On Tuesday, March 21, the game show world lost one of its creators and innovators when Chuck Barris passed away from natural causes at the age of 87.
Barris was the creator of the classics The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and The Gong Show. He revolutionized game shows by focusing on emotions and humor rather than knowledge.
He began his broadcasting career by working as an NBC page. In the early 60s, Barris worked in the Standards and Practices department at ABC, keeping tabs on American Bandstand. A native of Philadelphia, Barris would work with another Philadelphian, long-time host Dick Clark. He would also write a song that would become a hit for Freddy (Boom Boom) Cannon in 1962 titled Palisades Park. The song peaked at number three.
Barris would later head west to Los Angeles to become the West coast head of daytime programming. His rejection of other producers ideas led him to become a game show producer. In the summer of 1965, he launched his own production company by borrowing $20,000 from his stepfather David Bortin. He used the money for his first show that would replace a daytime talk show that was a ratings bomb after it replaced the original Price is Right called The Young Set and on December 20, The Dating Game made its debut on ABC along with Supermarket Sweep. Hosted by San Francisco disc jockey Jim Lange, the show was simple. It featured three bachelors and a woman (sometimes the tables were turned) who questioned them for a period of time and when time expired and a commercial break, the woman got to choose the bachelor based on the answers to her questions.
Despite critics lambasting the show because of its suggestive content (a common thread among Barris' shows) The Dating Game became a hit for the network that had an abysmal track record in daytime, going up against reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show on CBS and a rare morning soap opera on NBC Paradise Bay. It also led Barris to create another show that would become his biggest success. It was The Newlywed Game. The show would be the first of several shows hosted by then 28 year old Bob Eubanks, a Los Angeles disc jockey who also promoted The Beatles concert at The Hollywood Bowl. Four couples competed to find out how well they knew each other. The couple with the most points won a grand prize that they selected. The show was also known for using the word "whoopee" because Standards and Practices wouldn't allow the use of the word "Sex" or the phrase "make love."
The Newlywed Game debuted on July 11, 1966 opposite CBS's mega hit word game Password. But CBS preempted Password to air a news conference with then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara that ABC didn't air until later. Disgruntled game show fans would sample the new show and withing several months, The Newlywed Game would cut into Password's dominance and it would be canceled in September 1967.
By October 1966, ABC needed a half hour show to replace The Tammy Grimes Show, a sitcom that was a big flop and was axed after four episodes. Its replacement was The Dating Game and the show became a solid lead in to the network's hit sitcom Bewitched. In January 1967, The Dating Game moved to Saturday night and was followed by a nighttime version of The Newlywed Game.
Other Barris creations that debuted in 1967 were Dream Girl of '67, a year long beauty pageant, The Family Game, hosted by Bob Barker and How's Your Mother in Law that was one of the first game shows hosted by Wink Martindale. In 1968, Barris branched out into variety shows with the show Operation: Entertainment that aired from various military bases. The show lasted only one season.
Barris would enter the syndicated market in the fall of 1969 with a psychological game show titled The Game Game, which was hosted by Jim McKrell. Though it lasted only one season, McKrell would go on to grater success as host of NBC's Celebrity Sweepstakes in 1974.
Television would be changing in the 1970s when the Federal Communications Commission enacted The Prime Time Access Rule in 1971 that meant that the networks could only show three hours of programming each night. It also meant the end of the nighttime Newlywed Game, a year after ABC canceled the prime time Dating Game. Barris' first entry into the access market was a Newlywed Game clone titled The Parent Game, which was hosted by radio personality Clark Race. It didn't click with viewers and lasted only one season. In 1974, Barris revived Treasure Hunt, which was originally hosted by comedian Jan Murray. Only woman could be contestants on the show which played on their emotions as they chose one of 30 boxes that could be "a jackpot in prizes" or a worthless prize called a klunk. The top prize was a check for $25,000. Host Geoff Edwards, who also hosted NBC's Jackpot had to memorize 30 sketches. He had to do them without using cue cards. The show ran for three seasons, ending production in 1977.
Barris' biggest as well as controversial hit was a talent show in reverse titled The Gong Show. It was going to be hosted by John Barbour but he couldn't undersdtand the show's campy premise. So he was gonged and taking over the hosting reigns was none other than Barris himself. He was known for his hand claps and floppy hats as he presided over acts that would performed until they were gonged for being too awful.. He would ask one of the three celebrity judges why he/she gonged the act and the response would often be hilarious. Frequently appearing as judges were Jamie Farr, Jaye P. Morgan, Arte Johnson and Rex Reed.
Also adding to the show's mayhem were The Unknown Comic and Gene Gene the Dancing Machine, who was really NBC stagehand Gene Patton.
Unfortunately, Barris got himeslf and the show in hot water with the network when an act named "Have You got a Nickel" appeared on stage and two teenage girls came on and all they did was lick their popsicles. The NBC switchboard in New York was swarmed with complaints and the act was eventually censored to the rest of the nation. Also, there was an episode where Morgan flashed her breasts and she never appeared on The Gong Show again. It would be the final nail in the coffin for the show which was canceled after a two year run in 1978.
It was also in 1978, that Barris debuted a show titled 3s a Crowd that asked the question "Who knows a man best. His wife or his secretary?" Complaints from feminists groups rolled in and the show ended its run after 21 weeks. But revivals of The Dating Game and Newlywed Game were going strong until advertisers threatened back out because of the show's racy content.
In 1980, Barris made his first movie titled The Gong Shoe Movie which turned out to be a major flop. He would decide to get out of television by ending production on his shows. Though there were only two other Barris shows that aired in syndication that were revivals of Camouflage, a game show from the early 60s and a five day a week version of Treasure Hunt, it would be the end of the Barris empire He would later sell his company and start another on in the mid 80s that brought revivals of The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and The Gong show to syndication. BTW, the 80s incarnation of The Gong Show was hosted by former KDWB DJ True Don Bleu.
Though Barris didn't have another network game show since NBC canceled The Gong Show in 1978, his legacy lived on in shows such as Love Connection and Studs. But good news for fans of The Gong Show, ABC is bringing back the wild and crazy talent show back in prime time this summer. No host has been named but the executive producer is actor Will Arnett. The best way to wrap up this Barris tribute would be to quote his commercial lead in when he hosted The Gong Show "We'll be back with more stuff right after this message."
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Looking at Section Changes for Next Season
While covering the boys basketball championship games Saturday at Target Center, the Minnesota State High School did its biennial section changes in many sports, some that will impact St. Louis Park and others that are more significant. Here's a look at what the changes are for the next two seasons.
For St. Louis Park, the football team will stay in Section 5, AAAAA but there will changes in other ports. In baseball, Mpls. South and cooper depart Section 6AAAA and it will become a six team section. Both basketball teams remain in Class AAAA but on the boys side, Mpls. Washburn moves up from Class AAA to Class AAAA. Washburn moves up in girls basketball along with Bloomington Kennedy. Boys lacrosse stays in Section 5 with only one addition, the Osseo Orioles. The girls lacrosse team switches from Section 5 to Section 6 and loses Benilde-St. Margaret's and Blake but joins South Suburban Conference schools Apple Valley, Eastview, Burnsville and Prior Lake. Both boys and girls soccer teams remain in Section 6AA. No changes for the girls but the boys will add Bloomington Kennedy and Richfield and lose Cooper to Class A.
The biggest change for St. Louis Park will be in boys hockey as they moves down from Section 6AA to Section 2A. Instead of playing Edina, Wayzata and Benilde-St. Margaret's at section time, they will be in a section with Breck, Orono and Delano.
Other significant changes in section realignment are in boys basketball where the Mpls. North Polars will not be going for a Class AAA threepeat next season because they will move into Section 5AA. North's conference rival Roosevelt is also moving up. The Teddies move from Section 4AA to Section 6AAA where they will join six time Class AAA champion DeLaSalle. Also moving up is St. Croix Lutheran as the Crusaders will move from Section 4AA to Section 3AAA in both boys and girls basketball. Groves Academy's Twin Cities Athletic Conference rivals Academy for Science and Agriculture, Cristo Rey Jesuit, Math & Science Academy and Nova Classical Academy move from Section 4A to Section 4AA.
In football, Benilde-St. Margaret's will be joined in Section 6AAAA by Orono and the SMB Wolfpack, a consolidation of Blake, St. Paul Academy and Minnehaha Academy. St. Michael-Albertville moves from Class AAAAA to Class AAAAAA.
Last but not least is boys and girls hockey. The Blake Bears run as two time Class A state girls hockey champions will be over because they will be moving up to Section 6AA. The Blake boys team will also be part of Section 6AA. If you saw the exciting Class A boys final between the Hermantown Hawks and the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose, the good news is the Hawks will remain a Class A team but the Moose will be out of Section 5A and into Section 8AA. Also moving up is the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers, who will go from Section 7A to Section 7AA. Several other girls hockey teams will also move up a class. Princeton/Big Lake/Becker go from Section 5A to Section 7AA, the Northfield Raiders go from Section 1A to Section 1AA and the New Prague Trojans move from Section 2A to Section 2AA.
So those are a lot of the changes that will take place next season with new rivalries to be developed and a goal that stays the same, advancing to the state tournament.
For St. Louis Park, the football team will stay in Section 5, AAAAA but there will changes in other ports. In baseball, Mpls. South and cooper depart Section 6AAAA and it will become a six team section. Both basketball teams remain in Class AAAA but on the boys side, Mpls. Washburn moves up from Class AAA to Class AAAA. Washburn moves up in girls basketball along with Bloomington Kennedy. Boys lacrosse stays in Section 5 with only one addition, the Osseo Orioles. The girls lacrosse team switches from Section 5 to Section 6 and loses Benilde-St. Margaret's and Blake but joins South Suburban Conference schools Apple Valley, Eastview, Burnsville and Prior Lake. Both boys and girls soccer teams remain in Section 6AA. No changes for the girls but the boys will add Bloomington Kennedy and Richfield and lose Cooper to Class A.
The biggest change for St. Louis Park will be in boys hockey as they moves down from Section 6AA to Section 2A. Instead of playing Edina, Wayzata and Benilde-St. Margaret's at section time, they will be in a section with Breck, Orono and Delano.
Other significant changes in section realignment are in boys basketball where the Mpls. North Polars will not be going for a Class AAA threepeat next season because they will move into Section 5AA. North's conference rival Roosevelt is also moving up. The Teddies move from Section 4AA to Section 6AAA where they will join six time Class AAA champion DeLaSalle. Also moving up is St. Croix Lutheran as the Crusaders will move from Section 4AA to Section 3AAA in both boys and girls basketball. Groves Academy's Twin Cities Athletic Conference rivals Academy for Science and Agriculture, Cristo Rey Jesuit, Math & Science Academy and Nova Classical Academy move from Section 4A to Section 4AA.
In football, Benilde-St. Margaret's will be joined in Section 6AAAA by Orono and the SMB Wolfpack, a consolidation of Blake, St. Paul Academy and Minnehaha Academy. St. Michael-Albertville moves from Class AAAAA to Class AAAAAA.
Last but not least is boys and girls hockey. The Blake Bears run as two time Class A state girls hockey champions will be over because they will be moving up to Section 6AA. The Blake boys team will also be part of Section 6AA. If you saw the exciting Class A boys final between the Hermantown Hawks and the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose, the good news is the Hawks will remain a Class A team but the Moose will be out of Section 5A and into Section 8AA. Also moving up is the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers, who will go from Section 7A to Section 7AA. Several other girls hockey teams will also move up a class. Princeton/Big Lake/Becker go from Section 5A to Section 7AA, the Northfield Raiders go from Section 1A to Section 1AA and the New Prague Trojans move from Section 2A to Section 2AA.
So those are a lot of the changes that will take place next season with new rivalries to be developed and a goal that stays the same, advancing to the state tournament.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Apple Valley Eagles Back on Top in Class AAAA
To quote the late Yogi Berra "It's deja vu all over again" would best describe the Class AAAA championship game between the Champlin Park Rebels and the Apple Valley Eagles as the unbeaten Rebels came up short again due to Tre Jones scoring 24 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Eagles to a 60-54 win over the Rebels Saturday night at Target Center in Minneapolis.
It was the second state title in three years for Apple Valley in their ninth trip to state and third overall. The game was also a rematch of the 2015 Class AAAA final that the eagles also beat the undefeated Rebels 64-61.
Theo John would begin the scoring for Champlin Park :11 into the game. Luke Martens would hit from Washington Ave. to put Apple Valley ahead. The lead would go back and forth with neither team not going on a lengthy run. John was outstanding on defense, blocking five shots in the first half. On offense he boxed out well after a missed shot and scored on a rebound. The only significant first half run was when the Eagles went on a 4-0 run. Tre Jones would score to tie the game at 25 and Brian Smith would score with 1:53 left in the first half and that would give the Rebels a 27-25 halftime lead.
Mason Morse would open the second half scoring for the Eagles with a pair of free throws to tie the game at 27. Martens and Jones would find the basket to put Apple Valley on a 4-0 run. A basket by Marcus Hill would end the run and he would pick up his fourth foul with 11:11 left in regulation time. The lead would go back and forth like a playground seesaw. Jones would put the Eagles ahead then Sam Dubois, who hit the game winner against the Chaska Hawks in the quarterfinals would hit a three pointer to put the Rebels ahead. They would go on a 7-0 run after Josiah Strong and McKinley Wright IV tallied. Morse would end the run for Apple Valley and Strong would hit a three pointer. Mohamed Kone would drive down the left side of the basket to score and cut the lead to one. Morse would score to put the Eagles ahead. Hill would score on a layup to tie the game at 52. Apple valley would vault into the lead again with a pair of free throws from Rolland, who would foul out with 1:17 left in the game. Hill would counter with a couple of free throws to even the score at 54. Jones, the brother of Minnesota Timberwolf Tyus Jones would hit the game winner with :51.1 left. Morse and Kone would score to clinch the Class AAAA championship trophy.
Morse was the only other Apple Valley player in double figures, scoring 12 points. Hill led Champlin Park with 15 points. Wright had 14 and John added 12 points and blocked eight shots.
In the third place game played at Ganglehoff Center on the campus of Concordia University, the Wayzata Trojans beat the Maple Grove Crimson 70-66. In Friday's consolation championship game, Daniel Oturu scored 28 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks to lead the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders to a 71-61 win over the Lakeville North Panthers. Nathan Reuvers, who will play at Wisconsin next season, scored a game high 41 points and 12 rebounds.
Apple Valley concluded their season with a record of 30-2 and Champlin Park finished 31-1.
Attendance for the Class AAA & AAAA championship session was 13,893.
It was the second state title in three years for Apple Valley in their ninth trip to state and third overall. The game was also a rematch of the 2015 Class AAAA final that the eagles also beat the undefeated Rebels 64-61.
Theo John would begin the scoring for Champlin Park :11 into the game. Luke Martens would hit from Washington Ave. to put Apple Valley ahead. The lead would go back and forth with neither team not going on a lengthy run. John was outstanding on defense, blocking five shots in the first half. On offense he boxed out well after a missed shot and scored on a rebound. The only significant first half run was when the Eagles went on a 4-0 run. Tre Jones would score to tie the game at 25 and Brian Smith would score with 1:53 left in the first half and that would give the Rebels a 27-25 halftime lead.
Mason Morse would open the second half scoring for the Eagles with a pair of free throws to tie the game at 27. Martens and Jones would find the basket to put Apple Valley on a 4-0 run. A basket by Marcus Hill would end the run and he would pick up his fourth foul with 11:11 left in regulation time. The lead would go back and forth like a playground seesaw. Jones would put the Eagles ahead then Sam Dubois, who hit the game winner against the Chaska Hawks in the quarterfinals would hit a three pointer to put the Rebels ahead. They would go on a 7-0 run after Josiah Strong and McKinley Wright IV tallied. Morse would end the run for Apple Valley and Strong would hit a three pointer. Mohamed Kone would drive down the left side of the basket to score and cut the lead to one. Morse would score to put the Eagles ahead. Hill would score on a layup to tie the game at 52. Apple valley would vault into the lead again with a pair of free throws from Rolland, who would foul out with 1:17 left in the game. Hill would counter with a couple of free throws to even the score at 54. Jones, the brother of Minnesota Timberwolf Tyus Jones would hit the game winner with :51.1 left. Morse and Kone would score to clinch the Class AAAA championship trophy.
Morse was the only other Apple Valley player in double figures, scoring 12 points. Hill led Champlin Park with 15 points. Wright had 14 and John added 12 points and blocked eight shots.
In the third place game played at Ganglehoff Center on the campus of Concordia University, the Wayzata Trojans beat the Maple Grove Crimson 70-66. In Friday's consolation championship game, Daniel Oturu scored 28 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks to lead the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders to a 71-61 win over the Lakeville North Panthers. Nathan Reuvers, who will play at Wisconsin next season, scored a game high 41 points and 12 rebounds.
Apple Valley concluded their season with a record of 30-2 and Champlin Park finished 31-1.
Attendance for the Class AAA & AAAA championship session was 13,893.
Six Straight Class AAA Titles for DeLaSalle Islanders
The dynasty continues for the DeLaSalle Islanders as Goamar Mar scored 28 points and 11 rebounds to lead them to a 72-44 win over the Austin Packers in the Class AAA boys basketball championship game Saturday night at Target Center in Minneapolis.
It was the sixth consecutive state title for the Minneapolis school on the banks of the Mississippi River in their 22nd state tournament appearance.
