Cherry Captures Boys Basketball Class A State Championship

Defeated Fertile-Beltrami 78-40

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team has ended their 2023-24 season with the ultimate prize, defeating Fertile-Beltrami 78-40 in the Class A State Championship Game.

The Tigers started the game on an 11-0 run, which included a Noah Asuma three-pointer and a Noah Sundquist steal-turned-layup. Defensively, Cherry kept Fertile-Beltrami off the scoreboard for the first five minutes and 25 seconds of the first half.

With the Falcons turning most of their attention to the Asuma trio, Sundquist was able to score a handful of early baskets, recording 13 points in the first half. However, Noah Asuma came alive on the scoring front in the final minutes before halftime, giving him a team-leading 15 points and his team a 43-21 lead heading into the locker room.

In the second half, Cherry kept their foot on the gas pedal, extending their lead to over 30. Four of Cherry’s starters were subbed out with about 3:37 remaining before Isaac Asuma received a standing ovation as he left the court with just over two minutes to go.

In the final game of his high school career, Isaac Asuma recorded 12 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. His brother, Noah, led the Tigers in scoring with 22 points to go with 8 rebounds.

In addition to their state title, Isaac Asuma, Noah Asuma, Isaiah Asuma and Noah Sundquist were all named to the Class A All-Tournament Team.