If Sinclair Lewis was a Sauk Centre girls basketball fan, he would have enjoyed Wednesday night's Class AA quarterfinal game that saw Maesyn Thiesen score 22 points, six steals and six assists to lead the Mainstreeters to a 74-65 come from behind victory over the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks at Mariucci Arena on the Univeristy of Minnesota campus.
Taytum Rhodes got the Redhawks on the scoreboard 1:08 into the game.Following a tying basket by Thiesen. Taytum Rhodes would score seven straight points. The Mainstreeters would inch closer with four straight points from Jill Klaphake and Thiesen would put Sauk Centre on an 8-0 run. Both teams would keep the margin close throughout the first half. Jill Klaphake would even the score at 27 and Taytum Rhodes would hit a a couple of shots from the light rail tracks to give the Redhawks a 33-30 halftime lead.
Another three pointer from Taytum Rhodes would begin the scoring for Minnehaha Academy :40 into the second half. Kelsey Peschel would also hit a three pointer to cut the lead to one. Thiesen would put Sauk Centre ahead for the first time with a three pointer and Terra Rhodes would score to even the game at 40. The Redhawks would go ahead on a three pointer from Mia Curtis. Avery New would hit a pair of free throws to put Minnehaha Academy on a 4-0 run. But the Redhawks lead would evaporate as the Mainstreeters offense would heat up, sparked by outstanding passing from Jill Klaphake and good inside play from Alyssa Kohorst that would put them on a 12-0 run. Tori Peschel would factor in the ruin with four straight points. Kelsey Peschel would hit a pair of free throws to put Sauk Centre ahead by seven and Kohorst would score a three point play. The bright spot in the second half for Minnehaha Academy would be a three point play from Taytum Rhodes but it wouldn't be enough to catch second seeded Sauk Centre.
Other player in double figures for the Mainstreeters were Jill Klaphake with 20 points. Kohorst had 13 points and Tori Peschel had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Taytum Rhodes led the Redhawks with 25 points and Terra Rhodes added 14.
Sauk Centre improved their record to 30-1 and will play in the Class AA semifinals against the winner of the Rochester Lourdes-Watertown Mayer game, Friday, March 17 at 8 PM at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. Minnehaha Academy fell to 24-5 and will play in the consolation semifinals on Thursday, March 16 at 8 PM at Ganglehoff Center on the Concordia University campus in St. Paul.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Sunday, March 12, 2017
2017 Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS A STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Thursday, March 16 at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis
11:00: Southwest MN Christian vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl (Seed 1)
1:00: Maranatha Christian Academy (Seed 5) vs. Ada-Borup (Seed 4)
3:00: GRHEC/Truman/Martin Luther vs. Goodhue (Seed 2)
5:00: Red Lake vs. Cromwell-Wright (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: It's south vs. north to open the Class A quarterfinals as the Southwest MN Christian Eagles head up from Edgerton for their seventh trip to Minneapolis against the top seeded and top ranked Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers. It's the sixth straight year head coach Jeff Buffetta has led the Rangers to a state tournament berth and this year could be the year that they become the first Iron Range team to win a state title since Chisholm in 1984. They have experience in seniors Chelsea Mason, Mya Buffetta and Patty Overbye as well as good young talent that has been the key to MI-B's success. The Rangers only loss this season was to the top ranked team in Class AA, the Roseau Rams. Girls basketball fans could be celebrating in the Iron Range come Saturday afternoon.
Two perennial powers, the fifth seeded Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs and the fourth seeded Ada-Borup Cougars battle in the second quarterfinal game. The Mustangs have played in every state tournament since 2010 and face the cougars, who have not lost a game since they fell to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in the season opener. Head coach David Smart has built a powerhouse in northwestern Minnesota that has won three state titles and also has one of the best pep bands you'll hear at any state tournament. Don't count out the Cougars. They could be a legitimate threat to Mountain Iron-Buhl's chance at a state title.
The team with the longest name in the tournament Granada Huntley/East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther has a tough task ahead as the Mustangs take on the second seeded and defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats. It may be the first state tournament for the current combination of GRHEC/Truman?Martin Luther but not for head coach Rick Uttech, who led East Chain to the 1982 Class A final, losing to the Moose Lake Lakers. The Wildcats have their version of Three Sisters, Madeline, Lexie and Sydney Lodermeier. Goodhue is on an eight game winning streak. Will there be purple reign at The Barn?