The Islanders broke out of the starting gate with a 9-0 run that included four straight points from Mar and a shot from Hennepin Ave. from Gabe Kalscheur. The Packers, playing in their 30th state tournament didn't erase the zero off the gigantic Target Center scoreboard until Both Gach hit a jumper with 13:24 left in the half. DeLaSalle would then go on 5-0 run with Dominic Bledsoe hitting a three pointer and a basket from Mar, The Gach Twins would factor in Austin's next basket as Both made a great pass to Duoth and he made a dunk. The Packers would go on a 5-0 run until Mar, who will play next season at George Mason University in Virginia scored seven straight points. Mar would also shine on defense,playing tight in the post that forced a Packer turnover. The Islanders led at halftime 31-23.
Kalscheur would hit a pair of free throws to open the second half scoring for DeLaSalle. The Islanders would widen their lead with a 10-0 run that included a one handed jam by Mar. Both Gach would score for Austin to end the run. The Packers would go on an 8-0 run but it wouldn't be enough to catch up to the quick and athletic Islanders as both coaches let the reserves get some playing time in the Class AAA final.
Other DeLaSalle players in double figures were Kalscheur with 20 points. He went 1-13 from the free throw line. Tyrell Terry added 11 points. Both Gach led Austin with 14 points and Duoth Gach added 10.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, the Marshall Tigers toppled the Columbia Heights Hylanders 83-37. In the consolation championship game on Friday, the Fergus Falls Otters ousted the St. Thomas Academy Cadets 71-42.
It was the sixth consecutive state title for the Minneapolis school on the banks of the Mississippi River in their 22nd state tournament appearance.
The Islanders broke out of the starting gate with a 9-0 run that included four straight points from Mar and a shot from Hennepin Ave. from Gabe Kalscheur. The Packers, playing in their 30th state tournament didn't erase the zero off the gigantic Target Center scoreboard until Both Gach hit a jumper with 13:24 left in the half. DeLaSalle would then go on 5-0 run with Dominic Bledsoe hitting a three pointer and a basket from Mar, The Gach Twins would factor in Austin's next basket as Both made a great pass to Duoth and he made a dunk. The Packers would go on a 5-0 run until Mar, who will play next season at George Mason University in Virginia scored seven straight points. Mar would also shine on defense,playing tight in the post that forced a Packer turnover. The Islanders led at halftime 31-23.
Kalscheur would hit a pair of free throws to open the second half scoring for DeLaSalle. The Islanders would widen their lead with a 10-0 run that included a one handed jam by Mar. Both Gach would score for Austin to end the run. The Packers would go on an 8-0 run but it wouldn't be enough to catch up to the quick and athletic Islanders as both coaches let the reserves get some playing time in the Class AAA final.
Other DeLaSalle players in double figures were Kalscheur with 20 points. He went 1-13 from the free throw line. Tyrell Terry added 11 points. Both Gach led Austin with 14 points and Duoth Gach added 10.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, the Marshall Tigers toppled the Columbia Heights Hylanders 83-37. In the consolation championship game on Friday, the Fergus Falls Otters ousted the St. Thomas Academy Cadets 71-42.
Minnehaha Academy Redhawks Win Class AA State Title
Jalen Suggs put the finishing touch on his freshman season with a game high 22 points and three steals to lead the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks to a 47-36 win over the Crosby-Ironton Rangers in the Class AA boys basketball championship game Saturday afternoon at Target Center in Minneapolis.
It was the second state title for the Minneapolis based school and their first since 2013. The Rangers, playing in their sixth state title game in 20 trips to state are 0-6 in championship games.
The Redhawks went into a spread offense to start the game for over a minute but the scoreboard remained at zero. Suggs would begin the scoring on a layup 2:22 into the game. Noah Gindorff would tie the game for the Rangers, scoring off a pass from Jonathan Jacobson. Terry Lockett would heat up the Minnehaha Academy offense, scoring nine straight points and Crosby-Ironton would get a three point play from Gindorff. Foul trouble would plague both teams in the first half when Lorenzo Smith of the Redhawks picked up his third foul with 2:57 to go and Evan Edmundson would go to the bench with three fouls :38 later. Crosby-Ironton showed some life late in the first half when Gindorff hit another three point play and a basket from Trey Jacobs sparked a 5-0 run that would cut Minnehaha Academy's halftime lead to 23-15.
Lockett would open the second half scoring with a shot from Glenwood Ave. :17 into the half. Suggs sank a pair of free throws to put the Redhawks on a 5-0 run. On their next possession, they would go into a slowdown offense, much to the chagrin of the red and white clad Minnehaha Academy fans who populated Target Center's blue and green seats. The Rangers came up big on defense when Gindorff blocked Jose Williamson's shot. Crosby-Ironton would get a couple of three pointers from Jack Silgen and Jacobs before Suggs ended the Rangers 6-0 run with four straight points. Suggs would deny Crosby-Ironton's first state title by scoring 10 straight points and Smith punctuated the win with a pair of free throws with :22.8 left to play.
Lockett was the only other Minnehaha Academy player in double figures, scoring 12 points. JaVanni Bickham had 10 rebounds. Gindorff led the Rangers with 19 points and Silgen added 10.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, the Annandale Cardinals beat the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusader 68-60. NRHEG won the consolation title Friday with a 77-66 win over the Lake City Tigers.
The 2017 Academics, Arts and Athletics Awards were presented at halftime with one boy and one girl from Class A & AA receiving the award for their excellence in the aforementioned. The Class A winners were Kiera Olson of Fillmore Central and Carter Peterson of Underwood. Winners from Class AA were anja Maijala of Cloquet and Eric Wilson of Benilde-St. Margaret's. Wilson was an offensive lineman on the Red Knight football team that won the 2016 Class AAAA state championship.
It was the second state title for the Minneapolis based school and their first since 2013. The Rangers, playing in their sixth state title game in 20 trips to state are 0-6 in championship games.
The Redhawks went into a spread offense to start the game for over a minute but the scoreboard remained at zero. Suggs would begin the scoring on a layup 2:22 into the game. Noah Gindorff would tie the game for the Rangers, scoring off a pass from Jonathan Jacobson. Terry Lockett would heat up the Minnehaha Academy offense, scoring nine straight points and Crosby-Ironton would get a three point play from Gindorff. Foul trouble would plague both teams in the first half when Lorenzo Smith of the Redhawks picked up his third foul with 2:57 to go and Evan Edmundson would go to the bench with three fouls :38 later. Crosby-Ironton showed some life late in the first half when Gindorff hit another three point play and a basket from Trey Jacobs sparked a 5-0 run that would cut Minnehaha Academy's halftime lead to 23-15.
Lockett would open the second half scoring with a shot from Glenwood Ave. :17 into the half. Suggs sank a pair of free throws to put the Redhawks on a 5-0 run. On their next possession, they would go into a slowdown offense, much to the chagrin of the red and white clad Minnehaha Academy fans who populated Target Center's blue and green seats. The Rangers came up big on defense when Gindorff blocked Jose Williamson's shot. Crosby-Ironton would get a couple of three pointers from Jack Silgen and Jacobs before Suggs ended the Rangers 6-0 run with four straight points. Suggs would deny Crosby-Ironton's first state title by scoring 10 straight points and Smith punctuated the win with a pair of free throws with :22.8 left to play.
Lockett was the only other Minnehaha Academy player in double figures, scoring 12 points. JaVanni Bickham had 10 rebounds. Gindorff led the Rangers with 19 points and Silgen added 10.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, the Annandale Cardinals beat the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusader 68-60. NRHEG won the consolation title Friday with a 77-66 win over the Lake City Tigers.
The 2017 Academics, Arts and Athletics Awards were presented at halftime with one boy and one girl from Class A & AA receiving the award for their excellence in the aforementioned. The Class A winners were Kiera Olson of Fillmore Central and Carter Peterson of Underwood. Winners from Class AA were anja Maijala of Cloquet and Eric Wilson of Benilde-St. Margaret's. Wilson was an offensive lineman on the Red Knight football team that won the 2016 Class AAAA state championship.
Mpls. North Polars Cruise to Second Straight Class A State Title
First he helped win a state title in football then Saturday afternoon Isaac Johnson scored game high 28 points to lead the Minneapolis North Polars to a 96-49 rout of the North Woods Grizzlies in the Class A boys basketball championship game at Target Center in Minneapolis.
It was the second consecutive state title and seventh overall for Mpls. North in its 21st trip to state. It was also the 10th straight game the Polars have scored more than 80 points.
The Polars began the game on an 8-0 run which included four straight points from Tayler Johnson. The Grizzlies would finally get on the scoreboard when Tate Olson scored with 14:05 let in the first half. Tayler Johnson would also score five straight points to help spark an 11-0 run. There would b some bright spots for North Woods, which opened in 2011 after Cook and Orr high schools merged. George Bibeau would score four straight points and Olson would hit two from Butler Square. The Polars would dominate with their quickness and precision passing to outscore the Grizzlies 15-1 and lead at halftime 48-21.
JaQuan Sanders-Smith would hit a free throw :31 into the second half to open the scoring. There would be an outstanding display of three point shooting from both teams, starting with Bibeau from the Grizzlies, then Johnson from the Polars and Olson would connect from North Woods. Isaac Johnson would hit two more three pointers for Mpls. North as the Polars would go 5-5 from the three point line but 1-5 the remainder of the game. With the game heading into running time halfway through the second half, both teams would clear their benches. Even the Polar reserves would factor into the scoring equation, including seventh grader Trejuan Holloman. A great play late in the game for Mpls. North came when Glenn Carter missed his shot and Dak'Kei Hines got the rebound and scored on a dunk.
Other Polars in double figures were Sanders-Smith with 24 points. ODell Wilson IV added 12 and Marquis Holloman came off the bench to contribute 10 points. Olson led the Grizzlies with 14 points and five assists. Bibeau had 13 and Cade Goggleye added 12.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, the Goodhue Wildcats beat the Springfield Tigers 51-47. In the earlier consolation game, James cook's three pointer with :09 to play led the Red Lake Warriors to a 56-55 win over the Central MN Christian Bluejays.
Mpls. North ended their season with a record of 32-2. They will move up to Class AA next season due to increased enrollment. North Woods finished with a record of 31-2.
It was the second consecutive state title and seventh overall for Mpls. North in its 21st trip to state. It was also the 10th straight game the Polars have scored more than 80 points.
The Polars began the game on an 8-0 run which included four straight points from Tayler Johnson. The Grizzlies would finally get on the scoreboard when Tate Olson scored with 14:05 let in the first half. Tayler Johnson would also score five straight points to help spark an 11-0 run. There would b some bright spots for North Woods, which opened in 2011 after Cook and Orr high schools merged. George Bibeau would score four straight points and Olson would hit two from Butler Square. The Polars would dominate with their quickness and precision passing to outscore the Grizzlies 15-1 and lead at halftime 48-21.
JaQuan Sanders-Smith would hit a free throw :31 into the second half to open the scoring. There would be an outstanding display of three point shooting from both teams, starting with Bibeau from the Grizzlies, then Johnson from the Polars and Olson would connect from North Woods. Isaac Johnson would hit two more three pointers for Mpls. North as the Polars would go 5-5 from the three point line but 1-5 the remainder of the game. With the game heading into running time halfway through the second half, both teams would clear their benches. Even the Polar reserves would factor into the scoring equation, including seventh grader Trejuan Holloman. A great play late in the game for Mpls. North came when Glenn Carter missed his shot and Dak'Kei Hines got the rebound and scored on a dunk.
Other Polars in double figures were Sanders-Smith with 24 points. ODell Wilson IV added 12 and Marquis Holloman came off the bench to contribute 10 points. Olson led the Grizzlies with 14 points and five assists. Bibeau had 13 and Cade Goggleye added 12.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, the Goodhue Wildcats beat the Springfield Tigers 51-47. In the earlier consolation game, James cook's three pointer with :09 to play led the Red Lake Warriors to a 56-55 win over the Central MN Christian Bluejays.
Mpls. North ended their season with a record of 32-2. They will move up to Class AA next season due to increased enrollment. North Woods finished with a record of 31-2.
2017 State Boys Basketball Tournament Championship Preview
The City of Minneapolis will be well represented on Championship Saturday in the 2017 Minnesota State High School Boys Basketball tournament as Minneapolis North, Minnehaha Academy and DeLaSalle will be playing for a state title. Here's a preview of the four championship games.
Opening up the festivities at 11 AM is the Class A final with the defending champion Minneapolis North Polars taking on the North Woods Grizzlies. The Polars have plowed through the upper bracket like a snow plow after a snowstorm beating the Red Lake Warriors 93-46 in the quarterfinals and the Springfield Tigers in the semifinals 100-56, giving Mpls. North an average win margin of 45.5 points in two games. The North Woods Grizzlies is in their first Class A championship since the current incarnation began in 2011 after the merger of Cook and Orr high schools. The big story for the unseated Grizzlies was the half court miracle shot from Cade Goggleye that beat the third seeded Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays. Goggleye turned out to be the hero again in the semifinals as he hit a pair of free throws with :04 left in regulation to beat the Goodhue Wildcats 51-49. Can the Grizzlies bring more drama and beat the Polars or will North continue their hot scoring run? It could be Mpls. North's last Class A title due to a possibility of moving up a class or two.
Wrapping up the afternoon session around 1 PM is the Class AA championship between the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks and the Crosby-Ironton Rangers. The Redhawks, led by freshman Jalen Suggs advanced with a quarterfinal win over the Lake City Tigers and beat the Annandale Cardinals in the semifinals. Suggs led Minnehaha Academy to its first Class AA final since 2013 with 23 points, four assists and five steals. The Rangers, in their 21st state tournament, advanced with a quarterfinal win over the Breckenridge Cowboys and used a slowdown offense in the second half to top the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. The semifinal game had two players that joined the 1000 point club. They were Trey Jacobs of Crosby-Ironton and Michael Schaefer of St. Cloud Cathedral. The Rangers are in their sixth state final but have not taken home the championship trophy. They will need to stop Suggs and the Redhawks in order to bring the school their first state title.
At 5 PM, their could be history in the making as the top seeded DeLaSalle Islanders go for their sixth straight Class AAA title against the Austin Packers. The Islanders used a strong second half to beat the Big Lake Hornets in the quarterfinals and win their third consecutive game against their Tri-Metro Conference rivals, the Columbia Heights Hylanders in the semifinals. The Packers, in their 30th trip to state are playing for their first state championship since Ove Berven coached them to the 1958 state title. Austin beat St. Thomas Academy in the quarterfinals and won by 20 over Marshall in the semifinals. TTwo outstanding programs battling for a state championship.
Concluding Championship Saturday at 8 PM is a rematch of the 2015 Class AAAA final between the Champlin Park Rebels and the Apple Valley Eagles. The Rebels had to come from behind in both tournament games. In the quarterfinals, Sam Dubois' buzzer beater ended the Chaska Hawks' hopes for an upset and they got a solid performance from Marquette bound Theo John to beat the Wayzata Trojans in the semifinals. The Eagles beat the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders in the quarterfinals and the Maple Grove Crimson in the semifinals. You'll need only two words to describe the key to Apple Valley's tournament run, Tre Jones. He scored 34 points in the win over the Raiders and in the victory over the Crimson had a triple double of 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. he's an unselfish player who can set up the offense very well and he made some outstanding inside passes in the Maple Grove game.
The stage is set with four outstanding finals to wrap up the winter season in Minnesota high school sports.
Opening up the festivities at 11 AM is the Class A final with the defending champion Minneapolis North Polars taking on the North Woods Grizzlies. The Polars have plowed through the upper bracket like a snow plow after a snowstorm beating the Red Lake Warriors 93-46 in the quarterfinals and the Springfield Tigers in the semifinals 100-56, giving Mpls. North an average win margin of 45.5 points in two games. The North Woods Grizzlies is in their first Class A championship since the current incarnation began in 2011 after the merger of Cook and Orr high schools. The big story for the unseated Grizzlies was the half court miracle shot from Cade Goggleye that beat the third seeded Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays. Goggleye turned out to be the hero again in the semifinals as he hit a pair of free throws with :04 left in regulation to beat the Goodhue Wildcats 51-49. Can the Grizzlies bring more drama and beat the Polars or will North continue their hot scoring run? It could be Mpls. North's last Class A title due to a possibility of moving up a class or two.
Wrapping up the afternoon session around 1 PM is the Class AA championship between the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks and the Crosby-Ironton Rangers. The Redhawks, led by freshman Jalen Suggs advanced with a quarterfinal win over the Lake City Tigers and beat the Annandale Cardinals in the semifinals. Suggs led Minnehaha Academy to its first Class AA final since 2013 with 23 points, four assists and five steals. The Rangers, in their 21st state tournament, advanced with a quarterfinal win over the Breckenridge Cowboys and used a slowdown offense in the second half to top the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. The semifinal game had two players that joined the 1000 point club. They were Trey Jacobs of Crosby-Ironton and Michael Schaefer of St. Cloud Cathedral. The Rangers are in their sixth state final but have not taken home the championship trophy. They will need to stop Suggs and the Redhawks in order to bring the school their first state title.
At 5 PM, their could be history in the making as the top seeded DeLaSalle Islanders go for their sixth straight Class AAA title against the Austin Packers. The Islanders used a strong second half to beat the Big Lake Hornets in the quarterfinals and win their third consecutive game against their Tri-Metro Conference rivals, the Columbia Heights Hylanders in the semifinals. The Packers, in their 30th trip to state are playing for their first state championship since Ove Berven coached them to the 1958 state title. Austin beat St. Thomas Academy in the quarterfinals and won by 20 over Marshall in the semifinals. TTwo outstanding programs battling for a state championship.
Concluding Championship Saturday at 8 PM is a rematch of the 2015 Class AAAA final between the Champlin Park Rebels and the Apple Valley Eagles. The Rebels had to come from behind in both tournament games. In the quarterfinals, Sam Dubois' buzzer beater ended the Chaska Hawks' hopes for an upset and they got a solid performance from Marquette bound Theo John to beat the Wayzata Trojans in the semifinals. The Eagles beat the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders in the quarterfinals and the Maple Grove Crimson in the semifinals. You'll need only two words to describe the key to Apple Valley's tournament run, Tre Jones. He scored 34 points in the win over the Raiders and in the victory over the Crimson had a triple double of 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. he's an unselfish player who can set up the offense very well and he made some outstanding inside passes in the Maple Grove game.
