Three classes for girls basketball sections have been examined and one more to go with the eight Class A sections.
It's down to the final four in Section 1 where the top seeded Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms are two wins away from their first trip to state since 1999. First they take on the fourth seeded Hayfield Vikings. The lower bracket has the second seeded Fillmore Central Falcons, winners of four straight going up against the sixth seeded Grand Meadow Superlarks, The Superlarks were super in quarterfinal play with an upset win over the third seeded Houston Hurricanes.
The top seed in the Section 2 North subsection is the Sleepy Eye St. Mary's Saints, in the hunt for their first trip to Minneapolis in 15 years. The will have to get past the second seeded Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays and the third seeded Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart Mustangs. The South Subsection could be a two team race between the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers and the second seeded Springfield Trojans.
Section 3 is also down to the final four with the top seeded and defending Class A champion Minneota Vikings facing the Lakeview Lakers in the North Subsection final and in the South Subsection final, the top seeded Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots face the second seeded Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagles.
The most interesting Class A section is Section 4 since there are six teams that have a shot at heading to The Barn. There's the top seeded Mayer Lutheran Crusaders who have not been to state since 2001 and played in a state title game since 1977. But before Crusader fans head down Highway 7, there could be gridlock in the second seeded Heritage Christian Eagles, the third seeded Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs, the fourth seeded Legacy Christian Lady Lions, followed by the red hot fifth seeded United Christian Academy Thunder who have won 14 straight games and the school with perhaps the most unique nickname in Minnesota, the Avail Academy Valor. Who will come out of this section? The mystery will be solved March 6.
Fans could be celebrating in Walker, Hackensack and Akeley since the Wolves are the top seed in the Section 5 West Subsection and are on a quest to head to their first state tournament. They will have to get past the second seeded Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars. The top seed in the East Subsection is the East Central Eagles followed by the second seeded Ogilvie Lions.
Here's an outstanding section in Section 6. In the North Subsection, it's a four team race that starts with the top seeded Henning Hornets, hoping to duplicate the success of their male counterparts who won the Class A title last season. Henning fans, don't make your hotel reservations for Minneapolis just yet since the Hornets have tough competition in the second seeded Underwood Rockets, the third seeded Park Christian Falcons and the fourth seeded Ada-Borup Cougars who have one of the state's best pep bands. The South Subsection has the top seeded West Central Area Knights, looking for their first trip to state. The second seeded Hancock Owls have won nine straight games and have to get past the third seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs. Next Friday's section final should be a dandy. Who will make the trip down I-94 to The Barn?
Another tough northern section is Section 7 where the top seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals have won 10 straight games. Watch out Cardinals, the second seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers are in your path. Jeff Buffetta has led the Rangers to nine straight state tournaments and are in danger of the streak ending if they don't beat the Cardinals. Looking for the upsets are the third seeded Cherry Tigers, the fourth seeded Ely Timberwolves and the fifth seeded Chisholm Bluestreaks. Get up north to see some great girls basketball.
And finally Section 8 where the top seed in the East Subsection is the Fosston Greyhounds who are in the hunet for their first trip to state in 14 years. Another drought that could end is the second seeded Cass Lake-Bena Panthers whose last trip to Minneapolis was in 2005. But the top seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies have not lost a game since they were beaten by Red Lake County Central January 9. A rematch could occur since Red Lake County Central is the second seed.
That's the section preview for the four classes. Research coming from minnesota-scores.net and the Minnesota State High School League website.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Monday, February 24, 2020
2020 Class AA Girls Basketball Section Preview
Some sections are already underway in Class AA so who is left standing are who are the top seeds in the eight sections.
Section 1 is down to the final four teams as the top seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles are still alive and take on the fifth seeded Stewartville Trojans. There was an quarterfinal upset with the seventh seeded Dover-Eyota Eagles ending the second seeded Lake City Tigers season. They will face a team that moved on up from Section 1A to Section 1AA, the third seeded Goodhue Wildcats who are in the hunt for a piece of the state tournament pie.
The Battle of Highway 169 could take place in the Section 2 North Subsection with the top seeded Belle Plaine Tigers and the second seeded Jordan Jaguars. The top four seeds in the South Subsection are still alive as the top seeded Waseca Bluejays dropped down to Class AAA for Class AA. The second seeded Medford Tigers are on a six game winning streak and will battle the Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights.
Down in Section 3, the North Subsection top seed New London-Spicer Wildcats are having a fabulous season under veteran head coach Mike Dreier and they are three wins away from their 18th state tournament berth. But they will have to get past the second seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. The South Subsection go come down to a two team race between the top seeded Luverne Cardinals and the second seeded Windom Area Eagles.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class AA champion Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. Matt Pryor's bunch has some tough competition in defensive of the Redhawks championship reign in the second seeded St. Paul Humboldt Hawks, who have never been to the state tournament and the third seeded Concordia Academy Beacons. Can the Redhawks maintain their dominance in Class AA though their male counterparts moved up to Class AAA?
In Section 5, the top seeded Providence Academy Lions look for their first trip to The Barn since 2013. It could be a four team race as the Watertown-Mayer Royals, led by future Gopher Maggie Czinano are the second seed, followed by the third third seeded Rockford Rockets and the fourth seeded Blake Bears.
The best section in Class AA and possibly Minnesota is Section 6 where six teams have a shot at the section title. First, there's the top seeded Albany Huskies who took home the championship hardware last season. Then you have the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. Head coach Scott Bergman has eight seniors on his roster and they have been tournament tested having advanced to three consecutive state tournaments. There's also the third seeded Pine City Tigers who are in the hunt for their first trip down I-35 to Minneapolis, as well as the fourth seeded Royalton Royals and the fifth seeded Holdingford Huskers and the sixth seeded Melrose Dutchmen who have not been to state since 1979. Head up to St. Cloud State on March 6 for the section final. Who will be in it?
Up north to Section 7, where the top seed in Subsection 1 is the Esko Eskomos, who have been to 12 state tournaments and not taken home a championship trophy. But on their heels is the second seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. It's a three team race in Subsection 2 with the top seeded and defending section champion Proctor Rails, followed by the second seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers and the hot third seeded Mesabi East giants who have won eight straight games.
The last Class AA section could also be highly competitive. The North Subsection has the top seeded Hawley Nuggets, the second seeded Roseau Rams who have won five consecutive section titles and the third seeded Crookston Pirates. Over in the South Subsection, the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA state quarterfinals. This season, the Otters went down to Class AA and will have to contend with the second seeded and unbeaten Pelican Rapids Vikings.
The eight Class A sections are next.
Section 1 is down to the final four teams as the top seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles are still alive and take on the fifth seeded Stewartville Trojans. There was an quarterfinal upset with the seventh seeded Dover-Eyota Eagles ending the second seeded Lake City Tigers season. They will face a team that moved on up from Section 1A to Section 1AA, the third seeded Goodhue Wildcats who are in the hunt for a piece of the state tournament pie.
The Battle of Highway 169 could take place in the Section 2 North Subsection with the top seeded Belle Plaine Tigers and the second seeded Jordan Jaguars. The top four seeds in the South Subsection are still alive as the top seeded Waseca Bluejays dropped down to Class AAA for Class AA. The second seeded Medford Tigers are on a six game winning streak and will battle the Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights.
Down in Section 3, the North Subsection top seed New London-Spicer Wildcats are having a fabulous season under veteran head coach Mike Dreier and they are three wins away from their 18th state tournament berth. But they will have to get past the second seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. The South Subsection go come down to a two team race between the top seeded Luverne Cardinals and the second seeded Windom Area Eagles.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class AA champion Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. Matt Pryor's bunch has some tough competition in defensive of the Redhawks championship reign in the second seeded St. Paul Humboldt Hawks, who have never been to the state tournament and the third seeded Concordia Academy Beacons. Can the Redhawks maintain their dominance in Class AA though their male counterparts moved up to Class AAA?
In Section 5, the top seeded Providence Academy Lions look for their first trip to The Barn since 2013. It could be a four team race as the Watertown-Mayer Royals, led by future Gopher Maggie Czinano are the second seed, followed by the third third seeded Rockford Rockets and the fourth seeded Blake Bears.
The best section in Class AA and possibly Minnesota is Section 6 where six teams have a shot at the section title. First, there's the top seeded Albany Huskies who took home the championship hardware last season. Then you have the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. Head coach Scott Bergman has eight seniors on his roster and they have been tournament tested having advanced to three consecutive state tournaments. There's also the third seeded Pine City Tigers who are in the hunt for their first trip down I-35 to Minneapolis, as well as the fourth seeded Royalton Royals and the fifth seeded Holdingford Huskers and the sixth seeded Melrose Dutchmen who have not been to state since 1979. Head up to St. Cloud State on March 6 for the section final. Who will be in it?
Up north to Section 7, where the top seed in Subsection 1 is the Esko Eskomos, who have been to 12 state tournaments and not taken home a championship trophy. But on their heels is the second seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. It's a three team race in Subsection 2 with the top seeded and defending section champion Proctor Rails, followed by the second seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers and the hot third seeded Mesabi East giants who have won eight straight games.
