Hornets Win One for Fallen Teammate

Hearts were heavy and tears flowed as a player carried a jersey on a hanger to center court during the awards ceremony of the state Class A boys basketball championship game Saturday afternoon at Target Center. Senior Dylan Trana was holding the No. 33 jersey of his friend and former teammate Jacob Quam who died in a car accident about two years ago.

The crowd, already standing and cheering, erupted with their "33, 33, 33" cheer as a medal was placed around the jersey and Trana held it high. Henning had just won their first state championship in any sport with a 67-42 victory over North Woods, of Cook.

Quam would have been a senior and captain on the team according to coach Randy Misegades. He told reporters afterward, "We had more to play for than just basketball. This is big for our community." (source: Star Tribune)

Henning plays basketball at a frantic pace. Their speed frustrated North Woods, who was playing in its third straight championship game and finished as runner up for the third straight time. The Hornets forced 24 turnovers and scored 34 points off of them. They held Grizzlies superstar Cade Goggleye to 2-for-13 shooting and just five points.

Henning led 36-17 at the half and was the lead was not threatened in the second stanza. Senior Sam Fisher paced the offense with 22 points, while adding seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Junior Parker Fraki drilled three triples early in the game and ended with 13 points, five assists and five rebounds. The Hornets had 16 assists on their 26 made baskets.

Henning, from west-central Minnesota, was making its third appearance at the state tournament, but first since 1966.

Fraki, Fisher and Isaac Fisher were named to the All-Tournament team. North Woods players Goggleye and Trevor Morrison earned honors as well. Others on the team included Ethan Matzke and Alex Folz of Spring Grove, Isaac Fink and Decker Scheffler from Springfield and Mason Miler of Ada-Borup.