2021 Class A State Boys Basketball Quarterfinal Preview

 2021 CLASS A STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                              Games played Wednesday, March 31

5:00:  Hancock (Seed North 4) vs. Nevis (Seed North 1) at Perham

7:30:  Sleepy Eye St. Mary's (Seed South 3) vs. Central MN Christian (Seed South 2) at Mankato East

4:30:  Hayfield (Seed South 4) vs. Legacy Christian Academy (Seed South 1) at Rochester Mayo

6:00:  Badger/Greenbush-Middle River (Seed North 3) vs. Deer River (Seed North 1) at Pequot Lakes

Examining the field:  The first team to win the Class A title since the four class format began in 1997 was the Hancock Owls and they make their sixth trip to state and first since 2013.  They beat the top ranked team in Class A Mahnomen/Waubun 77-71 in the Section 6 final.  They face the hot Nevis Tigers, in their second straight and fourth overall tournament.  The Tigers enter tournament play on a 12 game winning streak.  Can they remain hot to win their first Class A title?  

It's been a great winter for Sleepy Eye St. Mary's fans.  First the girls battle the Mayer Lutheran Crusaders on the 31st at Mankato East then fans can stick around and see the boys team in their fourth trip to state against the Central MN Christina Bluejays.  The Saints, in their fourth state tournament are on a nine game winning streak.  Two of their three losses were to Minnesota Valley Lutheran.  The Bluejays are in their fifth state tournament and beat Southwest MN Christian in the Section 3 finals.

The Hayfield Vikings make their fifth state tournament appearance and their first since 2013.  They were the number three seed in Section 1.  Hayfield beat the top seeded Southland Rebels in the Section 1 final.  It's the second straight trip to state for the Legacy Christian Academy Lions.  The Andover based school, formerly known as Meadow Creek Christian, has won 11 straight games since losing to Lester Prairie.  Can the Lions roar their way to their first Class A title?  

Fans from Badger, Greenbush and Middle River can celebrate because the Gators are heading to their first state tournament since 2007.  The Gators are on a 10 game winning streak.  If you haven't heard of these northwestern Minnesota towns, you will probably hear more about them if they play on 45TV should they make it to the semifinals.  First they have to face the Deer River Warriors, who are playing in their first state tournament.  They have not lost a game since they were defeated by the Northland Eagles January 22.  

That's all the state tournament previews.  Plenty of exciting action in both basketball and hockey this week and next week.  

2021 Class AA State Boys Basketball Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AA STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                                           Game Played Tuesday, March 30

8:00:  Fergus Falls (Seed North 3) vs. Annandale (Seed North 2) at Alexandria

                                           Games Played Wednesday, March 31

1:00:  Moose Lake/Willow River (Seed North 4) vs. Minneapolis North (Seed North 1) at Osseo

7:30:  St. Croix Prep (Seed South 3) vs. Caledonia (Seed South 2) at Rochester Mayo

4:00:  Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta (Seed South 4) vs. Waseca (Seed South 1) at Chanhassen

Examining the Field:  When you add up the records of the eight Class AA teams, you get a combined 145-17.  There are a number of outstanding teams in the field, beginning with the lone Tuesday game featuring the Fergus Falls Otters and the Annandale Cardinals.  The Otters are in their 11th trip to state and enter the tournament on an eight game winning streak.  The Cardinals are in their seventh state tournament and looking for their first championship berth since finishing second in 2014.  

Wednesday's games begin with an early 1 PM game featuring the Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels, in their second state tournament but their first since 2005.  The Rebels were the third seed in Section 7 and beat the Pequot Lakes Patriots in the title game.  They face the Mpls. North Polars, in their 23rd trip to state and in the hunt for their first Class AA title since winning the 2016 & 2017 Class A championships.  Mpls. North is led by Marcus Owens and Javon Townley. Can the Polars achieve success at the next level?  

The first of two first time teams in Class AA is the Morris Area/Chokio Alberta Tigers.  Both of their losses were to the Melrose Dutchmen and they enter the tournament on a seven game winning streak.  They face the top ranked team in Class AA, the Waseca Blue Jays.  It's the 10th trip to state for the blue and gold who lost to DeLaSalle in the Class AAA championship game.  Can Waseca bring home their first title trophy since 1918?  

Concluding quarterfinal Wednesday is the other first time team, the St. Croix Prep Lions.  Where is St. Croix Prep, might you ask?  It's located in Stillwater.  The Lions only defeat this season was to the Blake Bears.  They will face the Caledonia Warriors, in their ninth state tournament and looking for their first championship trophy since 1997.  A quarterfinal win could force a showdown with a team that has played against them in football, Minneapolis North.  Can Caledonia's football success continue on the basketball court?  

