Though some of the Class AA sections are already in progress, there are several that are about to begin. Who is left and who could contend in the eight Class AA sections.
The top four seeds in Section 1 are still alive. The top seeded Stewartville Tigers are in the hunt for their first trip to the state tournament but they have to get past the fourth seeded Caledonia Warriors or the fifth seeded Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars. On the other end of the bracket the second seeded Rochester Lourdes, who have built a solid program under Myron Glass are now under the leadership of Aaron Berg. They will face the third seeded Byron Bears in their quest for their 18th state tournament appearance.
In Section 2, the Norwood-Young America Raiders are three wins away from their first trip down Highway 5 to Minneapolis since 2016. They have one 10 straight games and one of them was to a team they will likely face in the section final the St. Peter Saints. Before they head to Mankato for the section final, Gary Lembcke's bunch could have a rematch with the Glencoe-Silver Lake Panthers, who they beat 55-44 on January 20.
Down south in Section 3, the two top seeds, the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Panthers and the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles are still in contention. But look for the Martin County West mavericks and the New London-Spicer Wildcats, who got head coach Mike Dreier's 900th career win early in 2018. It could be an interesting section to watch.
Now to Section 4 where the top seeded Minnehaha Academy Redhawks return several players from last year;'s state tournament team including Taytum and Terra Rhoades. There could be a rematch with the second seeded Concordia Academy Beacons who Minnehaha beat on December 5 77-71. The sleeper team to watch is the third seeded St. Croix Prep Lions. Now if you're wondering where St. Croix Prep is located, it's in the home of the Ponies, Stillwater. The Lions got off to a 5-0 start and have gone 12-7 the rest of the way.
If there's one section that's tough to forecast, it's Section 5. There are five teams that have a legitimate shot at heading to Target Center. First up is the top seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire. The Fire hasn't been on fire lately, losing three of their last four games. One of them was to the second seeded Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs, moved up to Class AA after dominating Class A under Jim Hammond and now Chris Buerman. The Mustangs have played a tough nonconference schedule and it can prove they're ready to make a statement. There's also the third seeded Watertown-Mayer Royals, led by Monica and Maggie Czinano. Gopher fans could see Monica next season at the Barn because she signed with the Iowa Hawkeyes. But wait, there's more. The fourth seeded Minneapolis North Polars have won seven of their last eight games and the fifth seeded Annandale Cardinals, coached by Mike Dreier's son Matt. Take a drive up I-94 to St.Michael-Albertville for the semifinals. Which team will play for a state tournament berth March 9 in St. Cloud?
The top seed in Section 6 is the top ranked team in Class AA the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. Scott Bergman has another talented team led by the Peschels, Kelsey and Tori and Maesyn Thiesen. Mainstreeter fans, before you get on your cell phone to make hotel reservations to Minneapolis, there are two other teams that can end Sauk Centre's section title reign, the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders and the Rush City Tigers, who lost to the Crusaders in overtime January 29. The Tigers have only two seniors on their roster Abby Moe and Stephanie Braund. Can Rush City rush past Sauk Centre for their first trip to state?
There could be a four team race in Section 7 as the Esko Eskomos are in the hunt for their 13th state tournament trip. But on their heels are the Proctor Rails, the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers and the Mesabi East Giants. The Hilltoppers are the only Twin Ports area school that's never played in a state tournament. Will it be their year?
Finally in Section 8, another four team race is possible with the Barnesville Trojans, the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Rebels, the East Grand Forks Green Wave and the defending Class AA champion Roseau Rams. Another interseting section to watch.
Next up, the eight Class A sections.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Sunday, February 25, 2018
2018 Class AAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
After examining the eight Class AAAA sections, here's a preview of the eight Class AAA sections.
The top seed in Section 1 is the Northfield Raiders who have gone 15-1 since losing to Beaver Dam, WI in the St. Olaf Invitational December 30. Their Big Nine Conference rival the Red Wing Wingers are the second seed.
Over in Section 2, six of the seven teams have a winning record and this looks like the toughest section in Class AAA The top seed and a first round bye goes to the Mankato West Scarlets. Also vying for a trip to Minneapolis is the second seeded Hutchinson Tigers, the third seeded Waseca Blue Jays, the fourth seeded New Ulm Eagles, the fifth seeded Worthington Trojans and the sixth seeded Marshall Tigers. Who will come out of this section? Take a drive down Highway 169 to Mankato for the semifinals and to St. Peter for the championship to find out if the Scarlets make their first trip to state or one of the other five teams that could bring home the section title trophy.
There could be a two team race in Section 3 between the top seeded Holy Angels Stars, led by Destinee Oberg, who has committed to Arkansas and Kaylie VanDerWerf and the third seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders who have moved up from Class AA to AAA. The Crusaders are looking for their first state tournament berth. Who will it be? There's also the second seeded Simley Spartans.
In Section 4, the top seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs have gone 16-1 since they lost to Chisago Lakes December 19. The second seeded DeLaSalle Islanders have rebounded from an 0-4 start to go 15-4 and could be a threat to foil the Zephyrs first trip to state. The third seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers are in the hunt for their 14th state tournament appearance, their first in five years.
Now to Section 5 as the top seeded Willmar Cardinals rebounded from a two game losing streak in January to finish the season 8-0. The red hot Cardinals have to contend with the second seeded Big Lake Hornets and the third seeded Zimmerman Thunder, who is looking for their first trip down Highway 169 to The Barn.
History could be in the making in Section 6 where the top ranked team in Class AAA and the number one seeded Cooper Hawks are two wins away from their first state tournament. There are on a 17 game winning streak and haven't lost since they fell to the Centennial Cougars December 29 in the Roseville Tournament. Can they get past the second seeded Waconia Wildcats and the thrid seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights?
Up in section 7, the top seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are on a five game winning streak. One team they beat in that run is the second seeded Hermantown Hawks, who have lost three in a row. They will need to get back on track against the seventh seed North Branch Vikings or they won't be in the hunt to make the trip down I-35 to the Twin Cities.
And in Section 8, the top seeded Alexandria Cardinals look to return to state after they lost in last year's Class AAA semifinals to the eventual state champion Orono Spartans. But first they have to get past the second seeded Fergus Falls Otters and the third seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres. Cardinal head coach Wendy Kohler has led eight teams to the state tournament. could this year be number nine?
The eight Class AA sections are next.
The top seed in Section 1 is the Northfield Raiders who have gone 15-1 since losing to Beaver Dam, WI in the St. Olaf Invitational December 30. Their Big Nine Conference rival the Red Wing Wingers are the second seed.
Over in Section 2, six of the seven teams have a winning record and this looks like the toughest section in Class AAA The top seed and a first round bye goes to the Mankato West Scarlets. Also vying for a trip to Minneapolis is the second seeded Hutchinson Tigers, the third seeded Waseca Blue Jays, the fourth seeded New Ulm Eagles, the fifth seeded Worthington Trojans and the sixth seeded Marshall Tigers. Who will come out of this section? Take a drive down Highway 169 to Mankato for the semifinals and to St. Peter for the championship to find out if the Scarlets make their first trip to state or one of the other five teams that could bring home the section title trophy.
There could be a two team race in Section 3 between the top seeded Holy Angels Stars, led by Destinee Oberg, who has committed to Arkansas and Kaylie VanDerWerf and the third seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders who have moved up from Class AA to AAA. The Crusaders are looking for their first state tournament berth. Who will it be? There's also the second seeded Simley Spartans.
In Section 4, the top seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs have gone 16-1 since they lost to Chisago Lakes December 19. The second seeded DeLaSalle Islanders have rebounded from an 0-4 start to go 15-4 and could be a threat to foil the Zephyrs first trip to state. The third seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers are in the hunt for their 14th state tournament appearance, their first in five years.
Now to Section 5 as the top seeded Willmar Cardinals rebounded from a two game losing streak in January to finish the season 8-0. The red hot Cardinals have to contend with the second seeded Big Lake Hornets and the third seeded Zimmerman Thunder, who is looking for their first trip down Highway 169 to The Barn.
History could be in the making in Section 6 where the top ranked team in Class AAA and the number one seeded Cooper Hawks are two wins away from their first state tournament. There are on a 17 game winning streak and haven't lost since they fell to the Centennial Cougars December 29 in the Roseville Tournament. Can they get past the second seeded Waconia Wildcats and the thrid seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights?
Up in section 7, the top seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are on a five game winning streak. One team they beat in that run is the second seeded Hermantown Hawks, who have lost three in a row. They will need to get back on track against the seventh seed North Branch Vikings or they won't be in the hunt to make the trip down I-35 to the Twin Cities.
And in Section 8, the top seeded Alexandria Cardinals look to return to state after they lost in last year's Class AAA semifinals to the eventual state champion Orono Spartans. But first they have to get past the second seeded Fergus Falls Otters and the third seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres. Cardinal head coach Wendy Kohler has led eight teams to the state tournament. could this year be number nine?
The eight Class AA sections are next.
2018 Class AAAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
Now that girls hockey has ended and boys hockey is heading into section finals week it's time for section play to get underway in girls basketball. Here's a look at the eight Class AAAA sections.
In Section 1, The Lakeville North Panthers are on a roll with eight straight wins and the number one seed. but a couple of South Suburban Conference rivals are on their heels. They are the second seeded Farming Tigers and the third seeded Lakeville South Cougars. Who could break up the South Suburban monopoly? The fourth seeded Owatonna Huskies.
Over in Section 2, the pairings have not yet been posted but there is no dominant team in the section. The Minnetonka Skippers and the Eden Prairie Eagles could be the top two seeds.
Now in Section 3, what a season it has been for head coach Molly Kasper and the Eastview Lightning. They head into section play 26-0 and the number one seed. Looking to pull the upset is the second seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack and the third seeded Apple Valley Eagles. Could the section final be "The Battle of Apple Valley?
It could be a three team race in Section 4 with the top seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders, the second seeded Stillwater Ponies and the third seeded Woodbury Royals vying for a trip to downtown Minneapolis. This season, the Raiders and Ponies split their season series. Could a rubber game be in the works in the section final?
So far, it's been an outstanding year for girls sports at Centennial. First, the girls hockey team led by Gabbie Hughes and Anneke Linser lost by one goal to the Edina Hornets. Second, the Cougar girls basketball team has the number one seed in Section 5. Jill Becken's bunch has not lost a game since they lost to the Roseville Raiders December 30. They might have to battle for the third time this season the second seeded Champlin Park Rebels. The two teams split their season series. Don't count out the third seeded Roseville Raiders and the fourth seeded Park Center Pirates.
The good news for the Hopkins Royals is that Paige Bueckers is healthy and the Royals are the number one seed. The bad news is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans are a threat to keep Brian Cosgriff's team from returning to Target Center. When Bueckers was sidelined, the Trojans were the state's number one team in Class AAAA. Looking to end any hopes of an all Lake Conference final are the third seeded Mpls. South Tigers and an upcoming young team in the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
Up north to Section 7 where another two team race is likely with the top seeded Anoka Tornadoes and the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers. A rematch could be possible since the two schools met on December 1 with Anoka emerging victorious 58-52.
There will likely be a new state champion in Class AAAA because the Elk River Elks have the number seven seed and go up against the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson. Who's the number one seed? It's the St. Michael-Albertville Knights, who have won 12 straight games. This season, the Knights beat the Crimson in their tournament December 28. There are three 17-9 teams that could contend. The third seeded Moorhead Spuds, the fourth seeded Brainerd Warriors and the fifth seeded Buffalo Bison.
Next up,the eight Class AAA sections.