Wrapping up the Class A quarterfinals are the Red Lake Warriors and the third seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals. The Warriors are not only making their first trip to Minneapolis, they are also the first Native American team to play in the tournament since it began in 1976. The Warriors are on a 15 game winning streak since they lost to Mountain Iron-Buhl and they have won by an average margin of 23 points in the Section 8 tournament. The Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2004. They got off to a 9-0 start and have gone 16-4 since they lost to the Rangers on December 29. Could another rematch be in the wings?
That's the state tournament preview. There's a lot of action coming up over five days of tournament play.
Games played Thursday, March 16 at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis
11:00: Southwest MN Christian vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl (Seed 1)
1:00: Maranatha Christian Academy (Seed 5) vs. Ada-Borup (Seed 4)
3:00: GRHEC/Truman/Martin Luther vs. Goodhue (Seed 2)
5:00: Red Lake vs. Cromwell-Wright (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: It's south vs. north to open the Class A quarterfinals as the Southwest MN Christian Eagles head up from Edgerton for their seventh trip to Minneapolis against the top seeded and top ranked Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers. It's the sixth straight year head coach Jeff Buffetta has led the Rangers to a state tournament berth and this year could be the year that they become the first Iron Range team to win a state title since Chisholm in 1984. They have experience in seniors Chelsea Mason, Mya Buffetta and Patty Overbye as well as good young talent that has been the key to MI-B's success. The Rangers only loss this season was to the top ranked team in Class AA, the Roseau Rams. Girls basketball fans could be celebrating in the Iron Range come Saturday afternoon.
Two perennial powers, the fifth seeded Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs and the fourth seeded Ada-Borup Cougars battle in the second quarterfinal game. The Mustangs have played in every state tournament since 2010 and face the cougars, who have not lost a game since they fell to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in the season opener. Head coach David Smart has built a powerhouse in northwestern Minnesota that has won three state titles and also has one of the best pep bands you'll hear at any state tournament. Don't count out the Cougars. They could be a legitimate threat to Mountain Iron-Buhl's chance at a state title.
The team with the longest name in the tournament Granada Huntley/East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther has a tough task ahead as the Mustangs take on the second seeded and defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats. It may be the first state tournament for the current combination of GRHEC/Truman?Martin Luther but not for head coach Rick Uttech, who led East Chain to the 1982 Class A final, losing to the Moose Lake Lakers. The Wildcats have their version of Three Sisters, Madeline, Lexie and Sydney Lodermeier. Goodhue is on an eight game winning streak. Will there be purple reign at The Barn?
Wrapping up the Class A quarterfinals are the Red Lake Warriors and the third seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals. The Warriors are not only making their first trip to Minneapolis, they are also the first Native American team to play in the tournament since it began in 1976. The Warriors are on a 15 game winning streak since they lost to Mountain Iron-Buhl and they have won by an average margin of 23 points in the Section 8 tournament. The Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2004. They got off to a 9-0 start and have gone 16-4 since they lost to the Rangers on December 29. Could another rematch be in the wings?
That's the state tournament preview. There's a lot of action coming up over five days of tournament play.
2017 Class AA State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
2:00: New Richland-H-E-G vs. Roseau (Seed 1)
4:00: Esko (Seed 5) vs. New London-Spicer (Seed 4)
6:00: Minnehaha Academy vs. Sauk Centre (Seed 2)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes vs. Watertown-Mayer (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: Opening the Class AA quarterfinals is the NRHEG Panthers, who return to state since they won two Class AA titles in 2013 and 2014. But times have have changed for the southern Minnesota school since they have a new coach in Onika Peterson, who replaced John Schultz and Carlie Wagner is now wearing a maroon and gold uniform at Minnesota. Carlie's sisters Maddie and Marnie Wagner are seniors and the Panthers have a tough task ahead against the top seeded and unbeaten Roseau Rams. The Rams have their version of the Anton Chekov play Three Sisters, starring Kacey, Katie and Kiley Borowicz. Add an outstanding supporting cast and head coach Kelsey Didrikson and you get a team that could bring a championship trophy to the northwest Minnesota community that's best known for hockey.