2021 Class AAA Boys Basketball State Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AAA STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                              Games played Wednesday, March 31

                               GAMES AT ST. CLOUD TECH

5:00:  Monticello (Seed North 4) vs. Alexandria (Seed North 1) 

7:30:  Hibbing (Seed North 3) vs. DeLaSalle (Seed North 2)

6:30:  Richfield (Seed South 3) vs. Mankato West (Seed South 2) at Chanhassen

4:30:  Byron (Seed South 4) vs. Minnehaha Academy (Seed 1)

Examining the field:  The Monticello Magic make their 11th trip to state and have not won a state title.  They will face the Alexandria Cardinals, in their seventh state tournament appearance and their first since 2002.  It's been a big year for Alexandria with the girls basketball and hockey teams in the state tournament and now it's the boys basketball team's turn as they go for their first championship berth since 1943.

Last season, the Richfield Spartans would have played in their sixth state tournament but the tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19.  Now the Spartans qualified with a big upset win against the top seeded South St. Paul Packers.  The Mankato West Scarlets are playing in their sixth state tournament, their first since 2009.  Will Governor Tim Walz make the trip to see his former school in action at the Chanhassen High School gym?  He taught and coached football at Mankato West.  

Good news for Byron Bears fans, your team is back in the state tournament for the first time since 2013.  The bad news is their quarterfinal opponent is the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks, perhaps the most dominant team in Minnesota.  The Redhawks only loss this season has been to IMG Academy from Florida.  Led by seven footer Chet Holmgren, Minnehaha Academy is the favorite to win their fourth consecutive state title in eight state tournament appearances.  

Thw final quarterfinal game features the Hibbing Bluejackets, in their 11th trip to state and first since 1989.  They will face the perennial private school power from Minneapolis the DeLaSalle Islanders.  It's the 25th trip to state for the school on the banks of the Mississippi River.  The Islanders have won seven titles in their last eight appearances.  Can they make it eight of nine?  

2021 Class AAAA Boys Basketball State Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AAAA STATE BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                                       Games played Wednesday, March 31

                              GAMES PLAYED AT OSSEO HIGH SCHOOL

4:00:  Duluth East (Seed North 3) vs. Wayzata (Seed North 2)

7:00:  Maple Grove (Seed North 4) vs. Champlin Park (Seed North 1)

7:00:  Rosemount (South Seed 3) vs. Cretin-Derham Hall (South Seed 2) at East Ridge

7:00:  Owatonna (South Seed 4) vs. Shakopee (South Seed 1) at Hastings

Examining the field:  Looking at the Class AAAA bracket, the first game features a Northwest Suburban Conference battle between the Maple Grove Crimson and the unbeaten Champlin Park Rebels.  The Crimson is in their eighth state tournament and have not played in a title game since 2000.  The Rebels, the top ranked team most of the season make their fifth appearance and beat Maple Grove twice in the regular season.  Can they make it three in a row?  

Irish eyes are smiling in Rosemount as the Irish plays in their fourth state tournament but first since 1987.  Rosemount, the third seed in Section 3 is on a six game winning streak and faces the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders, in their 12th state tournament.  The Raiders have one of Minnesota's top junior guards, Tre Holloman.  He has helped CDH's road to state as they enter with a five game winning streak.  

For the first time in 10 years, the Owatonna Huskies are in the state tournament as they make their seventh appearance.  The third seed in Section 1, they are on a roll, winning seven straight games.  They will face the Shakopee Sabers, in their ninth trip to state.  The Sabers took home the Class AAA trophy in 2005 under the guidance of long-time head coach Bruce Kugath.  Now Jake Dammann is heading Shakopee.  Can he lead the Sabers to their first state title in 16 years, the first in Class AAAA.

Wrapping up the Class AAAA quarterfinals is the Duluth East Greyhounds, who are playing in their 14th state tournament and have not taken the championship hardware up I-35 in three championship games.  They face the Wayzata Trojans, in their sixth state tournament and on a quest for the school's first state title since 1959.  

2021 Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS A STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                                 Games played Tuesday, March 30

7:00:  West Central Area (Seed North 4) vs. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (North Seed 1) at Perham

5:00:  Houston (Seed South 4) vs .Minneota (Seed South 1) at Mankato East

4:30:  Cass Lake-Bena (Seed North 3) vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl (Seed North 2) at Pequot Lakes

                                  Game Played Wednesday, March 31

5:00:  Sleepy Eye-St. Mary's (Seed South 3) vs. Mayer Lutheran (South Seed 2)

Examining the field:  Two first time teams are among the eight in this year's Class A tournament.  The first is the West Central Area Knights, located in Barrett.  The Knights have won 12 of their last 13 games including victories over the two top subsection seeds the Hancock Owls and the Henning Hornets.  Their opponent, the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars is in their second straight trip to state and enters on a 12 game winning streak since losing to the Minneota Vikings.  Could there be a rematch in the Class A final?  

The second game features a couple of teams that have ended state tournament droughts.  The first, the unbeaten Sleepy Eye St. Mary's Saints make their third appearance and first since 2005.  They will take on the Mayer Lutheran Crusaders.  The Crusaders are playing in their fourth tournament and their first since 2001.  Mayer Lutheran is on an eight game winning streak headed into the state tournament and is best known for a successful Class A volleyball program.  Can the school's volleyball success transfer to the basketball court.  