In Section 1, The Lakeville North Panthers are on a roll with eight straight wins and the number one seed. but a couple of South Suburban Conference rivals are on their heels. They are the second seeded Farming Tigers and the third seeded Lakeville South Cougars. Who could break up the South Suburban monopoly? The fourth seeded Owatonna Huskies.
Over in Section 2, the pairings have not yet been posted but there is no dominant team in the section. The Minnetonka Skippers and the Eden Prairie Eagles could be the top two seeds.
Now in Section 3, what a season it has been for head coach Molly Kasper and the Eastview Lightning. They head into section play 26-0 and the number one seed. Looking to pull the upset is the second seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack and the third seeded Apple Valley Eagles. Could the section final be "The Battle of Apple Valley?
It could be a three team race in Section 4 with the top seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders, the second seeded Stillwater Ponies and the third seeded Woodbury Royals vying for a trip to downtown Minneapolis. This season, the Raiders and Ponies split their season series. Could a rubber game be in the works in the section final?
So far, it's been an outstanding year for girls sports at Centennial. First, the girls hockey team led by Gabbie Hughes and Anneke Linser lost by one goal to the Edina Hornets. Second, the Cougar girls basketball team has the number one seed in Section 5. Jill Becken's bunch has not lost a game since they lost to the Roseville Raiders December 30. They might have to battle for the third time this season the second seeded Champlin Park Rebels. The two teams split their season series. Don't count out the third seeded Roseville Raiders and the fourth seeded Park Center Pirates.
The good news for the Hopkins Royals is that Paige Bueckers is healthy and the Royals are the number one seed. The bad news is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans are a threat to keep Brian Cosgriff's team from returning to Target Center. When Bueckers was sidelined, the Trojans were the state's number one team in Class AAAA. Looking to end any hopes of an all Lake Conference final are the third seeded Mpls. South Tigers and an upcoming young team in the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
Up north to Section 7 where another two team race is likely with the top seeded Anoka Tornadoes and the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers. A rematch could be possible since the two schools met on December 1 with Anoka emerging victorious 58-52.
There will likely be a new state champion in Class AAAA because the Elk River Elks have the number seven seed and go up against the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson. Who's the number one seed? It's the St. Michael-Albertville Knights, who have won 12 straight games. This season, the Knights beat the Crimson in their tournament December 28. There are three 17-9 teams that could contend. The third seeded Moorhead Spuds, the fourth seeded Brainerd Warriors and the fifth seeded Buffalo Bison.
Next up,the eight Class AAA sections.
Edina Hornets-Winners and Once Again Class AA State Champions
Saturday night was a busy night for Edina high school hockey. In Bloomington, the boys team was playing the St. Louis Park Orioles in the Section 6AA semifinals and at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul Aliyah Lance scored the game winning goal 2:39 into the third period to lead the Hornets to a 2-1 win over the Centennial Cougars in the Class AA championship game.
It was the second consecutive Class AA title for Edina in their eight state tournament appearance.
Just like the preceding Class A championship game, neither team activated the red light in the first period. In the second period, Emily Oden, who will play next season at Minnesota, got a pass from Lolita Fidler at the left point and fired it into the net for her 33rd goal of the season o give the Hornets the lead. The Cougars would tie the game as Hannah Backman passed to Gabbie Hughes and she skated into the left face off circle, went into the left slot and put it past Edina goalie Megan Smith.
The game winner came in the third period while Maija Almich was serving a two minute minor penalty for body checking. It was Fidler and Mallory Uehlein who set up Lance game winner when she got the puck, cut to the right slot and went top shelf for the lead that would turn out to clinch the Class AA title. Lance almost got her second goal late in the game after Centennial head coach Kristina King pulled goalie Mackenna Stoterau for a sixth attacker with 1:26 left in regulation. Lance fired a shot that clanked off the post.
In the third place game, Taylor Anderson got the hat trick to lead the Eagan Wildcats to a 3-0 win over the Eden Prairie Eagles. In the consolation championship game at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Jamie Nelso's goal with 4:40 left in the third overtime led the Andover Huskies to a 5-4 victory over the Lakeville South Cougars.
Centennial's Anneke Linser was the Class AA recipient of the Herb Brooks Award which goes to a player who best exhibits the characteristics and traits of the late coach. Linser will join Hughes next season at Minnesota-Duluth.
It was the second consecutive Class AA title for Edina in their eight state tournament appearance.
Just like the preceding Class A championship game, neither team activated the red light in the first period. In the second period, Emily Oden, who will play next season at Minnesota, got a pass from Lolita Fidler at the left point and fired it into the net for her 33rd goal of the season o give the Hornets the lead. The Cougars would tie the game as Hannah Backman passed to Gabbie Hughes and she skated into the left face off circle, went into the left slot and put it past Edina goalie Megan Smith.
The game winner came in the third period while Maija Almich was serving a two minute minor penalty for body checking. It was Fidler and Mallory Uehlein who set up Lance game winner when she got the puck, cut to the right slot and went top shelf for the lead that would turn out to clinch the Class AA title. Lance almost got her second goal late in the game after Centennial head coach Kristina King pulled goalie Mackenna Stoterau for a sixth attacker with 1:26 left in regulation. Lance fired a shot that clanked off the post.
In the third place game, Taylor Anderson got the hat trick to lead the Eagan Wildcats to a 3-0 win over the Eden Prairie Eagles. In the consolation championship game at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Jamie Nelso's goal with 4:40 left in the third overtime led the Andover Huskies to a 5-4 victory over the Lakeville South Cougars.
Centennial's Anneke Linser was the Class AA recipient of the Herb Brooks Award which goes to a player who best exhibits the characteristics and traits of the late coach. Linser will join Hughes next season at Minnesota-Duluth.
Breck Mustangs Win Class A Title in Overtime
Eight was great for the Breck Mustangs.
Freshman Sadie Lindsay, wearing number eight, scored the game winning goal :08 into overtime to lead the Breck Mustangs to a 3-2 win over the Warroad Warriors in the Class A championship game Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
It was the second state title and first since 2012 for the Golden Valley based school in their sixth trip to state.
Following a scoreless first period, the Mustangs tallied first in the second when Emily Zumwinkle dug the puck from under the boards and passed to Olivia Mobley on the right side of the crease and scored to put Breck ahead.
The Warriors evened the score in the third period as Hannah Corneliusen fed Kaitlyn Kotlowski on the right point and she would go top shelf. Breck almost went ahead 2-1 but the replay official ruled that Carly Beniek was in the crease so the goal didn't count. The Mustangs would eventually go ahead on Mobley's second goal that came off Lindsay's saved shot. Beniek's interference penalty with :58 left helped Warroad score on the power play. Kotlowski's shot ricocheted off the boards, Marlie Johnston got into position on the right of seventh grade goalie Uma Cormiea and put it in the net with :27 left to send the game into overtime.
Heading into overtime, right off the face off, Gabby Billing's wraparound shot was saved by Quinn Kuntz but Lindsay came in and found an open spot to bring the championship trophy to Breck's Golden Valley campus.
In the third place game, Kaci Trosvig scored the game's only goal in the second period to lead the Alexandria Cardinals to a 1-0 win over the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage. Over at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Jenna Hoops power play goal :42 into overtime led St. Paul United to a 3-2 win over the Red Wing Wingers in the consolation championship game.
Ali Beltz of New Ulm was the Class A recipient of the Herb Brooks Award, which is presented to a player that best displays the characteristics and traits of the late coach.
Freshman Sadie Lindsay, wearing number eight, scored the game winning goal :08 into overtime to lead the Breck Mustangs to a 3-2 win over the Warroad Warriors in the Class A championship game Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
It was the second state title and first since 2012 for the Golden Valley based school in their sixth trip to state.
Following a scoreless first period, the Mustangs tallied first in the second when Emily Zumwinkle dug the puck from under the boards and passed to Olivia Mobley on the right side of the crease and scored to put Breck ahead.
The Warriors evened the score in the third period as Hannah Corneliusen fed Kaitlyn Kotlowski on the right point and she would go top shelf. Breck almost went ahead 2-1 but the replay official ruled that Carly Beniek was in the crease so the goal didn't count. The Mustangs would eventually go ahead on Mobley's second goal that came off Lindsay's saved shot. Beniek's interference penalty with :58 left helped Warroad score on the power play. Kotlowski's shot ricocheted off the boards, Marlie Johnston got into position on the right of seventh grade goalie Uma Cormiea and put it in the net with :27 left to send the game into overtime.
Heading into overtime, right off the face off, Gabby Billing's wraparound shot was saved by Quinn Kuntz but Lindsay came in and found an open spot to bring the championship trophy to Breck's Golden Valley campus.
In the third place game, Kaci Trosvig scored the game's only goal in the second period to lead the Alexandria Cardinals to a 1-0 win over the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage. Over at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Jenna Hoops power play goal :42 into overtime led St. Paul United to a 3-2 win over the Red Wing Wingers in the consolation championship game.
Ali Beltz of New Ulm was the Class A recipient of the Herb Brooks Award, which is presented to a player that best displays the characteristics and traits of the late coach.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
2018 State Girls Hockey Championship Preview
Despite the large amount of snow that's expected to fall in St. Paul, there's plenty of girls hockey action Saturday at the Xcel Energy Center. Here's a preview of the two championship games.
The Class A final at 4 PM features the second seeded Breck Mustangs and the top seeded Warroad Warriors. Both teams are looking to end long championship droughts. Breck's last state title came in 2012 when they beat the South St. Paul Packers in double overtime and Warroad preceded them with Class A titles in 2010 and 2011. The two teams met on November 24 with Warroad beating Breck 4-2.
The Mustangs began their championship road with a 9-2 win over the Marshall Tigers in the quarterfinals. Carly Beniek and former St. Louis Park Oriole Olivia Mobley scored two goals apiece as Breck scored five second period goals to put the Tigers away. They clinched a championship berth with a 6-0 shut out of the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage. Emily Zumwinkle tallied twice for the Mustangs as they recored their fifth shut out of the season.
Now a look at the Warriors. In two games, Warroad has outscored their opponents 12-1. Sophomore Hannah Corneliusen scored two goals to help Warroad score their 13th shut out this season 5-0. Corneliusen, Genevieve Hendrickson and Kaitlyn Kotlowski scored two goals apiece to lead the Warriors to a 7-1 win over the Alexandria Cardinals in the semifinals. Warroad is a young, solid team with only two seniors and looks like a team that can return to the X the next couple of years.
After the Class A medals and trophies have been presented, the Class AA championship game takes the spotlight at 7 PM. The second seeded Centennial Cougars, playing in their first state tournament since 2008 battle the top seeded and defending Class AA champion Edina Hornets. Centennial won "The Battle of the Cougars" in the quarterfinals as they recorded a 2-0 shut out against Lakeville South. Alison Pitlick and Anneke Linser scored for Centennial. The Cougars would get four goals from Ms. Hockey finalist Gabby Hughes to rout the surprising Eagan Wildcats 6-1. Eagan upset Hill-Murray in the quarterfinals 2-1. As for Hughes, she will join Linser next season at Minnesota-Duluth. It will be a rematch of the December 22 game against the Hornets when they held off Edina 3-2. As for the Hornets, they used scoring balance in the quarterfinals with four players scoring one goal apiece to shut out the Brainerd/Little Falls Flying Warriors 4-0. Edina would break a 1-1 tie with three third period goals, including an empty netter from CC Bowlby with :03 left to play to beat their Lake Conference rivals the Eden Prairie Eagles 4-2. It was the second win in three games over Eden Prairie this season. The Eagles beat the Hornets 4-3 in overtime on January 13.