The stage is set with four outstanding finals to wrap up the winter season in Minnesota high school sports.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Minnehaha Academy Redhawks Sink Lake City Tigers
Freshman sensation Jalen Suggs scored a game high 27 points and added 12 rebounds to lead the top seeded Minnehaha Academy Redhawks to a 77-63 win over the Lake City Tigers Wednesday night in the Class AA boys basketball quarterfinals at Target Center in Minneapolis.
The Tigers made their first trip to state since they won the Class A state title in 1990. They clinched a state tournament berth with an upset of the top seeded Caledonia Warriors.
Both teams were as cold as the renovated corridors at Target Center until the Redhawks Jose Williamson began the scoring 2:37 into the game. Nathan Heise would hit from Target Field to put the Tigers ahead. Mitch Marien would score to put Lake City on a 5-0 run that would end with a Minnehaha Academy basket from JaVanni Bickham. The Tigers would also go on a 7-0 run that also included a three pointer from Reid Gastner. Suggs would bring the Redhawk offense to life with four straight points, including a left handed layup. Terry Lockett would hit a couple of three pointers, the second following Heise from Lake City that would put Minnehaha Academy. The lead would swing back and forth like a pendulum on a grandfather clock until Lockett put Minnehaha academy on a 4-0 run. Lockett would also get credit for a basket late in the first half after Marien was called for goaltending. Heise would hit another three pointer that would cut the Redhawks halftime lead to 33-31.
Minnehaha Academy's lead would surge in the second half as they started to pull away from Lake City by going on a 10-0 run. Kaden Johnson would hit a three pointer and Suggs, who was adept at changing hands when he dribbled up and down the court would score a three point play. The freshman would also pick up an assist on Williamson's basket. However, foul trouble would plague Suggs when he picked up his fourth foul with 8:35 to play and the Tigers Marien would follow :21 later. Marc Kjos would try to get the tigers back in the game by hitting four three pointers after missing his only three point attempt in the first half. Suggs would hit another three point play before he fouled out with :37.6 to go.
Other players in double figures for the Redhawks were Bickham with 19 points and Lockett with 12. Kjos and Heise led the Tigers with 18 points apiece and Marien added 14. Minnehaha Academy improved to 24-5 and will play in the Class AA semifinals against the winner of the Jackson Country Central -Annandale game Friday, March 24 at 6 PM at Target Center. The tigers fell to 23-7 and will play in the consolation semifinals Thursday, March 23 at 6 PM at Ganglehoff Center on the campus of Concordia Univeristy in St. Paul.
The Tigers made their first trip to state since they won the Class A state title in 1990. They clinched a state tournament berth with an upset of the top seeded Caledonia Warriors.
Both teams were as cold as the renovated corridors at Target Center until the Redhawks Jose Williamson began the scoring 2:37 into the game. Nathan Heise would hit from Target Field to put the Tigers ahead. Mitch Marien would score to put Lake City on a 5-0 run that would end with a Minnehaha Academy basket from JaVanni Bickham. The Tigers would also go on a 7-0 run that also included a three pointer from Reid Gastner. Suggs would bring the Redhawk offense to life with four straight points, including a left handed layup. Terry Lockett would hit a couple of three pointers, the second following Heise from Lake City that would put Minnehaha Academy. The lead would swing back and forth like a pendulum on a grandfather clock until Lockett put Minnehaha academy on a 4-0 run. Lockett would also get credit for a basket late in the first half after Marien was called for goaltending. Heise would hit another three pointer that would cut the Redhawks halftime lead to 33-31.
Minnehaha Academy's lead would surge in the second half as they started to pull away from Lake City by going on a 10-0 run. Kaden Johnson would hit a three pointer and Suggs, who was adept at changing hands when he dribbled up and down the court would score a three point play. The freshman would also pick up an assist on Williamson's basket. However, foul trouble would plague Suggs when he picked up his fourth foul with 8:35 to play and the Tigers Marien would follow :21 later. Marc Kjos would try to get the tigers back in the game by hitting four three pointers after missing his only three point attempt in the first half. Suggs would hit another three point play before he fouled out with :37.6 to go.
Other players in double figures for the Redhawks were Bickham with 19 points and Lockett with 12. Kjos and Heise led the Tigers with 18 points apiece and Marien added 14. Minnehaha Academy improved to 24-5 and will play in the Class AA semifinals against the winner of the Jackson Country Central -Annandale game Friday, March 24 at 6 PM at Target Center. The tigers fell to 23-7 and will play in the consolation semifinals Thursday, March 23 at 6 PM at Ganglehoff Center on the campus of Concordia Univeristy in St. Paul.
Monday, March 20, 2017
2017 Class A State Boys Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS A STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Thursday, March 23 at Williams Arena, Minneapolis
11:00: Red Lake vs. Minneapolis North (Seed 1)
1:00: Springfield (Seed 5 ) vs. Nevis (Seed 4)
3:00: Lake Park-Audubon vs, Goodhue (Seed 2)
5:00: North Woods vs. Central MN Christian (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The Class A quarterfinals get underway at The Barn with a rematch of last year's semifinal game between the Red Lake Warriors and the defending state champion Minneapolis North Polars. The Polars won last year's semifinal game 82-61 and return several players from last season's team, Tayler and Isaac Johnson and ODell Wilson IV. Their only losses this season were to Class AAAA schools Apple Valley and Hopkins. Mpls. North has a high powered offense that has broken the 100 point mark six times. This year is the 20th anniversary of the game Red Lake played Wabasso and lost 123-177. Could there be another high scoring affair or will the Polars continue their outstanding offensive output that could lead them to their sixth state championship?
It's the "Battle of the Tigers" for the second quarterfinal game that pits Springfield and Nevis. Springfield is in their first tournament since they took home the Class A title in 2011. Nevis is in it's second trip to state after losing to the Central MN Christian Bluejays in the Class A quarterfinals. Nevis has won 20 straight games since losing 73-70 to the Cass Lake-Bena Panthers on December 27. Springfield needed overtime to clinch their trip to state with a win over Cedar Mountain/Comfrey. It should be an interest battle.
Next up is the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders and the second seeded Goodhue Wildcats. It's also a rematch of last year's Class A quarterfinal game that Goodhue won 54-29 and set the Wildcats on a path to the championship where they lost to Mpls. North. Lake Park-Audubon returns the tallest player in the tournament 6'10" senior Jesse Bergh. As for Goodhue, Wildcats fans were celebrating last Saturday after the girls basketball team won their second consecutive Class A state championship. This week, they will be heading up Highway 52 to support the purple and white as they attempt to return to the championship game and a rematch with the Polars.
The last quarterfinal game features the North Woods Grizzlies from the small towns of Cook and Orr and the third seeded Central MN Christian Bluejays. The Grizzlies have won 12 straight games since they lost to the Virginia Blue Devils on January 19. The Bluejays head down Highway 7 from Prinsburg to make their third straight trip to state. They have finished third both years and hope to upgrade their medals from bronze to gold. Could they wind up playing Mpls. North in the Class A final?
Four classes. Four outstanding matchups. Plenty of excitement starting Wednesday at Target Center and Williams Arena.
Games played Thursday, March 23 at Williams Arena, Minneapolis
11:00: Red Lake vs. Minneapolis North (Seed 1)
1:00: Springfield (Seed 5 ) vs. Nevis (Seed 4)
3:00: Lake Park-Audubon vs, Goodhue (Seed 2)
5:00: North Woods vs. Central MN Christian (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The Class A quarterfinals get underway at The Barn with a rematch of last year's semifinal game between the Red Lake Warriors and the defending state champion Minneapolis North Polars. The Polars won last year's semifinal game 82-61 and return several players from last season's team, Tayler and Isaac Johnson and ODell Wilson IV. Their only losses this season were to Class AAAA schools Apple Valley and Hopkins. Mpls. North has a high powered offense that has broken the 100 point mark six times. This year is the 20th anniversary of the game Red Lake played Wabasso and lost 123-177. Could there be another high scoring affair or will the Polars continue their outstanding offensive output that could lead them to their sixth state championship?
It's the "Battle of the Tigers" for the second quarterfinal game that pits Springfield and Nevis. Springfield is in their first tournament since they took home the Class A title in 2011. Nevis is in it's second trip to state after losing to the Central MN Christian Bluejays in the Class A quarterfinals. Nevis has won 20 straight games since losing 73-70 to the Cass Lake-Bena Panthers on December 27. Springfield needed overtime to clinch their trip to state with a win over Cedar Mountain/Comfrey. It should be an interest battle.
Next up is the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders and the second seeded Goodhue Wildcats. It's also a rematch of last year's Class A quarterfinal game that Goodhue won 54-29 and set the Wildcats on a path to the championship where they lost to Mpls. North. Lake Park-Audubon returns the tallest player in the tournament 6'10" senior Jesse Bergh. As for Goodhue, Wildcats fans were celebrating last Saturday after the girls basketball team won their second consecutive Class A state championship. This week, they will be heading up Highway 52 to support the purple and white as they attempt to return to the championship game and a rematch with the Polars.
The last quarterfinal game features the North Woods Grizzlies from the small towns of Cook and Orr and the third seeded Central MN Christian Bluejays. The Grizzlies have won 12 straight games since they lost to the Virginia Blue Devils on January 19. The Bluejays head down Highway 7 from Prinsburg to make their third straight trip to state. They have finished third both years and hope to upgrade their medals from bronze to gold. Could they wind up playing Mpls. North in the Class A final?
Four classes. Four outstanding matchups. Plenty of excitement starting Wednesday at Target Center and Williams Arena.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
2017 Class AA State Boys Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AA STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Wednesday, March 22 at Target Center, Minneapolis
6:00: Lake City vs. Minnehaha Academy (Seed 1)
8:00: Jackson County Central (Seed 5) vs. Annandale (Seed 4)
Games played Wednesday, March 22 at Williams Arena, Minneapolis
6:00: NRHEG vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 2)
8:00: Breckenridge vs. Crosby-Ironton (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The evening portion of Quarterfinal Wednesday focuses on the Class AA tournament with two games at both Target Center and Williams Arena. The opening game at Target Center pits the Lake City Tigers against the top seeded Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. The Tigers return to the state tournament for the first time since 1990 after pulling off the upset of the Caledonia Warriors in the Section 1 final. Lake City has won seven of their last seven games and faces the Redhawks, who make their first trip to Target Center since they won the 2013 state Class AA title. Minnehaha Academy is led by one of the best freshman boys basketball players in Minnesota, Jalen Suggs. He has been the key to Minnehaha's success at the top of the Class AA rankings for most of the season and they are one of the favorites to win the state title.
Closing the day at Target Center is a rematch of last year's Class AA semifinal game between the fifth seeded Jackson County Central Huskies and the fourth seeded Annandale Cardinals. Last year, the Huskies lost to the Braham Bombers in the Class AA championship game. There were 11 juniors on the roster last year. This year, all but three players are seniors. Jackson County Central has gone 15-1 since they lost to Marshall January 17. The Cardinals have been on an 11 game winning streak with the biggest victory coming in the Section 5 semifinals when they beat the Watertown-Mayer Royals in triple overtime. Annandale is a young team with only two seniors on their roster. They are Collin Howard and Jack Wilken. Both teams have identical 26-4 records. It should be an interesting match up.
There's also action at Williams Arena in Class AA that starts with the lone first time team the NRHEG Panthers and the second seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. The Panthers make their first trip up I-35 to Target Center on the boys side after the girls took home the consolation trophy last weekend. NRHEG got off to a 16-0 start before they were defeated by the Waseca Bluejays. Both teams have identical 26-4 records. Who will win the rematch?
Ending the day's festivities will be the battle of 26-2 teams between the Breckenridge Cowboys and the third seeded Crosby-Ironton Rangers. It's the eighth trip to state for the Cowboys, who last played in a championship game in 1978 and lost to the Lake City tigers that had the state tournament's first seven footer who went on to play for the gophers and the Timberwolves, Randy Breuer. The Rangers are in their 21st tournament, their first since 2010 when they lost to the New London-Spicer Wildcats. It was the fifth time they lost in a state title game. Crosby-Ironton is on a roll with 11 wins in their last 12 games. Could this be the year they finally take home a championship trophy?
Next up is the Class A preview
Games played Wednesday, March 22 at Target Center, Minneapolis
6:00: Lake City vs. Minnehaha Academy (Seed 1)
8:00: Jackson County Central (Seed 5) vs. Annandale (Seed 4)
Games played Wednesday, March 22 at Williams Arena, Minneapolis
6:00: NRHEG vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 2)
8:00: Breckenridge vs. Crosby-Ironton (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The evening portion of Quarterfinal Wednesday focuses on the Class AA tournament with two games at both Target Center and Williams Arena. The opening game at Target Center pits the Lake City Tigers against the top seeded Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. The Tigers return to the state tournament for the first time since 1990 after pulling off the upset of the Caledonia Warriors in the Section 1 final. Lake City has won seven of their last seven games and faces the Redhawks, who make their first trip to Target Center since they won the 2013 state Class AA title. Minnehaha Academy is led by one of the best freshman boys basketball players in Minnesota, Jalen Suggs. He has been the key to Minnehaha's success at the top of the Class AA rankings for most of the season and they are one of the favorites to win the state title.
Closing the day at Target Center is a rematch of last year's Class AA semifinal game between the fifth seeded Jackson County Central Huskies and the fourth seeded Annandale Cardinals. Last year, the Huskies lost to the Braham Bombers in the Class AA championship game. There were 11 juniors on the roster last year. This year, all but three players are seniors. Jackson County Central has gone 15-1 since they lost to Marshall January 17. The Cardinals have been on an 11 game winning streak with the biggest victory coming in the Section 5 semifinals when they beat the Watertown-Mayer Royals in triple overtime. Annandale is a young team with only two seniors on their roster. They are Collin Howard and Jack Wilken. Both teams have identical 26-4 records. It should be an interesting match up.
There's also action at Williams Arena in Class AA that starts with the lone first time team the NRHEG Panthers and the second seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. The Panthers make their first trip up I-35 to Target Center on the boys side after the girls took home the consolation trophy last weekend. NRHEG got off to a 16-0 start before they were defeated by the Waseca Bluejays. Both teams have identical 26-4 records. Who will win the rematch?
Ending the day's festivities will be the battle of 26-2 teams between the Breckenridge Cowboys and the third seeded Crosby-Ironton Rangers. It's the eighth trip to state for the Cowboys, who last played in a championship game in 1978 and lost to the Lake City tigers that had the state tournament's first seven footer who went on to play for the gophers and the Timberwolves, Randy Breuer. The Rangers are in their 21st tournament, their first since 2010 when they lost to the New London-Spicer Wildcats. It was the fifth time they lost in a state title game. Crosby-Ironton is on a roll with 11 wins in their last 12 games. Could this be the year they finally take home a championship trophy?
Next up is the Class A preview
2017 Class AAA State Boys Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AAA STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Wednesday, March 22 at Williams Arena, Minneapolis
10:00: Big Lake vs. DeLaSalle (Seed 1)
12:00: Columbia Heights (Seed 5) vs. Fergus Falls (Seed 4)
2:00: St. Thomas Academy vs. Austin (Seed 2)
4:00: Grand Rapids vs. Marshall (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: One of the great dynasties in Minnesota high school basketball history opens the Class AAA tournament as the top seeded DeLaSalle Islanders goes for their record setting sixth straight titleagainst the first time entrant the Big Lake Hornets. The Islanders are led by Goanar Mar and Gabe Kalscheur and have played a brutal non conference schedule against teams including Eden Prairie, Maple Grove and Champlin Park. The Hornets beat Rocori to advance to their first state tournament and you can bet that there will be a load of fans on the Northstar Commuter Rail in support of Big Lake. Can they pull the upset?
The last time the fifth seeded Columbia Heights Hylanders played in the state tournament was 2011, when they lost to the Orono Spartans in the Class AAA final. They will go against the fourth seeded Fergus Falls Otters who played in last year's championship game and lost to DeLaSalle. The Islanders beat the Hylanders in Tri-Metro Conference play twice this season. Is a third meeting possible?
Returning to Minneapolis for the first time since 2008 is the St. Thomas Academy Cadets as they go up against one of the great outstate programs in the second seeded Austin Packers, who are making their 30th trip to the tournament. The Cadets are on a roll, winning 13 of their last 14 games. Both of the Packers losses this season have been to the Rochester John Marshall Rockets as they go for their first state title since Ove Berven led Austin to the 1958 state title.
What a winter sports season it has been for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. The boys hockey team won the Class AA sate title and the girls basketball team lost by two points in the Class AAA consolation championship to the DeLaSalle Islanders. Now it's the boys basketball team's turn to send their orange and lack clad fans down Highway 169 as they face the third seeded Marshall Tigers. It's the 11th trip to Minneapolis for the identically colored Tigers,who last won a state title in 1963 when they beat the Cloquet Lumberjacks 75-74.
Class AA is ext.
2017 Class AAAA State Boys Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AAAA STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Wednesday, March 22 at Target Center, Minneapolis
10:00: Chaska vs. Champlin Park (Seed 1)
12:00: Wayzata (Seed 5) vs. Lakeville North (Seed 4)
2:00:: Andover vs. Maple Grove (Seed 2)
4:00: Cretin-Derham Hall vs. Apple Valley (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The 2017 Minnesota State High School Boys Basketball Tournament opens with the Chaska Hawks, led by the program's all-time leading scorer Myles Hanson makes their seventh appearance and their first since 2004. It's also unfortunatel that the Hawks got a bad draw since they have to face he unbeaten and top seed Champlin Park Rebels. The Rebels are one of three Northwest Suburban Conference teams in this year's tournament and are led by two Division I signees, McKinley Wright, who will be headed to Dayton and Theo John, who will play next season at Marquette. Champlin Park's high powered offense has broken the 100 point mark three times this season and they are the favorites to to bring the championship trophy up Highway 169.