The last Class AA section could also be highly competitive. The North Subsection has the top seeded Hawley Nuggets, the second seeded Roseau Rams who have won five consecutive section titles and the third seeded Crookston Pirates. Over in the South Subsection, the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA state quarterfinals. This season, the Otters went down to Class AA and will have to contend with the second seeded and unbeaten Pelican Rapids Vikings.
The eight Class A sections are next.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
2020 Class AAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
Next we have the preview of the eight Class AAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Red Wing Wingers are on a 10 game winning streak and need three more wins to reach the state tournament for the first time since 2013. They will have to get past the second seeded Austin Packers and the third seeded Kasson-Mantorville Komets.
The unbeaten Marshall Tigers are the top seed in Section 2 but four other teams have a shot at heading to The Barn. The second seeded Mankato West Scarlets are on a five game winning streak and lost to Marshall 67-54 on January 4. Two Wright County Conference schools are also in the hunt, the third seeded Waconia Wildcats and the fourth seeded Hutchinson Tigers. But wait. There's more. The fifth seeded St. Peter Saints enter section play on a three game winning streak. Can Marshall remain unbeaten or will any of the aforementioned contenders take home the section title hardware?
It could be a three team race for the Section 3 title. The top seeded Simley Spartans have won 21 consecutive games since starting the season 3-2 and looking for their first trip to state since 2014. But watch out for the second seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders and the red hot third seeded St. Paul Como Park Cougars, winners of 13 straight games. It will be a horse race for the section title with no off track betting allowed.
To Section 4 as the defending Class AAA champion DeLaSalle Islanders have won 13 in a row and all of their by margins of 10 points or more. The second seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers, under the veteran leadership of Erin Herman have a shot at ending the Islanders championship reign and earn their first trip to state since 2013.
In Section 5, last year's Class AAA runner up the Becker Bulldogs are the top seed and enter sections with a 20 game winning streak. They could get into a third meeting with the second seeded Big Lake Hornets, a team they beat twice in the regular season.
There's been some outstanding girls basketball this season in Richfield as the Holy Angels Stars are the top seed and wrapped up the regular season on a seven game winning streak. The Stars public school rivals, the second seeded Richfield Spartans have hit a crowded roundabout as they have gone 3-10 after starting the season 13-0. Get ready for The Battle of Richfield in the section final.
Up north to Section 7 as Hermantown Hawks fans could be celebrating again if the boys hockey team heads back to the state tournament the preceding week. The hawks are the top seed and will battle the second seeded Princeton Tigers and the third seeded and defending section champion Hibbing Bluejackets.
And finally, in Section 8, veteran head coach Wendy Kohler leads the Alexandria Cardinals to the top and a possible rematch with the second seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks. They beat Bemidji 60-39 on January 27.
Who's left standing in Class AA? The answers are next.
In Section 1, the top seeded Red Wing Wingers are on a 10 game winning streak and need three more wins to reach the state tournament for the first time since 2013. They will have to get past the second seeded Austin Packers and the third seeded Kasson-Mantorville Komets.
The unbeaten Marshall Tigers are the top seed in Section 2 but four other teams have a shot at heading to The Barn. The second seeded Mankato West Scarlets are on a five game winning streak and lost to Marshall 67-54 on January 4. Two Wright County Conference schools are also in the hunt, the third seeded Waconia Wildcats and the fourth seeded Hutchinson Tigers. But wait. There's more. The fifth seeded St. Peter Saints enter section play on a three game winning streak. Can Marshall remain unbeaten or will any of the aforementioned contenders take home the section title hardware?
It could be a three team race for the Section 3 title. The top seeded Simley Spartans have won 21 consecutive games since starting the season 3-2 and looking for their first trip to state since 2014. But watch out for the second seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders and the red hot third seeded St. Paul Como Park Cougars, winners of 13 straight games. It will be a horse race for the section title with no off track betting allowed.
To Section 4 as the defending Class AAA champion DeLaSalle Islanders have won 13 in a row and all of their by margins of 10 points or more. The second seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers, under the veteran leadership of Erin Herman have a shot at ending the Islanders championship reign and earn their first trip to state since 2013.
In Section 5, last year's Class AAA runner up the Becker Bulldogs are the top seed and enter sections with a 20 game winning streak. They could get into a third meeting with the second seeded Big Lake Hornets, a team they beat twice in the regular season.
There's been some outstanding girls basketball this season in Richfield as the Holy Angels Stars are the top seed and wrapped up the regular season on a seven game winning streak. The Stars public school rivals, the second seeded Richfield Spartans have hit a crowded roundabout as they have gone 3-10 after starting the season 13-0. Get ready for The Battle of Richfield in the section final.
Up north to Section 7 as Hermantown Hawks fans could be celebrating again if the boys hockey team heads back to the state tournament the preceding week. The hawks are the top seed and will battle the second seeded Princeton Tigers and the third seeded and defending section champion Hibbing Bluejackets.
And finally, in Section 8, veteran head coach Wendy Kohler leads the Alexandria Cardinals to the top and a possible rematch with the second seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks. They beat Bemidji 60-39 on January 27.
Who's left standing in Class AA? The answers are next.
2020 Class AAAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
The Road to the Barn gets underway with section play in four classes. The two small school classes, Class A & AA have already begun so first up is a preview of the eight Class AAAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Farmington Tigers have been one of the dominant teams this season losing only to Hopkins and Rosemount. They're on a quest for their first trip to the state tournament. But the Tigers, led by 6'4" center Sophie Hart have serious competition ahead in the second seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans how have not lost a game since the calendar changed to 2020. Mayo has won 16 straight games. Also in the mix are the third seeded New Prague Trojans and the fourth seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets.
The top seed in Section 2, the Chaska Hawks has gone 20-2 since they began the season 1-2. Don't count out the second seeded Eden Prairie Eagles or the third seeded Minnetonka Skippers.
Now to Section 3, where Irish eyes could be smiling again in Rosemount after the boys hockey team was eliminated by St. Thomas Academy. The top seeded Irish are in the hunt for their first state berth since 2002. They will have to get by the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers. And what happened to Eastview? The Lightning, guided by Molly Kasper are the fifth seed and could end their run of eight straight section titles since they have a record of 6-20.
The Stillwater Ponies lost Sara Scalia from last year's Class AAAA runner up team to graduation and the Minnesota Golden Gophers but they occupy the top seed in Section 4. But looking to dethrone the Ponies and head to The Barn for the first time is the second seeded East Ridge Raptors.
The green and gold of the Park Center Pirates is the top seed in Section 5. The Pirates have one of the top juniors in the state in Adalia McKenzie as she tries to help the Brooklyn Park school return to state since 2017. The section gets tougher with the second seeded Centennial Cougars, the third seeded Roseville Raiders and the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson. It has the makings of a tough section.
Over in Section 6, the defending Class AAAA champion Hopkins Royals are the top seed and you'll need only two words to describe their offense, Paige Bueckers. She is the top player in the state as well as the nation and she leads the Royals toward The Barn a final time before she plays for Geno Auriemma next season at UConn. Another player worth watching has an outstanding future, sophomore Maya Nnaji. Memo to Gopher head coach Lindsey Whalen, head over to Williams Arena to see Nnjai. She could help put the Gophers in the NCAA in 2023. Looking to dethrone Brian Cosgriff's bunch is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans and the third seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
What a winter sports season it has been at Andover. The girls hockey team won the Class AA state title, the boys hockey team is one win away from heading to the X in St. Paul and the girls basketball team is the top seed in Section 7. They head into section play with four straight wins. Hoping to keep the Andover fan buses in the garage are two teams trying to end four game losing streaks, the second seeded Blaine Bengals and the third seeded Forest Lake Rangers.
Heading north to Section 8, where the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson are in the hunt for their third straight trip to state. But before Crimson fans head down I-94 to the U of M campus they will have to get past the second seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights, who kept the Hopkins Royals winning margin under 10 in both games since they joined the Lake Conference this season. The third seeded Elk River Elks enter section play with a four game winning streak.
Next. The eight Class AAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Farmington Tigers have been one of the dominant teams this season losing only to Hopkins and Rosemount. They're on a quest for their first trip to the state tournament. But the Tigers, led by 6'4" center Sophie Hart have serious competition ahead in the second seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans how have not lost a game since the calendar changed to 2020. Mayo has won 16 straight games. Also in the mix are the third seeded New Prague Trojans and the fourth seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets.
The top seed in Section 2, the Chaska Hawks has gone 20-2 since they began the season 1-2. Don't count out the second seeded Eden Prairie Eagles or the third seeded Minnetonka Skippers.
Now to Section 3, where Irish eyes could be smiling again in Rosemount after the boys hockey team was eliminated by St. Thomas Academy. The top seeded Irish are in the hunt for their first state berth since 2002. They will have to get by the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers. And what happened to Eastview? The Lightning, guided by Molly Kasper are the fifth seed and could end their run of eight straight section titles since they have a record of 6-20.