The other first time team in Class A is the Houston Hurricane.  Houston has lived up to their name throughout the season as they have gone unbeaten with only two games decided by a margin of less than 10 points.  However, they have a difficult opponent to solve in the defending Class A champion Minneota Vikings.  Head coach Chad Johnston has built a solid program in girls basketball as well as football and this game should be a big test for both teams.  Even though fan counts are restricted due to the pandemic, this would be worth the trip down Highway 169 to Mankato.  This should be a dandy.  

Wrapping up the quarterfinals are the Cass Lake-Bena Panthers, in their fourth trip to state and first since 2005 and the perennial Iron Range power led by Jeff Buffeta, the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers.  It's the Rangers 11th trip to state and they are still looking to bring a title trophy home to the two communities.  Cass Lake-Bena has gone 12-2 since starting 1-3 due to two forfeited games as a result of the coronavirus.  Stay healthy Panthers, you could get a shot at heading to Target Center the following week.  

2021 Class AA Girls Basketball State Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                             Games played Tuesday, March 30 

7:30:  Pelican Rapids (Seed 4 North) vs. Albany (Seed 1 North) at Pequot Lakes

4:00:  Glencoe-Silver Lake (Seed 3 South) vs. Minnehaha Academy (Seed 2 South) at Chanhassen

6:30:  Lake City (Seed 4 South) vs. New London-Spicer (Seed 1 South) at Chanhassen

5:00:  Duluth Marshall (Seed 3 North) vs. Providence Academy (Seed 2 North) at St. Cloud Tech

Examining the Field:  The red hot Pelican Rapids Vikings are in their fourth 14th state tournament and take a four game winning streak to the state tournament against the Albany Huskies.  Their only loss this season was to the New London-Spicer Wildcats.  Albany clinched their 13th trip to state by keep Sauk Centre on Main St. with a win in the Section 6AA finals.  Could there be a possible rematch with the Wildcats in the Class AA championship game?  

For the first time since 1998, the Glencoe-Silver Lake Panthers clinched a state tournament berth with wins over Scott County powers Jordan and Belle Plaine.  They don't have far to go, a trip down Highway 212 to take on the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks, in their 13th state tournament appearance.  Their only two losses this season were to the Providence Academy Lions.  Is a third meeting possible if they play for the Class AA title?  

There's good news to report from Lake Pepin.  The Lake City Tigers are playing in their first state tournament since 1984.  The Tigers, seeded second in Section 1AA will face the unbeaten New London-Spicer Wildcats. It's been a monumental year for head coach Mike Dreier, who leads the Wildcats into their 19th state tournament but only 2-6 in state title games.  Can the Wildcats increase their record to 3-6?  

OK girls basketball fans.  Here's the matchup that was supposed to take place in last year's Class AA semifinals but didn't take place due to the tournament's cancellation.  The Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers, playing in their third state tournament battling the Providence Academy Lions, who are in their fifth trip to state.  The Hilltoppers have a Division I player in Gianna Kneepkens, who will play next season at Utah.  The Lions only loss this season was to the Concordia Academy Beacons.  It should be an outstanding game.  

2021 Class AAA Girls Basketball State Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AAA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                              Games played Tuesday, March 30

7:30:  Grand Rapids (Seed 4 North) vs. Holy Angels (Seed 1 North) at St. Cloud Tech

7:30:  St. Croix Lutheran (Seed 3 South) vs. Marshall (Seed 2 South) at Mankato East

7:00:  Austin (Seed 4 South) vs. Hill-Murray (Seed 1 South) at Rochester Mayo

8;00:  Alexandria (Seed 3 North) vs. Becker (Seed 2 North) at Perham

Examining the Field:  It's been a big year for the Holy Angels Stars.  First, veteran head coach Dan Woods gets his 500th career win in the regular season and second the Stnrs, playing in their ninth state tournament have the number one seed.  They go up against the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks, making their eight trip to state but have never taken home a trophy.  Can the Thunderhawks pull of the upset or will the Stars shine bright en route to Target Center?  

Making their state tournament debut is the St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders, who beat the top seeded St. Paul Como Park Cougars in the Section 3AAA finals.  They have a tough task ahead as they face the Marshall Tigers, playing in their 13th tournament under veteran head coach Dan Westby.  The Tigers are 2-3 in state title games and in the hunt for their first Class AAA title since 2002.  Could they even their state title game record at .500?

In the lower bracket, the Austin Packers are in their fifth state tournament.  They were the number three seed in Section 1AAA and beat the surprising Albert Lea Tigers who won seven games all season.  Their opponent, the Hill-Murray Pioneers are in their 14th state tournament, led by veteran head coach Erin Herman.  The Pioneers are 0-3 in championship games.  Can the fourth time be the charm for the Maplewood school?  