There will be a new champion this year in Class AAAA because the Hopkins Royals were dethroned in the Section 6 final by the Wayzata Trojans, who are back in Minneapolis for the first time since they won the 1959 state championship over Carlton. They will take on the fourth seeded Lakeville North Panthers, who lost in last year's Class AAAA final to Hopkins. The Panthers are led by Nathan Reuvers who will be headd to Wisconsin next season. Can the Trojans make the most of their returun after 58 years or will the Panthers prevail?
It will be a Northwest Suburban Conference showdown as the surprising Andover Huskies battle the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson. The two teams met on March 3 with the Crimson on top 61-45. The Huskies were the seventh seed in Section 7 and upset a pair of high seeds in the Blaine Bengals and Coon Rapids Cardinals and beat the Forest Lake Rangers to advance to their first state tournament since 2013. Maple Grove is in their fourth state tournament and led by another future Wisconsin badger in Brad Davison. Davison was the quarterback on the Crimson football team that lost to Eden Prairie in the state tournament. Can he quarterback the Crimson toward the Class AAAA final or will Andover's post season success continue?
Concluding the Class AAAA quarterfinals n the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders and the second seeded Apple Valley Eagles. It's also a golden opportunity to see a couplenof outstanding juniors at Target Center in Daniel Oturu of the Raiders, who has committed to Monnesota and Tre Jones, brother of the Timberwolves Tyus Jones of the Eagles. Apple Valley is on a 19 game winning streak Can they make it 20?
Next up, the Class AAA preview.
Games played Wednesday, March 22 at Target Center, Minneapolis
10:00: Chaska vs. Champlin Park (Seed 1)
12:00: Wayzata (Seed 5) vs. Lakeville North (Seed 4)
2:00:: Andover vs. Maple Grove (Seed 2)
4:00: Cretin-Derham Hall vs. Apple Valley (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The 2017 Minnesota State High School Boys Basketball Tournament opens with the Chaska Hawks, led by the program's all-time leading scorer Myles Hanson makes their seventh appearance and their first since 2004. It's also unfortunatel that the Hawks got a bad draw since they have to face he unbeaten and top seed Champlin Park Rebels. The Rebels are one of three Northwest Suburban Conference teams in this year's tournament and are led by two Division I signees, McKinley Wright, who will be headed to Dayton and Theo John, who will play next season at Marquette. Champlin Park's high powered offense has broken the 100 point mark three times this season and they are the favorites to to bring the championship trophy up Highway 169.
There will be a new champion this year in Class AAAA because the Hopkins Royals were dethroned in the Section 6 final by the Wayzata Trojans, who are back in Minneapolis for the first time since they won the 1959 state championship over Carlton. They will take on the fourth seeded Lakeville North Panthers, who lost in last year's Class AAAA final to Hopkins. The Panthers are led by Nathan Reuvers who will be headd to Wisconsin next season. Can the Trojans make the most of their returun after 58 years or will the Panthers prevail?
It will be a Northwest Suburban Conference showdown as the surprising Andover Huskies battle the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson. The two teams met on March 3 with the Crimson on top 61-45. The Huskies were the seventh seed in Section 7 and upset a pair of high seeds in the Blaine Bengals and Coon Rapids Cardinals and beat the Forest Lake Rangers to advance to their first state tournament since 2013. Maple Grove is in their fourth state tournament and led by another future Wisconsin badger in Brad Davison. Davison was the quarterback on the Crimson football team that lost to Eden Prairie in the state tournament. Can he quarterback the Crimson toward the Class AAAA final or will Andover's post season success continue?
Concluding the Class AAAA quarterfinals n the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders and the second seeded Apple Valley Eagles. It's also a golden opportunity to see a couplenof outstanding juniors at Target Center in Daniel Oturu of the Raiders, who has committed to Monnesota and Tre Jones, brother of the Timberwolves Tyus Jones of the Eagles. Apple Valley is on a 19 game winning streak Can they make it 20?
Next up, the Class AAA preview.
Elk River Elks Flow to Class AAAA State Title
Ms. Basketball finalist Gabi Haack was no hack Saturday night, scoring a game high 25 points to lead the Elk River Elks to a 64-60 over the Hopkins Royals in a Class AAAA championship battle of unbeaten teams at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
It was the first state title for Elk River in their eighth trip to state. The elks played in their first Class AAAA final since 2001, losing to Lakeville (before the split into North and South).
Freshman Paige Boeckers would begin the scoring for the Royals :25 into the game. Danielle Lachmiller would tie the game for the Elks and Dlayla Chakolis would put Hopkins ahead. Angie Hammond would score six straight points to widen their lead but it was Gabi Haack, who will play next season at Bradley University who would hit from Washington Ave. to cut the lead to one. Sidney Wentland would hit a three pointer to put Elk River in the lead. Chakolis would score to regains the lead for Hopkins and Gabi Haack would hit a free throw to tie the game at 22. The Elks offense began to flow like the river the Sherburne coutry seat is named for. Wentlaand, who will head for Denver next season hit a couple of three pointers and Gabi Haack made a three point play that led the Elks to a 35-30 halftime lead.
Boeckers would open the second half with a three point play. Lachmiller would hit a three pointer. The tide would turn for Elk River after Raena Suggs was charged with an intentional foul. Gabi Haack would make one of two free throws and possession would remain with Elk River. Lachmiller would score four straight points to put the elks on a 7-0 run. Hammond would score to regian the lead for Hopkins but Wentland With Elk River up by three, Hopins had to foul to send the elks to the free throw line. They would pick up four quick fouls in span of :06 that forced Elk River into the bonus. Wentland would sink a pair of free throws. Suggs would bring Hopkins close with :21 left in regulation time. They would have a chance to bring home their seventh state title but Boeckers missed a three pointer. Chakolis would foul Lachmiller and shemade one of two from the line to send Elks fans home happy on the Northstar Commuter Rail.
Other Elks in double figures were Lachmiller with 17 points. Wentland had 16 points and five assists. Boeckers led the Royals with 19 points. She was 7-7 from the free throw line. Chakolis added 13 points and Suggs and Hammond had 12 points apiece. Hammond also had 12 rebounds.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia Univeristy campus in St. Paul, Rachel Ranke had 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Eastview Lightning to a 68-49 win over the Lakeville North Panthers. The Park Center Pirates won the consolation title on the 17th with a 55-45 victory over the Andover Huskies.
Attendance for the four championship games was 8,012. Total attendance at Williams Arena was 27,050.
It was the first state title for Elk River in their eighth trip to state. The elks played in their first Class AAAA final since 2001, losing to Lakeville (before the split into North and South).
Freshman Paige Boeckers would begin the scoring for the Royals :25 into the game. Danielle Lachmiller would tie the game for the Elks and Dlayla Chakolis would put Hopkins ahead. Angie Hammond would score six straight points to widen their lead but it was Gabi Haack, who will play next season at Bradley University who would hit from Washington Ave. to cut the lead to one. Sidney Wentland would hit a three pointer to put Elk River in the lead. Chakolis would score to regains the lead for Hopkins and Gabi Haack would hit a free throw to tie the game at 22. The Elks offense began to flow like the river the Sherburne coutry seat is named for. Wentlaand, who will head for Denver next season hit a couple of three pointers and Gabi Haack made a three point play that led the Elks to a 35-30 halftime lead.
Boeckers would open the second half with a three point play. Lachmiller would hit a three pointer. The tide would turn for Elk River after Raena Suggs was charged with an intentional foul. Gabi Haack would make one of two free throws and possession would remain with Elk River. Lachmiller would score four straight points to put the elks on a 7-0 run. Hammond would score to regian the lead for Hopkins but Wentland With Elk River up by three, Hopins had to foul to send the elks to the free throw line. They would pick up four quick fouls in span of :06 that forced Elk River into the bonus. Wentland would sink a pair of free throws. Suggs would bring Hopkins close with :21 left in regulation time. They would have a chance to bring home their seventh state title but Boeckers missed a three pointer. Chakolis would foul Lachmiller and shemade one of two from the line to send Elks fans home happy on the Northstar Commuter Rail.
Other Elks in double figures were Lachmiller with 17 points. Wentland had 16 points and five assists. Boeckers led the Royals with 19 points. She was 7-7 from the free throw line. Chakolis added 13 points and Suggs and Hammond had 12 points apiece. Hammond also had 12 rebounds.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia Univeristy campus in St. Paul, Rachel Ranke had 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Eastview Lightning to a 68-49 win over the Lakeville North Panthers. The Park Center Pirates won the consolation title on the 17th with a 55-45 victory over the Andover Huskies.
Attendance for the four championship games was 8,012. Total attendance at Williams Arena was 27,050.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Orono Spartans Win First Class AAA State Title
It would be a happy bus ride down Highway 12 as Tori Andrew scored a game high 22 points to lead the Orono Spartans to a 65-47 win over the Winona Winhawks in the Class AAA championship game Saturday night at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
It was the first state title for the Spartans in their third state tournament appearance. The Winhawks returned to the Class AAA final after losing last year's title game to the Holy Angels Stars, a team they would beat in this year's semifinals.
The Spartans would begin the game on a 4-0 run on baskets from Natalie Smaron and Andrew. Andrew, who will play next season at Yale and Winona's Eden Nibbelink would hit from Huron Blvd. Andrew would hit another three pointer and Mattea Rice would score four straight points. Orono would dominate the first half as Andrew would hit her third three pointer. The Winhawks Danneka Voegeli would have pleased any coach when her shot bounced off he backboard and into the net. It would be a bright spot for winona as they trailed Orono at halftime 39-25.
Defense would be he opening highlight of the second half when Nibbelink made an outstanding insideblock of Rice's shot. Rice would eventually open the second half scoring and Madeline Loder would help spark a 7-0 run. There would also be three point plays from both teams. Anna Hughes of the Spartans and Voegeli of the Winhawks. With Orono holding a big lad, they began to run time off the clock but Winona wouldstill manage to go on a 6-0 run with a three pointer from Abby Winter and a three point play from Maria Appicelli. Loder would score four straight points and pick up an assist on a basket from Rice.
Rice was the only other player in double figures for the Spartans, scoring 19 points. Smaron had 12 rebounds. Winter led the Winhawks with 14 points, Nibbelink had 12 and Appicelli added 10.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, Holy Angels beat Alexandria 74-66. The DeLaSalle Islanders wrapped up the consolation title on the 17th with a 68-66 win over the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks.
Orono ended their season with a 27-4 record and Winona concluded their season with a record of 26-5.
It was the first state title for the Spartans in their third state tournament appearance. The Winhawks returned to the Class AAA final after losing last year's title game to the Holy Angels Stars, a team they would beat in this year's semifinals.
The Spartans would begin the game on a 4-0 run on baskets from Natalie Smaron and Andrew. Andrew, who will play next season at Yale and Winona's Eden Nibbelink would hit from Huron Blvd. Andrew would hit another three pointer and Mattea Rice would score four straight points. Orono would dominate the first half as Andrew would hit her third three pointer. The Winhawks Danneka Voegeli would have pleased any coach when her shot bounced off he backboard and into the net. It would be a bright spot for winona as they trailed Orono at halftime 39-25.
Defense would be he opening highlight of the second half when Nibbelink made an outstanding insideblock of Rice's shot. Rice would eventually open the second half scoring and Madeline Loder would help spark a 7-0 run. There would also be three point plays from both teams. Anna Hughes of the Spartans and Voegeli of the Winhawks. With Orono holding a big lad, they began to run time off the clock but Winona wouldstill manage to go on a 6-0 run with a three pointer from Abby Winter and a three point play from Maria Appicelli. Loder would score four straight points and pick up an assist on a basket from Rice.
Rice was the only other player in double figures for the Spartans, scoring 19 points. Smaron had 12 rebounds. Winter led the Winhawks with 14 points, Nibbelink had 12 and Appicelli added 10.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, Holy Angels beat Alexandria 74-66. The DeLaSalle Islanders wrapped up the consolation title on the 17th with a 68-66 win over the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks.
Orono ended their season with a 27-4 record and Winona concluded their season with a record of 26-5.
Roseau Rams Reign Supreme in Class AA
The Borowicz Family was ready for action Saturday afternoon as Kiley scored a game high 20 points to lead the Roseau Rams to a 75-64 win over the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters in the Class AA championship game at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
It was the first state title for the northwest Minnesota school in its fifth trip to the state tournament. The Rams are the first team from Section 8AA to win a state championship since the four class format began in 1997.
Alyssa Kohorst began the scoring for the Mainstreeters and Victoria Johnson would tie the game for the Rams. Unbeaten Roseau would fall behind early as Sauk Centre went on a 6-0 run that included a three pointer from Maesyn Thiesen. The Mainstreeters would get a three point play from Kelsey Peschel and Tori Peschel would account for a basket. The Rams began to heat up as Kacie Borowicz scored five straight points. Mya Hough would hit a pair of free throws that cut the lead to one and Kaitlyn Hulst would hit from TCF Bank Stadium to put Roseau in the lead. Jill Klaphake would hit a three pointer for the Mainstreeters but Katie and Kacie Borowicz would put he Rams on a 5-0 run. Kiley Borowicz would convert a steal into a basket that would extend the run to nine and the Rams led 33-23 at halftime.
There would be dueling three pointers to start the second half as Thiesen would strike first for Sauk Centre and Ivy Braaten would answer for Roseau. KIley Borowicz would continue her outstanding tournament play that included 65 points in two games by scoring to put Roseau on a 7-0 run. The bright spot for the Mainstreeters in the second half was Jill Klaphake as she hit four three pointers. Thiesen would score five straight points. It wouldn't be enough for Sauk Centr as Kiley Borowicz would score four straight points to clinch the gold medals for the green and white clad Rams.
The only other Roseau player in double figures was Kacie Borowicz with 19 points and seven assists. Jill Klaphake led Sauk Centre with 19 points. Thiesen and Tori Peschel each had 15 and Kelsey Peschel added 11.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, Watertown-Mayer beat Wright County Conference rival New London-Spicer 49-48. The consolation trophy was won on the 17th by NRHEG 73-57 over Rochester Lourdes.
Roseau finished 32-0 and Sauk Centre concluded their season with a record of 31-2.
It was the first state title for the northwest Minnesota school in its fifth trip to the state tournament. The Rams are the first team from Section 8AA to win a state championship since the four class format began in 1997.
Alyssa Kohorst began the scoring for the Mainstreeters and Victoria Johnson would tie the game for the Rams. Unbeaten Roseau would fall behind early as Sauk Centre went on a 6-0 run that included a three pointer from Maesyn Thiesen. The Mainstreeters would get a three point play from Kelsey Peschel and Tori Peschel would account for a basket. The Rams began to heat up as Kacie Borowicz scored five straight points. Mya Hough would hit a pair of free throws that cut the lead to one and Kaitlyn Hulst would hit from TCF Bank Stadium to put Roseau in the lead. Jill Klaphake would hit a three pointer for the Mainstreeters but Katie and Kacie Borowicz would put he Rams on a 5-0 run. Kiley Borowicz would convert a steal into a basket that would extend the run to nine and the Rams led 33-23 at halftime.
There would be dueling three pointers to start the second half as Thiesen would strike first for Sauk Centre and Ivy Braaten would answer for Roseau. KIley Borowicz would continue her outstanding tournament play that included 65 points in two games by scoring to put Roseau on a 7-0 run. The bright spot for the Mainstreeters in the second half was Jill Klaphake as she hit four three pointers. Thiesen would score five straight points. It wouldn't be enough for Sauk Centr as Kiley Borowicz would score four straight points to clinch the gold medals for the green and white clad Rams.
The only other Roseau player in double figures was Kacie Borowicz with 19 points and seven assists. Jill Klaphake led Sauk Centre with 19 points. Thiesen and Tori Peschel each had 15 and Kelsey Peschel added 11.
In the third place game at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul, Watertown-Mayer beat Wright County Conference rival New London-Spicer 49-48. The consolation trophy was won on the 17th by NRHEG 73-57 over Rochester Lourdes.
Roseau finished 32-0 and Sauk Centre concluded their season with a record of 31-2.
Goodhue Wildcats Back on Top in Class A
Wildcats fans would be fueling good down Highway 52 after they saw Maddy Miller score a game high 21 points to lead them to a 73-51 win over the top seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers in the Class A championship game Saturday afternoon at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota.
It was the second consecutive title for Goodhue in their seventh trip to state.
Miller began the scoring for the Wildcats 1:18 into the game. A put back from Emily Benrud got them going on a 5-0 run. Macy Savela would hit one from University Ave. to put the Rangers on the scoreboard. Good things would come for Goodhue when they widened their lead on a 6-0 run. Mountain Iron-Buhl would go on 7-0 run, including a three pointer from Mya Buffetta, the niece of head coach Jeff Buffetta. Chelsea Mason, who broke the state record for steals that was held by Braham's Rebekah Dahlman would help spark a 10-0 run on an assist from Mary Burke that would put th rangers ahead. But the Wildcats would regain the lead on Miller's basket and both teams would hit a three point play. Mason for Mountain Iron-Buhl and Mckenzie Ryan for Goodhue. The Wildcats led at halftime 29-22.
Three pointers would be headed toward the baskets early in the second half. Sydney Lodermeier would score for the Wildcats and Savela and Mason would connect for the Rangers. Solid shooting and a tight 2-3 defense, especially in the post would be the key for Goodhue. On the offensive side, Megan Ryan and Sydney Lodermeier would put the Wildcats on a 10-0 run. Though the Rangers got a couple of three pointers from Burke and Savela, they couldn't come close to the Wildcats. Miller would leave the game with 1:12 to play due to an injury and head coach Josh Wieme gave the reserves an opportunity to play on The Barn's elevated floor.