The Stillwater Ponies lost Sara Scalia from last year's Class AAAA runner up team to graduation and the Minnesota Golden Gophers but they occupy the top seed in Section 4. But looking to dethrone the Ponies and head to The Barn for the first time is the second seeded East Ridge Raptors.
The green and gold of the Park Center Pirates is the top seed in Section 5. The Pirates have one of the top juniors in the state in Adalia McKenzie as she tries to help the Brooklyn Park school return to state since 2017. The section gets tougher with the second seeded Centennial Cougars, the third seeded Roseville Raiders and the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson. It has the makings of a tough section.
Over in Section 6, the defending Class AAAA champion Hopkins Royals are the top seed and you'll need only two words to describe their offense, Paige Bueckers. She is the top player in the state as well as the nation and she leads the Royals toward The Barn a final time before she plays for Geno Auriemma next season at UConn. Another player worth watching has an outstanding future, sophomore Maya Nnaji. Memo to Gopher head coach Lindsey Whalen, head over to Williams Arena to see Nnjai. She could help put the Gophers in the NCAA in 2023. Looking to dethrone Brian Cosgriff's bunch is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans and the third seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
What a winter sports season it has been at Andover. The girls hockey team won the Class AA state title, the boys hockey team is one win away from heading to the X in St. Paul and the girls basketball team is the top seed in Section 7. They head into section play with four straight wins. Hoping to keep the Andover fan buses in the garage are two teams trying to end four game losing streaks, the second seeded Blaine Bengals and the third seeded Forest Lake Rangers.
Heading north to Section 8, where the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson are in the hunt for their third straight trip to state. But before Crimson fans head down I-94 to the U of M campus they will have to get past the second seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights, who kept the Hopkins Royals winning margin under 10 in both games since they joined the Lake Conference this season. The third seeded Elk River Elks enter section play with a four game winning streak.
Next. The eight Class AAA sections.
Friday, February 21, 2020
An Example of Excellent Sportsmanship
Wednesday night, HSGN was present to cover the evening Class A quarterfinal session of the 2020 Minnesota State High School Girls Hockey Tournament at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
But the game was secondary to what the Golden Valley based team that won two consecutive state Class A titles and of this writing one win a way from a threepeat did after they scored eight goals in the first period against the Luverne Cardinals.
What Breck did after outshooting Luverne 25-6 in the first period was that they did not take another shot on goal the rest of the game. Head coach Steve Perisian did the right thing in not allowing his team to run up the score against the Cardinals, thus causing further embarrassment for the fans in attendance who came from southwestern Minnesota.
Though the rest of the game wasn't not much with the exception of a Luverne goal in the third period, it showed how important good sportsmanship in high school athletics.
Over the last 30+ years of attending state tournaments in person, there have been numerous public address announcements encouraging good sportsmanship. For several years in the 80s, at the championship game awards ceremony in basketball and hockey, sportsmanship banners were presented to a team who displayed outstanding sportsmanship. Even the author of this blog, who has been a PA announcer for 25 years for St. Louis Park High School athletics and also Trinity, Holy Angels and Groves Academy basketball in that time frame usually begins pregame announcement promoting sportsmanship. It's not just important to the athletes, it's important to the fans who come to cheer on their teams but in a positive manner.
One more example of outstanding sportsmanship goes back to the Bloomington Jefferson boys basketball team in the 1980-81 season. They scored 99 points against Minnetonka so head coach Jack Evens told his team to hold the ball in order to not score more than 100 points. The school newspaper, The Rebel praised the move by Evens and the jaguars not to reach the century mark.
But on that chilly Wednesday night in St. Paul, here's to the Breck Mustangs and they showed why good sportsmanship makes everyone a winner.
But the game was secondary to what the Golden Valley based team that won two consecutive state Class A titles and of this writing one win a way from a threepeat did after they scored eight goals in the first period against the Luverne Cardinals.
What Breck did after outshooting Luverne 25-6 in the first period was that they did not take another shot on goal the rest of the game. Head coach Steve Perisian did the right thing in not allowing his team to run up the score against the Cardinals, thus causing further embarrassment for the fans in attendance who came from southwestern Minnesota.
Though the rest of the game wasn't not much with the exception of a Luverne goal in the third period, it showed how important good sportsmanship in high school athletics.
Over the last 30+ years of attending state tournaments in person, there have been numerous public address announcements encouraging good sportsmanship. For several years in the 80s, at the championship game awards ceremony in basketball and hockey, sportsmanship banners were presented to a team who displayed outstanding sportsmanship. Even the author of this blog, who has been a PA announcer for 25 years for St. Louis Park High School athletics and also Trinity, Holy Angels and Groves Academy basketball in that time frame usually begins pregame announcement promoting sportsmanship. It's not just important to the athletes, it's important to the fans who come to cheer on their teams but in a positive manner.
One more example of outstanding sportsmanship goes back to the Bloomington Jefferson boys basketball team in the 1980-81 season. They scored 99 points against Minnetonka so head coach Jack Evens told his team to hold the ball in order to not score more than 100 points. The school newspaper, The Rebel praised the move by Evens and the jaguars not to reach the century mark.
But on that chilly Wednesday night in St. Paul, here's to the Breck Mustangs and they showed why good sportsmanship makes everyone a winner.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Rochester Lourdes Eagles Beat South St. Paul Packers in Overtime
It would be a happy bus ride down Highway 52 for the Rochester Lourdes Eagles as Emma Schmitz scored two goals, including the game winner :53 into overtime that beat the South St. Paul Packers 2-1 in the state Class A girls hockey quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The Eagles had an opportunity with a five on three advantage for 1:18 but the couldn't capitalize on it. They would score the lone goal of the first period when Schmitz got the puck in the neutral zone, dribbled a few times, cut to the center slot and went left and put the puck in the net.
Neither team would tally in the second period. The Packers would even the score in the third period Brynn Sexauer, daughter of South St. Paul head football coach Chad Sexauer, rebounded Ella Reynolds shot into the net with 3:34 left in regulation time. The giant scoreboard didn't advance from the two ones so it was on to overtime.
It didn't take long for the Eagles to become the first Rochester school since 2007 to advance to a semifinal game. Schmitz drove through the center slot like the Green Line light rail train headed through downtown St. Paul and scored the game winner :53 into overtime.
Rochester Lourdes improved their record ro 18-10 and will face the Breck Mustangs in the Class A semifinals on Friday, February 21 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. South St. Paul, playing in their 15th state tournament under head coach Dave Palmquist, fell to 19-8-1 and takes on the Luverne Cardinals in the consolation semifinals on Thursday, February 20 at noon at the TRIA Rink in downtown St. Paul.
The Eagles had an opportunity with a five on three advantage for 1:18 but the couldn't capitalize on it. They would score the lone goal of the first period when Schmitz got the puck in the neutral zone, dribbled a few times, cut to the center slot and went left and put the puck in the net.
Neither team would tally in the second period. The Packers would even the score in the third period Brynn Sexauer, daughter of South St. Paul head football coach Chad Sexauer, rebounded Ella Reynolds shot into the net with 3:34 left in regulation time. The giant scoreboard didn't advance from the two ones so it was on to overtime.
It didn't take long for the Eagles to become the first Rochester school since 2007 to advance to a semifinal game. Schmitz drove through the center slot like the Green Line light rail train headed through downtown St. Paul and scored the game winner :53 into overtime.
Rochester Lourdes improved their record ro 18-10 and will face the Breck Mustangs in the Class A semifinals on Friday, February 21 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. South St. Paul, playing in their 15th state tournament under head coach Dave Palmquist, fell to 19-8-1 and takes on the Luverne Cardinals in the consolation semifinals on Thursday, February 20 at noon at the TRIA Rink in downtown St. Paul.
Eight First Period Goals Was Enough for Breck Mustangs
If you missed the first period of the opening game of the Class A evening session because you were stuck in rush hour traffic, you missed a huge offensive barrage that included hat tricks from Ally Qualley and Olivia Mobley that led the top seeded Breck Mustangs to an 8-1 win over the Luverne Cardinals in the State Girls Hockey Tournament quarterfinals Wednesday night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The Mustangs broke out of the starting gate :55 into the first period when Mobley's centering pass to Qualley bounced off her stick and crossed the goal line. Mobley, a Ms. Hockey finalist would score the second Breck goal, going through two Luverne defenders and scoring from the center slot. Mobley would score her second goal from the left side of the net to put the Mustangs ahead by three.
Qualley would tally :27 later as she went along the right boards, skated to the top of the faceoff circle and sent the puck to the net. Ava Lindsey would rebound her sister Sadie's shot and score :18 later and the lead was now five. Qualley would get the hat trick on a power play goal following a centering pass from Mobley. Ava Lindsey would score an unassisted goal to boost the lead to seven and Mobley would get the game's second hat trick when she went around the boards, headed to the right slot and shot the puck past Cardinal goalie Cheyenne Schutz to wrap up the first period scoring.
Breck, winners of two straight Class A titles, displayed outstanding sportsmanship the next two periods by not running up the score. They didn't even attempt a shot on goal. But Luverne averted a shutout on Billi Connell rebounded Regan Bork's shot into the net to concluded the scoring.