The fifth seeded Esko Eskomos return to Minneapolis to play in their 12th state tournament. They don't have a lot of height since 6'5" Molly Trapp graduated but they do have a returning guard in Mandi Dincau. Dincau is one of six seniors for veteran head coach Scott Antonutti. The Eskomos face the fourth seeded New London-Spicer Wildcats, who lost in last year's Class AA final to Plainview-Elgin-Millville. The Wildcats are under the leadership of Mike Dreier, who is in his 39th season at New London-Spicer and in their 16th state tournament appearance. They are on a 12 game winning streak since they lost to the Watertown-Mayer royals in double overtime 71-68 on January 27.
For the ninth time in ten years, head coach Josh Thurow has led the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks to the state tournament. This year, he has a young team with only one senior in Olivia DuBois and a quarterfinal battle with the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. The Mainstreeters have not lost a game since they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes December 3. Scott Bergman has built a solid program in the home of Sinclair Lewis but he has yet to win a state title, finishing second in 2012 and 2015. They have an experienced team that could lead them to a return trip to the Class AA final.
Concluding Quarterfinal Wednesday is the Rochester Lourdes Eagles and the third seeded Watertown-Mayer Royals. The Eagles make their 18th trip up Highway 52 and their first under Aaron Berg, who replaced retired head coach Myron Glass. The last time Rochester Lourdes won a state title was 2005. In order to end their championship drought, they will have to beat the third seeded Royals, who last played in the tournament since 2010, when they had one of the great girls basketball players of all-time Marissa Janning, who later played for the Creighton Bluejays. They are the third team to come out of the Wright County Conference along with Orono in Class AAA and Class AA rival New London-Spicer. Can the Royals get past the quarterfinals and possibly set up a showdown with Sauk Centre?
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
2:00: New Richland-H-E-G vs. Roseau (Seed 1)
4:00: Esko (Seed 5) vs. New London-Spicer (Seed 4)
6:00: Minnehaha Academy vs. Sauk Centre (Seed 2)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes vs. Watertown-Mayer (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: Opening the Class AA quarterfinals is the NRHEG Panthers, who return to state since they won two Class AA titles in 2013 and 2014. But times have have changed for the southern Minnesota school since they have a new coach in Onika Peterson, who replaced John Schultz and Carlie Wagner is now wearing a maroon and gold uniform at Minnesota. Carlie's sisters Maddie and Marnie Wagner are seniors and the Panthers have a tough task ahead against the top seeded and unbeaten Roseau Rams. The Rams have their version of the Anton Chekov play Three Sisters, starring Kacey, Katie and Kiley Borowicz. Add an outstanding supporting cast and head coach Kelsey Didrikson and you get a team that could bring a championship trophy to the northwest Minnesota community that's best known for hockey.
The fifth seeded Esko Eskomos return to Minneapolis to play in their 12th state tournament. They don't have a lot of height since 6'5" Molly Trapp graduated but they do have a returning guard in Mandi Dincau. Dincau is one of six seniors for veteran head coach Scott Antonutti. The Eskomos face the fourth seeded New London-Spicer Wildcats, who lost in last year's Class AA final to Plainview-Elgin-Millville. The Wildcats are under the leadership of Mike Dreier, who is in his 39th season at New London-Spicer and in their 16th state tournament appearance. They are on a 12 game winning streak since they lost to the Watertown-Mayer royals in double overtime 71-68 on January 27.
For the ninth time in ten years, head coach Josh Thurow has led the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks to the state tournament. This year, he has a young team with only one senior in Olivia DuBois and a quarterfinal battle with the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. The Mainstreeters have not lost a game since they lost to the Anoka Tornadoes December 3. Scott Bergman has built a solid program in the home of Sinclair Lewis but he has yet to win a state title, finishing second in 2012 and 2015. They have an experienced team that could lead them to a return trip to the Class AA final.
