Several Class AA sections are already underway and others have not yet begun. Here's a look at the eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, the top four seeds advanced into the semifinals. They will return to action March 11 with the top seeded Caledonia Warriors battling the Pine Island Panthers and the St. Charles Saints facing the Lake City Tigers. The Warriors are on a 13 game winning streak after routing Lewiston-Altura and are led by the Kings, Owen and Noah. If the name Owen King sounds familiar to high school sports fans, it's that he was the quarterback on the Warrior football team that one the Class AA title. Can he lead Caledonia to a state tournament berth in basketball?
It's down to four teams in the Section 2 subsections. The West Subsection semifinals are at New Prague on March 9 with the "Battle of Highway 169" feature the Belle Plaine Tigers and the Jordan Hubmen. Both teams looking for a return trip to Minneapolis with Belle Plaine's last trip in 2005 and Jordan's in 2010. The Hubmen swept the Tigers in their regular season series. The winner faces either Glencoe-Silver Lake or Tri City United. The East subsection semifinal are also on the 9th at Mankato East as the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers take on the Fairmont Cardinals, followed by the Maple River Eagles and the NRHEG Panthers. Last year, Maple River lost to eventual Class AA champion Braham in the quarterfinals. Who will emerge to play for a state tournament berth?
A wide open North Subsection in Section 3 features Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and Morris/Chokio-Alberta followed by the New London-Spicer Wildcats and the Montevideo Thunderhawks. The East subsection features the Minneota Vikings and the top seeded Jackson County Central Huskies, who lost to Braham in last year's Class AA final. The winner faces the winner between the Pipestone Arrows and the Redwood Valley Cardinals. Head coach Trent Sukalski has built a power in southwestern Minnesota that has the talent to return to Target Center.
One section that has not yet started is Section 4, where the top seed is the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. It could be your first chance to see one of Minnesota's top freshmen, Jalen Suggs. He has been the key to the Redhawks success this season that also included a 13 game winning streak. First Minnehaha has to get past the second seeded Minneapolis Roosevelt teddies, who are looking for their first trip to state since 1997 and the third seeded New Life Academy Eagles.
In Section 5, the top seed is the Brooklyn Center Centaurs, who are three wins away from their first trip to Target Center since 1983. They have won nine of their last ten games but can they hold off the second seeded Watertown-Mayer royals, the third seeded Annandale Cardinals and the fourth seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. Keep an eye on this section. There could be some great basketball on St. Patrick's Day in St. Cloud.
Now to Section 6, with several teams that could play for a trip down I-94 to Minneapolis. In the East Subsection, the top seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders have won seven in a row. Also in contention are the second seeded Milaca Wolves and the third seeded Pine City Dragons, whose last trip to state was in 1980. In the West Subsection, the top seeded Melrose Dutchmen are unbeaten and looking to return to state since winning the 2015 Class AA title. But first they have to hold off the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters, the third seeded Holdingford Huskers and the fourth seeded Osakis Silverstreaks.
Section 7 has the Esko Eskomos the top seed in Subsection 1. The Eskomos could have the tallest player in state tournament history if they advance for the fourth straight year in 7'3" center Adam Trapp. But it won't be easy for Esko since there are two other teams that could keep Esko in their igloo. They are the second seeded Crosby-Ironton-Rangers and the third seeded Hinckley-Finlayson Jaguars. In Subsection 2, the top seed is the Virginia Blue Devils. They played Esko on March 2 and lost 68-48. A rematch is possible in the section final.
Wrapping up the Class AA preview is Section 8. A pair of hot teams are the top two seeds. The top seeded Perham Yellowjackets have won 13 in a row and the second seeded Breckenridge Cowboys are on a nine game winning streak. The Cowboys faced the Yellowjackets December 9 and beat them 65-62. Last time Breckenridge played in a state tournament final was 1978 when they lost to Lake City with the tournament's first seven footer, Randy Breuer. Can the Cowboys and Yellowjackets battle again for a trip to Target Center?
The Class A previews are next.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Monday, March 6, 2017
Chesterton Academy Bulldogs End Groves Academy Griffins Season
The Section 4A boys basketball tournament began Monday night with a play-in game that saw Zach Halpin score a game high 31 points to lead the Chesterton Academy Bulldogs to a 72-53 win over the Groves Academy Griffins in St. Louis Park.
Though Chesterton Academy was the higher seed, the game was played at Groves Academy's St. Louis Park campus due to the lack of a suitable gym for the Edina based school.