Concluding quarterfinal play is the Alexandria Cardinals, in their 11th trip to state and the Becker Bulldogs, playing in their fourth consecutive and fifth overall state tournament.  The Cardinals, coached by Wendy Kohler have been hot, going 16-4 since a 1-2 start and hoping to go for their first state title since 2007.  The Bulldogs have most of their players back from last season's team that had their state title hopes perish when COVID 19 cancelled the state finals.  Dan Baird's bunch has been number one throughout the season and has an outstanding chance of bringing a championship trophy home up Highway 10.  

2021 Class AAAA State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AAAA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                             GAMES PLAYED AT EAST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL WOODBURY

5:00:  Rosemount (Seed 4 South) vs. Farmington (Seed 1 South)

7:30:  Forest Lake (Seed 4 North) vs. Hopkins (Seed 1 North)

                              GAMES PLAYED AT OSSEO HIGH SCHOOL

4:00:  Stillwater (Seed 3 South) vs. Chaska (Seed 2 South) 

7:00:  Centennial (Seed 3 North) vs. Elk River (Seed 2 North)

Examining the Field:  Since long-time head coach Brian Cosgriff retired and the pandemic put the rest of their regular season on pause, the Hopkins Royals have not missed a beat under new the new leadership of Tara Starks.  The Royals have increased their winning streak to 77 games and could surpass the early 21th century run of Fosston if they win two more.  First they have to get past the hot Forest Lake Rangers who are playing in their fifth state tournament and have won nine consecutive games. Can Hopkins make history?  First they have to beat the Rangers.  

It's a battle of the unbeatens as the Stillwater Ponies face the Chaska Hawks.  The Ponies are in their fifth trip to state and led by Alexis Pratt and Amber Scalia, sister of current Gopher Sara.  Another future Gopher will be playing in the tournament as junior Mallory Heyer leads the Hawks into their seventh state tournament, their first since 2010.  It should be an outstanding game.  Winner will likely battle Hopkins.  

Two South Suburban Conference teams square off with the Rosemount Irish facing the unbeaten Farmington Tigers.  It's the fourth state tournament for the Irish and their first since 2002.  Rosemount got in due to COVID 19 issues with Lakeville North, causing the Panthers to forfeit.  It's the second straight trip to state for the Tigers, led by Sophie Hart, who will play next season at North Carolina State.  Unbeaten Farmington had a chance to play Hopkins last year for the Class AAAA title but the remainder of the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic.  Could the matchup become reality in 2021?  

Another conference battle is brewing in the lower bracket as two Northwest Suburban teams battle for the third time, the Centennial Cougars and the Elk River Elks.  The Cougars are in their eight state tournament while the Elks who won the Class AAAA title in 2017 are playing in their ninth.  The two teams split their regular season series.  Who will win the rubber game?  

  

2021 Class AA State Boys Hockey Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AA STATE BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                  (Games played Wednesday, March 31 at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul)

11:00:  Wayzata vs. Hill-Murray (Seed 2)

 1:00:   Moorhead vs. Lakeville South (Seed 3)

 6:00:   St. Thomas Academy vs. Eden Prairie (Seed 1)

 8:00:   Andover (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)

Examining the field:  Even though there won't be 19,000 fans populating the Xcel Energy Center's green seats due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be plenty of exciting action for the small throng attending.  When you total the records of the top five Class AA seeds, you get a combined record of 74-4-5.  First up, the Wayzata Trojans battles the defending Class AA state champion Hill-Murray Pioneers.  The Trojans make their sixth trip to state and first since 2017.  They are on a seven game unbeaten streak and navigated their way through a tough Section 6AA with a win over the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights.  Wayzata faces the Pioneers, in their 31st trip to the X.  Their only losses were to St. Thomas Academy and Grand Rapids.  Hill-Murray has won 13 straight games and recorded nine shutouts.  Can the green and white from Maplewood bring home the gold again.  

The afternoon session concludes with the Moorhead Spuds making their 18th trip down I-94 to St. Paul.  The neighbor city to Fargo has gone 0-7 in state title games and enters quarterfinal play on a six game winning streak.  As for the third seeded and unbeaten Lakeville South Cougars, they are in their third straight tournament and sixth overall.  The Cougars beat their city rival the Lakeville North Panthers in the Section 1AA title game and recorded four shutouts in their first five games.  

Going to the evening session, the St. Thomas Academy Cadets make their 14th trip to the X.  St. Thomas Academy has won five Class A championship before moving up to Class AA.  They have not taken home any Class AA hardware and it will be a tough task against a team they have lost twice to in the regular season, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles.  The Eagles are in their 13th straight tournament and advance to state with a 4-3 overtime win against the Minnetonka Skippers in the Section 2AA final.  Last time Eden Prairie won a state Class AA title was ten years ago in 2011.  Since then, they are 1-3 in championship games.  Can they make it a second?  

A Northwest Suburban Conference battle concludes the day's quarterfinal action with the fifth seeded Andover Huskies returning to St. Paul to face the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson.  This should be an interesting matchup as the Huskies two regular season losses were to who else, the Maple Grove Crimson.  The Crimson, in their fourth trip to state were the top ranked team most of the season until they got beat by the Lakeville South Cougars 4-3 on March 9.  Maple Grove has two Mr. Hockey finalists, Kyle Kukkonen and Henry Nelson.  If you're watching the game on 45TV, which is carrying the entire tournament, you might want to pour a cup of coffee.  This game could run late if it goes into overtime.  It could be the best of the quarterfinal games in the two classes.  