Concluding Quarterfinal Wednesday is the Rochester Lourdes Eagles and the third seeded Watertown-Mayer Royals. The Eagles make their 18th trip up Highway 52 and their first under Aaron Berg, who replaced retired head coach Myron Glass. The last time Rochester Lourdes won a state title was 2005. In order to end their championship drought, they will have to beat the third seeded Royals, who last played in the tournament since 2010, when they had one of the great girls basketball players of all-time Marissa Janning, who later played for the Creighton Bluejays. They are the third team to come out of the Wright County Conference along with Orono in Class AAA and Class AA rival New London-Spicer. Can the Royals get past the quarterfinals and possibly set up a showdown with Sauk Centre?
2017 Class AAA State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AAA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
6:00: Willmar vs. Orono (Seed 1)
8:00: Alexandria (Seed 5) vs. Grand Rapids (Seed 4)
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
10:00: Waseca vs. Holy Angels (Seed 2)
12:00: DeLaSalle vs. Winona (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The Willmar Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2010 and it won't be an easy task for the red and white since they take on the top seeded Orono Spartans.The Spartans advance with their second win this season over their Wright County Conference rivals the Hutchinson Tigers. In 2015, they took home the the third place trophy by beating the Kasson-Mantorville Komets. Can they upgrade their medals in 2017?
Concluding Tuesday's festivities is the fifth seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the fourth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. The Cardinals have a senior dominated roster that's marks he school's first trip to state since 2011. Thunderhawks fans will have more to cheer about as they will head down Highway 169 four days after the boys hockey team won the Class AA boys hockey state title Last year, they lost to the Winona Winhawks in the Class AAA quarterfinals. It should be an interesting match up.
The scene shifts to Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus Wednsday as the Waseca Bluejays make their state tournament debut against the second seeded and defending state Class AAA champions the Holy Angels Stars. Waseca swept the Mankato schools, East and West and beat New Ulm to clinch their first trip to state. Head coach Dan Woods brings back several players from last year's title team that includes Destinee Oberg and the two Megans, Meyer and Thompson. Can Destinee lead the Stars to their final destiny of the season, their second consecutive Class AAA championship?
Wrapping up the Class AAA quarterfinals is the DeLaSalle Islanders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks. The Islanders were seeded fourth in Section 4 and they pulled off the upset against the top seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs and beat the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies. They hope to continue their momentum against the Winhawks, who make their return trip up Highway 61 after they lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA title game. Winona has won eight straight games since they beat a Big Nine Conference rival that spent a week as the top team in Class AAA the Northfield Raiders. There could be a rematch of last year's championship game if both Winona and Holy Angels win on Wednesday.
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
6:00: Willmar vs. Orono (Seed 1)
8:00: Alexandria (Seed 5) vs. Grand Rapids (Seed 4)
Games played Wednesday, March 15 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis
10:00: Waseca vs. Holy Angels (Seed 2)
12:00: DeLaSalle vs. Winona (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The Willmar Cardinals return to state for the first time since 2010 and it won't be an easy task for the red and white since they take on the top seeded Orono Spartans.The Spartans advance with their second win this season over their Wright County Conference rivals the Hutchinson Tigers. In 2015, they took home the the third place trophy by beating the Kasson-Mantorville Komets. Can they upgrade their medals in 2017?
Concluding Tuesday's festivities is the fifth seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the fourth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. The Cardinals have a senior dominated roster that's marks he school's first trip to state since 2011. Thunderhawks fans will have more to cheer about as they will head down Highway 169 four days after the boys hockey team won the Class AA boys hockey state title Last year, they lost to the Winona Winhawks in the Class AAA quarterfinals. It should be an interesting match up.
The scene shifts to Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus Wednsday as the Waseca Bluejays make their state tournament debut against the second seeded and defending state Class AAA champions the Holy Angels Stars. Waseca swept the Mankato schools, East and West and beat New Ulm to clinch their first trip to state. Head coach Dan Woods brings back several players from last year's title team that includes Destinee Oberg and the two Megans, Meyer and Thompson. Can Destinee lead the Stars to their final destiny of the season, their second consecutive Class AAA championship?
Wrapping up the Class AAA quarterfinals is the DeLaSalle Islanders and the third seeded Winona Winhawks. The Islanders were seeded fourth in Section 4 and they pulled off the upset against the top seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs and beat the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies. They hope to continue their momentum against the Winhawks, who make their return trip up Highway 61 after they lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA title game. Winona has won eight straight games since they beat a Big Nine Conference rival that spent a week as the top team in Class AAA the Northfield Raiders. There could be a rematch of last year's championship game if both Winona and Holy Angels win on Wednesday.