Zach Halpin set the tempo early for the Bulldogs as he scored the game's first four points. Malik Bodden would hit a three pointer to erase the shutout for the Griffins and cut the lead to one. The game would be close as Alex Fink and robert hall would hit three pointer but is was Zach Halpin who who would score inside and outside and help put Chesterton Academy on a 7-0 run. Zach Halpin would put the Bulldogs further ahead, scoring ten straight points. He would help outscore Groves Academy 14-2 before he picked up his third foul with 1:10 remaining in the first half. The Griffins would go on an 8-0 run to close out the first half as Hall and Max Bilcik hit from Minnetonka Blvd. and Patrick Quinn would also score that would narrow Chesterton Academy's halftime lead to 34-26.
Joe Grogan would begin the scoring for the Bulldogs :37 into the second half. There would be a brief sign of life for the Griffins when Bodden would put them on an 8-0 run and a basket by Max Greseth would even the score at 37. It would be the last time the score would be this close as Chesterton Academy began to pull away from Groves Academy. Dundee Peterson would come off the bench to aid the Bulldog attack and Zach Halpin would score four straight points. The most alarming statistic would be fouls as officials Dave Slaydek and Jason Weber would call a total of 46 fouls that would send both teams to the free throw line. Also Greg fink would put the Bulldogs on a 9-0 run. As the game was decided late in the second half, Griffin head coach Peter Shutte cleared his bench and gave the reserves a chance to wrap up the season. A bright spot was Zachary Bennett, who scored five straight points, including a three pointer.
The only other player in double figures of Chesterton Academy was Greg Fink with 10 points. Bodden led Groves Academy with 15 points. Hall came off the bench to add 11.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 8-11 and advance to the opening found of the Section 4A tournament against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars on Thursday, March 9 at 7 PM at North. The Griffins ended their season with a record of 3-24.
Though Chesterton Academy was the higher seed, the game was played at Groves Academy's St. Louis Park campus due to the lack of a suitable gym for the Edina based school.
Zach Halpin set the tempo early for the Bulldogs as he scored the game's first four points. Malik Bodden would hit a three pointer to erase the shutout for the Griffins and cut the lead to one. The game would be close as Alex Fink and robert hall would hit three pointer but is was Zach Halpin who who would score inside and outside and help put Chesterton Academy on a 7-0 run. Zach Halpin would put the Bulldogs further ahead, scoring ten straight points. He would help outscore Groves Academy 14-2 before he picked up his third foul with 1:10 remaining in the first half. The Griffins would go on an 8-0 run to close out the first half as Hall and Max Bilcik hit from Minnetonka Blvd. and Patrick Quinn would also score that would narrow Chesterton Academy's halftime lead to 34-26.
Joe Grogan would begin the scoring for the Bulldogs :37 into the second half. There would be a brief sign of life for the Griffins when Bodden would put them on an 8-0 run and a basket by Max Greseth would even the score at 37. It would be the last time the score would be this close as Chesterton Academy began to pull away from Groves Academy. Dundee Peterson would come off the bench to aid the Bulldog attack and Zach Halpin would score four straight points. The most alarming statistic would be fouls as officials Dave Slaydek and Jason Weber would call a total of 46 fouls that would send both teams to the free throw line. Also Greg fink would put the Bulldogs on a 9-0 run. As the game was decided late in the second half, Griffin head coach Peter Shutte cleared his bench and gave the reserves a chance to wrap up the season. A bright spot was Zachary Bennett, who scored five straight points, including a three pointer.
The only other player in double figures of Chesterton Academy was Greg Fink with 10 points. Bodden led Groves Academy with 15 points. Hall came off the bench to add 11.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 8-11 and advance to the opening found of the Section 4A tournament against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars on Thursday, March 9 at 7 PM at North. The Griffins ended their season with a record of 3-24.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
2017 Class AAA Boys Basketball Section Preview
Following the Class AAAA Section Preview is the preview of the eight Class AAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Austin Packers are en route toward their 30th trip to the state tournament. Both of their losses this season have been to the Rochester John Marshall Rockets. They are the team to beat in this section unless the second seeded Northfield Raiders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks can pull off an upset.
The top two seeds in Section 2 have identical 23-3 records, the top seeded Marshall Tigers and the second seeded Waseca Bluejays. The two teams split their season series with Waseca winning the more recent battle on March 2 54-50. Will they meet in the rubber game for a trip to Minneapolis? Or will the third seeded Mankato East Cougars or the fourth seeded Faribault Falcons emerge?