If you plan on driving to St. Paul, you'll make it OK for the start of Championship Saturday. But after the Class AA final, be careful out there. It's going to be messy but an exciting day of Minnesota girls high school hockey.
The Class A final at 4 PM features the second seeded Breck Mustangs and the top seeded Warroad Warriors. Both teams are looking to end long championship droughts. Breck's last state title came in 2012 when they beat the South St. Paul Packers in double overtime and Warroad preceded them with Class A titles in 2010 and 2011. The two teams met on November 24 with Warroad beating Breck 4-2.
The Mustangs began their championship road with a 9-2 win over the Marshall Tigers in the quarterfinals. Carly Beniek and former St. Louis Park Oriole Olivia Mobley scored two goals apiece as Breck scored five second period goals to put the Tigers away. They clinched a championship berth with a 6-0 shut out of the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage. Emily Zumwinkle tallied twice for the Mustangs as they recored their fifth shut out of the season.
Now a look at the Warriors. In two games, Warroad has outscored their opponents 12-1. Sophomore Hannah Corneliusen scored two goals to help Warroad score their 13th shut out this season 5-0. Corneliusen, Genevieve Hendrickson and Kaitlyn Kotlowski scored two goals apiece to lead the Warriors to a 7-1 win over the Alexandria Cardinals in the semifinals. Warroad is a young, solid team with only two seniors and looks like a team that can return to the X the next couple of years.
After the Class A medals and trophies have been presented, the Class AA championship game takes the spotlight at 7 PM. The second seeded Centennial Cougars, playing in their first state tournament since 2008 battle the top seeded and defending Class AA champion Edina Hornets. Centennial won "The Battle of the Cougars" in the quarterfinals as they recorded a 2-0 shut out against Lakeville South. Alison Pitlick and Anneke Linser scored for Centennial. The Cougars would get four goals from Ms. Hockey finalist Gabby Hughes to rout the surprising Eagan Wildcats 6-1. Eagan upset Hill-Murray in the quarterfinals 2-1. As for Hughes, she will join Linser next season at Minnesota-Duluth. It will be a rematch of the December 22 game against the Hornets when they held off Edina 3-2. As for the Hornets, they used scoring balance in the quarterfinals with four players scoring one goal apiece to shut out the Brainerd/Little Falls Flying Warriors 4-0. Edina would break a 1-1 tie with three third period goals, including an empty netter from CC Bowlby with :03 left to play to beat their Lake Conference rivals the Eden Prairie Eagles 4-2. It was the second win in three games over Eden Prairie this season. The Eagles beat the Hornets 4-3 in overtime on January 13.
If you plan on driving to St. Paul, you'll make it OK for the start of Championship Saturday. But after the Class AA final, be careful out there. It's going to be messy but an exciting day of Minnesota girls high school hockey.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Liberty Classical Academy Lions Routs Groves Academy Griffins
Ben Horn hit the high note Friday night, scoring a game high 31 points to lead the Liberty Classical Academy Lions to a 67-41 win over the Groves Academy Griffins on Senior Night in St. Louis Park.
It took a while for the scoring to begin but Horn would open the scoring for the Lions 1:25 into the first half. Malik Bodden would tie the game for the Griffins. Noah Nelson would hit the first of his four first half three pointers to spark a 5-0 run. Bilcik would end the run with four straight points. Nelson would score his only two point basket of the game, followed by a pair of free throws from Horn. Max Greseth, one of two seniors to be honored along with Bodden displayed some outstanding defense as he blocked Peter Klarr's shot. Foul trouble would plague Groves Academy when Bodden picked up his third foul with 6:57 left in the first half and Bilcik would also pick up foul number three with 1:30 to go. Liberty Classical Academy would go for one shot and they would end the half on Nelson's fourth shot from Lake St. The Lions led 29-16 at halftime.
The second half began just like the first with Horn and Bodden scoring first for both the Lions and the Griffins. But Bodden would pick up his fourth foul 2:16 into the second half but the was a bright spot for Groves Academy as Nick Maiers hit three three pointers. But it the night for Horn as he would go on a stretch of seven consecutive points. Things would begin to unravel for the Griffins when Bodden picked up his fifth foul and also a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct that sent Horn to the line and he also score four straight points. Greseth was assessed a technical foul at the free throw lane, giving the Lions more free throws that would put the game away.
Oher players for Liberty Classical Academy in double figures were Nelson with 17 points. Ryan Grill added 11. Bodden led Groves Academy with 10 points.
The Lions improve their record to 12-9 and the Griffins fell to 9-13. Both teams will compete in the Twin Cities Athletic Conference tournament next week. Liberty Classical Academy will host the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Trojans on Monday, February 26 at 6 PM. Groves Academy will head to northeast Minneapolis to face the Learning for Leadership Mustangs on Tuesday, February 27, also a 6 PM start.
It took a while for the scoring to begin but Horn would open the scoring for the Lions 1:25 into the first half. Malik Bodden would tie the game for the Griffins. Noah Nelson would hit the first of his four first half three pointers to spark a 5-0 run. Bilcik would end the run with four straight points. Nelson would score his only two point basket of the game, followed by a pair of free throws from Horn. Max Greseth, one of two seniors to be honored along with Bodden displayed some outstanding defense as he blocked Peter Klarr's shot. Foul trouble would plague Groves Academy when Bodden picked up his third foul with 6:57 left in the first half and Bilcik would also pick up foul number three with 1:30 to go. Liberty Classical Academy would go for one shot and they would end the half on Nelson's fourth shot from Lake St. The Lions led 29-16 at halftime.
The second half began just like the first with Horn and Bodden scoring first for both the Lions and the Griffins. But Bodden would pick up his fourth foul 2:16 into the second half but the was a bright spot for Groves Academy as Nick Maiers hit three three pointers. But it the night for Horn as he would go on a stretch of seven consecutive points. Things would begin to unravel for the Griffins when Bodden picked up his fifth foul and also a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct that sent Horn to the line and he also score four straight points. Greseth was assessed a technical foul at the free throw lane, giving the Lions more free throws that would put the game away.
Oher players for Liberty Classical Academy in double figures were Nelson with 17 points. Ryan Grill added 11. Bodden led Groves Academy with 10 points.
The Lions improve their record to 12-9 and the Griffins fell to 9-13. Both teams will compete in the Twin Cities Athletic Conference tournament next week. Liberty Classical Academy will host the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Trojans on Monday, February 26 at 6 PM. Groves Academy will head to northeast Minneapolis to face the Learning for Leadership Mustangs on Tuesday, February 27, also a 6 PM start.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Edina Hornets Fly Over Brainerd/Little Falls Flying Warriors
The defending Class AA champion Edina Hornets didn't miss a beat Thursday night as four players scored a goal to lead them to a 4-0 shut out of the Brainerd/Little Falls Flying Warriors in the Class AA state quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
It was the 12th shutout of the season for the Hornets, the number one seed in Class AA.
Edina struck first as Emily Oden's shot in front of the net rolled into the goal. The Hornets would go five on three for 1:32 due to a holding penalty on the Flying Warriors Marre Welinski for holding and Emma Smith for cross checking and they would cash in on Annie Kuehl's pass to Tella Jungels on the opposite side of the crease and she would score the power play goal.
In the second period, Edina would once again pay dividends on the power play after a Brainerd five on three situation early in the period would go for naught due to outstanding defense and penalty killing by the Hornets. Brooke Tucker's shot was saved by Flying Warrior goalie Nicole Schulz and CC Bowlby got in position on Schulz's right side to put the Hornets ahead by three. Former gopher and New Jersey Devil Tom Chorske would probably be proud of his daughter Hannah who would set up Edina's final goal. She fed Olivia Swaim in the center slot and she would put the puck past Schulz with :52.9 left in the second period. It would also wrap up the scoring since both teams did not turn on the red light in the third period.
The Hornets out shot the Flying Warriors 32-10.
Edina improved their record to 26-2-1 and will face their Lake Conference rivals the Eden Prairie Eagles on Friday, February 23 at 8 PM at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Eagles scored two third period goals to beat the Andover Huskies 2-0. Brainerd/Little Falls, playing in their first state tournament after beating the Roseau Rams 2-1 in triple overtime in the Section 8AA will play Andover at noon, also on the 23rd at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
It was the 12th shutout of the season for the Hornets, the number one seed in Class AA.
Edina struck first as Emily Oden's shot in front of the net rolled into the goal. The Hornets would go five on three for 1:32 due to a holding penalty on the Flying Warriors Marre Welinski for holding and Emma Smith for cross checking and they would cash in on Annie Kuehl's pass to Tella Jungels on the opposite side of the crease and she would score the power play goal.
In the second period, Edina would once again pay dividends on the power play after a Brainerd five on three situation early in the period would go for naught due to outstanding defense and penalty killing by the Hornets. Brooke Tucker's shot was saved by Flying Warrior goalie Nicole Schulz and CC Bowlby got in position on Schulz's right side to put the Hornets ahead by three. Former gopher and New Jersey Devil Tom Chorske would probably be proud of his daughter Hannah who would set up Edina's final goal. She fed Olivia Swaim in the center slot and she would put the puck past Schulz with :52.9 left in the second period. It would also wrap up the scoring since both teams did not turn on the red light in the third period.
The Hornets out shot the Flying Warriors 32-10.
Edina improved their record to 26-2-1 and will face their Lake Conference rivals the Eden Prairie Eagles on Friday, February 23 at 8 PM at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Eagles scored two third period goals to beat the Andover Huskies 2-0. Brainerd/Little Falls, playing in their first state tournament after beating the Roseau Rams 2-1 in triple overtime in the Section 8AA will play Andover at noon, also on the 23rd at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
It All Adds Up for Groves Academy Griffins In rout of Math & Science Academy
Tuesday night was Griffin Pride Night for the Groves Academy Griffins and Max Bilcik took pride in his team's offensive production scoring a team high 24 points to lead them to a 77-60 win over the Math & Science Academy Dragons in St. Louis Park.
Charlie Eng would begin the scoring for the Dragons as he hit a three pointer :40 into the game. Bilcik and Nick Maiers would put the Girffins on a 5-0 run and Math & Science Academy would regain the lead on Eng's second shot from Minnetonka Blvd. Groves Academy would go on a 13-0 run to distance themselves from Math & Science Academy who only go production from Eng most of the first half. He would score the Dragons first 13 points before Ahmed Elhassen would become the second Math & science player to break into the scoring column. The Griffins would break the game open further as they would go on an 11-0 run late in the first half that included four straight points from Larry Mohamed. Foul trouble would plague Malik Bodden as he picked up his third foul with :38.5 left in the first half though Groves Academy would lead 42-21 at halftime.
The second half started just like the first when Eng hit a three pointer :31 into the second half. Bodden would heat up on offense for the Griffins as he scored four straight points to put Groves Academy on a 9-0 run. Bilcik would also go on a run with five straight points. Would the game go into running time at the 9:00 mark of the second half? The answer would be no as Math & Science Academy would got their offense in sync as Eng scored five straight points and Jager Hanson would score six straight but it wouldn't be enough for the Dragons to catch up as both teams played their reserves players the rest of the way.
Other players in double figures for Groves Academy were Bodden with 17 points and Mohamed with 15. Eng led the Dragons with a game-high 30 points, the only player from Math & Science in double figures.
Groves Academy improved their record to 9-12 and wrap up their regular season on Friday, February 23 as the host the Liberty Classical Academy Lions at 7 PM. It will also be Senior Night. Math & Science Academy fell to 1-18 and hosts the Nova Classical Academy Knights on Thursday, February 22 at 7 PM.
