The Twin Cities most electric young dunkers will ignite the 2008 Triple Double All-Star Classic crowd at 4 p.m. April 27 at DeLaSalle High School during the B96 Dunk Contest. Robert Pierson will try to better his 360 Eastbay Funk jam that earned him last year’s title as he squares off against a fresh pair of leapers and an improved trio of high flyers. Here’s your chance to meet to this year’s dunkers before the contest. Make sure to check out highlights from last year’s competition at KARE11.com.

The Rookies

Albert Reed, Razorbacks

Albert Reed had the second most in-game dunks this season, behind Pierson. Reed is strong, agile and he throws down hard. It will be interesting to see if his strength and power-slam style can mesh with the finesse needed to win over a dunk contest crowd.

Marshaan Johnson, Boilermakers

Pushing 6-feet 5-inches, Marshaan Johnson is the tallest dunker in the competition. Johnson is now a Triple Double veteran and he competed in last year’s All-Star Classic dunk contest, but he has more to prove before he can move up in the dunking ranks. The potential is there. Creativity and execution could help this rookie raise some eyebrows.

Odell Sumpter, Rams

At just 6-feet tall, Odell Sumpter can fly. Sumpter wowed the Triple Double community in his premier season with what can only be described as covert springs in the soles of his sneakers. I’m calling in right now. Sumpter will use the entire court as a runway before taking off from the free-throw line.

The Veterans

Frank Johnson, Invitee

Frank Johnson is long and skillful with the rock in the air. He also has dreads, which is awesome to see on a guy who can jump so high. Johnson jumped over a pair of men in the 2006 All-Star Classic dunk contest only to be trumped by Pierson getting up and over a quartette. Johnson experience in dunk contest competition is a definite plus, but he’ll have to find a new bag of tricks if he wants to beat his buddy Rob.

Jesse Foss, Rams

Jesse Foss stole the show at the first Triple Double All-Star Classic in 2004 when he was the dunk the contest. Marcus Smith and a couple others were able to put down a few below average dunks, while Foss brought his knees to his chest and put the ball below his feet before stuffing home a reverse slam. Foss has lost a bit on his vertical after tearing his ACL in 2006, but he believes he’s ready for the challenge.

Robert Pierson, Hoyas

The 2007 and 2006 All-Star Classic dunk contest crowns belong to Pierson and he returns as the odds-on favorite to win this year’s competition. Invitee competitor Richard Rucker nearly swiped Pierson’s trophy last year with an opposite 360 that set up a slow-motion hand-slap on the backboard square that preceded a silky one-handed slam. Pierson followed up Rucker’s jam by jumping over a line of five people. Can he do six?

Triple Double will mark the completion its fifth successful season 4 p.m. at DeLaSalle High School for the 2008 All-Star Classic. Triple Double and its players invite families and people of all ages to take part in this celebration of community and positive young-adult role models in the Twin Cities. The event will feature the league’s top talent and personalities in the Northeast Lion’s Club 3-Point Shootout, B96 Dunk Contest and Mac’s Industrial Sports Bar All-Star Game.

B96 Personalities DJ Hollywood HotRod and Danni Star will run the show from the mic as the Twin Cities most electric amateur dunkers will ignite the B96 Dunk Contest. For a sneak peak, check out the KARE11 highlights from last year’s competition.

Music provided by B96 and fan interactive activities and prize giveaways will add to the excitement of the event. Admission is $5. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Pizza and chicken wings will be available for $10 a person at All-Star Classic after party immediately following the event at the Moose On Monroe, 356 Monroe St. N.E. A free Texas Holdem’ Tournament starts at 7 p.m. and there’s karaoke at 9 p.m. Discounted pitchers of beer will be available for those of age.

Check back to tripledoubleonline.com for more information about 2008 Triple Double All-Star Classic as the event draws near. Coming soon: player info on this year’s 3-point shooters, dunkers and all-star participants.

The Crimson Tide used a 15-point second-half advantage to advance to the second round with a 71-55 win after the Falcons posted 36-35 lead at halftime. The Boilmakers escaped the Rams pitch at a game three with a late surge that lead to a 75-65 victory. The Crimson Tide and Boilermakers’s victories Sunday made it the first time in Triple Double’s five-year playoff history where each higher-seeded team captured first-round sweeps.

Second-round action kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Thursday when the top-seeded Crimson Tide take on Evan Graham’s Razorbacks at Eastside Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. N.E. Minneapolis. Game one of the Boilermakers, Ducks series will follow at 9:30 p.m.

The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks in both meetings this season and the Boilmakers and Ducks split in their two regular season matchups.

Crimson Tide win series 2-0
Game one: Crimson Tide 82, Falcons 65
Game two: Crimson Tide 71, Falcons 55