In Section 3, the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look to accomplish what their ice counterparts have done this week and head for another state tournament. But the second seeded St. Paul Highland Park Scots are on a roll with nine straight wins and three more away from their first trip to Minneapolis since winning the Class AAA title in 1999. Not much beyond them in a weak section.
Over in Section 4, it's going to be a big week for Mahtomedi Zephyr fans. First, the boys hockey team, who upset St. Paul Academy in the Section 4A final will be playing in the state tournament. As for the boys basketball team, they are the section's top seed. The Zephyrs have been 14-2 since losing to the Columbia Heights Hylanders January 5. The Hylanders are the second seed and there could be a possible rematch in the section final. But wait. There's also another Tri-Metro Conference team in the mix, the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies.
The top seed in Section 5 is the Big Lake Hornets, looking for their first trip to state. The second seeded Rocori Spartans could make their first trip under Nate Guetter, who took over from long-time head coach Bob Brink. Also going for their first trip to Minneapolis is the third seeded Zimmerman Thunder. Will Hornet fans pack the Northstar Commuter Rail if Big Lake plays March 22 in the state Class AAA quarterfinals.
Section 6 has a familar ring to it. The DeLaSalle Islanders are the number one seed. Head coach Dave Thorson last season broke the 500 career win mark and won his fifth consecutive state Class AAA championship. The Islanders are led by a pair of talented athletes in Goanar Mar and Gabe Kalscheur. Looking to keep the Islanders team bus in it's Mississippi River campus garage are the hot second seeded Orono Spartans who have won seven in a row, the third seeded Delano Tigers and the fourth seeded Minneapolis Patrick Henry Patriots. DeLaSalle's championship could come to an end in a loaded Section 6.
The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are the top seed in Section 7 and are the only team with a record above .500. Grand Rapids has gone 14-1 since losing to Esko 64-57 on January 10. They could be on cruise control down Highway 169 since they are the heavy favorites to win the section title.
Wrapping up the Class AAA preview is Section 8 where there is a three team race led by the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters. Last year, the Otters advanced to the Class AAA final, losing 79-65 to the DeLaSalle Islanders. The second seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the third seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks are also in contention. The Lumberjacks are vying for their 30th trip to the state tournament and their first since 1985. It should be an interesting section to watch.
Next up: Who's left and who's contending in Class AA?
In Section 1, the top seeded Austin Packers are en route toward their 30th trip to the state tournament. Both of their losses this season have been to the Rochester John Marshall Rockets. They are the team to beat in this section unless the second seeded Northfield Raiders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks can pull off an upset.
The top two seeds in Section 2 have identical 23-3 records, the top seeded Marshall Tigers and the second seeded Waseca Bluejays. The two teams split their season series with Waseca winning the more recent battle on March 2 54-50. Will they meet in the rubber game for a trip to Minneapolis? Or will the third seeded Mankato East Cougars or the fourth seeded Faribault Falcons emerge?
In Section 3, the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look to accomplish what their ice counterparts have done this week and head for another state tournament. But the second seeded St. Paul Highland Park Scots are on a roll with nine straight wins and three more away from their first trip to Minneapolis since winning the Class AAA title in 1999. Not much beyond them in a weak section.
Over in Section 4, it's going to be a big week for Mahtomedi Zephyr fans. First, the boys hockey team, who upset St. Paul Academy in the Section 4A final will be playing in the state tournament. As for the boys basketball team, they are the section's top seed. The Zephyrs have been 14-2 since losing to the Columbia Heights Hylanders January 5. The Hylanders are the second seed and there could be a possible rematch in the section final. But wait. There's also another Tri-Metro Conference team in the mix, the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies.
The top seed in Section 5 is the Big Lake Hornets, looking for their first trip to state. The second seeded Rocori Spartans could make their first trip under Nate Guetter, who took over from long-time head coach Bob Brink. Also going for their first trip to Minneapolis is the third seeded Zimmerman Thunder. Will Hornet fans pack the Northstar Commuter Rail if Big Lake plays March 22 in the state Class AAA quarterfinals.
Section 6 has a familar ring to it. The DeLaSalle Islanders are the number one seed. Head coach Dave Thorson last season broke the 500 career win mark and won his fifth consecutive state Class AAA championship. The Islanders are led by a pair of talented athletes in Goanar Mar and Gabe Kalscheur. Looking to keep the Islanders team bus in it's Mississippi River campus garage are the hot second seeded Orono Spartans who have won seven in a row, the third seeded Delano Tigers and the fourth seeded Minneapolis Patrick Henry Patriots. DeLaSalle's championship could come to an end in a loaded Section 6.