At halftime, there was a scrimmage between Groves Academy's Upper School and Lower School teams. The assistant coach of the Lower School team was former Griffin Anthony Gjere.
Charlie Eng would begin the scoring for the Dragons as he hit a three pointer :40 into the game. Bilcik and Nick Maiers would put the Girffins on a 5-0 run and Math & Science Academy would regain the lead on Eng's second shot from Minnetonka Blvd. Groves Academy would go on a 13-0 run to distance themselves from Math & Science Academy who only go production from Eng most of the first half. He would score the Dragons first 13 points before Ahmed Elhassen would become the second Math & science player to break into the scoring column. The Griffins would break the game open further as they would go on an 11-0 run late in the first half that included four straight points from Larry Mohamed. Foul trouble would plague Malik Bodden as he picked up his third foul with :38.5 left in the first half though Groves Academy would lead 42-21 at halftime.
The second half started just like the first when Eng hit a three pointer :31 into the second half. Bodden would heat up on offense for the Griffins as he scored four straight points to put Groves Academy on a 9-0 run. Bilcik would also go on a run with five straight points. Would the game go into running time at the 9:00 mark of the second half? The answer would be no as Math & Science Academy would got their offense in sync as Eng scored five straight points and Jager Hanson would score six straight but it wouldn't be enough for the Dragons to catch up as both teams played their reserves players the rest of the way.
Other players in double figures for Groves Academy were Bodden with 17 points and Mohamed with 15. Eng led the Dragons with a game-high 30 points, the only player from Math & Science in double figures.
Groves Academy improved their record to 9-12 and wrap up their regular season on Friday, February 23 as the host the Liberty Classical Academy Lions at 7 PM. It will also be Senior Night. Math & Science Academy fell to 1-18 and hosts the Nova Classical Academy Knights on Thursday, February 22 at 7 PM.
At halftime, there was a scrimmage between Groves Academy's Upper School and Lower School teams. The assistant coach of the Lower School team was former Griffin Anthony Gjere.
Monday, February 19, 2018
2018 Class A Boys Hockey Section Preview
After examining the eight Class AA sections, it's time to look at the eight Class A sections.
In Section 1, the Jason Fornwald Era has got off to a good start at Albert Lea. Fornwald who replaced Roy Nystrom who retired after 44 years leading the Tigers has led them to the top seed and a nine game unbeaten streak. They will have to get past the second seeded Mankato East/Loyola Cougars and the second seeded Minnesota River Bulldogs.
Section 2 has several teams in the hunt for a state tournament berth. First is the top seeded Orono Spartans, followed by their Wright County Conference rivals, the second seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks and the third seeded Delano Tigers. Looking to pull the upset is the fourth seeded Minneapolis Novas and the fifth seeded Providence Academy Lions. What about the Breck Mustangs? Since head coach Les Larson stepped down, the Mustangs have gone from a 22 win season last year to only 7 wins and a number six seed this season.
Down south to Section 3 with the top seeded Luverne Cardinals looking for a return trip to the X after they lost in overtime in last year's quarterfinals to the eventual Class A champion Hermantown Hawks. But look out for the second seeded Litchfield/Dassel Cokato Dragons and the third seeded Marshall Tigers.
Over in Section 4, the top seed is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs who got off to a solid start with an 8-0-1 record before going 10-6 the rest of the season. It should be an outstanding race with the second seeded South St. Paul Packers, the third seeded Simley Spartans, the fourth seeded St. Paul Johnson Governors and the fifth seeded Northfield Raiders. Who will emerge with the championship trophy?
Now to Section 5 with the Monticello Magic the top seed. It's just Monitcello this season as the dropped the Moose nickname as well as the co-op between the communities of Annandale and Maple Lake. The magical mystery tour through the section could be tough for Monticello as a couple of teams are on a roll en route to the first trip to the X. They are the second seeded North Branch Vikings and the third seeded Pine City Dragons. The Dragons are on a 13 game winning streak since they lost to Simley on December 26 in the Schwan Cup quarterfinals. There could also be a possible rematch with the Vikings, who beat them 3-2 in overtime on December 19. Could Pine City be the sleeper team in the section?
Two St. Cloud area teams are the top two seeds in Section 6. The top seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders look to return down I-94 to St. Paul after they lost to Hermantown in overtime in last year's Class A semifinals. The second seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres have an identical record and lost to the Crusaders 5-1 on December 29. A rematch could be possible if both teams advance to the section final. Also in the hunt is the third seeded Alexandria Cardinals.
Though Bruce Plante retired after leading Hermantown to the Class A championship last season, he left the program in good hands as new head coach Patrick Andrews has led the Hawks past a 1-3 start to the top seed in Section 7. first they have to take care of the second seeded Greenway/Nashwauk Keewatin Raiders. Could the third seeded Virginia/Mountain-Iron Buhl Blue Devils also go for the gold?
And finally in Section 8, there's no dominate favorite as six teams have winning records but only one will make the trip to St. Paul. The top seed and getting a first round bye is the Warroad Warriors. Also with a first round bye is the second seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. The two quarterfinal games could be interesting as the sixth seeded Detroit Lakes Lakers go for their first trip to state since 1996 against the third seeded Crookston Pirates and the fifth seeded Lake of the Woods Bears head to Thief River Falls to face the Prowlers. If there's no snowstorm March 1, take a drive up to Warroad for the section final. It will answer the question "Who will play for a trip to the state tournament?"
That's a preview of the Class A & AA sections. Expect packed houses on the Road to St. Paul.
In Section 1, the Jason Fornwald Era has got off to a good start at Albert Lea. Fornwald who replaced Roy Nystrom who retired after 44 years leading the Tigers has led them to the top seed and a nine game unbeaten streak. They will have to get past the second seeded Mankato East/Loyola Cougars and the second seeded Minnesota River Bulldogs.
Section 2 has several teams in the hunt for a state tournament berth. First is the top seeded Orono Spartans, followed by their Wright County Conference rivals, the second seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks and the third seeded Delano Tigers. Looking to pull the upset is the fourth seeded Minneapolis Novas and the fifth seeded Providence Academy Lions. What about the Breck Mustangs? Since head coach Les Larson stepped down, the Mustangs have gone from a 22 win season last year to only 7 wins and a number six seed this season.
Down south to Section 3 with the top seeded Luverne Cardinals looking for a return trip to the X after they lost in overtime in last year's quarterfinals to the eventual Class A champion Hermantown Hawks. But look out for the second seeded Litchfield/Dassel Cokato Dragons and the third seeded Marshall Tigers.
Over in Section 4, the top seed is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs who got off to a solid start with an 8-0-1 record before going 10-6 the rest of the season. It should be an outstanding race with the second seeded South St. Paul Packers, the third seeded Simley Spartans, the fourth seeded St. Paul Johnson Governors and the fifth seeded Northfield Raiders. Who will emerge with the championship trophy?
Now to Section 5 with the Monticello Magic the top seed. It's just Monitcello this season as the dropped the Moose nickname as well as the co-op between the communities of Annandale and Maple Lake. The magical mystery tour through the section could be tough for Monticello as a couple of teams are on a roll en route to the first trip to the X. They are the second seeded North Branch Vikings and the third seeded Pine City Dragons. The Dragons are on a 13 game winning streak since they lost to Simley on December 26 in the Schwan Cup quarterfinals. There could also be a possible rematch with the Vikings, who beat them 3-2 in overtime on December 19. Could Pine City be the sleeper team in the section?
Two St. Cloud area teams are the top two seeds in Section 6. The top seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders look to return down I-94 to St. Paul after they lost to Hermantown in overtime in last year's Class A semifinals. The second seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres have an identical record and lost to the Crusaders 5-1 on December 29. A rematch could be possible if both teams advance to the section final. Also in the hunt is the third seeded Alexandria Cardinals.
Though Bruce Plante retired after leading Hermantown to the Class A championship last season, he left the program in good hands as new head coach Patrick Andrews has led the Hawks past a 1-3 start to the top seed in Section 7. first they have to take care of the second seeded Greenway/Nashwauk Keewatin Raiders. Could the third seeded Virginia/Mountain-Iron Buhl Blue Devils also go for the gold?
And finally in Section 8, there's no dominate favorite as six teams have winning records but only one will make the trip to St. Paul. The top seed and getting a first round bye is the Warroad Warriors. Also with a first round bye is the second seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. The two quarterfinal games could be interesting as the sixth seeded Detroit Lakes Lakers go for their first trip to state since 1996 against the third seeded Crookston Pirates and the fifth seeded Lake of the Woods Bears head to Thief River Falls to face the Prowlers. If there's no snowstorm March 1, take a drive up to Warroad for the section final. It will answer the question "Who will play for a trip to the state tournament?"
That's a preview of the Class A & AA sections. Expect packed houses on the Road to St. Paul.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
2018 Class AA Boys Hockey Section Preview
While girls hockey takes center stage in downtown St. Paul this week, it's the boys turn to begin the road to the X. Here's a preview of the eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, the Lakeville North Panthers have the number one seed but look out for the Rochester Century Panthers who have a 7-0 record against section opponents and hope to head up Highway 52 to St. Paul for the first time since 2009. Also in the mix are the third seeded Lakeville South Cougars and the fourth seeded Owatonna Huskies.
A couple of hot teams are the top two seeds in Section 2. They are the top seeded Minnetonka Skippers and the second seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire. Both are riding seven game winning streaks headed into section play. Holy Family has also won 11 of their last 12 games. Could the Skippers return to state after an eight year absence or will the Victoria based Fire remain on fire and clinch their first state tournament berth.
Over in Section 3, the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look toward returning to the X. But there are a couple of South Suburban Conference teams that could ended the Cadets reign. They are the second seeded Eastview Lightning and the third seeded Rosemount Irish. St. Thomas Academy beat Eastview 5-1 on November 29. Is a rematch possible?
To Section 4 where the top seeded White Bear Lake Bears have won eight straight games. Hill-Murray, enduring their first losing season since 2001 is the number two seed and hopes to return to state. Also in contention is the third seeded Stillwater Ponies and the fourth seeded Tartan Titans. It has the makings of an interesting section.
What an outstanding season for hockey fans in Circle Pines, Centerville, Lexington and Lino Lakes. First the Centennial girls team clinches their first state tournament berth since 2008 and now the boys have the number one seed in Section 5. The second seeded Maple Grove Crimson is the only other winning team in the section and it could set up a rematch with the Cougars, who beat the Crimson 5-1.
Now to Section 6 where the top seeded Edina Hornets could be the heavy favorites to send their fans to the Xcel Energy Center's green seats. The Hornets only two losses this season were to the Minnetonka Skippers. Looking to put a sting in the Hornets quest is the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders, the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Benilde-St. Margarets Red Knights. The Red Knights host the fifth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles in the quarterfinals.
In Section 7, it looks like the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks state championship reign is coming to an end because they have won only six games this season and will face the top seeded Duluth East Greyhounds in the quarterfinals. The Greyhounds will have to get past the second seeded Andover Huskies, the third seeded Elk River/Zimmerman Elks and the fourth seeded Cloquest-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks. Who will come out of this section? Head up to Amsoil Arena in Duluth to see exciting hockey among the northern schools.
The Section 8 pairings have not yet been posted but the Moorhead Spuds have won eight of their last nine games and could bee a candidate for the section's top seed. But before Spuds fans can make their St. Paul hotel reservations, they have to contend with a red host St. Michael-Albertville Knights who have not lost a game since losing 3-1 to the Roseau Rams on January 26. They were also shut out by the Spuds 5-0 on January 5. The Brainerd Warriors, St. Cloud and the Roseau Rams could play the role of spoiler.