2021 State Class A Boys Hockey Tournament Preview

 2021 STATE CLASS A BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

               (Games played Tuesday, March 30 at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul)

11:00: Northern Lakes vs. Gentry Academy (Seed 2)

 1:00:  Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato vs. East Grand Forks (Seed 3)

 6:00:  Dodge County vs. Hermantown (Seed 1)

 8:00:  Delano (Seed 5) vs. Little Falls (Seed 4)

Examining the field:  The 2021 edition of the state boys hockey tournament begins with a couple of first time teams as the Northern Lakes Lightning battles the Gentry Academy Stars.  The Lightning, comprised of students from Pequot Lakes, Aitkin, Crosby-Ironton and Pine River-Backus have won four of their last five games.  They beat the Monticello Moose in the Section 5A final 6-3.  Who is this Gentry Academy?  It's a school based in Vadnais Heights and their girls team is a game away from advancing to their first Class A championship.  As for the unbeaten boys team, the Stars ended Mahtomedi's Class A title with a 7-3 win in the Section 4A title game.  The Stars are a high scoring team, scoring 10 or more goals in six games.  Will the Lightning strike first or will the Stars stay unbeaten?  

The afternoon session wraps up with the Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Dragons facing the third seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave.  The Dragons make their fifth trip down Highway 12 to St. Paul and are on a quest for their first state title.  It won't be easy against the Green Wave. who are in their 13th state tournament trip.  East Grand Forks has been playing well following a 2-4 start and bring a six game winning streak into the Class A quarterfinals.  They wrapped up the Section 8A title with double overtime win over the Warroad Warriors.  The Green Wave won consecutive state Class A championships in 2014 and 2015.  Can they add another to their trophy case?  

Another first time team opens the evening session as the Dodge County Wildcats head up Highway 52 to the X to face the top seeded Hermantown Hawks.  It's the 17th trip down I-35 for the Twin Ports area school whose only loss was to the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks 6-3 on March 4.  In a five game stretch this season, the Hawks outscored their opponents 47-1.  Hermantown has three state Class A title trophies.  They are the favorites.  Can they win number four?   

Closing Class A quarterfinal play is the fifth seeded Delano Tigers and the fourth seeded Little Falls Flyers. The Tigers make their third straight appearance and fourth overall.  They are on an 11 game unbeaten streak and are 12-1-1 since losing four games in a row.  The Flyers head down Highway 10 for the sixth time to St. Paul and their first since 2012.  It would take double overtime for Little Falls to win the Section 6A trophy as they beat the Fergus Falls Otters 2-1.  

2021 Class AA Girls Hockey State Tournament Preview

 2021 CLASS AA STATE GIRLS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                         (Games played Saturday, March 27 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul)

11:00:  Centennial vs. Edina (Seed 2)

 1:00:   Alexandria vs. Minnetonka (Seed 3)

 6:00:   Farmington vs. Andover (Seed 1)  

 8:00:   Eastview (Seed 5) vs. Stillwater (Seed 4)  

Examining the Field:  After a day of Class A quarterfinal action, it's the Class AA team's turn to take the Xcel Energy Center spotlight.  First up is the Centennial Cougars,   in their fourth trip to state.  They took home the Section %AA trophy with a win over the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson.  Last time the Cougars played in the state tournament, they faced the Edina Hornets and lost 2-1.  This season, the Hornets are unbeaten and the number two seed.  Head coach Sami Reber has several Division I players on the roster and they look to bring home a state title before they go their separate ways.  

In the second game, the Alexandria Cardinals are in their 14th state tournament but their first as a Class AA school.  They were the dominate team for years in Section 6A and hope to transfer their success to the next level. But it won't be easy as they face the third seeded Minnetonka Skippers who are in their sixth state tournament.  Minnetonka was a hot team in the 2010s, winning three consecutive state titles under head coach Eric Johnson.  Now it's Tracy Cassano's turn to guide the Skippers toward another Class AA championship game.  But first, they may have to face for the third time, their Lake Conference rival the Edina Hornets.  

Opening up the evening session is the Farmington Tigers, heading down Highway 3 for the eighth time to the X.  They will face the unbeaten and defending state Class AA champion Andover Huskies.  If you have had the chance to attend any of their games in these COVID 19 times, you would have had a pretty quick trip to the arena because 16 of their games have gone into running time due to the six goal or more margin in the third period.  Andover, under head coach Melissa Volk has won 27 straight games and has 11 seniors.  Can the Huskies bring home another title trophy to the growing Anoka County suburb?  