2017 Class AAAA State Girls Basketball Tournament Preview
2017 CLASS AAAA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
10:00: Minnetonka vs. Hopkins (Seed 1)
12:00: Park Center (Seed 5) vs. Eastview (Seed 4)
2:00: White Bear Lake vs. Elk River (Seed 2)
4:00: Andover vs. Lakeville North (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Girls Basketball Tournament gets underway with a rematch of last year's Class AAAA final between the Minnetonka Skippers and the top seeded and unbeaten Hopkins Royals. Last year, the Skippers beat their Lake Conference rivals to win their first state title. But things are different this year. Minnetonka lost a number of top players o graduation and they have only one senior on their roster Kelsey Schmitz. In their two regular season meetings, the Royals won decisively by an average margin of 27 points. Hopkins is led by one of the best underclass players in Minnesota, freshman Paige Bueckers and junior Raena Suggs, They are the favorites to win the AAAA title and head coach Brian Cosgriff is three games away from bringing another championship trophy back to Lindbergh Center.
The fifth seeded Park Center Pirates are back in the AAAA field and they are on a roll with a 14 game winning streak. Head coach Chris VanderHyde is looking for his first state title as a AAAA school after winning two straight in Class AAA from 2014 to 2015. The Pirates have tournament experience in Danielle Schaub and Ann Simonet as well as Mikayla Hayes, who will be playing next season for the Florida Gators. The fourth seeded Eastview Lightning are back for the fifth straight year, their second under Molly Kasper, who took over for Melissa Guebert. But wait, there's another Guebert on the roster. Her name is Macy and she's a sophomore and younger sister of Madison, who is now at South Dakota State. Last year Eastview took home the third place trophy. Can they head back to Apple Valley with another trophy?
The good news for the White Bear Lake Bears is they return to state after finishing fourth last year. The bad news is they go up against the other unbeaten team in Class AAAA, the second seeded Elk River Elks. The Elks are led by Sidney Wentland and Gabi Haack and have the talent to return to the AAAA final for the first time since 20001 when they lost to the Lakeville Panthers. The Northstar Commuter Rail will probably be busy with Elks fans headed for the University of Minnesota this week.
Wrapping up the Class AAAA quarterfinals will be the Andover Huskies and the third seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers have won 21 straight games since they lost to Apple Valley on December 20 and beat their South Suburban Conference rival Eastview twice. Can the Panthers qualify for their first AAAA title berth since winning the 2010 championship?
Games played Tuesday, March 14 at Target Center, Minneapolis
10:00: Minnetonka vs. Hopkins (Seed 1)
12:00: Park Center (Seed 5) vs. Eastview (Seed 4)
2:00: White Bear Lake vs. Elk River (Seed 2)
4:00: Andover vs. Lakeville North (Seed 3)
Examining the Field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Girls Basketball Tournament gets underway with a rematch of last year's Class AAAA final between the Minnetonka Skippers and the top seeded and unbeaten Hopkins Royals. Last year, the Skippers beat their Lake Conference rivals to win their first state title. But things are different this year. Minnetonka lost a number of top players o graduation and they have only one senior on their roster Kelsey Schmitz. In their two regular season meetings, the Royals won decisively by an average margin of 27 points. Hopkins is led by one of the best underclass players in Minnesota, freshman Paige Bueckers and junior Raena Suggs, They are the favorites to win the AAAA title and head coach Brian Cosgriff is three games away from bringing another championship trophy back to Lindbergh Center.
The fifth seeded Park Center Pirates are back in the AAAA field and they are on a roll with a 14 game winning streak. Head coach Chris VanderHyde is looking for his first state title as a AAAA school after winning two straight in Class AAA from 2014 to 2015. The Pirates have tournament experience in Danielle Schaub and Ann Simonet as well as Mikayla Hayes, who will be playing next season for the Florida Gators. The fourth seeded Eastview Lightning are back for the fifth straight year, their second under Molly Kasper, who took over for Melissa Guebert. But wait, there's another Guebert on the roster. Her name is Macy and she's a sophomore and younger sister of Madison, who is now at South Dakota State. Last year Eastview took home the third place trophy. Can they head back to Apple Valley with another trophy?