Next up, the eight Class A sections.
In Section 1, the Lakeville North Panthers have the number one seed but look out for the Rochester Century Panthers who have a 7-0 record against section opponents and hope to head up Highway 52 to St. Paul for the first time since 2009. Also in the mix are the third seeded Lakeville South Cougars and the fourth seeded Owatonna Huskies.
A couple of hot teams are the top two seeds in Section 2. They are the top seeded Minnetonka Skippers and the second seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire. Both are riding seven game winning streaks headed into section play. Holy Family has also won 11 of their last 12 games. Could the Skippers return to state after an eight year absence or will the Victoria based Fire remain on fire and clinch their first state tournament berth.
Over in Section 3, the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look toward returning to the X. But there are a couple of South Suburban Conference teams that could ended the Cadets reign. They are the second seeded Eastview Lightning and the third seeded Rosemount Irish. St. Thomas Academy beat Eastview 5-1 on November 29. Is a rematch possible?
To Section 4 where the top seeded White Bear Lake Bears have won eight straight games. Hill-Murray, enduring their first losing season since 2001 is the number two seed and hopes to return to state. Also in contention is the third seeded Stillwater Ponies and the fourth seeded Tartan Titans. It has the makings of an interesting section.
What an outstanding season for hockey fans in Circle Pines, Centerville, Lexington and Lino Lakes. First the Centennial girls team clinches their first state tournament berth since 2008 and now the boys have the number one seed in Section 5. The second seeded Maple Grove Crimson is the only other winning team in the section and it could set up a rematch with the Cougars, who beat the Crimson 5-1.
Now to Section 6 where the top seeded Edina Hornets could be the heavy favorites to send their fans to the Xcel Energy Center's green seats. The Hornets only two losses this season were to the Minnetonka Skippers. Looking to put a sting in the Hornets quest is the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders, the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Benilde-St. Margarets Red Knights. The Red Knights host the fifth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles in the quarterfinals.
In Section 7, it looks like the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks state championship reign is coming to an end because they have won only six games this season and will face the top seeded Duluth East Greyhounds in the quarterfinals. The Greyhounds will have to get past the second seeded Andover Huskies, the third seeded Elk River/Zimmerman Elks and the fourth seeded Cloquest-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks. Who will come out of this section? Head up to Amsoil Arena in Duluth to see exciting hockey among the northern schools.
The Section 8 pairings have not yet been posted but the Moorhead Spuds have won eight of their last nine games and could bee a candidate for the section's top seed. But before Spuds fans can make their St. Paul hotel reservations, they have to contend with a red host St. Michael-Albertville Knights who have not lost a game since losing 3-1 to the Roseau Rams on January 26. They were also shut out by the Spuds 5-0 on January 5. The Brainerd Warriors, St. Cloud and the Roseau Rams could play the role of spoiler.
Next up, the eight Class A sections.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
2018 Class AA State Girls Hockey Tournament Preview
2018 CLASS AA STATE GIRLS HOCKEY QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
GAMES PLAYED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL
11:00: Lakeville South vs. Centennial (Seed 2)
1:00: Eagan vs. Hill-Murray (Seed 3)
6:00: Brainerd/Little Falls vs. Edina (Seed 1)
8:00: Eden Prairie (Seed 5) vs. Andover (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The Lakeville South Cougars are on a seven game winning streak that includes a 6-5 win over the Farmington Tigers in the Section 1 final. It was their second win in three games over their South Suburban Conference rivals and they have a very tough task ahead in the second seeded Centennial Cougars. The Circle Pines school thrived in the tough Northwest Suburban Conference and lost two of their three games to the Blake Bears. The Cougars are led by the duo of Gabby Hughes and Anneke Linser who will be playing next season at Minnesota-Duluth. It's been 10 years since Centennial has been to St. Paul and fans in the communities of Circle Pines, Lexington, Lino Lakes and Centerville could have something to celebrate if they bring back a trophy.
Ending the afternoon sessions is the Eagan Wildcats and the third seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers. The Wildcats are in their ninth state tournament and on a quest for their first trip to the finals since 1997. However, they have to face the Pioneers, who have won 13 of their last 14 games, including a 2-1 win over Centennial on January 6. Head coach Bill Schafhauser has had outstanding teams this decade and this year's team is likely to set up a rematch with the Cougars.
In the evening session, Brainerd/Little Falls will be heading down Highway 10 for their first trip to the X. In one of the best section finals this season, the Flying Warriors took home the Section 8 trophy with a triple overtime win over the Roseau Rams. Two of their five losses have been to Roseau and one was to the defending Class AA champion Hornets on December 27 4-1. Edina earned their title defense with a victory over the Blake Bears in the Section 6 final. The Champion this decade has been dominated by the Lake Conference with the Minnetonka Skippers winning three consecutive titles and Eden Prairie winning in 2016. Can Edina clinch a Lake conference threepeat?
Wrapping the quarterfinals is the fifth seeded Eden Prairie Eagles and the fourth seeded Andover Huskies. The Eagles earned their third straight trip to St. paul with a win over the Shakopee Sabers in the Section 2 final. As for the Huskies, they are the second Northwest Suburban Conference team in the field and they were swept by Centennial in the season series, including a 4-3 overtime loss on January 30. Eden Prairie regained its momentum after losing their final three regular season games. Can it continue against an Andover team that's in their first tournament since 2015?
That's a look at the quarterfinal pairings. There's plenty of exciting action in St. Paul that starts February 21.
GAMES PLAYED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL
11:00: Lakeville South vs. Centennial (Seed 2)
1:00: Eagan vs. Hill-Murray (Seed 3)
6:00: Brainerd/Little Falls vs. Edina (Seed 1)
8:00: Eden Prairie (Seed 5) vs. Andover (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The Lakeville South Cougars are on a seven game winning streak that includes a 6-5 win over the Farmington Tigers in the Section 1 final. It was their second win in three games over their South Suburban Conference rivals and they have a very tough task ahead in the second seeded Centennial Cougars. The Circle Pines school thrived in the tough Northwest Suburban Conference and lost two of their three games to the Blake Bears. The Cougars are led by the duo of Gabby Hughes and Anneke Linser who will be playing next season at Minnesota-Duluth. It's been 10 years since Centennial has been to St. Paul and fans in the communities of Circle Pines, Lexington, Lino Lakes and Centerville could have something to celebrate if they bring back a trophy.
Ending the afternoon sessions is the Eagan Wildcats and the third seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers. The Wildcats are in their ninth state tournament and on a quest for their first trip to the finals since 1997. However, they have to face the Pioneers, who have won 13 of their last 14 games, including a 2-1 win over Centennial on January 6. Head coach Bill Schafhauser has had outstanding teams this decade and this year's team is likely to set up a rematch with the Cougars.
In the evening session, Brainerd/Little Falls will be heading down Highway 10 for their first trip to the X. In one of the best section finals this season, the Flying Warriors took home the Section 8 trophy with a triple overtime win over the Roseau Rams. Two of their five losses have been to Roseau and one was to the defending Class AA champion Hornets on December 27 4-1. Edina earned their title defense with a victory over the Blake Bears in the Section 6 final. The Champion this decade has been dominated by the Lake Conference with the Minnetonka Skippers winning three consecutive titles and Eden Prairie winning in 2016. Can Edina clinch a Lake conference threepeat?
Wrapping the quarterfinals is the fifth seeded Eden Prairie Eagles and the fourth seeded Andover Huskies. The Eagles earned their third straight trip to St. paul with a win over the Shakopee Sabers in the Section 2 final. As for the Huskies, they are the second Northwest Suburban Conference team in the field and they were swept by Centennial in the season series, including a 4-3 overtime loss on January 30. Eden Prairie regained its momentum after losing their final three regular season games. Can it continue against an Andover team that's in their first tournament since 2015?
That's a look at the quarterfinal pairings. There's plenty of exciting action in St. Paul that starts February 21.
2014 Class A State Girls Hockey Tournament Preview
2018 STATE CLASS A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
GAMES PLAYED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL
11:00: Marshall vs. Breck (Seed 2)
1:00: Proctor/Hermantown vs. Red Wing (Seed 3)
6:00: New Ulm vs. Warroad (Seed 1)
8:00: St. Paul United (Seed 5) vs. Alexandria (Seed 4)
Examining the Field: The 2018 edition of the State Girls Hockey Tournament gets underway with Class A quarterfinal play and opening up the festivities is the Marshall Tigers in their third trip to St. Paul and the second seeded Breck Mustangs. The Tigers took home the Section 3 title trophy with a 2-1 overtime win over the Mankato West Scarlets. As for the Mustangs, who are back in the tournament for the first time since they beat South St. Paul for the Class A championship in 2012, they also won via way of overtime with a 3-2 victory over the Orono Spartans. The Mustangs have played a brutal nonconference schedule that included 10 games against state tournament teams and have gone 6-4. They have overcome a 1-5 start to go 15-5-1. They have the talent that could put them in their first Class A final in six years.
Wrapping up the afternoon session is the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage in their fourth tournament appearance and the Red Wing Wingers who make their seventh trip up Highway 61 to the X. The Mirage have been on a three game winning streak since ending their regular season with a loss to the South St. Paul Packers and beat Hibbing/Chisholm to win the Section 7 trophy. It will be a rematch of a December 9 game against the Wingers that Red Wing won 5-2. The Wingers have not lost a game since they fell to the Hutchinson Tigers in the Farmington tournament December 29. This is a team that can bunch goals together. In their last four games, Red Wing has outscored their opponents 32-4. Keep an eye on Red Wing they could go for the gold after four third place finishes.
Now to the evening session as the New Ulm Tigers battle the top seeded Warroad Warriors. Poor New Ulm. They are in their eighth state tournament and they have not advanced to the semifinals. Their record in tournament play is 2-14 and it doesn't get easier against a Warroad team that has won 10 straight games and looking for its first Class A title since 2011. They have not lost a game since Roseau beat them 3-1 on January 4. They have also played two games against North Dakota teams and have outscored them 26-0, including a 20-0 rout in their own tournament December 27. Warroad is one of the favorites to win the Class A title.
Concluding the Wednesday quarterfinals is fifth seeded St. Paul United and the fourth seeded Alexandria Cardinals. St. Paul United, comprised of students from St. Paul Academy and Visitation is in their third straight trip to state. The last two seasons, they finished second, losing to the Blake Bears who moved up to Class AA. They beat the South St. Paul Packers 2-1 in overtime to return to the X. They will face the Cardinals who are making their 13th trip down I-94 and in the hunt for their first Class A title since 2008. The Cardinals have been on a 12-3 run since they lost to Brainerd/Little Falls on December 21 They are 3-2 against teams from the Twin Cities, losing to Maple Grove and Breck. Can SPU return to the semifinals or will Alexandria end a possible return to a third consecutive Class A final?
Next up, the Class AA preview.