The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are the top seed in Section 7 and are the only team with a record above .500. Grand Rapids has gone 14-1 since losing to Esko 64-57 on January 10. They could be on cruise control down Highway 169 since they are the heavy favorites to win the section title.
Wrapping up the Class AAA preview is Section 8 where there is a three team race led by the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters. Last year, the Otters advanced to the Class AAA final, losing 79-65 to the DeLaSalle Islanders. The second seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the third seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks are also in contention. The Lumberjacks are vying for their 30th trip to the state tournament and their first since 1985. It should be an interesting section to watch.
Next up: Who's left and who's contending in Class AA?
2017 Class AAAA Boys Basketball Section Preview
While the state boys hockey tournament takes place in St. Paul and girls basketball teams are vying for a berth at state the following week, boys basketball gets ready for section play. First up is a preview of the eight Class AAAA sections.
It could be a three team race in Section 1 that's led by the top seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers are on a seven game winning streak. Look out for the second seeded New Prague Trojans and the third seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets that have won 20 games in a row and there's is an outstanding field in southern Minnesota basketball. The Rockets are led by one of the state's best sophomores, Matthew Hurt, whose brother Michael wears maroon and gold at Minnesota. Who will come out of this section? Take your pick.
In Section 2, the top seeded Chaska Hawks are on a 13 game winning streak but the second seeded Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars are on a five game run. Last time the Jaguars played in a state tournament was when they had a guy who now plays for the Timberwolves at center, Cole Aldrich. The Jaguars are led by Tyler Riemersma and have a plethora of juniors on their roster, including the son of head coach Jeff Evens, Mike. Can Jefferson break their state tournament drought? First they have to get past third seeded Eden Prairie.
You'll only need two words to describe Section 3, Apple Valley. The top seeded Eagles are one of the state's top teams and are led by one of the state's best juniors Tre Jones. Apple Valley is the only am in Section 3 with a winning record but they could be derailed by the second seeded Eastview Lightning or the third seeded Rosemount Irish.
Section 4 looks pretty competitive with four teams worth a shot at heading to Minneapolis. The top two seeds are both from the city of Woodbury. The top seeded East Ridge Raptors and the second seeded Woodbury Royals. The third seeded Tartan Titans have won five straight games and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders are led by another of the state's top juniors Daniel Oturu, who has committed to the Gophers. Another section race worth watching.
Going to Section 5, the top seed is the top ranked team in Class AAAA, the unbeaten Champlin Park Rebels. The Rebels have been led this season by a couple of Division I signees. McKinley Wright, who will play at Dayton next season and Theo John, who heads to Marquette. Champlin Park has a high powered offense that has beaten nonconference powers Rochester John Marshall, Apple Valley and Hopkins this season. They are the favorites to win the section but don't count out the second seeded Park Center Pirates or the third seeded Osseo Orioles.
There could be a changing of the guard this season in Section 6 as for the first time in years, the Hopkins Royals are not the top seed. They are seeded second behind their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans. There could be a rematch in the section final. On February 17, Hopkins beat Wayzata 70-62. Also in the hunt are the third seeded Armstrong Falcons and the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
In Section 7, the top seeded is the Forest Lake Lakers with the Blaine Bengals seeded second. The Coon Rapids Cardinals are seeded third and the Duluth East Greyhounds are the fourth seed. There's no clear favorite in Section 7.
That's the same in Section 8. The top seeded Maple Grove Crimson, led by Brad Davison who will play at Wisconsin next season are one of three teams that could head down I-94 toward Target Center. The second seeded St. Cloud Tech Tigers have won four straight games after losing by one point to the Minnetonka Skippers in overtime and the third seeded Rogers Royals have gone 15-1 since January 3.
Next up, the eight Class AAA sections.
It could be a three team race in Section 1 that's led by the top seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers are on a seven game winning streak. Look out for the second seeded New Prague Trojans and the third seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets that have won 20 games in a row and there's is an outstanding field in southern Minnesota basketball. The Rockets are led by one of the state's best sophomores, Matthew Hurt, whose brother Michael wears maroon and gold at Minnesota. Who will come out of this section? Take your pick.
In Section 2, the top seeded Chaska Hawks are on a 13 game winning streak but the second seeded Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars are on a five game run. Last time the Jaguars played in a state tournament was when they had a guy who now plays for the Timberwolves at center, Cole Aldrich. The Jaguars are led by Tyler Riemersma and have a plethora of juniors on their roster, including the son of head coach Jeff Evens, Mike. Can Jefferson break their state tournament drought? First they have to get past third seeded Eden Prairie.
