Cherry cruises past Fertile-Beltrami to Class 1A state title in boys basketball

Cherry sported warmup shirts saying, “Chasing Greatness.”

Mission accomplished.

The Tigers won the first state championship in program history Saturday, taking a 78-40 victory over Fertile-Beltrami in the Class 1A boys basketball state tournament at Williams Arena.

No. 1-ranked Cherry (31-2) was making its third consecutive state tournament appearance and fourth overall. The Tigers lost in the semifinals the past two seasons, finishing fourth both times.

“It was definitely a disappointment last year,” senior guard and Gophers recruit Isaac Asuma said. “We were ready to bounce back. It’s a special feeling to finally bring it home.”

Coach Jordan Christianson broke out the warmup shirts before the 2022-23 season. “We were good but needed to take another step,” Christianson said. “We weren’t great.”

That all changed Saturday.

The Tigers entered the title game averaging a state-best 91 points per game, but their defense was the difference.

Cherry held the Falcons (27-7) scoreless for the opening 5 minutes, 23 seconds, running to an 11-0 lead. Fertile-Beltrami missed its first six shots and turned the ball over twice. Cherry was up 20 points, 26-6, 11 minutes in.

“We were always a step behind and a step slow,” Fertile-Beltrami coach Neil Steffes said.

Junior guard Noah Sundquist, the only Tigers starter not to reach double figures in their semifinal victory, was right in the middle of the game-opening surge. He made his first six shots and had 13 points during the fast start. Sundquist wound up with 15 points and nine rebounds.

“He’s been our motor all year,” Christianson said. “When he starts like that it’s very contagious to everyone. He’s the Dennis Rodman of the Iron Range.”

The Tigers led 43-21 at halftime. Sophomore forward Noah Asuma had 15 of his game-high 22 points at the break.

“They are hard to defend,” Steffes said. “They are so athletic.”

Isaac Asuma controlled matters without dominating the scoring. He finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. His defense showed with five blocked shots and two steals.

“I think a lot of our offense starts with our defense,” he said. “I think that’s what the true strength of our team is.”

Senior guard Caiden Swenby paced the Falcons with 14 points. Fertile-Beltrami lost to Cherry 99-76 a month ago.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge,” Swenby said. “They are one of the best teams in the state, all classes.”