Fish House and 123PRINT.com open Miller season with wins

BY MIKE PEDEN

The St. Paul Salvation Army gym opened its doors for the 2010 June Miller Pro City Summer League season Monday night.

Fans will still likely call it the Howard Pulley league, even as founder Renee Pulley renamed his brainchild as a dedication to his recently deceased sister.

Last year's league champions, the El-Amin Fish House, made a statement about showing up to play no matter what the league is called. They opened the 2010 season with a 115-89 win over June Miller Time, the organization's 17U AAU team. Former Minnesota recruit Royce White returned to the court for El-Amin's team in his first competitive game since he announced his departure from the Golden Gophers last fall.

White, the 2009 Minnesota Mr. Basketball, proved he still can hoop with a 22-point performance.

While the Fish House dominated a younger and less experienced Miller Time team by employing a very fast tempo, the crowd support and attention was clearly focused on the youngsters. Hopkins star Joe Coleman drew the loudest cheers when he put down a few slam dunks and scored a game-high 23 points. DeLaSalle player Bretson McNeal was close behind with 22.

The second game christened two new teams to the league, 123Print.com and Information Investors Group. 123Print.com counted its first victory of the season with a 112-85 win, backed by 37 points from Wofford's Jamar Diggs. Wisconsin-River Falls captain Jontae Koonkaew led the Investors with 23 points.

The two squads were more evenly matched through the first half. 123Print.com took a 49-42 lead at the break, but with both teams trading three-point baskets in the second quarter, there was a sense that neither team could beat the other into submission.

The mood changed at the start of the third, with a 17-3 run by 123Print.com to start the period. Diggs scored 24 of his 37 points in the second half, reminding the fans why he almost led Wofford to an upset over Wisconsin in the NCAA tournament. High school and college teammate Cameron Rundles got an offensive rhythm in the fourth to assist Diggs, and Rundles closed the night with 21 points.

Gopher fans will get their first look at the 2010 recruiting class Tuesday night when the Pat Madison Magic play the Errol Carlstrom Playaz at 7:00 p.m. USC football recruit Seantrel Henderson highlights the nightcap as the Sabes Foundation opens their season against King Tutt's Fortress.