GAMES PLAYED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL
11:00: Marshall vs. Breck (Seed 2)
1:00: Proctor/Hermantown vs. Red Wing (Seed 3)
6:00: New Ulm vs. Warroad (Seed 1)
8:00: St. Paul United (Seed 5) vs. Alexandria (Seed 4)
Examining the Field: The 2018 edition of the State Girls Hockey Tournament gets underway with Class A quarterfinal play and opening up the festivities is the Marshall Tigers in their third trip to St. Paul and the second seeded Breck Mustangs. The Tigers took home the Section 3 title trophy with a 2-1 overtime win over the Mankato West Scarlets. As for the Mustangs, who are back in the tournament for the first time since they beat South St. Paul for the Class A championship in 2012, they also won via way of overtime with a 3-2 victory over the Orono Spartans. The Mustangs have played a brutal nonconference schedule that included 10 games against state tournament teams and have gone 6-4. They have overcome a 1-5 start to go 15-5-1. They have the talent that could put them in their first Class A final in six years.
Wrapping up the afternoon session is the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage in their fourth tournament appearance and the Red Wing Wingers who make their seventh trip up Highway 61 to the X. The Mirage have been on a three game winning streak since ending their regular season with a loss to the South St. Paul Packers and beat Hibbing/Chisholm to win the Section 7 trophy. It will be a rematch of a December 9 game against the Wingers that Red Wing won 5-2. The Wingers have not lost a game since they fell to the Hutchinson Tigers in the Farmington tournament December 29. This is a team that can bunch goals together. In their last four games, Red Wing has outscored their opponents 32-4. Keep an eye on Red Wing they could go for the gold after four third place finishes.
Now to the evening session as the New Ulm Tigers battle the top seeded Warroad Warriors. Poor New Ulm. They are in their eighth state tournament and they have not advanced to the semifinals. Their record in tournament play is 2-14 and it doesn't get easier against a Warroad team that has won 10 straight games and looking for its first Class A title since 2011. They have not lost a game since Roseau beat them 3-1 on January 4. They have also played two games against North Dakota teams and have outscored them 26-0, including a 20-0 rout in their own tournament December 27. Warroad is one of the favorites to win the Class A title.
Concluding the Wednesday quarterfinals is fifth seeded St. Paul United and the fourth seeded Alexandria Cardinals. St. Paul United, comprised of students from St. Paul Academy and Visitation is in their third straight trip to state. The last two seasons, they finished second, losing to the Blake Bears who moved up to Class AA. They beat the South St. Paul Packers 2-1 in overtime to return to the X. They will face the Cardinals who are making their 13th trip down I-94 and in the hunt for their first Class A title since 2008. The Cardinals have been on a 12-3 run since they lost to Brainerd/Little Falls on December 21 They are 3-2 against teams from the Twin Cities, losing to Maple Grove and Breck. Can SPU return to the semifinals or will Alexandria end a possible return to a third consecutive Class A final?
Next up, the Class AA preview.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Breck Mustangs Win Section 5A Championship
Quality was better than quantity for Allie Qualley as she scored the game winning goal 1:50 in overtime to lead the Breck Mustangs to a 3-2 win over the Orono Spartans in the Section 5A Girls Hockey Championship game at the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis.
It was the first section title for the Golden Valley based school since 2012 when they won the Class A title 3-2 in double overtime over the South St. Paul Packers.
Neither team would score in the first period though the puck entered the net after the buzzer sounded so the goal didn't count.
The Mustangs broke the scoreless deadlock in the second period when Beniek rebounded Katherine Solohub's shot and sent it to the net.
Breck wound go up by two in the second period as Solohub's shot was saved by Orono goalie Anna Lisle. But Sadie Lindsay found an opening on the right side of Lisle and she placed it in the net. Was a two goal lead safe for the top seeded Mustangs? Not for a trip to St. Paul on this windy Thursday night. The Spartans would cut the lead in half on a flurry of shots that resulted in a goal for Sydney DeCubellis. Following a time out, Orono co-head coaches Keith Radloff and Steve Perisian pulled Lisle for a sixth attacker and it would pay off for Iyla Ryskamp as she scored on a rebound with :37.5 in regulation time.
It was on to overtime and ended rather quickly for the Mustangs on Allie Qualley's shot from the left side of Lisle that headed into the net and clinched a trip to the X for Breck.
The Mustangs out shot the Spartans 32-22.
Breck improves their record to 16-11-1 and will play in the state Class A quarterfinals on Wednesday, February 21 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Orono concluded their season with a record of 9-15-3.
Sophomore Olivia Mobley, formerly of Hopkins/Park, committed to Quinnipiac University.
It was the first section title for the Golden Valley based school since 2012 when they won the Class A title 3-2 in double overtime over the South St. Paul Packers.
Neither team would score in the first period though the puck entered the net after the buzzer sounded so the goal didn't count.
The Mustangs broke the scoreless deadlock in the second period when Beniek rebounded Katherine Solohub's shot and sent it to the net.
Breck wound go up by two in the second period as Solohub's shot was saved by Orono goalie Anna Lisle. But Sadie Lindsay found an opening on the right side of Lisle and she placed it in the net. Was a two goal lead safe for the top seeded Mustangs? Not for a trip to St. Paul on this windy Thursday night. The Spartans would cut the lead in half on a flurry of shots that resulted in a goal for Sydney DeCubellis. Following a time out, Orono co-head coaches Keith Radloff and Steve Perisian pulled Lisle for a sixth attacker and it would pay off for Iyla Ryskamp as she scored on a rebound with :37.5 in regulation time.
It was on to overtime and ended rather quickly for the Mustangs on Allie Qualley's shot from the left side of Lisle that headed into the net and clinched a trip to the X for Breck.
The Mustangs out shot the Spartans 32-22.
Breck improves their record to 16-11-1 and will play in the state Class A quarterfinals on Wednesday, February 21 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Orono concluded their season with a record of 9-15-3.
Sophomore Olivia Mobley, formerly of Hopkins/Park, committed to Quinnipiac University.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Former Wayzata and Carleton Coach Thurnblad Passes Away
Athlete. Coach. Administrator. Three words that best describe Jack Thurnblad and the contributions he made to the Carleton College athletic program.
On. February 12, Thurnblad passed away at the age of 96.
A 1949 Carleton graduate, Thurnblad was a two sport athlete, excelling in basketball and basketball. He was invited to spring training by the Philadelphia Phillies but he didn't get a chance to play in Shibe Park. Instead, Thurnblad played shortstop for Litchfield in the Southern Minnie League that won the state Class AA title in 1952. He also started his coaching career in Hastings before moving to Wayzata in 1954. Five years later in 1959, Thurnblad led the Trojans to the state boys basketball championship as they beat Carlton 55-41 at Williams Arena.
In 1960, Thurnblad returned to his alma mater and became the head men's basketball coach. He also headed the men's golf program and in 1970, he became the men's athletic director. Under his leadership, he guided Carleton to the 1965-66 Midwest Conference title. He also led the golf team to seven conference championships, the first came in 1961. Thurnblad was also instrumental in changing Carleton's nickname from the Carls to the Knights and leaving the Midwest Conference in 1983 after a 58 year run to rejoin the MIAC, where they were a member from 1920 to 1925.
In 1984, Thurnblad stepped down as head men's basketball coach, turning over the coaching reins to Guy Kalland, who is still heading the Maize & Blue 34 years later. He would also stay on as golf coach and athletic director until he retired in 1989.
Thurnblad's legacy lives on at the Northfield liberal arts college. The West Gym's basketball court was named for Thurnblad and a sign under the scoreboard reads "In honor of Coach Jack and Jinny Thurnblad." Jinny was Thurnblad's wife of 61 years who passed away in 2009.
A fitting tribute to a man who served Carleton, first as a student-athlete then a coach and athletic director. Thurnblad was a key to the development and success of the school's athletic program.
HSGN NOTE: A number of sources were used to research this entry, including the Carleton athletic website.
On. February 12, Thurnblad passed away at the age of 96.
A 1949 Carleton graduate, Thurnblad was a two sport athlete, excelling in basketball and basketball. He was invited to spring training by the Philadelphia Phillies but he didn't get a chance to play in Shibe Park. Instead, Thurnblad played shortstop for Litchfield in the Southern Minnie League that won the state Class AA title in 1952. He also started his coaching career in Hastings before moving to Wayzata in 1954. Five years later in 1959, Thurnblad led the Trojans to the state boys basketball championship as they beat Carlton 55-41 at Williams Arena.
In 1960, Thurnblad returned to his alma mater and became the head men's basketball coach. He also headed the men's golf program and in 1970, he became the men's athletic director. Under his leadership, he guided Carleton to the 1965-66 Midwest Conference title. He also led the golf team to seven conference championships, the first came in 1961. Thurnblad was also instrumental in changing Carleton's nickname from the Carls to the Knights and leaving the Midwest Conference in 1983 after a 58 year run to rejoin the MIAC, where they were a member from 1920 to 1925.
In 1984, Thurnblad stepped down as head men's basketball coach, turning over the coaching reins to Guy Kalland, who is still heading the Maize & Blue 34 years later. He would also stay on as golf coach and athletic director until he retired in 1989.
Thurnblad's legacy lives on at the Northfield liberal arts college. The West Gym's basketball court was named for Thurnblad and a sign under the scoreboard reads "In honor of Coach Jack and Jinny Thurnblad." Jinny was Thurnblad's wife of 61 years who passed away in 2009.
A fitting tribute to a man who served Carleton, first as a student-athlete then a coach and athletic director. Thurnblad was a key to the development and success of the school's athletic program.
HSGN NOTE: A number of sources were used to research this entry, including the Carleton athletic website.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Groves Academy Griffins Ground Calvin Christian Cougars
Tuesday night was Teacher Appreciation Night for the Groves Academy Griffins and the teachers who stayed for the game after the pregame ceremony would be impressed with Malik Bodden's game high 26 pints that led the Griffins to a 72-57 win over the Calvin Christian Cougars in St. Louis Park.
It looked like the Cougars were going to dominate the game as they would score the first 14 points that started with Joey Ritzema scoring :57 into the game. There would also be three pointers from Ritzema and Josiah Schaap. But lo and behold, the Griffins, playing without Nick Maiers and Max Greseth who missed the game due to illness, would finally get on the board with Larry Mohamed ending the early shutout with 12:18 left in the first half. Bodden would be the engine who put the Groves Academy offense into overdrive, scoring 15 straight points, including a 9-0 Griffin run. Calvin Christian would widen the lead with a 10-0 run. Groves Academy would slice Calvin Christian's lead to one late in the first half as Max Bilcik hit a pair of three pointers and Robert Hall scored on a jumper that wrapped up the first half with the Cougars ahead 32-31.
The second half would begin just like the first with Ritzema scoring the first basket :31 seconds into the half. The Griffins would forge ahead as Mohamed and Bodden would score as well as Donovan Bradshaw, inserted into the starting lineup due to Maiers' absence. It would be an 8-0 Groves Academy run. But Calvin Christian was not done yet as Even Olstad hit a three pointer and a pair of free throws from Josaih Schaap cut the lead to two. Josh Koreze would score to tie the game at 50 and Bradshaw would counter to put the Griffins back in front. They would begin to pull away from the Cougars as they went on a 7-0 run. The one bright spot for Calvin Christian would be Olstad heading to the free throw line for three shots since he was fouled on a three pointer attempt. He would hit his free throws, thought wouldn't be enough as Bodden would convert a three point play and Hall would wrap up the game to help a 5-0 Groves Academy run.
Other players in double figures for the Griffins were Bilcik with 15 points and Mohamed with 15. The Cougars were led by Jace Shields and Hans Dykstra with 10 points apiece.
The Griffins improved their record to 8-11 and head to northeast Minneapolis on Thursday, February 15 for a rematch with the Learning for Leadership Mustangs at 7 PM. The Cougars fell to 11-8 and host the Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabers on Friday, February 16 at 7 PM.