Other players in double figures for Goodhue were Mckenzie Ryan and Sydney Lodermeier with 14 points apiece and Benrud added 11. Sydney Lodermeier also had 14 rebounds. Mason led Mountain Iron-Buhl with 16 points and Savela added 14.
In the third place game that was played at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University Campus in St. Paul, the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals routed the Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs 78-51. In the preceding consolation final, the Southwest MN Christian Eagles beat GHEC/Truman/Martin Luther 79-67.
The Wildcats conclude their season with a record of 28-4 and the Rangers finish with a record of 31-2.
It was the second consecutive title for Goodhue in their seventh trip to state.
Miller began the scoring for the Wildcats 1:18 into the game. A put back from Emily Benrud got them going on a 5-0 run. Macy Savela would hit one from University Ave. to put the Rangers on the scoreboard. Good things would come for Goodhue when they widened their lead on a 6-0 run. Mountain Iron-Buhl would go on 7-0 run, including a three pointer from Mya Buffetta, the niece of head coach Jeff Buffetta. Chelsea Mason, who broke the state record for steals that was held by Braham's Rebekah Dahlman would help spark a 10-0 run on an assist from Mary Burke that would put th rangers ahead. But the Wildcats would regain the lead on Miller's basket and both teams would hit a three point play. Mason for Mountain Iron-Buhl and Mckenzie Ryan for Goodhue. The Wildcats led at halftime 29-22.
Three pointers would be headed toward the baskets early in the second half. Sydney Lodermeier would score for the Wildcats and Savela and Mason would connect for the Rangers. Solid shooting and a tight 2-3 defense, especially in the post would be the key for Goodhue. On the offensive side, Megan Ryan and Sydney Lodermeier would put the Wildcats on a 10-0 run. Though the Rangers got a couple of three pointers from Burke and Savela, they couldn't come close to the Wildcats. Miller would leave the game with 1:12 to play due to an injury and head coach Josh Wieme gave the reserves an opportunity to play on The Barn's elevated floor.
Other players in double figures for Goodhue were Mckenzie Ryan and Sydney Lodermeier with 14 points apiece and Benrud added 11. Sydney Lodermeier also had 14 rebounds. Mason led Mountain Iron-Buhl with 16 points and Savela added 14.
In the third place game that was played at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University Campus in St. Paul, the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals routed the Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs 78-51. In the preceding consolation final, the Southwest MN Christian Eagles beat GHEC/Truman/Martin Luther 79-67.
The Wildcats conclude their season with a record of 28-4 and the Rangers finish with a record of 31-2.
2017 State Girls Basketball Tournament Championship Preview
Head over to The Barn for Championship Saturday in the 2017 Minnesota State High School Girls Basketball Tournament and there's plenty of exciting action that includes three unbeaten teams. Here's a preview of the four championship games that take place today at Williams Arena.
Opening up the day's festivities at noon is the Class A title game between the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers and the defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats. The Rangers beat SW MN Christian in the quarterfinals and beat the team they lost to in the 2012 championship, the Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs. Mountain Iron-Buhl's only loss this season was to the Roseau Rams. Several veterans for the Rangers, including Mya Buffetta and Chelsea Mason will finally get a shot becoming the first team from the Iron Range since Chisholm in 1984 to win a state title. They will face the Wildcats who are loaded with Lodermeiers. They are Madeline, Sydney and Lexie. Along with Megan Ryan, Maddy Miller and Emily Bensrud, they are a very talented team that can bring another championship trophy down Highway 57.
The Class AA title game at 2 PM features the unbeaten Roseau Rams and the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. In six postseason games, the Rams have had a winning average margin of 33 points. The keys to the green and white's success in an area known for hockey have been The Borowicz Sisters, Kasey, Katie and Kylie. Kylie has been the headliner for Roseau in the tournament, scoring perhaps the first quadruple double in state tournament history with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals in a win against NRHEG. She followed it up with a 41 point performance in the semifinals against New London-Spicer. The Mainstreeters bounced back from a halftime deficit to beat Minnehaha Academy and used a strong second half to beat Watertown-Mayer in the semifinals. Head coach Scott Bergman has built an outstanding program in central Minnesota and if they can play strong defense as well as solid shooting from Jill Klaphake and Kelsey and Tori Peschel, they could be a threat to the Rams unbeaten season.
After taking a dinner break, head back to Williams Arena for the Class AAA final at 6 PM as the Orono Spartans take on the Winona Winhawks. The Spartans beat two teams with the nickname Cardinals, Willmar and Alexandria to advance to their first Class AAA championship. In two state tournament games, Orono's average win margin of 17 points. The Spartans are led by a future Ivy Leaguer, Tori Andrew, who will head to Yale next season. The Winona Winhawks advanced with a win over the DeLaSalle Islanders in the quarterfinals and dethroned the defending champion Holy Angels Stars in the semifinals. Since the current four class format began in 1997, no school from Section 1 has taken home the championship trophy. Will there be a happy bus ride down Highway 61 for the Winhawks?
And finally, the 8 PM game will pair a battle of unbeaten teams, the Hopkins Royals and the Elk River Elks in the Class AAAA championship. The Royals return to the AAAA final and hope to bring home another state title for head coach Brian Cosgriff. Hopkins has one of the best freshman players in Minnesota in Paige Bueckers, who scored 31 points in a rematch of last year's championship game against the Minnetonka Skippers in the quarterfinals and duplicated that total in the semifinals against the Eastview Lightning. The Royals got Dee Dee Winston back after missing the Minnetonka game with a temperature of 103. The Elks are having a stellar season under first year head coach Jeremy DiGiovanni and are led by Ms. Basketball candidate Gabi Haack, who will be headed to Bradley next season and Sidney Wentland, who will play next season at the University of Denver. The Elks routed the Andover Huskies in the quarterfinals and came from behind to beat the Lakeville North Panthers. Take a break from watching the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments and turn on 45TV or come out to The Barn. It should be a great game.
There you have it. Four outstanding championship match ups in this year's state girls basketball finals. Get ready for an action packed day.
Opening up the day's festivities at noon is the Class A title game between the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers and the defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats. The Rangers beat SW MN Christian in the quarterfinals and beat the team they lost to in the 2012 championship, the Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs. Mountain Iron-Buhl's only loss this season was to the Roseau Rams. Several veterans for the Rangers, including Mya Buffetta and Chelsea Mason will finally get a shot becoming the first team from the Iron Range since Chisholm in 1984 to win a state title. They will face the Wildcats who are loaded with Lodermeiers. They are Madeline, Sydney and Lexie. Along with Megan Ryan, Maddy Miller and Emily Bensrud, they are a very talented team that can bring another championship trophy down Highway 57.
The Class AA title game at 2 PM features the unbeaten Roseau Rams and the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. In six postseason games, the Rams have had a winning average margin of 33 points. The keys to the green and white's success in an area known for hockey have been The Borowicz Sisters, Kasey, Katie and Kylie. Kylie has been the headliner for Roseau in the tournament, scoring perhaps the first quadruple double in state tournament history with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals in a win against NRHEG. She followed it up with a 41 point performance in the semifinals against New London-Spicer. The Mainstreeters bounced back from a halftime deficit to beat Minnehaha Academy and used a strong second half to beat Watertown-Mayer in the semifinals. Head coach Scott Bergman has built an outstanding program in central Minnesota and if they can play strong defense as well as solid shooting from Jill Klaphake and Kelsey and Tori Peschel, they could be a threat to the Rams unbeaten season.
After taking a dinner break, head back to Williams Arena for the Class AAA final at 6 PM as the Orono Spartans take on the Winona Winhawks. The Spartans beat two teams with the nickname Cardinals, Willmar and Alexandria to advance to their first Class AAA championship. In two state tournament games, Orono's average win margin of 17 points. The Spartans are led by a future Ivy Leaguer, Tori Andrew, who will head to Yale next season. The Winona Winhawks advanced with a win over the DeLaSalle Islanders in the quarterfinals and dethroned the defending champion Holy Angels Stars in the semifinals. Since the current four class format began in 1997, no school from Section 1 has taken home the championship trophy. Will there be a happy bus ride down Highway 61 for the Winhawks?
And finally, the 8 PM game will pair a battle of unbeaten teams, the Hopkins Royals and the Elk River Elks in the Class AAAA championship. The Royals return to the AAAA final and hope to bring home another state title for head coach Brian Cosgriff. Hopkins has one of the best freshman players in Minnesota in Paige Bueckers, who scored 31 points in a rematch of last year's championship game against the Minnetonka Skippers in the quarterfinals and duplicated that total in the semifinals against the Eastview Lightning. The Royals got Dee Dee Winston back after missing the Minnetonka game with a temperature of 103. The Elks are having a stellar season under first year head coach Jeremy DiGiovanni and are led by Ms. Basketball candidate Gabi Haack, who will be headed to Bradley next season and Sidney Wentland, who will play next season at the University of Denver. The Elks routed the Andover Huskies in the quarterfinals and came from behind to beat the Lakeville North Panthers. Take a break from watching the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments and turn on 45TV or come out to The Barn. It should be a great game.
There you have it. Four outstanding championship match ups in this year's state girls basketball finals. Get ready for an action packed day.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Klitzke's Big Night helps Watertown-Mayer Royals Advance to Class AA Semifinals
Wednesday night was a big night for Kirsten Klitzke as she scored a game high 23 points and her 2000th career point to lead the Watertown-Mayer Royals to a 71-58 win over the Rochester Lourdes Eagles in the Class AA quarterfinals at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
Klitzke became the third player in Royal history to score 200 career points. The other two were Marissa Janning and Klitzke's teammate Claire Killian.
It took awhile for both teams to find the basket with Eleanor Plager hitting from Dinkytown 1:23 into the game. Sarah Zuelske would would strike first for the Royals to cut the lead to one and Killian's three pointer would put them ahead. The game would be tied at seven and nine and Rochester Lourdes would go into the lead on a couple of three pointers from Wynter Bergner that would put them on a 6-0 run. Watertown-Mayer would regain the lead as Monika Czinano, who will play next season at Iowa scored five straight points, including a three point play. The Eagles would go back in front on a basket from Alyssa Ustby. Klitzke would click on offense with a couple of three pointers to put the Royals ahead. It would be her third three of the first half and Watertown-Mayer led 30-28 at halftime.
The Eagles would score quickly to open the second half on Ustby's basket. Megan Holiday would score to open the half on a 4-0 run. The Royals would bounce back on a couple of three pointers from Killian and Emma Ragner would also tally for Watertown-Mayer. The score would be tied at 44 and Rochester Lourdes would regain the lead on Ustby's basket. But it would be the last time the Eagles would lead as Monika Czinano would score four consecutive points to put the Royals ahead to spark an 11-0 run that would end on a basket from Josie Hansen. No matter how many times Rochester Lourdes would foul, Watertown-Mayer would put the game away at the free throw line. The Royals went 13-17 from the line in the second half.
Other players in double figures for Watertown-Mayer were Killian with 22 points and Monika Czinano added 20 and picked up 16 rebounds. Bergner led Rochester Lourdes with 17 points. Ustby added 15 points and seven assists.
The Royals improved their record to 27-3 and will face the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters in the Class AA semifinals Friday, March 17 at 8 PM at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. The Eagles fell to 21-10 and will take on the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks in the Class AA consolation semifinals Thursday, March 16 at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul.
Klitzke became the third player in Royal history to score 200 career points. The other two were Marissa Janning and Klitzke's teammate Claire Killian.
It took awhile for both teams to find the basket with Eleanor Plager hitting from Dinkytown 1:23 into the game. Sarah Zuelske would would strike first for the Royals to cut the lead to one and Killian's three pointer would put them ahead. The game would be tied at seven and nine and Rochester Lourdes would go into the lead on a couple of three pointers from Wynter Bergner that would put them on a 6-0 run. Watertown-Mayer would regain the lead as Monika Czinano, who will play next season at Iowa scored five straight points, including a three point play. The Eagles would go back in front on a basket from Alyssa Ustby. Klitzke would click on offense with a couple of three pointers to put the Royals ahead. It would be her third three of the first half and Watertown-Mayer led 30-28 at halftime.
The Eagles would score quickly to open the second half on Ustby's basket. Megan Holiday would score to open the half on a 4-0 run. The Royals would bounce back on a couple of three pointers from Killian and Emma Ragner would also tally for Watertown-Mayer. The score would be tied at 44 and Rochester Lourdes would regain the lead on Ustby's basket. But it would be the last time the Eagles would lead as Monika Czinano would score four consecutive points to put the Royals ahead to spark an 11-0 run that would end on a basket from Josie Hansen. No matter how many times Rochester Lourdes would foul, Watertown-Mayer would put the game away at the free throw line. The Royals went 13-17 from the line in the second half.
Other players in double figures for Watertown-Mayer were Killian with 22 points and Monika Czinano added 20 and picked up 16 rebounds. Bergner led Rochester Lourdes with 17 points. Ustby added 15 points and seven assists.
The Royals improved their record to 27-3 and will face the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters in the Class AA semifinals Friday, March 17 at 8 PM at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. The Eagles fell to 21-10 and will take on the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks in the Class AA consolation semifinals Thursday, March 16 at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul.
Strong Second Half Leads Sauk Centre Mainstreeters to Class AA Semifinals
If Sinclair Lewis was a Sauk Centre girls basketball fan, he would have enjoyed Wednesday night's Class AA quarterfinal game that saw Maesyn Thiesen score 22 points, six steals and six assists to lead the Mainstreeters to a 74-65 come from behind victory over the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks at Mariucci Arena on the Univeristy of Minnesota campus.
Taytum Rhodes got the Redhawks on the scoreboard 1:08 into the game.Following a tying basket by Thiesen. Taytum Rhodes would score seven straight points. The Mainstreeters would inch closer with four straight points from Jill Klaphake and Thiesen would put Sauk Centre on an 8-0 run. Both teams would keep the margin close throughout the first half. Jill Klaphake would even the score at 27 and Taytum Rhodes would hit a a couple of shots from the light rail tracks to give the Redhawks a 33-30 halftime lead.
Another three pointer from Taytum Rhodes would begin the scoring for Minnehaha Academy :40 into the second half. Kelsey Peschel would also hit a three pointer to cut the lead to one. Thiesen would put Sauk Centre ahead for the first time with a three pointer and Terra Rhodes would score to even the game at 40. The Redhawks would go ahead on a three pointer from Mia Curtis. Avery New would hit a pair of free throws to put Minnehaha Academy on a 4-0 run. But the Redhawks lead would evaporate as the Mainstreeters offense would heat up, sparked by outstanding passing from Jill Klaphake and good inside play from Alyssa Kohorst that would put them on a 12-0 run. Tori Peschel would factor in the ruin with four straight points. Kelsey Peschel would hit a pair of free throws to put Sauk Centre ahead by seven and Kohorst would score a three point play. The bright spot in the second half for Minnehaha Academy would be a three point play from Taytum Rhodes but it wouldn't be enough to catch second seeded Sauk Centre.
Other player in double figures for the Mainstreeters were Jill Klaphake with 20 points. Kohorst had 13 points and Tori Peschel had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Taytum Rhodes led the Redhawks with 25 points and Terra Rhodes added 14.
Sauk Centre improved their record to 30-1 and will play in the Class AA semifinals against the winner of the Rochester Lourdes-Watertown Mayer game, Friday, March 17 at 8 PM at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. Minnehaha Academy fell to 24-5 and will play in the consolation semifinals on Thursday, March 16 at 8 PM at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul.
Taytum Rhodes got the Redhawks on the scoreboard 1:08 into the game.Following a tying basket by Thiesen. Taytum Rhodes would score seven straight points. The Mainstreeters would inch closer with four straight points from Jill Klaphake and Thiesen would put Sauk Centre on an 8-0 run. Both teams would keep the margin close throughout the first half. Jill Klaphake would even the score at 27 and Taytum Rhodes would hit a a couple of shots from the light rail tracks to give the Redhawks a 33-30 halftime lead.
Another three pointer from Taytum Rhodes would begin the scoring for Minnehaha Academy :40 into the second half. Kelsey Peschel would also hit a three pointer to cut the lead to one. Thiesen would put Sauk Centre ahead for the first time with a three pointer and Terra Rhodes would score to even the game at 40. The Redhawks would go ahead on a three pointer from Mia Curtis. Avery New would hit a pair of free throws to put Minnehaha Academy on a 4-0 run. But the Redhawks lead would evaporate as the Mainstreeters offense would heat up, sparked by outstanding passing from Jill Klaphake and good inside play from Alyssa Kohorst that would put them on a 12-0 run. Tori Peschel would factor in the ruin with four straight points. Kelsey Peschel would hit a pair of free throws to put Sauk Centre ahead by seven and Kohorst would score a three point play. The bright spot in the second half for Minnehaha Academy would be a three point play from Taytum Rhodes but it wouldn't be enough to catch second seeded Sauk Centre.
Other player in double figures for the Mainstreeters were Jill Klaphake with 20 points. Kohorst had 13 points and Tori Peschel had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Taytum Rhodes led the Redhawks with 25 points and Terra Rhodes added 14.