The good news for the White Bear Lake Bears is they return to state after finishing fourth last year. The bad news is they go up against the other unbeaten team in Class AAAA, the second seeded Elk River Elks. The Elks are led by Sidney Wentland and Gabi Haack and have the talent to return to the AAAA final for the first time since 20001 when they lost to the Lakeville Panthers. The Northstar Commuter Rail will probably be busy with Elks fans headed for the University of Minnesota this week.
Wrapping up the Class AAAA quarterfinals will be the Andover Huskies and the third seeded Lakeville North Panthers. The Panthers have won 21 straight games since they lost to Apple Valley on December 20 and beat their South Suburban Conference rival Eastview twice. Can the Panthers qualify for their first AAAA title berth since winning the 2010 championship?
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Double Overtime Pays Off in Class A State Title for Hermantown Hawks
He won the Reed Larson Award for being Minnesota's top defenseman and Saturday afternoon Dylan Samberg could add the Mr. Hockey award to his career when he scored the game winning goal with :19.4 left in double overtime to lead the Hermantown Hawks to a 4-3 win over the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose in the Class A championship game at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
It was the second consecutive title for the Twin Ports school and third overall in its 14th trip to state. MAML made its first tournament appearance.
Now to the game. Neither team scored in the first period, though the Hawks kept Moose goalie Tyler Klatt busy in the first period, out shooting the Moose 15-1.
MAML got on the scoreboard :52 into the second period as Casey Chiodo went along the right boards, cut toward the face off circle and put it past Hawk goalie Cade McEwen. They would go up by two when Ben Ward stole the puck from Elliott Peterson and drove through the center slot like the team bus heading down West 7th St., saw McEwen playing at the top of the crease and scored from his left side. Hermantown would cut the lead to one as Samberg's shot was saved by Klatt and Jesse Jacques' shot would go off of Klatt's right skate and enter the net.
Good passing was a factor in MAML's goal that opened the third period scoring. Ward slid the puck to Nick Zwach on the left side of the crease and he would put the Moose ahead by two. Would Wright County hockey fans get ready to celebrate? Not just yet since Hermantown would tie the game with two goals. First, Dylan Kolquist fed Jacques from the left boards and he converted to cut the lead to one. Then Ryan Sandelin, another Mr. Hockey finalist who will play next season at Minnesota State-Mankato, sent the puck toward Tyler Watkins on the right side of the crease and he scored to tie the game and send it to overtime.
After a scoreless first overtime, the ice was resurfaced and the game would go into double overtime. It looked like the Hawks would win the game on Watkins' goal, but after the replay officials reviewed the goal, the giant video board at the X indicated that Watkins' right skate was in the crease so the goal was disallowed. Back to the game. There would be no third overtime on this chilly Saturday in March when Samberg scored following the face off with :19.4 to go. The celebration began.
In the third place game, Nate Warner's goal with 8:02 left in regulation time led the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders to a 2-1 win over the Northfield Raiders. In the consolation championship played at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Brian Halonen and John Keranen scored two goals apiece and Ben Meyers added three assists to lead the Delano Tigers to a 6-3 win over the East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Charlie Voller of MAML was the Class A recipient of the Herb Brooks Award, which goes to a player that best represents the values, characteristics and traits of the late coach.
The attendance for the Class A championship session was 9,367 and the total Class A attendance was 34,965.
It was the second consecutive title for the Twin Ports school and third overall in its 14th trip to state. MAML made its first tournament appearance.
Now to the game. Neither team scored in the first period, though the Hawks kept Moose goalie Tyler Klatt busy in the first period, out shooting the Moose 15-1.
MAML got on the scoreboard :52 into the second period as Casey Chiodo went along the right boards, cut toward the face off circle and put it past Hawk goalie Cade McEwen. They would go up by two when Ben Ward stole the puck from Elliott Peterson and drove through the center slot like the team bus heading down West 7th St., saw McEwen playing at the top of the crease and scored from his left side. Hermantown would cut the lead to one as Samberg's shot was saved by Klatt and Jesse Jacques' shot would go off of Klatt's right skate and enter the net.
