malashenko and Jordan going head to head with Marshall Bjorklund and the Wolverines. Earlier in the season Sibley East played at Jordan winning 91-78 and last night was the rematch. This time the presence of Minnesota Preps was not a curse.

The Wolverines jumped on the Hubmen hard and fast building a twenty point plus first half lead and carrying a 37-16 advantage into the break. The fans in Gaylord were happy because it had been a strong effort. However, the few guys dressed in NDSU Bison gold and green were a little giddier because there future power forward Marshall Bjorklund was simply dominating.

The super star from Sibley East put up a double-double scoring on 10 of 13 shots. He totaled 20 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocked shots. The only way to describe this performance was outstanding as Bjorklund continues to have an amazing season that has his team at 16-3 and his season long stats at 26.8 points per game on 75.1, yes 75.1 percent shooting (205 of 273 from the field). He's also grabbing 15.3 rebounds a game with 4.2 blocks a contest.

The numbers are incredible but what's more impressive is how skilled and college ready Bjorklund is. A lot of guys put up numbers with sheer physical ability combined with some skill but Marshall does things that college veterans do. Example A is how he finishes rebounds. Marshall not only grabs every board with two strong hands but once he lands Bjorklund strongly clears every time with a sweeping pivot and that's a lost art with today's high school athletes. Example B is the way he grabbed a long board and took two strong dribbles into the frontcourt and then stopped and pivoted back to the floor clearing with his elbows and frame. Then the ball found the way to the guard with Marshall calling for patience. Another small thing but a fundamental play that gives another example of his skill base.

Example C came out of the post where Marshall gives a perfect target off his wide lost post base. On one play he called for the ball quick before the second defender could get into position to double. Seeing the defense coming Marshall caught and quickly turned over his left shoulder stepping through the defenders with the ball high clearing them before a double could get position. Marshall of course finished. Example D was a spin move against Malashenko where Marshall spun over his right shoulder (Marshall goes left as often as he goes right and he uses both hands equally well) and quickly got his feet set for a basket attack. By the time Yuriy recovered to defend the spin Marshall had already utilized his great footwork to get him squared and up to the rim to finish. He was just a step ahead of even Malashenko who is one of the elite NSIC recruits (Augustana) in 2010.

Example E was the hard work of Bjorklund. Marshall never quits on a play ever. Loose balls, rebounds, getting back on defense, everything, when Marshall is playing he gives effort at all times. He will also try and block a ton of shots as long as he is in position. And because Marshall is so quick off his feet Marshall blocks a ton of shots, like last night's total of eleven. There are also the dunks. Bjorklund had three including two that saw him sprint by most players on the floor in transition. Marshall has good explosion but he's more of a power dunker than finesse.

Marshall can't get all the credit for the win because his teammates had a great night too. Jordan did a lot of double-teaming on Bjorklund and Sibley East's players and coaches found the openings. Senior Justin Rettman tied a career high with 20 points making the most of his six shots. Herd drained five three-pointers as his teammates did a great job rotating the basketball. Also, junior Lucas Herd hit three three-pointers for the Wolverines.

For Jordan, Malashenko had a steady 15 points. He made three jumpers early in the game including a pull-up from 17 feet and a three. But after that Malashenko went pretty quiet except for some tip in scores. Yuriy still led Jordan in scoring while senior Kurt Hynes had a dozen points. Jordan fell to 16-5 on the year.