It looked like the Cougars were going to dominate the game as they would score the first 14 points that started with Joey Ritzema scoring :57 into the game. There would also be three pointers from Ritzema and Josiah Schaap. But lo and behold, the Griffins, playing without Nick Maiers and Max Greseth who missed the game due to illness, would finally get on the board with Larry Mohamed ending the early shutout with 12:18 left in the first half. Bodden would be the engine who put the Groves Academy offense into overdrive, scoring 15 straight points, including a 9-0 Griffin run. Calvin Christian would widen the lead with a 10-0 run. Groves Academy would slice Calvin Christian's lead to one late in the first half as Max Bilcik hit a pair of three pointers and Robert Hall scored on a jumper that wrapped up the first half with the Cougars ahead 32-31.
The second half would begin just like the first with Ritzema scoring the first basket :31 seconds into the half. The Griffins would forge ahead as Mohamed and Bodden would score as well as Donovan Bradshaw, inserted into the starting lineup due to Maiers' absence. It would be an 8-0 Groves Academy run. But Calvin Christian was not done yet as Even Olstad hit a three pointer and a pair of free throws from Josaih Schaap cut the lead to two. Josh Koreze would score to tie the game at 50 and Bradshaw would counter to put the Griffins back in front. They would begin to pull away from the Cougars as they went on a 7-0 run. The one bright spot for Calvin Christian would be Olstad heading to the free throw line for three shots since he was fouled on a three pointer attempt. He would hit his free throws, thought wouldn't be enough as Bodden would convert a three point play and Hall would wrap up the game to help a 5-0 Groves Academy run.
Other players in double figures for the Griffins were Bilcik with 15 points and Mohamed with 15. The Cougars were led by Jace Shields and Hans Dykstra with 10 points apiece.
The Griffins improved their record to 8-11 and head to northeast Minneapolis on Thursday, February 15 for a rematch with the Learning for Leadership Mustangs at 7 PM. The Cougars fell to 11-8 and host the Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabers on Friday, February 16 at 7 PM.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Nova Classical Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit to Leave TCAC
When Nova Classical Academy traveled to Groves Academy Thursday night, it was probably one of the last times the two Twin Cities Athletic Conference rivals will face each other.
That's because in the 2019-20 season, Nova Classical Academy, along with Cristo Rey Jesuit will leave the TCAC for the newly formed Skyline Conference.
Also joining the new conference will be St. Croix Prep, St. Agnes and Concordia Academy. Three schools from the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association will also be part of the Skyline. They are Trinity School at River Ridge, Maranatha Christian Academy and New Life Academy.
It will be the second incarnation of the Skyline Conference. The first incarnation ran from 1957 to 1976 and featured schools such as Fridley, Brooklyn Center, Osseo and Columbia Heights.
Prior to the start of Thursday's game, Nova Classical Academy head coach Duane Heidemann gave his thoughts on the newly formed Skyline Conference.
"I think it's going to be a challenge. It's tough leaving the conference. It's a change."
Could there be a further shakeup in the TCAC following the departure of Nova Classical Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit?
That's because in the 2019-20 season, Nova Classical Academy, along with Cristo Rey Jesuit will leave the TCAC for the newly formed Skyline Conference.
Also joining the new conference will be St. Croix Prep, St. Agnes and Concordia Academy. Three schools from the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association will also be part of the Skyline. They are Trinity School at River Ridge, Maranatha Christian Academy and New Life Academy.
It will be the second incarnation of the Skyline Conference. The first incarnation ran from 1957 to 1976 and featured schools such as Fridley, Brooklyn Center, Osseo and Columbia Heights.
Prior to the start of Thursday's game, Nova Classical Academy head coach Duane Heidemann gave his thoughts on the newly formed Skyline Conference.
"I think it's going to be a challenge. It's tough leaving the conference. It's a change."
Could there be a further shakeup in the TCAC following the departure of Nova Classical Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit?
Nova Classical Academy Knights Cruise Past Groves Academy Griffins
It would be a night to remember for Noah Olson as he scored a game high 23 points to lead the Nova Classical Academy Knights to an 83-49 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Thursday night in St. Louis Park.
Max Bilcik began the scoring for the Griffins with a free throw :15 into the game and the lead changed hands four times in the early going until the Knights went on a 7-0 run. Olson would be a bright spot in the Nova Classical Academy offense as he helped widen the lead with 10 straight points. Groves Academy's field goal shooting was like the weather outside-chilly. It also helped the Knights pull away in the first half on a 10-0 run. The Griffins would go on a late 6-0 run and the Knights led 43-25 at halftime.
Robert Hall would begin the second half scoring for the Griffins on a free throw but it would be the Knights who would put further distance into the margin as they would start on a 8-0 run. Thing would get even worse for Groves Academy in the second half with the game pretty much decided, head coach Peter Shutte started to give the reserves some playing time but one of them, Josh Lightowler wss not listed in the official scorebook so the Griffins were assessed with an administrative technical foul that sent Nova's Abdullahi Abdullahi to the free throw line for two shots. He missed both of them. Nova classic Academy head coach Duane Heidemann also gave his reserves a chance to get some action, including three junior varsity additions, Mustafa El Chamee, Finn Miller and Jack Monroe.
Other player in double figures for Nova Classical Academy were Isaiah Boudreaux with 19 points and Shae Nelson added 15. Groves Academy was led by Malik Biodden with 15 points. Bilcik was the only other Griffin in double figures, scoring 11 points.
The Knights improved their record to 11-7 and return to action on Tuesday, February 13 when they host the St. Croix Prep Lions at 7:30 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-11 and will also be in action on the 13th, hosting the Calvin Christian Cougars at 7 PM.
Max Bilcik began the scoring for the Griffins with a free throw :15 into the game and the lead changed hands four times in the early going until the Knights went on a 7-0 run. Olson would be a bright spot in the Nova Classical Academy offense as he helped widen the lead with 10 straight points. Groves Academy's field goal shooting was like the weather outside-chilly. It also helped the Knights pull away in the first half on a 10-0 run. The Griffins would go on a late 6-0 run and the Knights led 43-25 at halftime.
Robert Hall would begin the second half scoring for the Griffins on a free throw but it would be the Knights who would put further distance into the margin as they would start on a 8-0 run. Thing would get even worse for Groves Academy in the second half with the game pretty much decided, head coach Peter Shutte started to give the reserves some playing time but one of them, Josh Lightowler wss not listed in the official scorebook so the Griffins were assessed with an administrative technical foul that sent Nova's Abdullahi Abdullahi to the free throw line for two shots. He missed both of them. Nova classic Academy head coach Duane Heidemann also gave his reserves a chance to get some action, including three junior varsity additions, Mustafa El Chamee, Finn Miller and Jack Monroe.
Other player in double figures for Nova Classical Academy were Isaiah Boudreaux with 19 points and Shae Nelson added 15. Groves Academy was led by Malik Biodden with 15 points. Bilcik was the only other Griffin in double figures, scoring 11 points.
The Knights improved their record to 11-7 and return to action on Tuesday, February 13 when they host the St. Croix Prep Lions at 7:30 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-11 and will also be in action on the 13th, hosting the Calvin Christian Cougars at 7 PM.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Kugler Signs Wtih UW-Milwaukee
Wednesday was Signing Day for high school seniors throughout the nation and one senior who signed a letter of intent was a St. Louis Park girls soccer player.
Rafferty Kugler, one of four captains for the St. Louis Park Orioles will be headed to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee next season. She was a starter on last season's team that went 10-5-2 before losing to the Minneapolis Washburn Millers in the Section 6AA semifinals.
Kugler is one of five girls soccer players from the Metro West Conference to sign with Division I or II schools. Two players from Chanhassen will be staying in Minnesota. Alex Harmdiercks will be playing next season at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Claire Shea won't have to travel so far. Shea will be heading up I-94 next season to play at St. Cloud State.
Also, a couple of Benilde -St. Margaret's Red Knights have sign Division I tenders. Claire Grazzini will be headed to Fargo next fall to play for the North Dakota State Bison and Maddie Stokes will be headed further away from the Twin Cities since she will be playing next season at the University of Memphis.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Abdi's Gamewinner Leads Learning for Leadership Mustangs
While many Minnesota high schools had the night off due to precinct caucuses, there was plenty of basketball action in St. Louis Park as Kafi Abdi hit a game winning shot with :02.2 to play to lead the Learning for Leadership Mustangs to a 69-68 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Tuesday night.
Ahmed Nur opened the scoring for the Mustangs :33 into the game. Malik Bodden evened the score for the Griffins as they went on an 8-0 run that included four straight points from Max Bilcik. Nur would end the run for Learning for Leadership as he scored four points in a row. Groves Academy would surge ahead as they would go on a late 7-0 run. Nur would score six straight points to bring the Mustangs close as the Griffins led 33-27 at halftime.
In the second half, Abdirizek Ahmed started the scoring with a pair of free throws :39 into the half. The Griffins would go on a 6-0 run but the big story of the second half would be Abdi. He would sink shot after shot from Minnetonka Blvd. as he would hit six three pointers to bring Learning for Leadership back into the game. The tide would turn for the Mustangs when Groves Academy's Nick Maiers was assessed a technical foul that sent Ahmed to the free throw line for two shots. He would make boh free throws to cut the lead to one. The Griffins called time out with :11.6 remaining as the Mustangs would go for the last shot. They would get the win on Abdi's inside shot with :02.2 left in the game. Groves Academy had a chance to win the ballgame but they turned the ball over and that's how the game ended.
Abdi would lead Learning for Leadership with 31 points, 29 in the second half. Other Mustangs in double figures were Ahmed with 18 and Nur with 10. Bilcik led Groves Academy with 22 points. Bodden added 21 and Mohamed finished with 14.
The Mustangs improved their record to 115 and will host the Liberty Classical Academy Lions on Friday, Feburary 9 at 6 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-10 and host the Nova Classical Academy Knights on Thursday, January 8 at 7 PM.
Ahmed Nur opened the scoring for the Mustangs :33 into the game. Malik Bodden evened the score for the Griffins as they went on an 8-0 run that included four straight points from Max Bilcik. Nur would end the run for Learning for Leadership as he scored four points in a row. Groves Academy would surge ahead as they would go on a late 7-0 run. Nur would score six straight points to bring the Mustangs close as the Griffins led 33-27 at halftime.
In the second half, Abdirizek Ahmed started the scoring with a pair of free throws :39 into the half. The Griffins would go on a 6-0 run but the big story of the second half would be Abdi. He would sink shot after shot from Minnetonka Blvd. as he would hit six three pointers to bring Learning for Leadership back into the game. The tide would turn for the Mustangs when Groves Academy's Nick Maiers was assessed a technical foul that sent Ahmed to the free throw line for two shots. He would make boh free throws to cut the lead to one. The Griffins called time out with :11.6 remaining as the Mustangs would go for the last shot. They would get the win on Abdi's inside shot with :02.2 left in the game. Groves Academy had a chance to win the ballgame but they turned the ball over and that's how the game ended.
Abdi would lead Learning for Leadership with 31 points, 29 in the second half. Other Mustangs in double figures were Ahmed with 18 and Nur with 10. Bilcik led Groves Academy with 22 points. Bodden added 21 and Mohamed finished with 14.
The Mustangs improved their record to 115 and will host the Liberty Classical Academy Lions on Friday, Feburary 9 at 6 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-10 and host the Nova Classical Academy Knights on Thursday, January 8 at 7 PM.
Monday, February 5, 2018
2018 Class AA Girls Hockey Section Preview
After examining the eight Class A sections, here's a preview of the eight Class AA sections.