You'll only need two words to describe Section 3, Apple Valley. The top seeded Eagles are one of the state's top teams and are led by one of the state's best juniors Tre Jones. Apple Valley is the only am in Section 3 with a winning record but they could be derailed by the second seeded Eastview Lightning or the third seeded Rosemount Irish.
Section 4 looks pretty competitive with four teams worth a shot at heading to Minneapolis. The top two seeds are both from the city of Woodbury. The top seeded East Ridge Raptors and the second seeded Woodbury Royals. The third seeded Tartan Titans have won five straight games and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders are led by another of the state's top juniors Daniel Oturu, who has committed to the Gophers. Another section race worth watching.
Going to Section 5, the top seed is the top ranked team in Class AAAA, the unbeaten Champlin Park Rebels. The Rebels have been led this season by a couple of Division I signees. McKinley Wright, who will play at Dayton next season and Theo John, who heads to Marquette. Champlin Park has a high powered offense that has beaten nonconference powers Rochester John Marshall, Apple Valley and Hopkins this season. They are the favorites to win the section but don't count out the second seeded Park Center Pirates or the third seeded Osseo Orioles.
There could be a changing of the guard this season in Section 6 as for the first time in years, the Hopkins Royals are not the top seed. They are seeded second behind their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans. There could be a rematch in the section final. On February 17, Hopkins beat Wayzata 70-62. Also in the hunt are the third seeded Armstrong Falcons and the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
In Section 7, the top seeded is the Forest Lake Lakers with the Blaine Bengals seeded second. The Coon Rapids Cardinals are seeded third and the Duluth East Greyhounds are the fourth seed. There's no clear favorite in Section 7.
That's the same in Section 8. The top seeded Maple Grove Crimson, led by Brad Davison who will play at Wisconsin next season are one of three teams that could head down I-94 toward Target Center. The second seeded St. Cloud Tech Tigers have won four straight games after losing by one point to the Minnetonka Skippers in overtime and the third seeded Rogers Royals have gone 15-1 since January 3.
Next up, the eight Class AAA sections.
2017 Class AA Boys Hockey State Tournament Preview
2017 STATE CLASS AA BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Thursday, March 9 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
11:00: Lakeville South vs. St. Thomas Academy (Seed 2)
1:00: Hill-Murray vs. Moorhead (Seed 3)
6:00: Wayzata vs. Eden Prairie (Seed 1)
8:00: Grand Rapids (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)
Examining the Field: Big crowds and big hopes await the eight Class AA teams that get their turn in the Xcel Energy Center spotlight. First up is the Lakeville South Cougars and the second seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets. The Cougars have won six of their last seven games and are making their third trip to the X. Their leading scoring Josh Ess will be playing against his former teammate, now a Minnesota Gopher Justin Kloos at Wisconsin next season. The Cadets are in their 10th state tournament and their second since the Brothers Vanelli, Tom and Greg moved them on up from Class A to Class AA. They have not lost a game since a January 14 overtime loss to the Mahtomedi Zephyrs 2-1. Could this be the year St. Thomas Academy finally gets their piece of the championship pie in Class AA?
The afternoon session concludes with a pair of perennial powers, the Hill-Murray Pioneers and the Moorhead Spuds. The two teams met on February 18 when the Pioneers headed up I-94 to Moorhead and lost to the Spuds 4-3. It's the 28th trip to state for Hill-Murray and there will probably be a lot of green clad fans in the X's green seats. Moorhead makes their 15th trip to St. Paul and they are still looking for their first state title. They have been the Minnesota Vikings of Class AA boys hockey, finishing second seven times. The Spuds have not lost a game since December 29 when they lost 1-0 to the Prior Lake Lakers at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park. Is an eighth state title game in the works for the Spuds as well as fans in the Fargo-Moorhead area?
Now to the evening session where a rematch of last year's Class AA final takes place between the defending Class AA champion Wayzata Trojans and the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles. The Trojans have shaken off a 1-5 start and have beaten a couple of top teams to return to St. Paul. They beat the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders in the Section 6 semifinals and beat the Edina Hornets in the section final. In three section games, Wayzata has outscored their opponents 11-1. As for the Eagles, they beat their Lake Conference rivals twice in the regular season 8-2 and 4-2. Eden Prairie is on a 17 game winning streak and advanced to their fifth consecutive state tournament with a 4-3 win over the Holy Family Catholic fire in the Section 2AA final. Nicky Leivermann got the game winning goal for the Eagles. His teammate, Casey Mittlestadt is a Mr. Hockey Hockey finalist and will be playing for the Gophers next season if he doesn't get drafted and sign an NHL contract. Eden Prairie is a favorite to win their first state Class AA title since 2011.