Sauk Centre improved their record to 30-1 and will play in the Class AA semifinals against the winner of the Rochester Lourdes-Watertown Mayer game, Friday, March 17 at 8 PM at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. Minnehaha Academy fell to 24-5 and will play in the consolation semifinals on Thursday, March 16 at 8 PM at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
2017 Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS A STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Thursday, March 16 at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis
11:00: Southwest MN Christian vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl (Seed 1)
1:00: Maranatha Christian Academy (Seed 5) vs. Ada-Borup (Seed 4)
3:00: GRHEC/Truman/Martin Luther vs. Goodhue (Seed 2)
5:00: Red Lake vs. Cromwell-Wright (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: It's south vs. north to open the Class A quarterfinals as the Southwest MN Christian Eagles head up from Edgerton for their seventh trip to Minneapolis against the top seeded and top ranked Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers. It's the sixth straight year head coach Jeff Buffetta has led the Rangers to a state tournament berth and this year could be the year that they become the first Iron Range team to win a state title since Chisholm in 1984. They have experience in seniors Chelsea Mason, Mya Buffetta and Patty Overbye as well as good young talent that has been the key to MI-B's success. The Rangers only loss this season was to the top ranked team in Class AA, the Roseau Rams. Girls basketball fans could be celebrating in the Iron Range come Saturday afternoon.
Two perennial powers, the fifth seeded Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs and the fourth seeded Ada-Borup Cougars battle in the second quarterfinal game. The Mustangs have played in every state tournament since 2010 and face the cougars, who have not lost a game since they fell to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in the season opener. Head coach David Smart has built a powerhouse in northwestern Minnesota that has won three state titles and also has one of the best pep bands you'll hear at any state tournament. Don't count out the Cougars. They could be a legitimate threat to Mountain Iron-Buhl's chance at a state title.
The team with the longest name in the tournament Granada Huntley/East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther has a tough task ahead as the Mustangs take on the second seeded and defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats. It may be the first state tournament for the current combination of GRHEC/Truman?Martin Luther but not for head coach Rick Uttech, who led East Chain to the 1982 Class A final, losing to the Moose Lake Lakers. The Wildcats have their version of Three Sisters, Madeline, Lexie and Sydney Lodermeier. Goodhue is on an eight game winning streak. Will there be purple reign at The Barn?
Wrapping up the Class A quarterfinals are the Red Lake Warriors and the third seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals. The Warriors are not only making their first trip to Minneapolis, they are also the first Native American team to play in the tournament since it began in 1976. The Warriors are on a 15 game winning streak since they lost to Mountain Iron-Buhl and they have won by an average margin of 23 points in the Section 8 tournament. The Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2004. They got off to a 9-0 start and have gone 16-4 since they lost to the Rangers on December 29. Could another rematch be in the wings?
That's the state tournament preview. There's a lot of action coming up over five days of tournament play.
Games played Thursday, March 16 at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis
11:00: Southwest MN Christian vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl (Seed 1)
1:00: Maranatha Christian Academy (Seed 5) vs. Ada-Borup (Seed 4)
3:00: GRHEC/Truman/Martin Luther vs. Goodhue (Seed 2)
5:00: Red Lake vs. Cromwell-Wright (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: It's south vs. north to open the Class A quarterfinals as the Southwest MN Christian Eagles head up from Edgerton for their seventh trip to Minneapolis against the top seeded and top ranked Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers. It's the sixth straight year head coach Jeff Buffetta has led the Rangers to a state tournament berth and this year could be the year that they become the first Iron Range team to win a state title since Chisholm in 1984. They have experience in seniors Chelsea Mason, Mya Buffetta and Patty Overbye as well as good young talent that has been the key to MI-B's success. The Rangers only loss this season was to the top ranked team in Class AA, the Roseau Rams. Girls basketball fans could be celebrating in the Iron Range come Saturday afternoon.
Two perennial powers, the fifth seeded Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs and the fourth seeded Ada-Borup Cougars battle in the second quarterfinal game. The Mustangs have played in every state tournament since 2010 and face the cougars, who have not lost a game since they fell to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in the season opener. Head coach David Smart has built a powerhouse in northwestern Minnesota that has won three state titles and also has one of the best pep bands you'll hear at any state tournament. Don't count out the Cougars. They could be a legitimate threat to Mountain Iron-Buhl's chance at a state title.
The team with the longest name in the tournament Granada Huntley/East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther has a tough task ahead as the Mustangs take on the second seeded and defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats. It may be the first state tournament for the current combination of GRHEC/Truman?Martin Luther but not for head coach Rick Uttech, who led East Chain to the 1982 Class A final, losing to the Moose Lake Lakers. The Wildcats have their version of Three Sisters, Madeline, Lexie and Sydney Lodermeier. Goodhue is on an eight game winning streak. Will there be purple reign at The Barn?
Wrapping up the Class A quarterfinals are the Red Lake Warriors and the third seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals. The Warriors are not only making their first trip to Minneapolis, they are also the first Native American team to play in the tournament since it began in 1976. The Warriors are on a 15 game winning streak since they lost to Mountain Iron-Buhl and they have won by an average margin of 23 points in the Section 8 tournament. The Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2004. They got off to a 9-0 start and have gone 16-4 since they lost to the Rangers on December 29. Could another rematch be in the wings?
That's the state tournament preview. There's a lot of action coming up over five days of tournament play.
2017 Class AA State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
2:00: New Richland-H-E-G vs. Roseau (Seed 1)
4:00: Esko (Seed 5) vs. New London-Spicer (Seed 4)
6:00: Minnehaha Academy vs. Sauk Centre (Seed 2)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes vs. Watertown-Mayer (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: Opening the Class AA quarterfinals is the NRHEG Panthers, who return to state since they won two Class AA titles in 2013 and 2014. But times have have changed for the southern Minnesota school since they have a new coach in Onika Peterson, who replaced John Schultz and Carlie Wagner is now wearing a maroon and gold uniform at Minnesota. Carlie's sisters Maddie and Marnie Wagner are seniors and the Panthers have a tough task ahead against the top seeded and unbeaten Roseau Rams. The Rams have their version of the Anton Chekov play Three Sisters, starring Kacey, Katie and Kiley Borowicz. Add an outstanding supporting cast and head coach Kelsey Didrikson and you get a team that could bring a championship trophy to the northwest Minnesota community that's best known for hockey.
The fifth seeded Esko Eskomos return to Minneapolis to play in their 12th state tournament. They don't have a lot of height since 6'5" Molly Trapp graduated but they do have a returning guard in Mandi Dincau. Dincau is one of six seniors for veteran head coach Scott Antonutti. The Eskomos face the fourth seeded New London-Spicer Wildcats, who lost in last year's Class AA final to Plainview-Elgin-Millville. The Wildcats are under the leadership of Mike Dreier, who is in his 39th season at New London-Spicer and in their 16th state tournament appearance. They are on a 12 game winning streak since they lost to the Watertown-Mayer royals in double overtime 71-68 on January 27.
For the ninth time in ten years, head coach Josh Thurow has led the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks to the state tournament. This year, he has a young team with only one senior in Olivia DuBois and a quarterfinal battle with the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. The Mainstreeters have not lost a game since they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes December 3. Scott Bergman has built a solid program in the home of Sinclair Lewis but he has yet to win a state title, finishing second in 2012 and 2015. They have an experienced team that could lead them to a return trip to the Class AA final.
Concluding Quarterfinal Wednesday is the Rochester Lourdes Eagles and the third seeded Watertown-Mayer Royals. The Eagles make their 18th trip up Highway 52 and their first under Aaron Berg, who replaced retired head coach Myron Glass. The last time Rochester Lourdes won a state title was 2005. In order to end their championship drought, they will have to beat the third seeded Royals, who last played in the tournament since 2010, when they had one of the great girls basketball players of all-time Marissa Janning, who later played for the Creighton Bluejays. They are the third team to come out of the Wright County Conference along with Orono in Class AAA and Class AA rival New London-Spicer. Can the Royals get past the quarterfinals and possibly set up a showdown with Sauk Centre?
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
2:00: New Richland-H-E-G vs. Roseau (Seed 1)
4:00: Esko (Seed 5) vs. New London-Spicer (Seed 4)
6:00: Minnehaha Academy vs. Sauk Centre (Seed 2)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes vs. Watertown-Mayer (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: Opening the Class AA quarterfinals is the NRHEG Panthers, who return to state since they won two Class AA titles in 2013 and 2014. But times have have changed for the southern Minnesota school since they have a new coach in Onika Peterson, who replaced John Schultz and Carlie Wagner is now wearing a maroon and gold uniform at Minnesota. Carlie's sisters Maddie and Marnie Wagner are seniors and the Panthers have a tough task ahead against the top seeded and unbeaten Roseau Rams. The Rams have their version of the Anton Chekov play Three Sisters, starring Kacey, Katie and Kiley Borowicz. Add an outstanding supporting cast and head coach Kelsey Didrikson and you get a team that could bring a championship trophy to the northwest Minnesota community that's best known for hockey.
The fifth seeded Esko Eskomos return to Minneapolis to play in their 12th state tournament. They don't have a lot of height since 6'5" Molly Trapp graduated but they do have a returning guard in Mandi Dincau. Dincau is one of six seniors for veteran head coach Scott Antonutti. The Eskomos face the fourth seeded New London-Spicer Wildcats, who lost in last year's Class AA final to Plainview-Elgin-Millville. The Wildcats are under the leadership of Mike Dreier, who is in his 39th season at New London-Spicer and in their 16th state tournament appearance. They are on a 12 game winning streak since they lost to the Watertown-Mayer royals in double overtime 71-68 on January 27.
For the ninth time in ten years, head coach Josh Thurow has led the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks to the state tournament. This year, he has a young team with only one senior in Olivia DuBois and a quarterfinal battle with the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. The Mainstreeters have not lost a game since they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes December 3. Scott Bergman has built a solid program in the home of Sinclair Lewis but he has yet to win a state title, finishing second in 2012 and 2015. They have an experienced team that could lead them to a return trip to the Class AA final.
Concluding Quarterfinal Wednesday is the Rochester Lourdes Eagles and the third seeded Watertown-Mayer Royals. The Eagles make their 18th trip up Highway 52 and their first under Aaron Berg, who replaced retired head coach Myron Glass. The last time Rochester Lourdes won a state title was 2005. In order to end their championship drought, they will have to beat the third seeded Royals, who last played in the tournament since 2010, when they had one of the great girls basketball players of all-time Marissa Janning, who later played for the Creighton Bluejays. They are the third team to come out of the Wright County Conference along with Orono in Class AAA and Class AA rival New London-Spicer. Can the Royals get past the quarterfinals and possibly set up a showdown with Sauk Centre?
2017 Class AAA State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AAA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
6:00: Willmar vs. Orono (Seed 1)
8:00: Alexandria (Seed 5) vs. Grand Rapids (Seed 4)
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
10:00: Waseca vs. Holy Angels (Seed 2)
12:00: DeLaSalle vs. Winona (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The Willmar Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2010 and it won't be an easy task for the red and white since they take on the top seeded Orono Spartans.The Spartans advance with their second win this season over their Wright County Conference rivals the Hutchinson Tigers. In 2015, they took home the the third place trophy by beating the Kasson-Mantorville Komets. Can they upgrade their medals in 2017?
Concluding Tuesday's festivities is the fifth seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the fourth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. The Cardinals have a senior dominated roster that's marks he school's first trip to state since 2011. Thunderhawks fans will have more to cheer about as they will head down Highway 169 four days after the boys hockey team won the Class AA boys hockey state title Last year, they lost to the Winona Winhawks in the Class AAA quarterfinals. It should be an interesting match up.
The scene shifts to Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus Wednsday as the Waseca Bluejays make their state tournament debut against the second seeded and defending state Class AAA champions the Holy Angels Stars. Waseca swept the Mankato schools, East and West and beat New Ulm to clinch their first trip to state. Head coach Dan Woods brings back several players from last year's title team that includes Destinee Oberg and the two Megans, Meyer and Thompson. Can Destinee lead the Stars to their final destiny of the season, their second consecutive Class AAA championship?
Wrapping up the Class AAA quarterfinals is the DeLaSalle Islanders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks. The Islanders were seeded fourth in Section 4 and they pulled off the upset against the top seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs and beat the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies. They hope to continue their momentum against the Winhawks, who make their return trip up Highway 61 after they lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA title game. Winona has won eight straight games since they beat a Big Nine Conference rival that spent a week as the top team in Class AAA the Northfield Raiders. There could be a rematch of last year's championship game if both Winona and Holy Angels win on Wednesday.
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
6:00: Willmar vs. Orono (Seed 1)
8:00: Alexandria (Seed 5) vs. Grand Rapids (Seed 4)
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
10:00: Waseca vs. Holy Angels (Seed 2)
12:00: DeLaSalle vs. Winona (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The Willmar Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2010 and it won't be an easy task for the red and white since they take on the top seeded Orono Spartans.The Spartans advance with their second win this season over their Wright County Conference rivals the Hutchinson Tigers. In 2015, they took home the the third place trophy by beating the Kasson-Mantorville Komets. Can they upgrade their medals in 2017?
Concluding Tuesday's festivities is the fifth seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the fourth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. The Cardinals have a senior dominated roster that's marks he school's first trip to state since 2011. Thunderhawks fans will have more to cheer about as they will head down Highway 169 four days after the boys hockey team won the Class AA boys hockey state title Last year, they lost to the Winona Winhawks in the Class AAA quarterfinals. It should be an interesting match up.
The scene shifts to Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus Wednsday as the Waseca Bluejays make their state tournament debut against the second seeded and defending state Class AAA champions the Holy Angels Stars. Waseca swept the Mankato schools, East and West and beat New Ulm to clinch their first trip to state. Head coach Dan Woods brings back several players from last year's title team that includes Destinee Oberg and the two Megans, Meyer and Thompson. Can Destinee lead the Stars to their final destiny of the season, their second consecutive Class AAA championship?
Wrapping up the Class AAA quarterfinals is the DeLaSalle Islanders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks. The Islanders were seeded fourth in Section 4 and they pulled off the upset against the top seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs and beat the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies. They hope to continue their momentum against the Winhawks, who make their return trip up Highway 61 after they lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA title game. Winona has won eight straight games since they beat a Big Nine Conference rival that spent a week as the top team in Class AAA the Northfield Raiders. There could be a rematch of last year's championship game if both Winona and Holy Angels win on Wednesday.
2017 Class AAAA State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AAAA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
10:00: Minnetonka vs. Hopkins (Seed 1)
12:00: Park Center (Seed 5) vs. Eastview (Seed 4)
2:00: White Bear Lake vs. Elk River (Seed 2)
4:00: Andover vs. Lakeville North (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Girls Basketball Tournament gets underway with a rematch of last year's Class AAAA final between the Minnetonka Skippers and the top seeded and unbeaten Hopkins Royals. Last year, the Skippers beat their Lake Conference rivals to win their first state title. But things are different this year. Minnetonka lost a number of top players o graduation and they have only one senior on their roster Kelsey Schmitz. In their two regular season meetings, the Royals won decisively by an average margin of 27 points. Hopkins is led by one of the best underclass players in Minnesota, freshman Paige Bueckers and junior Raena Suggs, They are the favorites to win the AAAA title and head coach Brian Cosgriff is three games away from bringing another championship trophy back to Lindbergh Center.
The fifth seeded Park Center Pirates are back in the AAAA field and they are on a roll with a 14 game winning streak. Head coach Chris VanderHyde is looking for his first state title as a AAAA school after winning two straight in Class AAA from 2014 to 2015. The Pirates have tournament experience in Danielle Schaub and Ann Simonet as well as Mikayla Hayes, who will be playing next season for the Florida Gators. The fourth seeded Eastview Lightning are back for the fifth straight year, their second under Molly Kasper, who took over for Melissa Guebert. But wait, there's another Guebert on the roster. Her name is Macy and she's a sophomore and younger sister of Madison, who is now at South Dakota State. Last year Eastview took home the third place trophy. Can they head back to Apple Valley with another trophy?
The good news for the White Bear Lake Bears is they return to state after finishing fourth last year. The bad news is they go up against the other unbeaten team in Class AAAA, the second seeded Elk River Elks. The Elks are led by Sidney Wentland and Gabi Haack and have the talent to return to the AAAA final for the first time since 20001 when they lost to the Lakeville Panthers. The Northstar Commuter Rail will probably be busy with Elks fans headed for the University of Minnesota this week.
Wrapping up the Class AAAA quarterfinals will be the Andover Huskies and the third seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers have won 21 straight games since they lost to Apple Valley on December 20 and beat their South Suburban Conference rival Eastview twice. Can the Panthers qualify for their first AAAA title berth since winning the 2010 championship?
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
10:00: Minnetonka vs. Hopkins (Seed 1)
12:00: Park Center (Seed 5) vs. Eastview (Seed 4)
2:00: White Bear Lake vs. Elk River (Seed 2)
4:00: Andover vs. Lakeville North (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Girls Basketball Tournament gets underway with a rematch of last year's Class AAAA final between the Minnetonka Skippers and the top seeded and unbeaten Hopkins Royals. Last year, the Skippers beat their Lake Conference rivals to win their first state title. But things are different this year. Minnetonka lost a number of top players o graduation and they have only one senior on their roster Kelsey Schmitz. In their two regular season meetings, the Royals won decisively by an average margin of 27 points. Hopkins is led by one of the best underclass players in Minnesota, freshman Paige Bueckers and junior Raena Suggs, They are the favorites to win the AAAA title and head coach Brian Cosgriff is three games away from bringing another championship trophy back to Lindbergh Center.
The fifth seeded Park Center Pirates are back in the AAAA field and they are on a roll with a 14 game winning streak. Head coach Chris VanderHyde is looking for his first state title as a AAAA school after winning two straight in Class AAA from 2014 to 2015. The Pirates have tournament experience in Danielle Schaub and Ann Simonet as well as Mikayla Hayes, who will be playing next season for the Florida Gators. The fourth seeded Eastview Lightning are back for the fifth straight year, their second under Molly Kasper, who took over for Melissa Guebert. But wait, there's another Guebert on the roster. Her name is Macy and she's a sophomore and younger sister of Madison, who is now at South Dakota State. Last year Eastview took home the third place trophy. Can they head back to Apple Valley with another trophy?