Wrapping up the quarterfinals is the fifth seeded Eastview Lightning and the fourth seeded Stillwater Ponies.  The Lightning are in their fourth state tournament appearance, their first since 2017.  Eastview is on a five game winning streak since they were shut out by the Eagan Wildcats on March 9 3-0.  The Ponies make their first trip to St. Paul since they won the Class AA championship title in 2019.  It will be the first for head coach Mira Jalosuo, who replaced long-time head coach Tony Scheid.  Stillwater's has lost two games by identical 4-3 scores to Roseville and East Ridge and have won 10 straight games.  Can they make it 11 in a row against the Lightning?  

Blogger's Note:  Research for this article came from mshsl.org and minnesota-scores.net.  

2021 Class A State Girls Hockey Tournament Preview

       2021 CLASS A STATE GIRLS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

                                (Games played Friday, March 26 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul)

11:00:  Rochester Lourdes vs. Warroad (Seed 2)

1:00:    Luverne vs. Proctor/Hermantown (Seed 3)

6:00:    River Lakes Stars vs. Gentry Academy (Seed 1)

8:00:   Mound-Westonka vs. Chisago Lakes (Seed 4)

Examining the Field:  One thing that's guaranteed in this year's Class A tournament is that there will be a new champion.  In the first game, the Rochester Lourdes Eagles make their third straight trip and fifth overall up Highway 52 to St. Paul to face the second seeded Warrroad Warriors.  The black and gold from Hockeytown USA is in their 11th trip to state with their only loss to top seeded Gentry Academy on February 5.  Since they beat their frequent championship rival Breck 6-4, Warroad has outscored their opponents 28-3, including 13 unanswered goals in section play.  They are a favorite to return to the finals and have an outstanding chance to bring the title trophy up north.  

The second game features the Luverne Cardinals who mare in their third state tournament appearance.  They face the third seeded Proctor/Hermantown Mirage, who heads down I-35 for the sixth time to the X.  The unbeaten Mirage have outscored their opponents 42-6 in their last seven games.  They have not played any metro area teams this season.  Can they remain unbeaten to force a showdown with Warroad?  

It's a "Battle of the Stars" to open the evening session when River Lakes faces top seeded Gentry Academy.  Both teams are in their first state tournament.  River Lakes, comprised of players from schools that include Rocori, Albany and New London-Spicer, earned their trip to St. Paul with a win over the Willmar Cardinals in the Section 6A final.  As for the White Bear Lake based Gentry Academy Stars, their only two losses were to the South St. Paul Packers and the Stillwater Ponies, both by one goal margins.  Can River Lakes pull off the upset or will Gentry Academy begin their quest for the school's first state title?  

The day wraps up with the fifth seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks battling the fourth seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats.  It's the fourth trip to the X for the Whitehawks, who are on a five game winning streak.  The two teams played each other February 27 at Thaler Arena in Mound with Chisago Lakes heading home happy with a 3-2 win.  Who will come out on top in the rematch?

2021 Class AAAA & AAA Girls Basketball Section Preview

 In the first of four posts preview the four girls and boys basketball classes, part one cover the eight Class AAAA & AAA girls basketball classes.  

Last season, the Farmington Tigers advanced to the championship game only to have their state title hopes derailed by COVID-19.  This season the unbeaten Tigers are the top seed in Section 1 and need to get past the Rochester Mayo Spartans for a return trip to state.  

Section 2 has another unbeaten, the Chaska Hawks, led by Gopher recruit Mallory Heyer.  But a couple of Lake Conference teams are on their path, the Minnetonka Skippers and the Eden Prairie Eagles.  

The only two teams in Section 3 with a winning record are the Rosemount Irish and the Lakeville North Panthers.  The Irish could make their first trip to state since 2002.  

The top seed in Section 4 is the unbeaten Stillwater Ponies.  They have to get past their Suburban East Conference rival the East Ridge Raptors.  

To Section 5 where the Centennial Cougars have won seven straight games.  Also in contention are the Roseville Raiders and the Spring Lake Park Panthers.  

Over in Section 6, the top seeded Hopkins Royals haven't missed a beat since Paige Bueckers graduated and long-time head coach Brian Cosgriff retired.  They have won 75 straight games and could get closer to Fosston's with another state tournament berth.  

In Section 7, the two teams with a winning record are the Forest Lake Rangers and the Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets.  The Rangers are on a roll, entering tournament play with a seven game winning streak.  

And in Section 8, the Elk River Elks only loss this season was to the Centennial Cougars.  They will have to get past the Maple Grove Crimson and the Brainerd Warriors.  

In Class AAA.  Section 1 has the top seeded Red Wing Wingers.  It should be an interesting section with the Kasson-Mantorville Komets and the Austin Packers in contention.  

To Section 2 where the unbeaten Marshall Tigers are the top seed but it will be tough because the second seeded Waconia Wildcats are on their heals along with the Mankato East Cougars and the Mankato West Scarlets.  

Now to Section 3 as the top seeded Como Park Cougars are unbeaten.  Look out for the second seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders and the third seeded Henry Sibley warriors, winners of six straight games.  

In Section 4, the Hill-Murray Pioneers haven't lost a game since their season opening loss to the Minnetonka Skippers.  They have to get past the Mahtomedi Zephyrs.  