The Mustangs improved their record to 23-6 and advanced to the Class A semifinals on Friday, February 21 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Cardinals fell to 22-5-1 and will play in the consolation semifinals on Thursday, February 20 at noon at the TRIA Rink in downtown St. Paul.
The Mustangs broke out of the starting gate :55 into the first period when Mobley's centering pass to Qualley bounced off her stick and crossed the goal line. Mobley, a Ms. Hockey finalist would score the second Breck goal, going through two Luverne defenders and scoring from the center slot. Mobley would score her second goal from the left side of the net to put the Mustangs ahead by three.
Qualley would tally :27 later as she went along the right boards, skated to the top of the faceoff circle and sent the puck to the net. Ava Lindsey would rebound her sister Sadie's shot and score :18 later and the lead was now five. Qualley would get the hat trick on a power play goal following a centering pass from Mobley. Ava Lindsey would score an unassisted goal to boost the lead to seven and Mobley would get the game's second hat trick when she went around the boards, headed to the right slot and shot the puck past Cardinal goalie Cheyenne Schutz to wrap up the first period scoring.
Breck, winners of two straight Class A titles, displayed outstanding sportsmanship the next two periods by not running up the score. They didn't even attempt a shot on goal. But Luverne averted a shutout on Billi Connell rebounded Regan Bork's shot into the net to concluded the scoring.
The Mustangs improved their record to 23-6 and advanced to the Class A semifinals on Friday, February 21 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Cardinals fell to 22-5-1 and will play in the consolation semifinals on Thursday, February 20 at noon at the TRIA Rink in downtown St. Paul.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
2020 Class AA Boys Hockey Section Preview
After examining the eight Class A sections, here's a preview of the eight Class AA sections.
Though the Section 1 final is in Rochester, the Road to St. Paul goes through Lakeville since the top two seeds are the Lakeville South Cougars and the Lakeville North Panthers. Could there be a Battle of Lakeville in the section final or will the new member of the section, the third seeded Hastings Raiders be the party crasher?
In Section 2, the top seed Prior Lake Lakers are three wins from heading down Highway 13 to St. Paul for the first time. Prior Lake fans, before you make your hotel reservations for St. Paul, you'll likely see the Lakers battle the second seeded Eden Prairie Eagles or the third seeded Minnetonka Skippers.
Irish fans eyes are smiling as Rosemount has the top seed in Section 3. First they will have to contend with the second seeded Burnsville Blaze and the third seeded Eastview Lightning. What's wrong with this section picture? Where's St. Thomas Academy? The perennial power from Mendota Heights is seeded fifth under Trent Eigner, who took over the Cadets after Tom and Greg Vanelli stepped down. Can they vault past Rosemount and return to the X?
Here's a familiar ring for hockey fans in Maplewood and the east side of St. Paul. The Hill-Murray Pioneers are the number one seed in Section 4. Bill Lechner's bunch is on a quest for the school's 30th trip to the state tournament. But two teams that kept the Pioneer fan buses in the garage are in contention. Thery are the second seeded Stillwater Ponies and the team that denied them a state tournament bid last year, the third seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
The top seed in Section 5 is the Blaine Bengals. Last season, the Bengals took home the Class AA third place trophy. But it could be tougher with the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson, the third seeded Centennial Cougars and moving into Class AA this season after years of playing in class A, the Totino-Grace Eagles. It has the makings of an outstanding section.
Looking at Section 6, there's only one team that has a sub .500 record and it's the Hopkins Royals. They go up against the top seeded Blake Bears in the quarterfinals. It's been a big year for the second seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's as head coach Ken Pauly joined the 500 win club. The third seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders host the sixth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles and the fifth seeded Wayzata Trojans battle the fourth seeded and defending state Class AA champion Edina Hornets. Who will play at Mariucci February 26? Take your pick. It's a toughie.
What a great year of hockey so far in Andover. First the girls get the second seed in the state Class AA tournament and now the boys are the top seed in Section 7 three wins away from their first trip down Highway 10 to downtown St. Paul. First hey have to get past the second seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. Don't count out the third seeded Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks. What about Duluth East? Mike Randolph leads the fifth seeded Greyhounds as they head down I-35 to face the fourth seeded Forest Lake Rangers. There's exciting hockey to watch north of the Twin Cities.
Concluding the Class AA preview is Section 8, where the top seeded Moorhead Spuds are in the hunt for their 18th trip to state but they have never taken home the championship hardware. In order to fulfill this quest they have to get past the second seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights and the third seeded Roseau Rams.
Plenty of outstanding section games coming up.
Though the Section 1 final is in Rochester, the Road to St. Paul goes through Lakeville since the top two seeds are the Lakeville South Cougars and the Lakeville North Panthers. Could there be a Battle of Lakeville in the section final or will the new member of the section, the third seeded Hastings Raiders be the party crasher?
In Section 2, the top seed Prior Lake Lakers are three wins from heading down Highway 13 to St. Paul for the first time. Prior Lake fans, before you make your hotel reservations for St. Paul, you'll likely see the Lakers battle the second seeded Eden Prairie Eagles or the third seeded Minnetonka Skippers.
Irish fans eyes are smiling as Rosemount has the top seed in Section 3. First they will have to contend with the second seeded Burnsville Blaze and the third seeded Eastview Lightning. What's wrong with this section picture? Where's St. Thomas Academy? The perennial power from Mendota Heights is seeded fifth under Trent Eigner, who took over the Cadets after Tom and Greg Vanelli stepped down. Can they vault past Rosemount and return to the X?
Here's a familiar ring for hockey fans in Maplewood and the east side of St. Paul. The Hill-Murray Pioneers are the number one seed in Section 4. Bill Lechner's bunch is on a quest for the school's 30th trip to the state tournament. But two teams that kept the Pioneer fan buses in the garage are in contention. Thery are the second seeded Stillwater Ponies and the team that denied them a state tournament bid last year, the third seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
The top seed in Section 5 is the Blaine Bengals. Last season, the Bengals took home the Class AA third place trophy. But it could be tougher with the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson, the third seeded Centennial Cougars and moving into Class AA this season after years of playing in class A, the Totino-Grace Eagles. It has the makings of an outstanding section.
Looking at Section 6, there's only one team that has a sub .500 record and it's the Hopkins Royals. They go up against the top seeded Blake Bears in the quarterfinals. It's been a big year for the second seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's as head coach Ken Pauly joined the 500 win club. The third seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders host the sixth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles and the fifth seeded Wayzata Trojans battle the fourth seeded and defending state Class AA champion Edina Hornets. Who will play at Mariucci February 26? Take your pick. It's a toughie.
What a great year of hockey so far in Andover. First the girls get the second seed in the state Class AA tournament and now the boys are the top seed in Section 7 three wins away from their first trip down Highway 10 to downtown St. Paul. First hey have to get past the second seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. Don't count out the third seeded Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks. What about Duluth East? Mike Randolph leads the fifth seeded Greyhounds as they head down I-35 to face the fourth seeded Forest Lake Rangers. There's exciting hockey to watch north of the Twin Cities.
Concluding the Class AA preview is Section 8, where the top seeded Moorhead Spuds are in the hunt for their 18th trip to state but they have never taken home the championship hardware. In order to fulfill this quest they have to get past the second seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights and the third seeded Roseau Rams.
Plenty of outstanding section games coming up.
2020 Class A Boys Hockey Section Preview
While the state girls hockey tournament is underway at the X, it's the boys turn on the Road to St. Paul starting with a preview of the eight Class A sections.
The top seed in Section 1 is the Dodge County Wildcats. The Kasson based team is three wins away from its first trip up Highway 52 to St. Paul but first they have to get past the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets and the third seeded Faribault Falcons.
The St. Louis Park Rec Center will be the site for the Section 2 tournament as the top seeded Orono Spartans, who won the Class A title in 2018 are en route to their 10th trip to state. Looking to keep the orono buses in the garage are the second seeded Delano Tigers and the third seeded Mustangs. Could it be a big year for Breck if the boys team heads to state after the girls defend their Class A crown?
Over in Section 3, the top seeded Hutchinson Tigers are roaring toward their first trip to the X since 2009 but they will have to contend with the second seeded Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Dragons and the third seeded New Ulm Eagles. One quarterfinal matchup to keep an eye on id the fifth seeded Luverne Cardinals and the fourth seeded Marshall Tigers.
Back to the metro and Section 4 where the top seed is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs. But looking for it's 23rd trip to state is the second seeded St. Paul Johnson Governors. The third seed and in the hunt for their first trip to state is Gentry Academy. What's a Gentry Academy? It's a private school located on the campus of the Vadnais Heights Sports Center. Who will prevail and earn a state tournament berth?
The Monticello Moose is the top seed in Section 5 but the second seeded North Branch Vikings are in the hunt for a return trip down I-35 to the X. They will have to get by the third seeded Pine City Dragons.
In Section 6, the top seeded and defending Class A champion St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders have brought excitement to Granite City hockey fans by being the dominant team this season in Class A. But they will have to get past the second seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the third seeded Little Falls Flyers.