Good passing was a factor in MAML's goal that opened the third period scoring. Ward slid the puck to Nick Zwach on the left side of the crease and he would put the Moose ahead by two. Would Wright County hockey fans get ready to celebrate? Not just yet since Hermantown would tie the game with two goals. First, Dylan Kolquist fed Jacques from the left boards and he converted to cut the lead to one. Then Ryan Sandelin, another Mr. Hockey finalist who will play next season at Minnesota State-Mankato, sent the puck toward Tyler Watkins on the right side of the crease and he scored to tie the game and send it to overtime.
After a scoreless first overtime, the ice was resurfaced and the game would go into double overtime. It looked like the Hawks would win the game on Watkins' goal, but after the replay officials reviewed the goal, the giant video board at the X indicated that Watkins' right skate was in the crease so the goal was disallowed. Back to the game. There would be no third overtime on this chilly Saturday in March when Samberg scored following the face off with :19.4 to go. The celebration began.
In the third place game, Nate Warner's goal with 8:02 left in regulation time led the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders to a 2-1 win over the Northfield Raiders. In the consolation championship played at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Brian Halonen and John Keranen scored two goals apiece and Ben Meyers added three assists to lead the Delano Tigers to a 6-3 win over the East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Charlie Voller of MAML was the Class A recipient of the Herb Brooks Award, which goes to a player that best represents the values, characteristics and traits of the late coach.
The attendance for the Class A championship session was 9,367 and the total Class A attendance was 34,965.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
2017 Class A Boys Basketball Section Preview
Like the eight Class AA sections, there is also action underway in some of the eight Class A sections. Here's who is left and what's about to begin.
In the Section 1 East Subsection, the perennial power Rushford-Peterson Trojans head into the final against the Spring Grove Lions. The Lions are on a 13 game winning streak. In the West Section, the Goodhue Wildcats look to return to Minneapolis but first they have to get by the Bethlehem Academy Cardinals.
Cedar Mountain/Comfrey is the top seed in the North Subsection and the Cleveland clippers, with many of the athletes who played in the Nine Man Football Final in November are the second seed. The Mayer Lutheran Crusaders and the BOLD Warriors hope to pull the upsets. In the South Subsection, the top seeded Springfield Trojans look for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2011. First they will have to beat fifth seeded Truman/ML/GHEC and face either Mountain Lake or Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.
It could be a two team race in the Section 3 North Subsection between the top seeded Central MN Christian Bluejays who have won six straight games and the second seeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Knights. In the South Subsection, the SW MN Christian Eagles battle the top seeded Reed Rock Central Falcons and the third seeded Adrian Dragons square off with the Westbook-Walnut Grove Chargers. It should be an interesting South Subsection.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars. The Polars are led by the Johnsons, Isaac and Taylor, who were part of the Class A football champions and hope to return to state to bring home another trophy. It won't be an easy task since there are three other teams that could dethrone Mpls. North. They are the second seeded Heritage Christian Eagles, the third seeded Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans and one of the newer entries , the fourth seeded Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas. The Pumas are led by Texas signee Jericho Sims. Who will come of this section? There's some pretty good talent to watch for.
Heading to Section 5 where the top seed in the North subsection is the Nevis Tigers, winners of 19 games in a row. But the McGregor Mercuries are on an 11 game run and looking for their first trip to Minneapolis. They have not lost a game since losing to Moose Lake-Willow River 60-57 on January 27. The defensing section champion Browerville/Eagle Valley Tigers are the top seed in the South Subsection with the second seeded Kimball Cubs on their heels with an eight game winning streak.
In Section 6, the top seed in the North Subsection is Norman County East/Ulen Hitterdal. Last years' section champion the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders are seeded second. The big race in the South Subsection where four teams have a shot at unseating the Raiders. The top seeded Ortonville Trojans, the second seeded Battle Lake Battlers, the third seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs and the fourth seeded Hancock Owls. Another section worth watching.