Concluding the Class AA quarterfinals will the the fifth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks and the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson. The Thunderhawks make their 15th trip to St. Paul and clinched a state tournament berth in glorious fashion with a 3-2 double overtime win over the Duluth East Greyhounds. Last season, Grand Rapids took home the third place trophy and this year they're looking for their first state title since 1980. The Crimson head down I-94 to St. Paul for the first time since 2012 and hope to get their first tournament win. They have been on a roll, winning nine of their last ten games.
There's plenty of exciting high school hockey coming up in downtown St. Paul.
Games played Thursday, March 9 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
11:00: Lakeville South vs. St. Thomas Academy (Seed 2)
1:00: Hill-Murray vs. Moorhead (Seed 3)
6:00: Wayzata vs. Eden Prairie (Seed 1)
8:00: Grand Rapids (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)
Examining the Field: Big crowds and big hopes await the eight Class AA teams that get their turn in the Xcel Energy Center spotlight. First up is the Lakeville South Cougars and the second seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets. The Cougars have won six of their last seven games and are making their third trip to the X. Their leading scoring Josh Ess will be playing against his former teammate, now a Minnesota Gopher Justin Kloos at Wisconsin next season. The Cadets are in their 10th state tournament and their second since the Brothers Vanelli, Tom and Greg moved them on up from Class A to Class AA. They have not lost a game since a January 14 overtime loss to the Mahtomedi Zephyrs 2-1. Could this be the year St. Thomas Academy finally gets their piece of the championship pie in Class AA?
The afternoon session concludes with a pair of perennial powers, the Hill-Murray Pioneers and the Moorhead Spuds. The two teams met on February 18 when the Pioneers headed up I-94 to Moorhead and lost to the Spuds 4-3. It's the 28th trip to state for Hill-Murray and there will probably be a lot of green clad fans in the X's green seats. Moorhead makes their 15th trip to St. Paul and they are still looking for their first state title. They have been the Minnesota Vikings of Class AA boys hockey, finishing second seven times. The Spuds have not lost a game since December 29 when they lost 1-0 to the Prior Lake Lakers at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park. Is an eighth state title game in the works for the Spuds as well as fans in the Fargo-Moorhead area?
Now to the evening session where a rematch of last year's Class AA final takes place between the defending Class AA champion Wayzata Trojans and the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles. The Trojans have shaken off a 1-5 start and have beaten a couple of top teams to return to St. Paul. They beat the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders in the Section 6 semifinals and beat the Edina Hornets in the section final. In three section games, Wayzata has outscored their opponents 11-1. As for the Eagles, they beat their Lake Conference rivals twice in the regular season 8-2 and 4-2. Eden Prairie is on a 17 game winning streak and advanced to their fifth consecutive state tournament with a 4-3 win over the Holy Family Catholic fire in the Section 2AA final. Nicky Leivermann got the game winning goal for the Eagles. His teammate, Casey Mittlestadt is a Mr. Hockey Hockey finalist and will be playing for the Gophers next season if he doesn't get drafted and sign an NHL contract. Eden Prairie is a favorite to win their first state Class AA title since 2011.
Concluding the Class AA quarterfinals will the the fifth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks and the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson. The Thunderhawks make their 15th trip to St. Paul and clinched a state tournament berth in glorious fashion with a 3-2 double overtime win over the Duluth East Greyhounds. Last season, Grand Rapids took home the third place trophy and this year they're looking for their first state title since 1980. The Crimson head down I-94 to St. Paul for the first time since 2012 and hope to get their first tournament win. They have been on a roll, winning nine of their last ten games.
There's plenty of exciting high school hockey coming up in downtown St. Paul.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
2017 State Class A Boys Hockey Tournament Preview
2017 STATE CLASS A BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Wednesday, March 8 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
11:00: Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake vs. Delano (Seed 2)
1:00: Northfield vs. Mahtomedi (Seed 3)
6:00: Luverne vs. Hermantown (Seed 1)
8:00: St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 5) vs. East Grand Forks (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Boys Hockey Tournament gets underway with the "Battle of Wright County" as the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose and the Delano Tigers make their maiden voyages to the X. The two teams didn't play each other during the regular season because they play in different conferences. The Moose are in the Mississippi 8 and the Tigers are in the Wright County Conference. M/A/ML has been on a 12-1-1 since a 4-3 overtime loss to Chisago Lakes January 12 and are led by Nick Zwack, who will be headed for the baseball diamond at Xavier in Cincinnati next season. Delano has done what few teams have done in Section 2 tournament play and that is beat the Breck Mustangs. Two of three Tiger defeats were to the Holy Family Catholic Fire and the other when they played in the Duluth Marshall tournament on December 28 and hell to the Hermantown Hawks 4-3. If you haven't seen Delano's outstanding Mr. Hockey finalist Ben Meyers in action, it may be your only chance to do so because he will be headed for Maine next season to play for the Black Bears. It should be an outstanding early quarterfinal match up and 45TV's rating will probably go through the roof in Wright County.