Now this sounds familiar. The Hermantown Hawks are the top seed in Section 7. Last season, they lost to Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin which is seeded third. The second seeded Duluth Denfeld Hunters are also in the hunt.
Wrapping up the Class A preview is Section 8, which could be a tough section with the top seeded Warroad Warriors, the second seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave, the third seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers and fourth seeded Kittson County Central.
Next up. The eight Class AA sections.
The top seed in Section 1 is the Dodge County Wildcats. The Kasson based team is three wins away from its first trip up Highway 52 to St. Paul but first they have to get past the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets and the third seeded Faribault Falcons.
The St. Louis Park Rec Center will be the site for the Section 2 tournament as the top seeded Orono Spartans, who won the Class A title in 2018 are en route to their 10th trip to state. Looking to keep the orono buses in the garage are the second seeded Delano Tigers and the third seeded Mustangs. Could it be a big year for Breck if the boys team heads to state after the girls defend their Class A crown?
Over in Section 3, the top seeded Hutchinson Tigers are roaring toward their first trip to the X since 2009 but they will have to contend with the second seeded Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Dragons and the third seeded New Ulm Eagles. One quarterfinal matchup to keep an eye on id the fifth seeded Luverne Cardinals and the fourth seeded Marshall Tigers.
Back to the metro and Section 4 where the top seed is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs. But looking for it's 23rd trip to state is the second seeded St. Paul Johnson Governors. The third seed and in the hunt for their first trip to state is Gentry Academy. What's a Gentry Academy? It's a private school located on the campus of the Vadnais Heights Sports Center. Who will prevail and earn a state tournament berth?
The Monticello Moose is the top seed in Section 5 but the second seeded North Branch Vikings are in the hunt for a return trip down I-35 to the X. They will have to get by the third seeded Pine City Dragons.
In Section 6, the top seeded and defending Class A champion St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders have brought excitement to Granite City hockey fans by being the dominant team this season in Class A. But they will have to get past the second seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the third seeded Little Falls Flyers.
Now this sounds familiar. The Hermantown Hawks are the top seed in Section 7. Last season, they lost to Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin which is seeded third. The second seeded Duluth Denfeld Hunters are also in the hunt.
Wrapping up the Class A preview is Section 8, which could be a tough section with the top seeded Warroad Warriors, the second seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave, the third seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers and fourth seeded Kittson County Central.
Next up. The eight Class AA sections.
Monday, February 17, 2020
2020 Class AA State Girls Hockey Tournament Quarterfinal Preview
2020 STATE CLASS AA GIRLS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL (GAMES PLAYED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER IN ST. PAUL)
11:00: Farmington vs. Andover (Seed 2)
1:00: Roseau vs. Minnetonka (Seed 3)
6:00: Burnsville vs. Edina (Seed 1)
8:00: Hill-Murray (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The opening game of the state Class AA tournament has a familiar ring to it as the same two teams that played in last year's first quarterfinal game begin the afternoon session as the Farmington Tigers face the second seeded Andover Huskies. The Tigers season has been like riding the roller coaster at ValleyFair. They started 0-3, won four straight games and have had a number of winning and losing streaks until section play where they extended their winning streak to four. Now they face their toughest test in the Huskies, who began the season with a 1-0 win over the Edina Hornets. Led by The Kaiser Sisters, Madison and Sara, Andover's only two losses have been to state tourney participants Breck and Hill-Murray. Since Andover High School opened at 2002, the trophy case has been bare of state championship trophies. Could this finally be the year where they end the Hornets championship reign?
Concluding the afternoon session is the only northern school in the Class AA field the Roseau Rams. The Rams make their sixth trip to St. Paul and first since 2017. Roseau will take on the third seeded Minnetonka Skippers, The Skippers are in their second straight tournament and seventh overall. But there is new leadership for the team that plays their home games at Pagel Center, Tracy Cassano. She replaced long-time head coach Eric Johnson and so far she has guided them to a successful season and a possible rematch with Andover. Minnetonka lost to the Huskies November 23 3-1. There could be a rematch in the semifinals.
Now to the evening session where the Burnsville Blaze, seeded third in Section 3 are on a six game winning streak that included an overtime win against the Eastview Lightning in the section semifinals. They will have a tough test ahead against the top seeded and three time defending champion Edina Hornets. Sami Reber's bunch has been unbeatable since they lost their season opener to Andover and they have allowed only two goals in two games this season. Can the Hornets enter the record books with their fourth consecutive state title?
If you're watching the evening session on prepspotlight.tv, do not adjust your computer monitor since there's another green and white team ready to take the ice in the fifth seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers who are back at the X after losing to White Bear Lake in last year's section final. They will face the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson who shutout the Pioneers 3-0 on January 11. Can they make it two straight against Hill-Murray or will there be a lot of green to match the color of the arena's green seats in Friday's semifinals?
Let the tournament begin! There could be history in the making Saturday night.
11:00: Farmington vs. Andover (Seed 2)
1:00: Roseau vs. Minnetonka (Seed 3)
6:00: Burnsville vs. Edina (Seed 1)
8:00: Hill-Murray (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The opening game of the state Class AA tournament has a familiar ring to it as the same two teams that played in last year's first quarterfinal game begin the afternoon session as the Farmington Tigers face the second seeded Andover Huskies. The Tigers season has been like riding the roller coaster at ValleyFair. They started 0-3, won four straight games and have had a number of winning and losing streaks until section play where they extended their winning streak to four. Now they face their toughest test in the Huskies, who began the season with a 1-0 win over the Edina Hornets. Led by The Kaiser Sisters, Madison and Sara, Andover's only two losses have been to state tourney participants Breck and Hill-Murray. Since Andover High School opened at 2002, the trophy case has been bare of state championship trophies. Could this finally be the year where they end the Hornets championship reign?
Concluding the afternoon session is the only northern school in the Class AA field the Roseau Rams. The Rams make their sixth trip to St. Paul and first since 2017. Roseau will take on the third seeded Minnetonka Skippers, The Skippers are in their second straight tournament and seventh overall. But there is new leadership for the team that plays their home games at Pagel Center, Tracy Cassano. She replaced long-time head coach Eric Johnson and so far she has guided them to a successful season and a possible rematch with Andover. Minnetonka lost to the Huskies November 23 3-1. There could be a rematch in the semifinals.
Now to the evening session where the Burnsville Blaze, seeded third in Section 3 are on a six game winning streak that included an overtime win against the Eastview Lightning in the section semifinals. They will have a tough test ahead against the top seeded and three time defending champion Edina Hornets. Sami Reber's bunch has been unbeatable since they lost their season opener to Andover and they have allowed only two goals in two games this season. Can the Hornets enter the record books with their fourth consecutive state title?
If you're watching the evening session on prepspotlight.tv, do not adjust your computer monitor since there's another green and white team ready to take the ice in the fifth seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers who are back at the X after losing to White Bear Lake in last year's section final. They will face the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson who shutout the Pioneers 3-0 on January 11. Can they make it two straight against Hill-Murray or will there be a lot of green to match the color of the arena's green seats in Friday's semifinals?
Let the tournament begin! There could be history in the making Saturday night.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
2020 Class A State Girls Hockey Tournament Preview
2020 CLASS A STATE GIRLS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
(GAMES PLAYED AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL)
11:00: Willmar vs. Warroad (Seed 2)
1:00 Hutchinson vs. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (Seed 3)
6:00: Luverne vs. Breck (Seed 1)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes (Seed 5) vs. South St. Paul (Seed 4)
Examining the Field: The 2020 edition of the Minnesota State High School Girls Hockey Tournament opens with the Willmar Cardinals making their first trip to St. Paul since 2003 The Cardinals survived a three game losing streak in December and have won four of their last five games. It won't be easy for Willmar since they go up against the second seeded Warroad Warriors, in their 11th trip to state. Thy have played a tough nonconference schedule with three of their four defeats against Class AA powers Minnetonka, Wayzata and Roseau. The Warriors are led by Ms. Hockey finalist Hannah Corneiliusen, who will be headed to Merrimack College in New Hampshire next season. Warroad has outscored their two Section 8 opponents Crookston and Thief River Falls 16-0. Can their unanswered goal streak continue? They have a great shot at ending Breck's title run.
The afternoon session wraps up with the Hutchinson Tigers heading down Highway 7 for the fifth time to the X. Not to sound redundant with the number five since good things have come in that particular digit for the Tigers. They began the season 5-0 and head to state on a five game winning streak. However, it looks difficult for Hutchinson as they battle the third seeded Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks, who return to the state tournament for the first time since 2007. Back then, they had some outstanding teams under the leadership of Richard Bartholdi. Now it's Courtney Olin leading the Lumberjacks to a 24-1 run after starting the season 1-2. Their defense has been solid, only allowing more than one goal in two games against the same opponent Proctor/Hermantown. Could their be a potential semifinal match up with Warroad?