The good news for the White Bear Lake Bears is they return to state after finishing fourth last year. The bad news is they go up against the other unbeaten team in Class AAAA, the second seeded Elk River Elks. The Elks are led by Sidney Wentland and Gabi Haack and have the talent to return to the AAAA final for the first time since 20001 when they lost to the Lakeville Panthers. The Northstar Commuter Rail will probably be busy with Elks fans headed for the University of Minnesota this week.
Wrapping up the Class AAAA quarterfinals will be the Andover Huskies and the third seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers have won 21 straight games since they lost to Apple Valley on December 20 and beat their South Suburban Conference rival Eastview twice. Can the Panthers qualify for their first AAAA title berth since winning the 2010 championship?
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Double Overtime Pays Off in Class A State Title for Hermantown Hawks
He won the Reed Larson Award for being Minnesota's top defenseman and Saturday afternoon Dylan Samberg could add the Mr. Hockey award to his career when he scored the game winning goal with :19.4 left in double overtime to lead the Hermantown Hawks to a 4-3 win over the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose in the Class A championship game at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
It was the second consecutive title for the Twin Ports school and third overall in its 14th trip to state. MAML made its first tournament appearance.
Now to the game. Neither team scored in the first period, though the Hawks kept Moose goalie Tyler Klatt busy in the first period, out shooting the Moose 15-1.
MAML got on the scoreboard :52 into the second period as Casey Chiodo went along the right boards, cut toward the face off circle and put it past Hawk goalie Cade McEwen. They would go up by two when Ben Ward stole the puck from Elliott Peterson and drove through the center slot like the team bus heading down West 7th St., saw McEwen playing at the top of the crease and scored from his left side. Hermantown would cut the lead to one as Samberg's shot was saved by Klatt and Jesse Jacques' shot would go off of Klatt's right skate and enter the net.
Good passing was a factor in MAML's goal that opened the third period scoring. Ward slid the puck to Nick Zwach on the left side of the crease and he would put the Moose ahead by two. Would Wright County hockey fans get ready to celebrate? Not just yet since Hermantown would tie the game with two goals. First, Dylan Kolquist fed Jacques from the left boards and he converted to cut the lead to one. Then Ryan Sandelin, another Mr. Hockey finalist who will play next season at Minnesota State-Mankato, sent the puck toward Tyler Watkins on the right side of the crease and he scored to tie the game and send it to overtime.
After a scoreless first overtime, the ice was resurfaced and the game would go into double overtime. It looked like the Hawks would win the game on Watkins' goal, but after the replay officials reviewed the goal, the giant video board at the X indicated that Watkins' right skate was in the crease so the goal was disallowed. Back to the game. There would be no third overtime on this chilly Saturday in March when Samberg scored following the face off with :19.4 to go. The celebration began.
In the third place game, Nate Warner's goal with 8:02 left in regulation time led the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders to a 2-1 win over the Northfield Raiders. In the consolation championship played at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Brian Halonen and John Keranen scored two goals apiece and Ben Meyers added three assists to lead the Delano Tigers to a 6-3 win over the East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Charlie Voller of MAML was the Class A recipient of the Herb Brooks Award, which goes to a player that best represents the values, characteristics and traits of the late coach.
The attendance for the Class A championship session was 9,367 and the total Class A attendance was 34,965.
It was the second consecutive title for the Twin Ports school and third overall in its 14th trip to state. MAML made its first tournament appearance.
Now to the game. Neither team scored in the first period, though the Hawks kept Moose goalie Tyler Klatt busy in the first period, out shooting the Moose 15-1.
MAML got on the scoreboard :52 into the second period as Casey Chiodo went along the right boards, cut toward the face off circle and put it past Hawk goalie Cade McEwen. They would go up by two when Ben Ward stole the puck from Elliott Peterson and drove through the center slot like the team bus heading down West 7th St., saw McEwen playing at the top of the crease and scored from his left side. Hermantown would cut the lead to one as Samberg's shot was saved by Klatt and Jesse Jacques' shot would go off of Klatt's right skate and enter the net.
Good passing was a factor in MAML's goal that opened the third period scoring. Ward slid the puck to Nick Zwach on the left side of the crease and he would put the Moose ahead by two. Would Wright County hockey fans get ready to celebrate? Not just yet since Hermantown would tie the game with two goals. First, Dylan Kolquist fed Jacques from the left boards and he converted to cut the lead to one. Then Ryan Sandelin, another Mr. Hockey finalist who will play next season at Minnesota State-Mankato, sent the puck toward Tyler Watkins on the right side of the crease and he scored to tie the game and send it to overtime.
After a scoreless first overtime, the ice was resurfaced and the game would go into double overtime. It looked like the Hawks would win the game on Watkins' goal, but after the replay officials reviewed the goal, the giant video board at the X indicated that Watkins' right skate was in the crease so the goal was disallowed. Back to the game. There would be no third overtime on this chilly Saturday in March when Samberg scored following the face off with :19.4 to go. The celebration began.
In the third place game, Nate Warner's goal with 8:02 left in regulation time led the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders to a 2-1 win over the Northfield Raiders. In the consolation championship played at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Brian Halonen and John Keranen scored two goals apiece and Ben Meyers added three assists to lead the Delano Tigers to a 6-3 win over the East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Charlie Voller of MAML was the Class A recipient of the Herb Brooks Award, which goes to a player that best represents the values, characteristics and traits of the late coach.
The attendance for the Class A championship session was 9,367 and the total Class A attendance was 34,965.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
2017 Class A Boys Basketball Section Preview
Like the eight Class AA sections, there is also action underway in some of the eight Class A sections. Here's who is left and what's about to begin.
In the Section 1 East Subsection, the perennial power Rushford-Peterson Trojans head into the final against the Spring Grove Lions. The Lions are on a 13 game winning streak. In the West Section, the Goodhue Wildcats look to return to Minneapolis but first they have to get by the Bethlehem Academy Cardinals.
Cedar Mountain/Comfrey is the top seed in the North Subsection and the Cleveland clippers, with many of the athletes who played in the Nine Man Football Final in November are the second seed. The Mayer Lutheran Crusaders and the BOLD Warriors hope to pull the upsets. In the South Subsection, the top seeded Springfield Trojans look for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2011. First they will have to beat fifth seeded Truman/ML/GHEC and face either Mountain Lake or Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.
It could be a two team race in the Section 3 North Subsection between the top seeded Central MN Christian Bluejays who have won six straight games and the second seeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Knights. In the South Subsection, the SW MN Christian Eagles battle the top seeded Reed Rock Central Falcons and the third seeded Adrian Dragons square off with the Westbook-Walnut Grove Chargers. It should be an interesting South Subsection.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars. The Polars are led by the Johnsons, Isaac and Taylor, who were part of the Class A football champions and hope to return to state to bring home another trophy. It won't be an easy task since there are three other teams that could dethrone Mpls. North. They are the second seeded Heritage Christian Eagles, the third seeded Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans and one of the newer entries , the fourth seeded Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas. The Pumas are led by Texas signee Jericho Sims. Who will come of this section? There's some pretty good talent to watch for.
Heading to Section 5 where the top seed in the North subsection is the Nevis Tigers, winners of 19 games in a row. But the McGregor Mercuries are on an 11 game run and looking for their first trip to Minneapolis. They have not lost a game since losing to Moose Lake-Willow River 60-57 on January 27. The defensing section champion Browerville/Eagle Valley Tigers are the top seed in the South Subsection with the second seeded Kimball Cubs on their heels with an eight game winning streak.
In Section 6, the top seed in the North Subsection is Norman County East/Ulen Hitterdal. Last years' section champion the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders are seeded second. The big race in the South Subsection where four teams have a shot at unseating the Raiders. The top seeded Ortonville Trojans, the second seeded Battle Lake Battlers, the third seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs and the fourth seeded Hancock Owls. Another section worth watching.
Section 7 has four teams remaining in Subsection 1, the top seeded Carlton Bulldogs, who face the fifth seeded Fond du Lac Ojibwe Ogichida and the second seeded Lakeview Christian Academy Lions battling the third seeded Silver Bay Mariners. In Subsection 2, the top seeded North Woods Grizzlies are on a 13 game winning streak and go up against the Chisholm Bluestreaks. The second seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers have won 14 games in a row and take on the third seeded Deer River Warriors. Plenty of action in northern Minnesota basketball.
The final section to be examined is Section 8, where there's a three team race in the East subsection between the top seeded Red Lake Warriors, the second seeded Cass Lake-Bena Panthers and the third seeded Win-E-Mac Patriots. The Ada-Borup Cougars are the top seed in the West Subsection and are having a successful season like their female counterparts. But look out for the second seeded Stephen-Argyle Storm who take on the tenth seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies, who upset the seventh seeded Norman County West Panthers.
That wraps up the section previews in boys basketball. Great action can be found in all four classes.
In the Section 1 East Subsection, the perennial power Rushford-Peterson Trojans head into the final against the Spring Grove Lions. The Lions are on a 13 game winning streak. In the West Section, the Goodhue Wildcats look to return to Minneapolis but first they have to get by the Bethlehem Academy Cardinals.
Cedar Mountain/Comfrey is the top seed in the North Subsection and the Cleveland clippers, with many of the athletes who played in the Nine Man Football Final in November are the second seed. The Mayer Lutheran Crusaders and the BOLD Warriors hope to pull the upsets. In the South Subsection, the top seeded Springfield Trojans look for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2011. First they will have to beat fifth seeded Truman/ML/GHEC and face either Mountain Lake or Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.
It could be a two team race in the Section 3 North Subsection between the top seeded Central MN Christian Bluejays who have won six straight games and the second seeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Knights. In the South Subsection, the SW MN Christian Eagles battle the top seeded Reed Rock Central Falcons and the third seeded Adrian Dragons square off with the Westbook-Walnut Grove Chargers. It should be an interesting South Subsection.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars. The Polars are led by the Johnsons, Isaac and Taylor, who were part of the Class A football champions and hope to return to state to bring home another trophy. It won't be an easy task since there are three other teams that could dethrone Mpls. North. They are the second seeded Heritage Christian Eagles, the third seeded Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans and one of the newer entries , the fourth seeded Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas. The Pumas are led by Texas signee Jericho Sims. Who will come of this section? There's some pretty good talent to watch for.
Heading to Section 5 where the top seed in the North subsection is the Nevis Tigers, winners of 19 games in a row. But the McGregor Mercuries are on an 11 game run and looking for their first trip to Minneapolis. They have not lost a game since losing to Moose Lake-Willow River 60-57 on January 27. The defensing section champion Browerville/Eagle Valley Tigers are the top seed in the South Subsection with the second seeded Kimball Cubs on their heels with an eight game winning streak.
In Section 6, the top seed in the North Subsection is Norman County East/Ulen Hitterdal. Last years' section champion the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders are seeded second. The big race in the South Subsection where four teams have a shot at unseating the Raiders. The top seeded Ortonville Trojans, the second seeded Battle Lake Battlers, the third seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs and the fourth seeded Hancock Owls. Another section worth watching.
Section 7 has four teams remaining in Subsection 1, the top seeded Carlton Bulldogs, who face the fifth seeded Fond du Lac Ojibwe Ogichida and the second seeded Lakeview Christian Academy Lions battling the third seeded Silver Bay Mariners. In Subsection 2, the top seeded North Woods Grizzlies are on a 13 game winning streak and go up against the Chisholm Bluestreaks. The second seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers have won 14 games in a row and take on the third seeded Deer River Warriors. Plenty of action in northern Minnesota basketball.
The final section to be examined is Section 8, where there's a three team race in the East subsection between the top seeded Red Lake Warriors, the second seeded Cass Lake-Bena Panthers and the third seeded Win-E-Mac Patriots. The Ada-Borup Cougars are the top seed in the West Subsection and are having a successful season like their female counterparts. But look out for the second seeded Stephen-Argyle Storm who take on the tenth seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies, who upset the seventh seeded Norman County West Panthers.
That wraps up the section previews in boys basketball. Great action can be found in all four classes.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
2017 Class AA Boys Basketball Section Preview
Several Class AA sections are already underway and others have not yet begun. Here's a look at the eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, the top four seeds advanced into the semifinals. They will return to action March 11 with the top seeded Caledonia Warriors battling the Pine Island Panthers and the St. Charles Saints facing the Lake City Tigers. The Warriors are on a 13 game winning streak after routing Lewiston-Altura and are led by the Kings, Owen and Noah. If the name Owen King sounds familiar to high school sports fans, it's that he was the quarterback on the Warrior football team that one the Class AA title. Can he lead Caledonia to a state tournament berth in basketball?
It's down to four teams in the Section 2 subsections. The West Subsection semifinals are at New Prague on March 9 with the "Battle of Highway 169" feature the Belle Plaine Tigers and the Jordan Hubmen. Both teams looking for a return trip to Minneapolis with Belle Plaine's last trip in 2005 and Jordan's in 2010. The Hubmen swept the Tigers in their regular season series. The winner faces either Glencoe-Silver Lake or Tri City United. The East subsection semifinal are also on the 9th at Mankato East as the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers take on the Fairmont Cardinals, followed by the Maple River Eagles and the NRHEG Panthers. Last year, Maple River lost to eventual Class AA champion Braham in the quarterfinals. Who will emerge to play for a state tournament berth?
A wide open North Subsection in Section 3 features Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and Morris/Chokio-Alberta followed by the New London-Spicer Wildcats and the Montevideo Thunderhawks. The East subsection features the Minneota Vikings and the top seeded Jackson County Central Huskies, who lost to Braham in last year's Class AA final. The winner faces the winner between the Pipestone Arrows and the Redwood Valley Cardinals. Head coach Trent Sukalski has built a power in southwestern Minnesota that has the talent to return to Target Center.
One section that has not yet started is Section 4, where the top seed is the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. It could be your first chance to see one of Minnesota's top freshmen, Jalen Suggs. He has been the key to the Redhawks success this season that also included a 13 game winning streak. First Minnehaha has to get past the second seeded Minneapolis Roosevelt teddies, who are looking for their first trip to state since 1997 and the third seeded New Life Academy Eagles.
In Section 5, the top seed is the Brooklyn Center Centaurs, who are three wins away from their first trip to Target Center since 1983. They have won nine of their last ten games but can they hold off the second seeded Watertown-Mayer royals, the third seeded Annandale Cardinals and the fourth seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. Keep an eye on this section. There could be some great basketball on St. Patrick's Day in St. Cloud.
Now to Section 6, with several teams that could play for a trip down I-94 to Minneapolis. In the East Subsection, the top seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders have won seven in a row. Also in contention are the second seeded Milaca Wolves and the third seeded Pine City Dragons, whose last trip to state was in 1980. In the West Subsection, the top seeded Melrose Dutchmen are unbeaten and looking to return to state since winning the 2015 Class AA title. But first they have to hold off the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters, the third seeded Holdingford Huskers and the fourth seeded Osakis Silverstreaks.
Section 7 has the Esko Eskomos the top seed in Subsection 1. The Eskomos could have the tallest player in state tournament history if they advance for the fourth straight year in 7'3" center Adam Trapp. But it won't be easy for Esko since there are two other teams that could keep Esko in their igloo. They are the second seeded Crosby-Ironton-Rangers and the third seeded Hinckley-Finlayson Jaguars. In Subsection 2, the top seed is the Virginia Blue Devils. They played Esko on March 2 and lost 68-48. A rematch is possible in the section final.
Wrapping up the Class AA preview is Section 8. A pair of hot teams are the top two seeds. The top seeded Perham Yellowjackets have won 13 in a row and the second seeded Breckenridge Cowboys are on a nine game winning streak. The Cowboys faced the Yellowjackets December 9 and beat them 65-62. Last time Breckenridge played in a state tournament final was 1978 when they lost to Lake City with the tournament's first seven footer, Randy Breuer. Can the Cowboys and Yellowjackets battle again for a trip to Target Center?
The Class A previews are next.
In Section 1, the top four seeds advanced into the semifinals. They will return to action March 11 with the top seeded Caledonia Warriors battling the Pine Island Panthers and the St. Charles Saints facing the Lake City Tigers. The Warriors are on a 13 game winning streak after routing Lewiston-Altura and are led by the Kings, Owen and Noah. If the name Owen King sounds familiar to high school sports fans, it's that he was the quarterback on the Warrior football team that one the Class AA title. Can he lead Caledonia to a state tournament berth in basketball?
It's down to four teams in the Section 2 subsections. The West Subsection semifinals are at New Prague on March 9 with the "Battle of Highway 169" feature the Belle Plaine Tigers and the Jordan Hubmen. Both teams looking for a return trip to Minneapolis with Belle Plaine's last trip in 2005 and Jordan's in 2010. The Hubmen swept the Tigers in their regular season series. The winner faces either Glencoe-Silver Lake or Tri City United. The East subsection semifinal are also on the 9th at Mankato East as the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers take on the Fairmont Cardinals, followed by the Maple River Eagles and the NRHEG Panthers. Last year, Maple River lost to eventual Class AA champion Braham in the quarterfinals. Who will emerge to play for a state tournament berth?
A wide open North Subsection in Section 3 features Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and Morris/Chokio-Alberta followed by the New London-Spicer Wildcats and the Montevideo Thunderhawks. The East subsection features the Minneota Vikings and the top seeded Jackson County Central Huskies, who lost to Braham in last year's Class AA final. The winner faces the winner between the Pipestone Arrows and the Redwood Valley Cardinals. Head coach Trent Sukalski has built a power in southwestern Minnesota that has the talent to return to Target Center.
One section that has not yet started is Section 4, where the top seed is the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. It could be your first chance to see one of Minnesota's top freshmen, Jalen Suggs. He has been the key to the Redhawks success this season that also included a 13 game winning streak. First Minnehaha has to get past the second seeded Minneapolis Roosevelt teddies, who are looking for their first trip to state since 1997 and the third seeded New Life Academy Eagles.