The afternoon session concludes with another first time entrant, the Northfield Raiders as maroon and gold clad fans once again head up Highway 3 two weeks after the girls lost to the Warroad Warriors in the Class A third place game. They will go up against the third seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs who pulled of the upset in the Section 4A final against the St. Paul Academy Spartans. After losing to the St. Thomas Academy Cadets 7-0 on February 9, the Zephyrs have heated up at the right time, winning five straight games. As for Northfield, they have won two straight overtime games in the Section 1 tournament by identical 3-2 scores. The first was a single OT against Mankato East/Loyola and the second was a double overtime affair as they beat the Red Wing Wingers. Can the Raiders accomplish what their female counterparts did in February or will the Zephyr's hot streak continue?
Opening up the evening session is a rising boys hockey power in southwestern Minnesota the Luverne Cardinals. The good news is that the Cardinals have a high powered offense and a defense that has allowed only 32 goals this season. Now the bad news. They go up against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Hermantown Hawks. It's the 14th trip to St. Paul for veteran head coach Bruce Plante who finally took home the championship trophy last season after six consecutive second place finishes. The Hawks have not lost a game since they opened their season with a 5-1 loss to Wayzata December 2. Hermantown has a couple of Mr. Hockey finalists in Ryan Sandelin and Dyland Samberg and a Frank Brimsek Award finalist in goalie Cade McEwen. Keep your eye on the Hawks. They are the team to beat.
Concluding the Class A quarterfinals are the fifth seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders and the fourth seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. The Crusaders make their eighth trip down I-94 and won the consolation championship last year. They played East Grand Forks on December 3 and tied them at 4. The Green Wave are back at the X after winning two straight Class A titles in 2014 and 2015. It will also be the first under head coach Scott Koberinski, who replaced Tyler Palmiscino. Will fans is the Red River Valley be celebrating again?
Next up: The Class AA state preview.
Games played Wednesday, March 8 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
11:00: Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake vs. Delano (Seed 2)
1:00: Northfield vs. Mahtomedi (Seed 3)
6:00: Luverne vs. Hermantown (Seed 1)
8:00: St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 5) vs. East Grand Forks (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Boys Hockey Tournament gets underway with the "Battle of Wright County" as the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose and the Delano Tigers make their maiden voyages to the X. The two teams didn't play each other during the regular season because they play in different conferences. The Moose are in the Mississippi 8 and the Tigers are in the Wright County Conference. M/A/ML has been on a 12-1-1 since a 4-3 overtime loss to Chisago Lakes January 12 and are led by Nick Zwack, who will be headed for the baseball diamond at Xavier in Cincinnati next season. Delano has done what few teams have done in Section 2 tournament play and that is beat the Breck Mustangs. Two of three Tiger defeats were to the Holy Family Catholic Fire and the other when they played in the Duluth Marshall tournament on December 28 and hell to the Hermantown Hawks 4-3. If you haven't seen Delano's outstanding Mr. Hockey finalist Ben Meyers in action, it may be your only chance to do so because he will be headed for Maine next season to play for the Black Bears. It should be an outstanding early quarterfinal match up and 45TV's rating will probably go through the roof in Wright County.
The afternoon session concludes with another first time entrant, the Northfield Raiders as maroon and gold clad fans once again head up Highway 3 two weeks after the girls lost to the Warroad Warriors in the Class A third place game. They will go up against the third seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs who pulled of the upset in the Section 4A final against the St. Paul Academy Spartans. After losing to the St. Thomas Academy Cadets 7-0 on February 9, the Zephyrs have heated up at the right time, winning five straight games. As for Northfield, they have won two straight overtime games in the Section 1 tournament by identical 3-2 scores. The first was a single OT against Mankato East/Loyola and the second was a double overtime affair as they beat the Red Wing Wingers. Can the Raiders accomplish what their female counterparts did in February or will the Zephyr's hot streak continue?