Opening up the evening session will be another Cardinal team, this one from Luverne. It's the second trip to St. Paul for the Cardinals and their first game against a Twin Cities based school as they go up against the top seeded and the two time defending Class A champion Breck Mustangs. Luverne has only lost one game since the calendar changed to 2020 and it was to New Ulm 4-1 on January 23. As for Breck, they have played a rugged nonconference schedule that included two losses to the top seeded team in Class AA the Edina Hornets. The Mustangs are led by Ms. Hockey finalist (and a former St. Louis Park Oriole) Olivia Mobley. She also has an outstanding supporting cast that includes Ally Qualley and Sadie Lindsey, who scored two goals in the section final against the Orono Spartans. There's also outstanding goaltending from freshman Sarah Peterson. Memo to the custodial staff at Breck: Clear a space in the trophy case. You might need room for another championship trophy.
Bringing the Class A quarterfinal day to a close is the fifth seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles and returning to the X after a five year absence, the fourth seeded South St. Paul Packers. The Eagles have bounced back after a midseason four game losing streak to win six of their last seven games. It will be a rematch of the regular season finale where the Packers packed up the Eagles 8-2. Veteran head coach Dave Palmquist brings South St. Paul to state for the 15th time and on a quest for their first state title since 2006. There could be a rematch with Breck in the semifinals if they beat Rochester Lourdes. The Packers were shut out 4-0 by the Mustangs on January 28. Can these two powers battle for a trip to Saturday's Class A final?
Next the Class AA preview.
(GAMES PLAYED AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL)
11:00: Willmar vs. Warroad (Seed 2)
1:00 Hutchinson vs. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (Seed 3)
6:00: Luverne vs. Breck (Seed 1)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes (Seed 5) vs. South St. Paul (Seed 4)
Examining the Field: The 2020 edition of the Minnesota State High School Girls Hockey Tournament opens with the Willmar Cardinals making their first trip to St. Paul since 2003 The Cardinals survived a three game losing streak in December and have won four of their last five games. It won't be easy for Willmar since they go up against the second seeded Warroad Warriors, in their 11th trip to state. Thy have played a tough nonconference schedule with three of their four defeats against Class AA powers Minnetonka, Wayzata and Roseau. The Warriors are led by Ms. Hockey finalist Hannah Corneiliusen, who will be headed to Merrimack College in New Hampshire next season. Warroad has outscored their two Section 8 opponents Crookston and Thief River Falls 16-0. Can their unanswered goal streak continue? They have a great shot at ending Breck's title run.
The afternoon session wraps up with the Hutchinson Tigers heading down Highway 7 for the fifth time to the X. Not to sound redundant with the number five since good things have come in that particular digit for the Tigers. They began the season 5-0 and head to state on a five game winning streak. However, it looks difficult for Hutchinson as they battle the third seeded Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks, who return to the state tournament for the first time since 2007. Back then, they had some outstanding teams under the leadership of Richard Bartholdi. Now it's Courtney Olin leading the Lumberjacks to a 24-1 run after starting the season 1-2. Their defense has been solid, only allowing more than one goal in two games against the same opponent Proctor/Hermantown. Could their be a potential semifinal match up with Warroad?
Opening up the evening session will be another Cardinal team, this one from Luverne. It's the second trip to St. Paul for the Cardinals and their first game against a Twin Cities based school as they go up against the top seeded and the two time defending Class A champion Breck Mustangs. Luverne has only lost one game since the calendar changed to 2020 and it was to New Ulm 4-1 on January 23. As for Breck, they have played a rugged nonconference schedule that included two losses to the top seeded team in Class AA the Edina Hornets. The Mustangs are led by Ms. Hockey finalist (and a former St. Louis Park Oriole) Olivia Mobley. She also has an outstanding supporting cast that includes Ally Qualley and Sadie Lindsey, who scored two goals in the section final against the Orono Spartans. There's also outstanding goaltending from freshman Sarah Peterson. Memo to the custodial staff at Breck: Clear a space in the trophy case. You might need room for another championship trophy.
Bringing the Class A quarterfinal day to a close is the fifth seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles and returning to the X after a five year absence, the fourth seeded South St. Paul Packers. The Eagles have bounced back after a midseason four game losing streak to win six of their last seven games. It will be a rematch of the regular season finale where the Packers packed up the Eagles 8-2. Veteran head coach Dave Palmquist brings South St. Paul to state for the 15th time and on a quest for their first state title since 2006. There could be a rematch with Breck in the semifinals if they beat Rochester Lourdes. The Packers were shut out 4-0 by the Mustangs on January 28. Can these two powers battle for a trip to Saturday's Class A final?
Next the Class AA preview.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
SLP Orioles End Regular Season With Win Over Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars
Saturday afternoon was Senior Day for the St. Louis Park Orioles boys hockey team and one of the 10 seniors honored before the game Avery Pittman showed veteran leadership as he scored two goals to help beat the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars 5-1 at The Rec Center.
The Jaguars would reach the net on their first shot of the game when Tyler Noble scored from the center slot. Jefferson goalie Basil Kamsheh was tested early as he faced three consecutive St. Louis Park shots and he saved all three. The Orioles would tie the game on Pittman's rebound goal with ;18.4 to go in the period.
St. Louis Park would vault into the lead with two second period goals. The first came when Drew Boyum rebounded Stanley Regguinti's shot and it crossed the goal line to put them ahead 2-1. The margin would increase to two while Jacob Favour was serving a two minute slashing penalty. Javk Wandmacher fed Jacob Johnson in the top of the left slot faceoff circle and he would score the short handed goal.
In the third period, the Orioles added two goals to their ledger. Boyum would pass to Wandmacher and his shot barely crossed the goal line putting St. Louis Park ahead by three. Pittman would conclude the scoring with his second unassisted goal, firing a shot from the right side of Kamsheh.
The Orioles ended their regular season with a record of 16-9 and open Section 6AA tournament play next Thursday, February 20. The Jaguars wrap up the regular season with a record of 9-16 and will also be in action on the 20th in the Section 3AA tournament.
The Jaguars would reach the net on their first shot of the game when Tyler Noble scored from the center slot. Jefferson goalie Basil Kamsheh was tested early as he faced three consecutive St. Louis Park shots and he saved all three. The Orioles would tie the game on Pittman's rebound goal with ;18.4 to go in the period.
St. Louis Park would vault into the lead with two second period goals. The first came when Drew Boyum rebounded Stanley Regguinti's shot and it crossed the goal line to put them ahead 2-1. The margin would increase to two while Jacob Favour was serving a two minute slashing penalty. Javk Wandmacher fed Jacob Johnson in the top of the left slot faceoff circle and he would score the short handed goal.
In the third period, the Orioles added two goals to their ledger. Boyum would pass to Wandmacher and his shot barely crossed the goal line putting St. Louis Park ahead by three. Pittman would conclude the scoring with his second unassisted goal, firing a shot from the right side of Kamsheh.
The Orioles ended their regular season with a record of 16-9 and open Section 6AA tournament play next Thursday, February 20. The Jaguars wrap up the regular season with a record of 9-16 and will also be in action on the 20th in the Section 3AA tournament.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
It's a Section 5A Threepeat for Breck Mustangs
Wednesday night was a big night for The Lindsey Family as Sadie scored two goals and Ava picked up two assists to lead the Breck Mustangs to a 6-2 win over the Orono Spartans in the Section 5A championship game at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park.
The game was a rematch of a December 21 game where the Mustangs routed the Spartans 11-2.
There was no scoring in the first period as Breck outshot Orono 11-0 until the Spartans took their first shot at Mustang goalie Sarah Peterson with 6:39 left in the first period.
Orono would strike first in the second period when Alexa Niccum found an opening on the right side of Peterson and put it past her for the early lead. Before Spartans fans took out their smartphones to make hotel reservations for next week's state tournament in St. Paul, Sadie Lindsey got a pass from Hannah Halverson and sent it past the right side of Orono goalie Anna Lisle to tie the game. Ally Qualley would put Breck ahead :10 later. The Spartans would tie the game at two as Kailey Niccum drove through the center slot like the team bus heading down Highway 100 and sent it to the net.
The Mustangs would regain the lead :50 later on Olivia Mobley's right side goal. Breck would extend their lead to two as Hannah Halverson scored on a rebound. Senior co-captain Ashley Halverson would set up Breck's final goal of the period with a centering pass to Sadie Lindsey and the Mustangs lead increased to three.
It looked like there would be no scoring in the third period. Wrong. Following a :27 5 on 3 situation, Josie Lang, one of three Breck eighth graders, scored a power play goal with :18.3 to play and clinch a chance for the Mustangs to win their third straight state Class A title.
Breck improved their record to 22-6 and will begin their road to a Class A threepeat in the state tournament quarterfinals Wednesday, February 19 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Orono ended their season with a record of 17-10-1.
The game was a rematch of a December 21 game where the Mustangs routed the Spartans 11-2.
There was no scoring in the first period as Breck outshot Orono 11-0 until the Spartans took their first shot at Mustang goalie Sarah Peterson with 6:39 left in the first period.
