Cherry’s Starting Five Built to Win

18-2 record with six regular season games remaining

CHERRY, Minn.- For the third-straight year, the Cherry boys basketball team is on track to compete in the MSHSL State Tournament.

At 18-2 overall, the Tigers have certainly earned their stripes. It might have to do with all five of their starters making significant contributions on the court.

When it comes to the Cherry Tigers, it’s hard not to think of senior superstar and soon-to-be Minnesota Golden Gopher Isaac Asuma. However, the Tigers are a lot more than just a one-man band.

For example, take Isaac’s brother, Noah, and their cousin, Isaiah. The Asuma trio has now played on varsity for three seasons together. “It’s definitely been a really cool experience, I know that this is the last year so definitely just trying to enjoy that.” says Noah, now a sophomore with the Tigers.

“It’s just been amazing just to see throughout the two, three years that we’ve been playing together on varsity,” reflects Isaac. “Like Isaiah, he’s gotten bigger, stronger, faster, better shooter, just growing his game a ton. Noah’s become a greater shooter and just grown his game also.”

“We have a really good relationship,” smiles Isaiah. “We’ve grown up with each other since a super young age. We’re always at each other’s houses so it’s really cool to just play with them.”

Along with the Asuma’s, Noah Sundquist has carved out a role on the team with his knack of getting to the hoop, along with his magnetic charisma. “He brings a lot of energy, and he’s kind of crazy, on and off the court,” jokes Noah Asuma. “He’s just a good teammate in general.”

“We all have different personalities,” says Sundquist.  “I mean, I think I’m probably more out there and more funny, I guess, but we all just have a good bond.”

Rounding out the starting five is Carson Brown, who’s become a nearly automatic three-point shooter after transferring from Hibbing in 2022. “It feels really good, I feel really appreciated,” says Brown. “We meshed together really quickly. I’m a playmaker, defense mostly, but (I’ll) do whatever it takes to win.”

With this being Isaac’s last year in high school, the Tigers would want nothing more than to send their leader off to college with a state title. “I’m really excited to go to Minnesota, but I want to win state this year,” says Isaac. “That’s just like my last goal before moving on, so I’m just soaking the journey in.”

However, even after Isaac heads to college, it would be a grave mistake to count Cherry out of championship contention. “Just because we lost Isaac, the four of us have been playing together for two years now,” explained Isaiah. “We’ve all meshed together, so we’ll be fine.”

“I think all of us have matured, so I think we’ll be in a good spot when he leaves.” says Sundquist. “I know that our younger classmen will step up and live that big role.”

Cherry will next take on Nevis on Friday, February 9 before hosting Cromwell-Wright on Tuesday, February 13.