In Section 5, the top seed is the Brooklyn Center Centaurs, who are three wins away from their first trip to Target Center since 1983. They have won nine of their last ten games but can they hold off the second seeded Watertown-Mayer royals, the third seeded Annandale Cardinals and the fourth seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. Keep an eye on this section. There could be some great basketball on St. Patrick's Day in St. Cloud.
Now to Section 6, with several teams that could play for a trip down I-94 to Minneapolis. In the East Subsection, the top seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders have won seven in a row. Also in contention are the second seeded Milaca Wolves and the third seeded Pine City Dragons, whose last trip to state was in 1980. In the West Subsection, the top seeded Melrose Dutchmen are unbeaten and looking to return to state since winning the 2015 Class AA title. But first they have to hold off the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters, the third seeded Holdingford Huskers and the fourth seeded Osakis Silverstreaks.
Section 7 has the Esko Eskomos the top seed in Subsection 1. The Eskomos could have the tallest player in state tournament history if they advance for the fourth straight year in 7'3" center Adam Trapp. But it won't be easy for Esko since there are two other teams that could keep Esko in their igloo. They are the second seeded Crosby-Ironton-Rangers and the third seeded Hinckley-Finlayson Jaguars. In Subsection 2, the top seed is the Virginia Blue Devils. They played Esko on March 2 and lost 68-48. A rematch is possible in the section final.
Wrapping up the Class AA preview is Section 8. A pair of hot teams are the top two seeds. The top seeded Perham Yellowjackets have won 13 in a row and the second seeded Breckenridge Cowboys are on a nine game winning streak. The Cowboys faced the Yellowjackets December 9 and beat them 65-62. Last time Breckenridge played in a state tournament final was 1978 when they lost to Lake City with the tournament's first seven footer, Randy Breuer. Can the Cowboys and Yellowjackets battle again for a trip to Target Center?
The Class A previews are next.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Chesterton Academy Bulldogs End Groves Academy Griffins Season
The Section 4A boys basketball tournament began Monday night with a play-in game that saw Zach Halpin score a game high 31 points to lead the Chesterton Academy Bulldogs to a 72-53 win over the Groves Academy Griffins in St. Louis Park.
Though Chesterton Academy was the higher seed, the game was played at Groves Academy's St. Louis Park campus due to the lack of a suitable gym for the Edina based school.
Zach Halpin set the tempo early for the Bulldogs as he scored the game's first four points. Malik Bodden would hit a three pointer to erase the shutout for the Griffins and cut the lead to one. The game would be close as Alex Fink and robert hall would hit three pointer but is was Zach Halpin who who would score inside and outside and help put Chesterton Academy on a 7-0 run. Zach Halpin would put the Bulldogs further ahead, scoring ten straight points. He would help outscore Groves Academy 14-2 before he picked up his third foul with 1:10 remaining in the first half. The Griffins would go on an 8-0 run to close out the first half as Hall and Max Bilcik hit from Minnetonka Blvd. and Patrick Quinn would also score that would narrow Chesterton Academy's halftime lead to 34-26.
Joe Grogan would begin the scoring for the Bulldogs :37 into the second half. There would be a brief sign of life for the Griffins when Bodden would put them on an 8-0 run and a basket by Max Greseth would even the score at 37. It would be the last time the score would be this close as Chesterton Academy began to pull away from Groves Academy. Dundee Peterson would come off the bench to aid the Bulldog attack and Zach Halpin would score four straight points. The most alarming statistic would be fouls as officials Dave Slaydek and Jason Weber would call a total of 46 fouls that would send both teams to the free throw line. Also Greg fink would put the Bulldogs on a 9-0 run. As the game was decided late in the second half, Griffin head coach Peter Shutte cleared his bench and gave the reserves a chance to wrap up the season. A bright spot was Zachary Bennett, who scored five straight points, including a three pointer.
The only other player in double figures of Chesterton Academy was Greg Fink with 10 points. Bodden led Groves Academy with 15 points. Hall came off the bench to add 11.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 8-11 and advance to the opening found of the Section 4A tournament against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars on Thursday, March 9 at 7 PM at North. The Griffins ended their season with a record of 3-24.
Though Chesterton Academy was the higher seed, the game was played at Groves Academy's St. Louis Park campus due to the lack of a suitable gym for the Edina based school.
Zach Halpin set the tempo early for the Bulldogs as he scored the game's first four points. Malik Bodden would hit a three pointer to erase the shutout for the Griffins and cut the lead to one. The game would be close as Alex Fink and robert hall would hit three pointer but is was Zach Halpin who who would score inside and outside and help put Chesterton Academy on a 7-0 run. Zach Halpin would put the Bulldogs further ahead, scoring ten straight points. He would help outscore Groves Academy 14-2 before he picked up his third foul with 1:10 remaining in the first half. The Griffins would go on an 8-0 run to close out the first half as Hall and Max Bilcik hit from Minnetonka Blvd. and Patrick Quinn would also score that would narrow Chesterton Academy's halftime lead to 34-26.
Joe Grogan would begin the scoring for the Bulldogs :37 into the second half. There would be a brief sign of life for the Griffins when Bodden would put them on an 8-0 run and a basket by Max Greseth would even the score at 37. It would be the last time the score would be this close as Chesterton Academy began to pull away from Groves Academy. Dundee Peterson would come off the bench to aid the Bulldog attack and Zach Halpin would score four straight points. The most alarming statistic would be fouls as officials Dave Slaydek and Jason Weber would call a total of 46 fouls that would send both teams to the free throw line. Also Greg fink would put the Bulldogs on a 9-0 run. As the game was decided late in the second half, Griffin head coach Peter Shutte cleared his bench and gave the reserves a chance to wrap up the season. A bright spot was Zachary Bennett, who scored five straight points, including a three pointer.
The only other player in double figures of Chesterton Academy was Greg Fink with 10 points. Bodden led Groves Academy with 15 points. Hall came off the bench to add 11.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 8-11 and advance to the opening found of the Section 4A tournament against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars on Thursday, March 9 at 7 PM at North. The Griffins ended their season with a record of 3-24.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
2017 Class AAA Boys Basketball Section Preview
Following the Class AAAA Section Preview is the preview of the eight Class AAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Austin Packers are en route toward their 30th trip to the state tournament. Both of their losses this season have been to the Rochester John Marshall Rockets. They are the team to beat in this section unless the second seeded Northfield Raiders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks can pull off an upset.
The top two seeds in Section 2 have identical 23-3 records, the top seeded Marshall Tigers and the second seeded Waseca Bluejays. The two teams split their season series with Waseca winning the more recent battle on March 2 54-50. Will they meet in the rubber game for a trip to Minneapolis? Or will the third seeded Mankato East Cougars or the fourth seeded Faribault Falcons emerge?
In Section 3, the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look to accomplish what their ice counterparts have done this week and head for another state tournament. But the second seeded St. Paul Highland Park Scots are on a roll with nine straight wins and three more away from their first trip to Minneapolis since winning the Class AAA title in 1999. Not much beyond them in a weak section.
Over in Section 4, it's going to be a big week for Mahtomedi Zephyr fans. First, the boys hockey team, who upset St. Paul Academy in the Section 4A final will be playing in the state tournament. As for the boys basketball team, they are the section's top seed. The Zephyrs have been 14-2 since losing to the Columbia Heights Hylanders January 5. The Hylanders are the second seed and there could be a possible rematch in the section final. But wait. There's also another Tri-Metro Conference team in the mix, the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies.
The top seed in Section 5 is the Big Lake Hornets, looking for their first trip to state. The second seeded Rocori Spartans could make their first trip under Nate Guetter, who took over from long-time head coach Bob Brink. Also going for their first trip to Minneapolis is the third seeded Zimmerman Thunder. Will Hornet fans pack the Northstar Commuter Rail if Big Lake plays March 22 in the state Class AAA quarterfinals.
Section 6 has a familar ring to it. The DeLaSalle Islanders are the number one seed. Head coach Dave Thorson last season broke the 500 career win mark and won his fifth consecutive state Class AAA championship. The Islanders are led by a pair of talented athletes in Goanar Mar and Gabe Kalscheur. Looking to keep the Islanders team bus in it's Mississippi River campus garage are the hot second seeded Orono Spartans who have won seven in a row, the third seeded Delano Tigers and the fourth seeded Minneapolis Patrick Henry Patriots. DeLaSalle's championship could come to an end in a loaded Section 6.
The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are the top seed in Section 7 and are the only team with a record above .500. Grand Rapids has gone 14-1 since losing to Esko 64-57 on January 10. They could be on cruise control down Highway 169 since they are the heavy favorites to win the section title.
Wrapping up the Class AAA preview is Section 8 where there is a three team race led by the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters. Last year, the Otters advanced to the Class AAA final, losing 79-65 to the DeLaSalle Islanders. The second seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the third seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks are also in contention. The Lumberjacks are vying for their 30th trip to the state tournament and their first since 1985. It should be an interesting section to watch.
Next up: Who's left and who's contending in Class AA?
In Section 1, the top seeded Austin Packers are en route toward their 30th trip to the state tournament. Both of their losses this season have been to the Rochester John Marshall Rockets. They are the team to beat in this section unless the second seeded Northfield Raiders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks can pull off an upset.
The top two seeds in Section 2 have identical 23-3 records, the top seeded Marshall Tigers and the second seeded Waseca Bluejays. The two teams split their season series with Waseca winning the more recent battle on March 2 54-50. Will they meet in the rubber game for a trip to Minneapolis? Or will the third seeded Mankato East Cougars or the fourth seeded Faribault Falcons emerge?
In Section 3, the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look to accomplish what their ice counterparts have done this week and head for another state tournament. But the second seeded St. Paul Highland Park Scots are on a roll with nine straight wins and three more away from their first trip to Minneapolis since winning the Class AAA title in 1999. Not much beyond them in a weak section.
Over in Section 4, it's going to be a big week for Mahtomedi Zephyr fans. First, the boys hockey team, who upset St. Paul Academy in the Section 4A final will be playing in the state tournament. As for the boys basketball team, they are the section's top seed. The Zephyrs have been 14-2 since losing to the Columbia Heights Hylanders January 5. The Hylanders are the second seed and there could be a possible rematch in the section final. But wait. There's also another Tri-Metro Conference team in the mix, the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies.
The top seed in Section 5 is the Big Lake Hornets, looking for their first trip to state. The second seeded Rocori Spartans could make their first trip under Nate Guetter, who took over from long-time head coach Bob Brink. Also going for their first trip to Minneapolis is the third seeded Zimmerman Thunder. Will Hornet fans pack the Northstar Commuter Rail if Big Lake plays March 22 in the state Class AAA quarterfinals.
Section 6 has a familar ring to it. The DeLaSalle Islanders are the number one seed. Head coach Dave Thorson last season broke the 500 career win mark and won his fifth consecutive state Class AAA championship. The Islanders are led by a pair of talented athletes in Goanar Mar and Gabe Kalscheur. Looking to keep the Islanders team bus in it's Mississippi River campus garage are the hot second seeded Orono Spartans who have won seven in a row, the third seeded Delano Tigers and the fourth seeded Minneapolis Patrick Henry Patriots. DeLaSalle's championship could come to an end in a loaded Section 6.
The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are the top seed in Section 7 and are the only team with a record above .500. Grand Rapids has gone 14-1 since losing to Esko 64-57 on January 10. They could be on cruise control down Highway 169 since they are the heavy favorites to win the section title.
Wrapping up the Class AAA preview is Section 8 where there is a three team race led by the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters. Last year, the Otters advanced to the Class AAA final, losing 79-65 to the DeLaSalle Islanders. The second seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the third seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks are also in contention. The Lumberjacks are vying for their 30th trip to the state tournament and their first since 1985. It should be an interesting section to watch.
Next up: Who's left and who's contending in Class AA?
2017 Class AAAA Boys Basketball Section Preview
While the state boys hockey tournament takes place in St. Paul and girls basketball teams are vying for a berth at state the following week, boys basketball gets ready for section play. First up is a preview of the eight Class AAAA sections.
It could be a three team race in Section 1 that's led by the top seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers are on a seven game winning streak. Look out for the second seeded New Prague Trojans and the third seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets that have won 20 games in a row and there's is an outstanding field in southern Minnesota basketball. The Rockets are led by one of the state's best sophomores, Matthew Hurt, whose brother Michael wears maroon and gold at Minnesota. Who will come out of this section? Take your pick.
In Section 2, the top seeded Chaska Hawks are on a 13 game winning streak but the second seeded Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars are on a five game run. Last time the Jaguars played in a state tournament was when they had a guy who now plays for the Timberwolves at center, Cole Aldrich. The Jaguars are led by Tyler Riemersma and have a plethora of juniors on their roster, including the son of head coach Jeff Evens, Mike. Can Jefferson break their state tournament drought? First they have to get past third seeded Eden Prairie.
You'll only need two words to describe Section 3, Apple Valley. The top seeded Eagles are one of the state's top teams and are led by one of the state's best juniors Tre Jones. Apple Valley is the only am in Section 3 with a winning record but they could be derailed by the second seeded Eastview Lightning or the third seeded Rosemount Irish.
Section 4 looks pretty competitive with four teams worth a shot at heading to Minneapolis. The top two seeds are both from the city of Woodbury. The top seeded East Ridge Raptors and the second seeded Woodbury Royals. The third seeded Tartan Titans have won five straight games and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders are led by another of the state's top juniors Daniel Oturu, who has committed to the Gophers. Another section race worth watching.
Going to Section 5, the top seed is the top ranked team in Class AAAA, the unbeaten Champlin Park Rebels. The Rebels have been led this season by a couple of Division I signees. McKinley Wright, who will play at Dayton next season and Theo John, who heads to Marquette. Champlin Park has a high powered offense that has beaten nonconference powers Rochester John Marshall, Apple Valley and Hopkins this season. They are the favorites to win the section but don't count out the second seeded Park Center Pirates or the third seeded Osseo Orioles.
There could be a changing of the guard this season in Section 6 as for the first time in years, the Hopkins Royals are not the top seed. They are seeded second behind their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans. There could be a rematch in the section final. On February 17, Hopkins beat Wayzata 70-62. Also in the hunt are the third seeded Armstrong Falcons and the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
In Section 7, the top seeded is the Forest Lake Lakers with the Blaine Bengals seeded second. The Coon Rapids Cardinals are seeded third and the Duluth East Greyhounds are the fourth seed. There's no clear favorite in Section 7.
That's the same in Section 8. The top seeded Maple Grove Crimson, led by Brad Davison who will play at Wisconsin next season are one of three teams that could head down I-94 toward Target Center. The second seeded St. Cloud Tech Tigers have won four straight games after losing by one point to the Minnetonka Skippers in overtime and the third seeded Rogers Royals have gone 15-1 since January 3.
Next up, the eight Class AAA sections.
It could be a three team race in Section 1 that's led by the top seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers are on a seven game winning streak. Look out for the second seeded New Prague Trojans and the third seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets that have won 20 games in a row and there's is an outstanding field in southern Minnesota basketball. The Rockets are led by one of the state's best sophomores, Matthew Hurt, whose brother Michael wears maroon and gold at Minnesota. Who will come out of this section? Take your pick.
In Section 2, the top seeded Chaska Hawks are on a 13 game winning streak but the second seeded Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars are on a five game run. Last time the Jaguars played in a state tournament was when they had a guy who now plays for the Timberwolves at center, Cole Aldrich. The Jaguars are led by Tyler Riemersma and have a plethora of juniors on their roster, including the son of head coach Jeff Evens, Mike. Can Jefferson break their state tournament drought? First they have to get past third seeded Eden Prairie.
You'll only need two words to describe Section 3, Apple Valley. The top seeded Eagles are one of the state's top teams and are led by one of the state's best juniors Tre Jones. Apple Valley is the only am in Section 3 with a winning record but they could be derailed by the second seeded Eastview Lightning or the third seeded Rosemount Irish.
Section 4 looks pretty competitive with four teams worth a shot at heading to Minneapolis. The top two seeds are both from the city of Woodbury. The top seeded East Ridge Raptors and the second seeded Woodbury Royals. The third seeded Tartan Titans have won five straight games and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders are led by another of the state's top juniors Daniel Oturu, who has committed to the Gophers. Another section race worth watching.
Going to Section 5, the top seed is the top ranked team in Class AAAA, the unbeaten Champlin Park Rebels. The Rebels have been led this season by a couple of Division I signees. McKinley Wright, who will play at Dayton next season and Theo John, who heads to Marquette. Champlin Park has a high powered offense that has beaten nonconference powers Rochester John Marshall, Apple Valley and Hopkins this season. They are the favorites to win the section but don't count out the second seeded Park Center Pirates or the third seeded Osseo Orioles.
There could be a changing of the guard this season in Section 6 as for the first time in years, the Hopkins Royals are not the top seed. They are seeded second behind their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans. There could be a rematch in the section final. On February 17, Hopkins beat Wayzata 70-62. Also in the hunt are the third seeded Armstrong Falcons and the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
In Section 7, the top seeded is the Forest Lake Lakers with the Blaine Bengals seeded second. The Coon Rapids Cardinals are seeded third and the Duluth East Greyhounds are the fourth seed. There's no clear favorite in Section 7.
That's the same in Section 8. The top seeded Maple Grove Crimson, led by Brad Davison who will play at Wisconsin next season are one of three teams that could head down I-94 toward Target Center. The second seeded St. Cloud Tech Tigers have won four straight games after losing by one point to the Minnetonka Skippers in overtime and the third seeded Rogers Royals have gone 15-1 since January 3.
Next up, the eight Class AAA sections.
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