Orono would strike first in the second period when Alexa Niccum found an opening on the right side of Peterson and put it past her for the early lead. Before Spartans fans took out their smartphones to make hotel reservations for next week's state tournament in St. Paul, Sadie Lindsey got a pass from Hannah Halverson and sent it past the right side of Orono goalie Anna Lisle to tie the game. Ally Qualley would put Breck ahead :10 later. The Spartans would tie the game at two as Kailey Niccum drove through the center slot like the team bus heading down Highway 100 and sent it to the net.
The Mustangs would regain the lead :50 later on Olivia Mobley's right side goal. Breck would extend their lead to two as Hannah Halverson scored on a rebound. Senior co-captain Ashley Halverson would set up Breck's final goal of the period with a centering pass to Sadie Lindsey and the Mustangs lead increased to three.
It looked like there would be no scoring in the third period. Wrong. Following a :27 5 on 3 situation, Josie Lang, one of three Breck eighth graders, scored a power play goal with :18.3 to play and clinch a chance for the Mustangs to win their third straight state Class A title.
Breck improved their record to 22-6 and will begin their road to a Class A threepeat in the state tournament quarterfinals Wednesday, February 19 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Orono ended their season with a record of 17-10-1.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
2020 Section 5A Girls Hockey Championship Preview
The top seeded Breck Mustangs are one win away from their third straight trip to the state girls hockey tournament as they battle the Orono Spartans in the Section 5A title game at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park.
The Mustangs have dominated section play, outscoring the opposition 20-1. They shut out St. Francis/North Branch 11-0 in the quarterfinals and in a rematch of last year's championship game, Breck beat Minneapolis 9-1 in the semifinals.
In the quarterfinals, Ava Lindsey and Olivia Mobley recorded hat tricks. Factor in Ally Qualley's six assists and the Mustangs totally dominated the Fighting Saints outshooting the north suburban co-op 40-6. Mobley added two goals to her ledger in the semifinals against Minneapolis and the Lindsey Sisters, Ava and Sadie scored two goals apiece. Hannah Halverson picked up four assists for Breck. Goaltending is in good hands for the two time state champions as freshman Sarah Peterson has given up only one goal in two section games. Can she keep the Spartans portion of the scoreboard at zero?
And speaking of the Spartans, third seeded Orono is looking for their first trip to St. Paul. They shut out the Holy Angels Stars in the quarterfinals 4-0 and beat the second seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats in the semifinals 5-1.
Celia Whittington scored two goals in the quarterfinals against Holy Angels and goalie Anna Lisle recorded the shutout. In the semifinals, Kailey Niccum scored two goals and Orono took advantage of an empty net with two goals in a span of :27 to beat the second seeded Wildcats. Can they pull the upset or will it be a Breck threepeat?
Game time is 7 PM.
The Mustangs have dominated section play, outscoring the opposition 20-1. They shut out St. Francis/North Branch 11-0 in the quarterfinals and in a rematch of last year's championship game, Breck beat Minneapolis 9-1 in the semifinals.
In the quarterfinals, Ava Lindsey and Olivia Mobley recorded hat tricks. Factor in Ally Qualley's six assists and the Mustangs totally dominated the Fighting Saints outshooting the north suburban co-op 40-6. Mobley added two goals to her ledger in the semifinals against Minneapolis and the Lindsey Sisters, Ava and Sadie scored two goals apiece. Hannah Halverson picked up four assists for Breck. Goaltending is in good hands for the two time state champions as freshman Sarah Peterson has given up only one goal in two section games. Can she keep the Spartans portion of the scoreboard at zero?
And speaking of the Spartans, third seeded Orono is looking for their first trip to St. Paul. They shut out the Holy Angels Stars in the quarterfinals 4-0 and beat the second seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats in the semifinals 5-1.
Celia Whittington scored two goals in the quarterfinals against Holy Angels and goalie Anna Lisle recorded the shutout. In the semifinals, Kailey Niccum scored two goals and Orono took advantage of an empty net with two goals in a span of :27 to beat the second seeded Wildcats. Can they pull the upset or will it be a Breck threepeat?
Game time is 7 PM.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Groves Academy Griffins End Four Game Losing Streak
Matthew Zahn is 1-0 as a head coach.
Zahn, taking over the coaching reins due to head coach Peter Shutte recovering from surgery on a broken ankle got 23 points apiece from Josh Lightowler and Alfie Galle that led the Groves Academy Griffins to an 80-61 win over the Academy for Science and Agriculture Eagles Thursday night in St. Louis Park.
Nate Lundy opened the first half scoring for the Eagles :16 into the game and Galle struck first for the Griffins to tie the score. Galle would score eight straight points for Groves Academy after Danny Berthoud scored to put them ahead. Most of the first half scoring came from inside the three point line as there were only two shots from Minnetonka Blvd. that went threw the nylon net. Both came from Lundy and Mitchell Carey for AFSA. the lead would go back and forth like a pendulum on a grandfather clock until the Griffins would forge ahead late in the first half to take a 31-26 halftime lead.
Emory Harden, who returned to the Groves Academy lineup after being sidelined with an injury would score the Griffins first three second half points. Groves Academy would forge further ahead as they finally started to connect on three pointers. Berthoud and Lightowler would hit threes to spark a 10-0 run. Gabe Gordon would also hit a three pointer. The closest the Eagles would come to the Griffins was 11 points as Jake Babu worked some Eagle magic with a three pointer. Babu and Gordon would also trade three pointers but the AFSA magic lost its glow when Lundy fouled with 8:20 left in the game. The one offensive bright spot for the Eagles was Jake Colstock who scored four straight points but it wouldn't be enough to catch the Griffins.
The only other Groves Academy player in double figures was Harden, who scored 11 points. Lundy led AFSA with 17 points. Colquitt added 12 and Babu tallied 12.
The Griffins ended their four game losing streak and improved their record to 5-14. They will return to action on Tuesday, February 11 against the Twin City Academy/Great River Tigers at 6 PM. AFSA fell to 1-16 and will also be back in action on the 11th as they host Liberty Classical Academy at 6:30 PM.
Zahn, taking over the coaching reins due to head coach Peter Shutte recovering from surgery on a broken ankle got 23 points apiece from Josh Lightowler and Alfie Galle that led the Groves Academy Griffins to an 80-61 win over the Academy for Science and Agriculture Eagles Thursday night in St. Louis Park.
Nate Lundy opened the first half scoring for the Eagles :16 into the game and Galle struck first for the Griffins to tie the score. Galle would score eight straight points for Groves Academy after Danny Berthoud scored to put them ahead. Most of the first half scoring came from inside the three point line as there were only two shots from Minnetonka Blvd. that went threw the nylon net. Both came from Lundy and Mitchell Carey for AFSA. the lead would go back and forth like a pendulum on a grandfather clock until the Griffins would forge ahead late in the first half to take a 31-26 halftime lead.
Emory Harden, who returned to the Groves Academy lineup after being sidelined with an injury would score the Griffins first three second half points. Groves Academy would forge further ahead as they finally started to connect on three pointers. Berthoud and Lightowler would hit threes to spark a 10-0 run. Gabe Gordon would also hit a three pointer. The closest the Eagles would come to the Griffins was 11 points as Jake Babu worked some Eagle magic with a three pointer. Babu and Gordon would also trade three pointers but the AFSA magic lost its glow when Lundy fouled with 8:20 left in the game. The one offensive bright spot for the Eagles was Jake Colstock who scored four straight points but it wouldn't be enough to catch the Griffins.
The only other Groves Academy player in double figures was Harden, who scored 11 points. Lundy led AFSA with 17 points. Colquitt added 12 and Babu tallied 12.
The Griffins ended their four game losing streak and improved their record to 5-14. They will return to action on Tuesday, February 11 against the Twin City Academy/Great River Tigers at 6 PM. AFSA fell to 1-16 and will also be back in action on the 11th as they host Liberty Classical Academy at 6:30 PM.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
2020 Class AA Girls Hockey Section Preview
After examining the eight Class A girls hockey sections, it's time to preview the eight Class AA sections.
One thing that's certain about Section 1 is there will be no All Lakeville Final due to section realignment. The Minnesota State High School League moved Lakeville North into Section 3and it could mean that the top seeded Lakeville South could continue their even number year pattern of heading to St. Paul. The Cougars will have to get past the second seeded Farmington Tigers and the third seeded Dodge County Wildcats.
For the first three years of the 2010s, the Minnetonka Skippers dominated Class AA hockey, winning three consecutive state titles. Now under first year head coach Tracy Cassano, the Skippers are the top seed in Section 2. It could be a fourth battle this season with the second seeded Eden Prairie Eagles if they meet in the section final or will the third seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire stay hot after concluding the regular season with two consecutive shutouts.
If there's any guarantee in Section 3, there will be a team from Apple Valley playing for a trip down I-35E to St. Paul. The top two seeds are the Apple Valley Eagles and the Eastview Lightning. The Lightning swept the season series with the Eagles, winning both games by one goal. Don't count out the third seeded Burnsville Blaze or the fourth seeded Eagan Wildcats.