Over in Section 5, the top seeded Becker Bulldogs have to get back on track after losing their last three games.  But the Bulldogs quest for a return to state could be derailed by the Willmar Cardinals and the Big Lake Hornets.  

In Section 6, head coach Dan Woods has another outstanding team for the Holy Angels Stars.  They have played some outstanding basketball this season and need to beat the Orono Spartans to get back to the tournament.  

Only two teams in Second have a winning record.  The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks and the Chisago Lakes Wildcats.  Who will emerge with the title trophy?  Find out in the section final.  

Finally in Section 8, the Alexandria Cardinals, under the veteran leadership of Wendy Kohler could make their 10th trip to state if they can get past the Detroit Lakes Cardinals who have not made the trip down Highway 10 to the Twin Cities since 2009.  

2021 Boys Hockey Section Preview

 Following a preview of the eight girls hockey sections in Class A & AA, here's a look at the eight Class A & AA boys hockey sections.  

Leading off with Class A.  In Section 1, it could be a three team race with the Dodge County Wildcats and two teams from Mankato, the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars and the Mankato West Scarlets.  

Section 2 has three hot teams, the Breck Mustangs, the Providence Academy Lions and the Delano Tigers.  Don't count out Southwest Christian/Richfield.  

Over in Section 3, the Hutchinson Tigers are the top seed but looking to keep the Tigers from heading down Highway 7 toward St. Paul are the New Ulm Eagles and looking for their first trip to the X, the Windom Area Eagles.  

The top seed in Section 4 is the unbeaten Gentry Academy Stars as they attempt to end the reign of the defending Class A champion Mahtomedi Zephyrs.  

In Section 5, the top seeded Monticello Moose is on a four game winning streak but look out for the Northern Lakes Lightning, the Chisago Lakes Wildcats and the Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets.  

Up in Section 6, the top seeded Little Falls Flyers have a shot at heading down Highway 10 to St. Paul for the first time since 2012.  but the Fergus Falls Otters and Alexandria Cardinals could ground the Flyers chances at the championship hardware.  

Now this sounds familiar in Section 7.  The Hermantown Hawks are the number one seed and vying for their 11th trip to St. Paul in 12 years.  Their only regular season loss was to the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks.  Can they get past the Duluth Denfeld Hunters for another section trophy?  

And in Section 8.  It's been a great hockey season in Hockeytown USA as the Warroad Warriors enter sections on a four game winning streak.  Don't count out the East Grand Forks Green Wave and the Kittson Central Bearcats.

Now to Class AA and Section 1, which is led by the unbeaten Lakeville South Cougars.  Looking to keep the Cougar team bus from heading down I-35 are the Owatonna Huskies and the Rochester Mayo Spartans.  

In Section 2, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles are on a 15 game unbeaten streak since losing to their Lake Conference rival the Edina Hornets.  Can they get past the second seeded Prior Lake Lakers?

Over in Section 3, the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets are three games away from their fifth straight trip to the X.  But Irish eyes could be smiling in Rosemount as the second seeded Irish looks for their first state tournament berth since 1992.  

In Section 4, the Hill-Murray Pioneers have won 10 straight games as they face another showdown with the White Bear Lake Bears.  

To Section 5 where the Maple Grove Crimson have been the top ranked team for most of the season until they were beaten by Lakeville South on March 9.  The Crimson's high power offense will have to slow the Centennial Cougars chances of heading down I-94 to St. Paul.  

Once again, Section 6 is a tough one to pick, starting with the top seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders, the second seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights and the third seeded Edina Hornets.  The Hornets face the St. Louis Park Orioles in the quarterfinals.  Oriole fans, you might want to bring a thermos of coffee to Braemar Arena.  It's an 8:30 PM game on March 18.  

Up north to Section 7 where the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks only loss in the regular season was to perennial Class A power Hermantown.  Could the Andover Huskies have a successful season like their female counterparts?  Their only losses this season were to the Maple Grove Crimson.  

Finally to Section 8 where the Rogers Royals are in the hunt for their first trip to state.  But a couple of northern teams are in their path, the Moorhead Spuds and the Roseau Rams.  Keep and eye on this section.  It should be interesting.  

2021 Girls Hockey Section Preview

Blogger's Note:  Due to section tournaments all starting the same week in hockey and basketball, HSGN will cut it's section previews  from single classes to a sport.  The exception is girls and boys basketball which will be in two parts per sport.  Classes A & AA and Classes AAA & AAAA.

It's a big week in Minnesota high school sports as section play begins in hockey and basketball.  First up, the eight Class A girls hockey sections.  

In Section 1, the top seeded Albert Lea Tigers are the team's with the section's only winning record.  Section 2 could be a three team race with the top seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks, the New Ulm Eagles and the Minnesota River Bulldogs   

Another three team race could take place in Section 3 with the top seeded Luverne Cardinals, the second seeded Mankato East/Loyola Cougars and the third seeded Marshall Tigers.  