Section 7 has four teams remaining in Subsection 1, the top seeded Carlton Bulldogs, who face the fifth seeded Fond du Lac Ojibwe Ogichida and the second seeded Lakeview Christian Academy Lions battling the third seeded Silver Bay Mariners. In Subsection 2, the top seeded North Woods Grizzlies are on a 13 game winning streak and go up against the Chisholm Bluestreaks. The second seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers have won 14 games in a row and take on the third seeded Deer River Warriors. Plenty of action in northern Minnesota basketball.
The final section to be examined is Section 8, where there's a three team race in the East subsection between the top seeded Red Lake Warriors, the second seeded Cass Lake-Bena Panthers and the third seeded Win-E-Mac Patriots. The Ada-Borup Cougars are the top seed in the West Subsection and are having a successful season like their female counterparts. But look out for the second seeded Stephen-Argyle Storm who take on the tenth seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies, who upset the seventh seeded Norman County West Panthers.
That wraps up the section previews in boys basketball. Great action can be found in all four classes.
In the Section 1 East Subsection, the perennial power Rushford-Peterson Trojans head into the final against the Spring Grove Lions. The Lions are on a 13 game winning streak. In the West Section, the Goodhue Wildcats look to return to Minneapolis but first they have to get by the Bethlehem Academy Cardinals.
Cedar Mountain/Comfrey is the top seed in the North Subsection and the Cleveland clippers, with many of the athletes who played in the Nine Man Football Final in November are the second seed. The Mayer Lutheran Crusaders and the BOLD Warriors hope to pull the upsets. In the South Subsection, the top seeded Springfield Trojans look for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2011. First they will have to beat fifth seeded Truman/ML/GHEC and face either Mountain Lake or Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.
It could be a two team race in the Section 3 North Subsection between the top seeded Central MN Christian Bluejays who have won six straight games and the second seeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Knights. In the South Subsection, the SW MN Christian Eagles battle the top seeded Reed Rock Central Falcons and the third seeded Adrian Dragons square off with the Westbook-Walnut Grove Chargers. It should be an interesting South Subsection.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class A champion Minneapolis North Polars. The Polars are led by the Johnsons, Isaac and Taylor, who were part of the Class A football champions and hope to return to state to bring home another trophy. It won't be an easy task since there are three other teams that could dethrone Mpls. North. They are the second seeded Heritage Christian Eagles, the third seeded Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans and one of the newer entries , the fourth seeded Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas. The Pumas are led by Texas signee Jericho Sims. Who will come of this section? There's some pretty good talent to watch for.
Heading to Section 5 where the top seed in the North subsection is the Nevis Tigers, winners of 19 games in a row. But the McGregor Mercuries are on an 11 game run and looking for their first trip to Minneapolis. They have not lost a game since losing to Moose Lake-Willow River 60-57 on January 27. The defensing section champion Browerville/Eagle Valley Tigers are the top seed in the South Subsection with the second seeded Kimball Cubs on their heels with an eight game winning streak.
In Section 6, the top seed in the North Subsection is Norman County East/Ulen Hitterdal. Last years' section champion the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders are seeded second. The big race in the South Subsection where four teams have a shot at unseating the Raiders. The top seeded Ortonville Trojans, the second seeded Battle Lake Battlers, the third seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs and the fourth seeded Hancock Owls. Another section worth watching.
Section 7 has four teams remaining in Subsection 1, the top seeded Carlton Bulldogs, who face the fifth seeded Fond du Lac Ojibwe Ogichida and the second seeded Lakeview Christian Academy Lions battling the third seeded Silver Bay Mariners. In Subsection 2, the top seeded North Woods Grizzlies are on a 13 game winning streak and go up against the Chisholm Bluestreaks. The second seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers have won 14 games in a row and take on the third seeded Deer River Warriors. Plenty of action in northern Minnesota basketball.
The final section to be examined is Section 8, where there's a three team race in the East subsection between the top seeded Red Lake Warriors, the second seeded Cass Lake-Bena Panthers and the third seeded Win-E-Mac Patriots. The Ada-Borup Cougars are the top seed in the West Subsection and are having a successful season like their female counterparts. But look out for the second seeded Stephen-Argyle Storm who take on the tenth seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies, who upset the seventh seeded Norman County West Panthers.
That wraps up the section previews in boys basketball. Great action can be found in all four classes.
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