Opening up the evening session is a rising boys hockey power in southwestern Minnesota the Luverne Cardinals. The good news is that the Cardinals have a high powered offense and a defense that has allowed only 32 goals this season. Now the bad news. They go up against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Hermantown Hawks. It's the 14th trip to St. Paul for veteran head coach Bruce Plante who finally took home the championship trophy last season after six consecutive second place finishes. The Hawks have not lost a game since they opened their season with a 5-1 loss to Wayzata December 2. Hermantown has a couple of Mr. Hockey finalists in Ryan Sandelin and Dyland Samberg and a Frank Brimsek Award finalist in goalie Cade McEwen. Keep your eye on the Hawks. They are the team to beat.
Concluding the Class A quarterfinals are the fifth seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders and the fourth seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. The Crusaders make their eighth trip down I-94 and won the consolation championship last year. They played East Grand Forks on December 3 and tied them at 4. The Green Wave are back at the X after winning two straight Class A titles in 2014 and 2015. It will also be the first under head coach Scott Koberinski, who replaced Tyler Palmiscino. Will fans is the Red River Valley be celebrating again?
Next up: The Class AA state preview.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Eden Prairie Eagles Return to State Tournament
Nicky Leivermann left the best part of the game for last as he scored the game winning goal with 7:05 left in the third period to lead the Eden Prairie Eagles to a 4-3 win over the Holy Family Catholic Fire in the Section 2AA Championship Game Wednesday night at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
The Eagles won their fifth consecutive section title. Last year, they lost in the Class AA championship game to their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans.
Both teams would tally in the first period. Spencer Rudrud would receive a pass from Casey Mittlestadt and scored to put the Eagles ahead. The Fire would be on fire on a rebound goal from Joe Hankinson.
Holy Family Catholic would vault into the lead in the second period when Matt Anderson, who will play next season at Minnesota-Duluth lined a shot toward the net and Nick Michel positioned himself on the left side of the crease to tap the puck in. The Fire's lead would be short lived when Eden Prairie tied the game at two as Mittlestadt would tap in a shot from Sam Pajor. Holy Family Catholic would regain the lead on a power play goal by Mack Byers from the center slot.
The Eagles would score twice to bring back their fifth straight section championship trophy down Highway 5. Hunter Johannes got a pass from Pajor and he fired into the net. Mittlestadt, who will play next season at Mariucci Arena as a member of the Minnesota Golden Gophers fed Leivermann at the right face off circle and he put it past Fire goalie Jared Moe to eventually clinch the section title. Holy Family Catholic had an opportunity to send the game into overtime when head coach Noel Rahn pulled Moe for a sixth attacker. However, the Fire's flame flickered out since they couldn't put the puck in the net.
Eden Prairie improved their record to 21-4-1 and will play in the Class AA quarterfinals on Thursday, March 9 at the Xcel Energy Center. Time and opponent to be determined following the seeding on Saturday. Holy Family Catholic ended their season with a record of 22-5-1.
The Eagles won their fifth consecutive section title. Last year, they lost in the Class AA championship game to their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans.
Both teams would tally in the first period. Spencer Rudrud would receive a pass from Casey Mittlestadt and scored to put the Eagles ahead. The Fire would be on fire on a rebound goal from Joe Hankinson.
Holy Family Catholic would vault into the lead in the second period when Matt Anderson, who will play next season at Minnesota-Duluth lined a shot toward the net and Nick Michel positioned himself on the left side of the crease to tap the puck in. The Fire's lead would be short lived when Eden Prairie tied the game at two as Mittlestadt would tap in a shot from Sam Pajor. Holy Family Catholic would regain the lead on a power play goal by Mack Byers from the center slot.
The Eagles would score twice to bring back their fifth straight section championship trophy down Highway 5. Hunter Johannes got a pass from Pajor and he fired into the net. Mittlestadt, who will play next season at Mariucci Arena as a member of the Minnesota Golden Gophers fed Leivermann at the right face off circle and he put it past Fire goalie Jared Moe to eventually clinch the section title. Holy Family Catholic had an opportunity to send the game into overtime when head coach Noel Rahn pulled Moe for a sixth attacker. However, the Fire's flame flickered out since they couldn't put the puck in the net.
Eden Prairie improved their record to 21-4-1 and will play in the Class AA quarterfinals on Thursday, March 9 at the Xcel Energy Center. Time and opponent to be determined following the seeding on Saturday. Holy Family Catholic ended their season with a record of 22-5-1.
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