In Section 4, it could be another state tournament trip for veteran head coach Dave Palmquist and the top seeded South St. Paul Packers.  

Over in Section 5, there could be a changing of the guard in Section 5 as the Chisago Lakes Wildcats have the number one seed and Breck has the second seed.  Get ready for a caravan down Highway 8 Wildcat fans, this could be the year they unseat the Breck Mustangs.  

Who will come out of Section 6?  Will it be the top seeded Willmar Cardinals or the second seeded River Lakes Stars?

Up north in Section 7, the unbeaten Proctor/Hermantown Mirage will have to get past the second seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers.  

And in Section 8, the top seeded Warroad Warriors are on a 12 game winning streak but they have to get past the second seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers.  

Now to Class AA and Section 1 where the unbeaten Northfield Raiders are not the top seed.  The Farmington Tigers have the top spot.  Also in contention is the Lakeville South Cougars. 

In Section 2, the top seeded Minnetonka Skippers are on a quest back to St. Paul but they have to contend with the hot Holy Family Catholic Fire and Lake Conference rival Eden Prairie.  

Over in Section 3,, the top seeded Burnsville Blaze is on a 10 game winning streak but can they hold off the second seeded Eastview Lightning?

Things look interesting in Section 4 as five teams via for the section title trophy.  They are the Stillwater Ponies, the Roseville Raiders, the Hill-Murray Pioneers, the East Ridge Raptors and the Mounds View Mustangs.  Who will come out of this section?  Take your pick. 

Now to Section 5, the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson has to contend with the Centennial Cougars and the Blaine Bengals.  

The unbeaten Edina Hornets, with several Dvision I recruits are the top seed in Section 6.  But standing in their way is the second seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights and the third seeded Wayzata Trojans.  

In Section 7, the defending Class AA champion Andover Huskies are the top seed and haven't missed a beat with 17 straight wins.  The Forest Lake Rangers and Grand Rapids/Greenway could keep the buses in the garage.  

It could be a three team race in Section 8 with the top seeded Roseau Rams, Brainerd/Little Falls and the Alexandia Cardinals.  

HSGN To Sit Out State Tournaments

 In an earlier post, HSGN posted a story that mentioned that this blog will not be covering any games outside of St. Louis Park games where the blogger is doing the public address announcing due to fan limitations and no general public ticket sales.  

The moratorium carries over to the state tournaments.  

In an article published in the March 4 StarTribune, seating capacity at state tournaments will be limited to 250 and primarily parents of the athletes and limited media.  Also, no tickets will be sold to the general public.  With that criteria in mind, it's the decision of HSGN to continue its position on not covering any games this season.  

It doesn't mean HSGN will go away at tournament time.  There will be section previews as well as state tournament previews.  KSTC-TV will once again broadcast the girls and boys hockey and basketball tournaments.  The Hubbard owned station will carry the semifinals and championship games of the girls hockey and boys and girls basketball tournaments and all championship bracket games in the state boys hockey tournament.  

Also, quarterfinal games in girls hockey and boys and girls basketball will be carried on a pay-per-view basis on prepspotlight.tv.  Fans who don't want to pay to watch their team in action can scout around for radio stations carrying the state tournaments.  No worries for boys basketball since KDHL from Faribault has been carrying "Baseline to baseline coverage" since 1948.  The station also covers games area teams are playing in hockey and girls basketball.  As for hockey and girls basketball.  Live game coverage can be found on stations in the area carrying the game online.  For those unable to watch the boys hockey tournament because they are at work or in the car, check your local paper for stations carrying the tournament.  

There's plenty of action coming up in late March and if you can't get a ticket, there are other ways to follow the state tournament action.  

COVID 19 Concerns Cancel SLP Sports Final Regular Season Week

 Though many Minnesotans (including the author of this blog) have been getting vaccinated for the coronavirus, it has still put a damper on the winter high school sports season at St. Louis Park.

The week of March 8 would have been the final week of the regular season for the boys hockey and girls basketball teams but those games have been cancelled and not rescheduled.  The Orioles boys were to host the Blake Bears on the 8th and the Wayzata Trojans on the 12th.  The girls basketball team was scheduled to face the unbeaten Hopkins Royals on the 10th.  

However, the gymnastics team's meet in Bloomington against the Jefferson Jaguars is still scheduled for the 9th.  The boys basketball team, who hosted the Eden Prairie Eagles on Saturday the 6th, will battle another Lake Conference foe, the Hopkins Royals, also on the 9th at Hopkins.  

Also in action is the combined Hopkins/SLP girls hockey team as they have back to back home games this weekend.  They will host the Waconia Wildcats on the 12th and head to The Rec Center on the 13th to play an outdoor game against Moose Lake/Willow River.  

However, there is some good news from all of this.  St. Louis Park will begin section play in both girls basketball and boys hockey the week of March 15.  It's very likely that the Orioles will play a home section game in both sports that week.  

As the saying goes, there is light at the end of the tunnel and it will shine in St. Louis Park the week of the 15th.