Last year, the White Bear Lake Bears ended the Hill-Murray Pioneers Section 4 title reign of six consecutive years. But there's good news for Bill Schafhauser's bunch, the Pioneers have the number one seed. There's a strong possibility of a season opening rematch with the second seeded Stillwater Ponies, who they beat 6-1 on November 9. The third seeded Roseville Raiders head into section play with four wins in their last five games.
Five of the six teams in Section 5 have winning records as the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson and the second seeded Blaine Bengals have first round byes. Third seeded Champlin Park-Coon Rapids in also in the hunt and the opening round game between the fifth seeded Centennial Cougars and the fourth seeded Rogers Royals indicates that there's no clear cut favorite to head to the X.
To Section 6, where the top seeded Edina Hornets begin their quest to vie for their unprecedented fourth straight Class AA championship. It won't be easy for Edina with the second seeded Blake Bears, the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. Keep your eye on this section. Could Edina's title reign come to an end?
Heading north to Section 7, the top seeded and top ranked team in Class AA the Andover Huskies won their first 17 games, including the season opener against Edina. Their only losses have been to Breck and Hill-Murray. Looking to keep the Huskies from making their third straight trip to St. Paul are the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers and the third seeded North Wright County River Hawks.
Wrapping up this section preview is Section 8, where no pairings have been posted at blogging time but the Roseau Rams could be the top seed, entering section play with an eight game winning streak. Last year's surprise team, Brainerd/Little Falls, who lost to Edina in double overtime in the Class AA finals is looking for its third straight section title and moving into the section after years of dominating Section 6A is the Alexandria Cardinals. It should be a very interesting section.
There's plenty of outstanding girls hockey coming up as the Road to St. Paul begins.
One thing that's certain about Section 1 is there will be no All Lakeville Final due to section realignment. The Minnesota State High School League moved Lakeville North into Section 3and it could mean that the top seeded Lakeville South could continue their even number year pattern of heading to St. Paul. The Cougars will have to get past the second seeded Farmington Tigers and the third seeded Dodge County Wildcats.
For the first three years of the 2010s, the Minnetonka Skippers dominated Class AA hockey, winning three consecutive state titles. Now under first year head coach Tracy Cassano, the Skippers are the top seed in Section 2. It could be a fourth battle this season with the second seeded Eden Prairie Eagles if they meet in the section final or will the third seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire stay hot after concluding the regular season with two consecutive shutouts.
If there's any guarantee in Section 3, there will be a team from Apple Valley playing for a trip down I-35E to St. Paul. The top two seeds are the Apple Valley Eagles and the Eastview Lightning. The Lightning swept the season series with the Eagles, winning both games by one goal. Don't count out the third seeded Burnsville Blaze or the fourth seeded Eagan Wildcats.
Last year, the White Bear Lake Bears ended the Hill-Murray Pioneers Section 4 title reign of six consecutive years. But there's good news for Bill Schafhauser's bunch, the Pioneers have the number one seed. There's a strong possibility of a season opening rematch with the second seeded Stillwater Ponies, who they beat 6-1 on November 9. The third seeded Roseville Raiders head into section play with four wins in their last five games.
Five of the six teams in Section 5 have winning records as the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson and the second seeded Blaine Bengals have first round byes. Third seeded Champlin Park-Coon Rapids in also in the hunt and the opening round game between the fifth seeded Centennial Cougars and the fourth seeded Rogers Royals indicates that there's no clear cut favorite to head to the X.
To Section 6, where the top seeded Edina Hornets begin their quest to vie for their unprecedented fourth straight Class AA championship. It won't be easy for Edina with the second seeded Blake Bears, the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. Keep your eye on this section. Could Edina's title reign come to an end?
Heading north to Section 7, the top seeded and top ranked team in Class AA the Andover Huskies won their first 17 games, including the season opener against Edina. Their only losses have been to Breck and Hill-Murray. Looking to keep the Huskies from making their third straight trip to St. Paul are the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers and the third seeded North Wright County River Hawks.
Wrapping up this section preview is Section 8, where no pairings have been posted at blogging time but the Roseau Rams could be the top seed, entering section play with an eight game winning streak. Last year's surprise team, Brainerd/Little Falls, who lost to Edina in double overtime in the Class AA finals is looking for its third straight section title and moving into the section after years of dominating Section 6A is the Alexandria Cardinals. It should be a very interesting section.
There's plenty of outstanding girls hockey coming up as the Road to St. Paul begins.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
2020 Class A Girls Hockey Section Preview
As the calendar turns to February, it's time to begin the road to St. Paul with the start of section play in Minnesota girls high school hockey. First up. The eight Class A sections.
In Section 1, it could be a two team race between the top seeded Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota Eagles and the second seeded Faribault Falcons. The two teams met on January 10 with the Eagles shutting out the Falcons 4-0. A rematch could be possible but the third seeded Austin Packers, despite a losing record could be possible.
There could be a showdown between a pair of Wright County Conference teams with the top seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks and the second seeded Hutchinson Tigers. The Whitehawks swept the season series with a pair of one goal victories. Could there be a third in the section final? Not if the third seeded New Ulm Eagles, who are on a five game winning streak makes the trip down Highway 169 to St. Peter for the section final.
To Section 3, where the top seeded Luverne Cardinals have won eight of their last nine games, including the regular season finale over the second seeded Marshall Tigers. The Cardinals are a strong possibility to end Mankato East/Loyola's section dominance since the Cougars head into section play on a five game losing streak.
Over in Section 4, the top seeded South St. Paul Packers are on a quest for their record setting 15th trip to St. Paul. But the second seeded Simley Spartans hope to pack up the Packers state tournament hopes to earn their first state tournament berth. As for third seeded St. Paul United, it could be a tough road for their fifth consecutive section title. Keep an eye on this section. it could be interesting.
This year's Section 5 tournament leaves the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis for the Rec Center in St. Louis Park. One thing doesn't change. The two time defending champion Breck Mustangs are the top seed and are three wins away from a potential Class A threepeat. They will have to get past the second seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats and the third seeded Orono Spartans who have won five straight games.
The pairings have not been set for Section 6 but it's very likely that the Willmar Cardinals will be the top seed. The only other team in the section with a winning record is the River Lakes Stars.
Good news for fans in the communities of Cloquet, Esko and Carlton. The Lumberjacks are the top seed in Section 7 and have a shot of returning to the X for the first time since 2009. Before Lumberjack fans make their hotel reservations for downtown St. Paul, there's some serious competition in their midst as the second seeded Proctor/Hermantown Mirage enters section play on an eight game winning streak. Also in the mix is the third seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. There's some outstanding girls hockey coming up in the northland.
Concluding the Class A preview is Section 8, which only has five teams and the top seeded Warroad Warriors are on pace for their 11th trip to the state tournament where they have gone 2-5 in seven Class A title games. They will have to get past the second seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Next up. The eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, it could be a two team race between the top seeded Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota Eagles and the second seeded Faribault Falcons. The two teams met on January 10 with the Eagles shutting out the Falcons 4-0. A rematch could be possible but the third seeded Austin Packers, despite a losing record could be possible.
There could be a showdown between a pair of Wright County Conference teams with the top seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks and the second seeded Hutchinson Tigers. The Whitehawks swept the season series with a pair of one goal victories. Could there be a third in the section final? Not if the third seeded New Ulm Eagles, who are on a five game winning streak makes the trip down Highway 169 to St. Peter for the section final.
To Section 3, where the top seeded Luverne Cardinals have won eight of their last nine games, including the regular season finale over the second seeded Marshall Tigers. The Cardinals are a strong possibility to end Mankato East/Loyola's section dominance since the Cougars head into section play on a five game losing streak.
Over in Section 4, the top seeded South St. Paul Packers are on a quest for their record setting 15th trip to St. Paul. But the second seeded Simley Spartans hope to pack up the Packers state tournament hopes to earn their first state tournament berth. As for third seeded St. Paul United, it could be a tough road for their fifth consecutive section title. Keep an eye on this section. it could be interesting.
This year's Section 5 tournament leaves the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis for the Rec Center in St. Louis Park. One thing doesn't change. The two time defending champion Breck Mustangs are the top seed and are three wins away from a potential Class A threepeat. They will have to get past the second seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats and the third seeded Orono Spartans who have won five straight games.
The pairings have not been set for Section 6 but it's very likely that the Willmar Cardinals will be the top seed. The only other team in the section with a winning record is the River Lakes Stars.
Good news for fans in the communities of Cloquet, Esko and Carlton. The Lumberjacks are the top seed in Section 7 and have a shot of returning to the X for the first time since 2009. Before Lumberjack fans make their hotel reservations for downtown St. Paul, there's some serious competition in their midst as the second seeded Proctor/Hermantown Mirage enters section play on an eight game winning streak. Also in the mix is the third seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. There's some outstanding girls hockey coming up in the northland.
Concluding the Class A preview is Section 8, which only has five teams and the top seeded Warroad Warriors are on pace for their 11th trip to the state tournament where they have gone 2-5 in seven Class A title games. They will have to get past the second seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Next up. The eight Class AA sections.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)