Minnesotas top players battle: Reid Travis vs. Quinton Hooker

ParkIsland from Much & Much on Vimeo.

Undefeated AAAA Park Center travelled to undefeated AAA DeLaSalle where Reid Travis and his Islander Crew triumphed over Quinton Hooker and his squad last night in a standing room only auditorium!

Hooker (#21 in White)seemed unstoppable the first half, and the Islanders fought point for point, with tremendous intensity. It was anyone's game, as both teams headed for the locker room at half time.

The second half belonged to the Islanders! Hooker began to fatigue, as he battled hard on defense and offense, under constant pressure. The Islanders made more free throws, and dominated the boards as the game progressed. Reid Travis (#22 in black) seemed to get stronger, the longer the game lasted. DeLaSalle was also dropping some threes, and that pulled the Park Center players outside. and made a strong Travis even more effective under the basket.

Travis is one of Minnesota's top basketball and football prospects. He leads his football team as a QB, and provides direction on the basketball floor as well. He is surrounded by talented players, who play up to Coach Dave Thorson's demanding standards, and that's what help give them the edge over visiting Park Center over the long run.

Hooker is having a wonderful season, and will be playing ball for North Dakota. They are getting a tremendous value, and were wise to offer early, and convince Hooker to join them. He is just getting better all the time, and it's likely more offers would have come his way had he delayed his decision. Props to ND for recognizing his talent and potential early on.

A couple of years ago he was pretty much an unknown. He came on the scene through strong play varsity play last year, and his summer travels with the Howard Pulley program, seasoned him against some of the countries top guards.

He has played in the shadow of Apple Valley's Tyus Jones for some time. But, with Jones out with an injury, and Hookers stellar play, he is being ranked on a par with Jones more and more frequently by Minnesota's basketball pundit class.

Travis added football to his resume when he decided to give the QB spot a try recently. He thrived at the position, and suddenly his college Division I opportunities included both basketball and football. It will be very interesting to see if a College will give him the opportunity to play both Sports. UNI was in the house for the game, and there are rumors that they might make just such an offer.

Park Center at AAAA, and DeLaSalle at AAA both have strong chances of moving high into the championship rounds, come tournament time. It's another great year for basketball here in the frozen North. Stay tuned for more excellent basketball.