In ?Section 1, the Farmington Tigers, last year's state Class AA consolation champions are the number one seed. The Tigers have won five of their last six games, their only loss was to the second seeded Lakeville South Cougars. Lakeville South has gone 14-5 since they got off to a 2-4 start. Look out for the third seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans. They have lost only one game to a Minnesota team since Red wing beat them 6-2 on December 19 and it was the Owatonna Huskies. Can the Spartans end an 11 year drought without a Rochester based team heading to St. Paul? It should be interesting.
Over in Section 2, the top two teams are from the Lake Conference, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles and the second seeded Minnetonka Skippers. The two teams played each other three times this season with Minnetonka winning two of three games. Eden Prairie ended the season with three straight losses and they need to get back on course in order to set up a fourth battle with the Skippers. Looking to spoil the Lake's dominance are the third seeded Shakopee Sabers and the fourth seeded Holy Family/Waconia Wildfire.
To Section 3, where the top seeded Eagan Wildcats look to return to the X for their first trip since 2013. They are one of two teams with a winning record in the section, the other is the third seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack. The Wildcats district rival the Apple Valley Eagles is the second seed.
In Section 4, the top seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers have won 10 of their last 11 games including consecutive shutouts of Elk River/Zimmerman and Benilde-St. Margaret's. In order for the green clad Pioneer fans to return to the X's green seats, they will have to get past the second seeded Mounds View Mustangs, who have won nine of their last 10 games, including five shut outs. Also in the hunt is the third seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
Going to Section 5, it looks like the best field of any section in the state. It also shows that the Northwest Suburban Conference is one of Minnesota's most competitive girls hockey conference. First of all, there's the top seeded Centennial Cougars who lost two of their three games to the Blake Bears. Look out Centennial, the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson has not lost a game since they were beaten in overtime by Elk River/Zimmerman on December 12. They also have five ties and if the two teams meet in the section final, bring a thermos of coffee, it could last well into the night. But wait, there's more. There's the third seed Blaine Bengals, who got off to a 7-0-1 start, the fourth seeded Rogers Royals and the fifth seeded Champlin Park/Coon Rapids Bluebirds. Who will come out of this section? There's plenty of great action coming to the Roseville Skating Center.
The good news is the two top seeds in Section 6 are the defending Class AA champion Edina Hornets and the defending Class A champion Blake Bears. The bad news is only one team will head to St. Paul. There could be a rematch of the January 20 game where the Hornets beat the Bears 5-2. Before you stand in line outside the Parade Ice Garden for the section final on February 16, the two teams will have to get past the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. Should a Blake-Edina final come to fruition, pickup takeout at any of the eateries along Hennepin and Lyndale Aves. and get to the arena early. The place should be packed and difficult to find a parking spot.
In Section 7, another Northwest Suburban Conference team that has had a stellar season is the top seeded Andover Huskies. Two of their five losses has been to the Centennial Cougars. They will have to get past the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers, who they beat 4-2 on December 14. Another section team the Huskies beat is third seeded Grand Rapids/Greenway.
The pairings have not been posted for Section 8 but it could be the first of several trips to the Twin Cities for Roseau fans since the girls hockey team could get the number one seed and the defending state Class AA champion girls basketball team could head back to Target Center in March. But first, the Rams will have to contend with Brainerd/Little Falls, North Wright County and St. Cloud. Could there be excitement in the Granite City for Icebreaker fans? It's a tough section to forecast.
That's the section pairings as the Road to St. Paul gets underway this week.
In ?Section 1, the Farmington Tigers, last year's state Class AA consolation champions are the number one seed. The Tigers have won five of their last six games, their only loss was to the second seeded Lakeville South Cougars. Lakeville South has gone 14-5 since they got off to a 2-4 start. Look out for the third seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans. They have lost only one game to a Minnesota team since Red wing beat them 6-2 on December 19 and it was the Owatonna Huskies. Can the Spartans end an 11 year drought without a Rochester based team heading to St. Paul? It should be interesting.
Over in Section 2, the top two teams are from the Lake Conference, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles and the second seeded Minnetonka Skippers. The two teams played each other three times this season with Minnetonka winning two of three games. Eden Prairie ended the season with three straight losses and they need to get back on course in order to set up a fourth battle with the Skippers. Looking to spoil the Lake's dominance are the third seeded Shakopee Sabers and the fourth seeded Holy Family/Waconia Wildfire.
To Section 3, where the top seeded Eagan Wildcats look to return to the X for their first trip since 2013. They are one of two teams with a winning record in the section, the other is the third seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack. The Wildcats district rival the Apple Valley Eagles is the second seed.
In Section 4, the top seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers have won 10 of their last 11 games including consecutive shutouts of Elk River/Zimmerman and Benilde-St. Margaret's. In order for the green clad Pioneer fans to return to the X's green seats, they will have to get past the second seeded Mounds View Mustangs, who have won nine of their last 10 games, including five shut outs. Also in the hunt is the third seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
Going to Section 5, it looks like the best field of any section in the state. It also shows that the Northwest Suburban Conference is one of Minnesota's most competitive girls hockey conference. First of all, there's the top seeded Centennial Cougars who lost two of their three games to the Blake Bears. Look out Centennial, the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson has not lost a game since they were beaten in overtime by Elk River/Zimmerman on December 12. They also have five ties and if the two teams meet in the section final, bring a thermos of coffee, it could last well into the night. But wait, there's more. There's the third seed Blaine Bengals, who got off to a 7-0-1 start, the fourth seeded Rogers Royals and the fifth seeded Champlin Park/Coon Rapids Bluebirds. Who will come out of this section? There's plenty of great action coming to the Roseville Skating Center.
The good news is the two top seeds in Section 6 are the defending Class AA champion Edina Hornets and the defending Class A champion Blake Bears. The bad news is only one team will head to St. Paul. There could be a rematch of the January 20 game where the Hornets beat the Bears 5-2. Before you stand in line outside the Parade Ice Garden for the section final on February 16, the two teams will have to get past the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. Should a Blake-Edina final come to fruition, pickup takeout at any of the eateries along Hennepin and Lyndale Aves. and get to the arena early. The place should be packed and difficult to find a parking spot.
In Section 7, another Northwest Suburban Conference team that has had a stellar season is the top seeded Andover Huskies. Two of their five losses has been to the Centennial Cougars. They will have to get past the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers, who they beat 4-2 on December 14. Another section team the Huskies beat is third seeded Grand Rapids/Greenway.
The pairings have not been posted for Section 8 but it could be the first of several trips to the Twin Cities for Roseau fans since the girls hockey team could get the number one seed and the defending state Class AA champion girls basketball team could head back to Target Center in March. But first, the Rams will have to contend with Brainerd/Little Falls, North Wright County and St. Cloud. Could there be excitement in the Granite City for Icebreaker fans? It's a tough section to forecast.
That's the section pairings as the Road to St. Paul gets underway this week.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
2018 Class A Girls Hockey Section Preview
The Road to St. Paul, the site of the 2018 Minnesota State Girls Hockey Tournament gets underway with section play in Class A& Class AA. Here's a preview of the eight Class A sections and who could be headed to the Xcel Energy Center February 21-24.
In Section 1, the Red Wing Wingers have been on a roll with nine straight wins and hold the number one seed. They have not lost a game since December 29 when they lost 4-1 to the Hutchinson Tigers in the Farmington tournament. The Wingers are the favorites to head down Highway 61 to St. Paul but can they overcome the second seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles.
Over in Section 2, The top seeded Delano/Rockford Tigers have won six of their last seven games and look to bounce back from a season ending loss to the New Prague Trojans. But don't count out the second seeded New Ulm Eagles or the third seeded Hutchinson Tigers. Both the Eagles and Tigers are in the hunt for their first state tournament trip since 2015. It should be an interesting section to watch.
There's no clear cut favorite in Section 3 as the Marshall Tigers are the top seed. Look out for the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets and the third seeded Mankato East/Loyola Cougars. Also worth considering is the fourth seeded Luverne Cardinals, who have gone 4-3 since the calendar changed to 2018.
The pairings haven't been released for Section 4 but St. Paul United has an outstanding shot at the number one seed. Look out SPU. You're being challenged by the South St. Paul Packers who have gone 13-2-2 since they were shut out 5-0 by the Hill-Murray Pioneers on December 8. Also in the mix is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs, who split the season series with South St. Paul.
To Section 5 where it could be a banner season for the top seeded Breck Mustangs with the departure of the Blake Bears to Section 6AA. The Mustangs have the only winning record in the section but the championship trophy is not a given since they have to get past the second seeded Orono Spartans. The Spartans have to contend with the third seeded Totino-Grace Eagles.
No pairings have been posted in Section 6 but it's a safe bet that the Alexandria Cardinals will be the top seed. The Cardinals have gone 10-1 since December 27 and could set up a rematch with the Fergus Falls Otters who they beat 3-2 in overtime on December 5.
Section 7's bracket has also not been posted but watch out for the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. Last season, they won only seven games with a young team and this season the maroon and gold has a record of 17-8. Since their December 15 defeat to the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, the Hilltoppers have gone 12-3. Can they get past the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage, who they beat 1-0 on December 16?
No word yet on the Section 8 bracket as the Warroad Warriors are on a seven game winning streak, including four shut outs. Also in the hunt are the Thief River Falls Prowlers and the East Grand Forks Gree Wave.
Next up will be the eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, the Red Wing Wingers have been on a roll with nine straight wins and hold the number one seed. They have not lost a game since December 29 when they lost 4-1 to the Hutchinson Tigers in the Farmington tournament. The Wingers are the favorites to head down Highway 61 to St. Paul but can they overcome the second seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles.
Over in Section 2, The top seeded Delano/Rockford Tigers have won six of their last seven games and look to bounce back from a season ending loss to the New Prague Trojans. But don't count out the second seeded New Ulm Eagles or the third seeded Hutchinson Tigers. Both the Eagles and Tigers are in the hunt for their first state tournament trip since 2015. It should be an interesting section to watch.
There's no clear cut favorite in Section 3 as the Marshall Tigers are the top seed. Look out for the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets and the third seeded Mankato East/Loyola Cougars. Also worth considering is the fourth seeded Luverne Cardinals, who have gone 4-3 since the calendar changed to 2018.
The pairings haven't been released for Section 4 but St. Paul United has an outstanding shot at the number one seed. Look out SPU. You're being challenged by the South St. Paul Packers who have gone 13-2-2 since they were shut out 5-0 by the Hill-Murray Pioneers on December 8. Also in the mix is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs, who split the season series with South St. Paul.
To Section 5 where it could be a banner season for the top seeded Breck Mustangs with the departure of the Blake Bears to Section 6AA. The Mustangs have the only winning record in the section but the championship trophy is not a given since they have to get past the second seeded Orono Spartans. The Spartans have to contend with the third seeded Totino-Grace Eagles.
No pairings have been posted in Section 6 but it's a safe bet that the Alexandria Cardinals will be the top seed. The Cardinals have gone 10-1 since December 27 and could set up a rematch with the Fergus Falls Otters who they beat 3-2 in overtime on December 5.
Section 7's bracket has also not been posted but watch out for the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. Last season, they won only seven games with a young team and this season the maroon and gold has a record of 17-8. Since their December 15 defeat to the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, the Hilltoppers have gone 12-3. Can they get past the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage, who they beat 1-0 on December 16?
No word yet on the Section 8 bracket as the Warroad Warriors are on a seven game winning streak, including four shut outs. Also in the hunt are the Thief River Falls Prowlers and the East Grand Forks Gree Wave.
Next up will be the eight Class AA sections.
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