Morris/Chokio-Alberta Tigers Defeat Minnewaska Lakers 74-44 in Section 3AA-North Title Game

Unbeaten Tigers advance to face Jackson County Central for 3AA championship and state tournament berth

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The undefeated and top-ranked Morris/Chokio-Alberta Tigers defeated the Minnewaska Lakers 74-44 in the Section 3AA-North title game on Saturday. Morris/CA, now 28-0 on the season, will face Jackson County Central in the 3AA championship game on Thursday with a state tournament berth on the line. The Tigers were led by senior Riley Asmus, who scored 26 points, and junior Alex Asmus with 16 points.

Why it matters

This matchup between the Tigers and Lakers was a highly anticipated rematch, as Morris/CA had already beaten Minnewaska twice this season in West Central Conference play. The Tigers' dominant performance in the section final showcases their depth, defense, and ability to overcome an opponent's strengths, like Minnewaska's strong three-point shooting.

The details

Morris/CA shot an impressive 59% from the field, making 29 of 49 attempts, including 8 of 20 three-pointers. In contrast, the Lakers struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 3 of 14 three-point attempts. The Tigers' defense was a key factor, as Minnewaska coach Zach Traphagen praised Morris/CA's defensive effort, saying "They're phenomenal defensively."

  • The Section 3AA-North title game was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The 3AA championship game between Morris/CA and Jackson County Central is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Riley Asmus

A 6-foot-3 senior for the Morris/Chokio-Alberta Tigers, Asmus led the team with 26 points, including 19 in the first half. He has committed to play baseball at Creighton University.

Alex Asmus

The junior brother of Riley Asmus, Alex scored 16 points for the Tigers in the section final.

Marc Gruber

The senior guard for the Minnewaska Lakers led his team with 19 points in the loss.

Zach Traphagen

The head coach of the Minnewaska Lakers, Traphagen praised the Tigers' defensive effort, saying "They're so well-coached" and "They're phenomenal defensively."

Jacob Torgerson

The head coach of the Morris/Chokio-Alberta Tigers, Torgerson was pleased with his team's performance, noting their defensive focus has led them all season.

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What they’re saying

“They don't have a weakness.”

— Zach Traphagen, Minnewaska Lakers Head Coach (wctrib.com)

“They're so well-coached. I really appreciate Zach as a neighboring coach. I bounce ideas off him or just talk basketball stuff … I knew they were going to try something different.”

— Jacob Torgerson, Morris/Chokio-Alberta Tigers Head Coach (wctrib.com)

“We've been led by our defense all year long.”

— Jacob Torgerson, Morris/Chokio-Alberta Tigers Head Coach (wctrib.com)

What’s next

The winner of the 3AA championship game between Morris/Chokio-Alberta and Jackson County Central on Thursday, March 13, 2026 will advance to the state tournament.

The takeaway

This dominant performance by the undefeated and top-ranked Morris/Chokio-Alberta Tigers showcases their well-rounded team, led by their stifling defense, and sets up a highly anticipated 3AA championship matchup against Jackson County Central with a state tournament berth on the line.