As many Minnesotans endured the arctic like weather that has temperatures plunging more than -20 degrees and wind chills around -50 degrees, the weather picture has also meant numerous school closings and the postponement and cancellation of many athletic events.
School districts such as St. Louis Park have been shut down since Tuesday due to the extremely brutal wind chill and has had a girls basketball game at Edina and a gymnastics meet at Bloomington Jefferson postponed. Thursday's girls basketball game at Cooper has also been postponed as well as the boys basketball team hosting the Hawks. The game has been rescheduled for February 6. Also off is a gymnastics meet at Breck. As of this writing, the boys hockey game at The Rec Center against the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars is still on. It could be changed since both the Bloomington and St. Louis Park districts have closed schools that day.
Over at Groves Academy, Thursday's game against Avail Academy has been postponed due to both schools being closed. The game has been rescheduled for February 7 at 6 PM.
One significant postponement was a key boys basketball game between the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks and the Breck Mustangs that was scheduled to be played at Breck's Golden Valley campus. HSGN was planning to cover the game that night but like many schools throughout Minnesota, they were closed. No word on when the game has been rescheduled.
The good news is the temperatures will be above zero on Friday and into the 30s on Saturday. Things will get back to normal in boys and girls basketball and also boys hockey. The girls hockey regular season will be winding down as section play gets underway next week. Skiing, gymnastics, swimming and wrestling will also resume.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Friday, January 25, 2019
Groves Academy Griffins End Three Game Losing Streak
Sam Goldstein was golden for the Groves Academy Griffins, scoring 22 points and blocking four shots to lead them to a 60-55 win over the Hmong Academy Warriors Friday night in St. Louis Park.
Goldstein began the scoring for the Griffins :31 into the game. Benson Zhong would open the Warrior scoring to tie the game at two. Kenson Yang would also tally to put Hmong Academy ahead. Groves Academy would go on a 5-0 run that included a three pointer from Robert Hall. Kenson Yang and Kyu Vang would hit a couple of shots from Lake St. but the tide would turn for Groves Academy when it was discovered that Devin Lee was not entered in the official scorebook, so Hmong Academy was assessed a technical foul and it would send Gabe Gordon to the free throw line where he would hit both free throws. Gordon would later go to the bench after he picked up his third foul with 6:14 left in the first half. Goldstein would pick up the slack, also on defense as he block two shots. Noah Yager would tie the game at 23 and Groves Academy would lead at halftime 26-25.
The Warriors would vault into the lead in the second half on Kensen Vang's fourth three pointer. Goldstein would score to tie the game at 28 and Yager would hit a three pointer to put the Griffins ahead. No matter how close Hmong Academy would get, they would lose two players who picked up their fifth fouls. Kensen Yang and Kyu Vang would foul out but the Warriors would get help from their when Weelai Vang would hit four straight points. Groves Academy would also get bench help from Jake Anderson and he would also be the key to the Griffins putting the Warriors away by converting four three pointers.
Anderson was the only other Groves Academy player in double figures, scoring 11 points. Kensen Vang led Hmong Academy with 23 points. Other Warriors in double figures were Weelai Vang with 12 and Kyu Yang added 11.
The Griffins ended their three game losing streak and improved their record to 4-10. They will head down I-35 to Faribault on Tuesday, January 29 to take on the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Trojans at 5:30 PM. The Warriors fell to 2-11 and will also be in action on the 29th, hosting Hiawatha Collegiate at 7 PM.
Goldstein began the scoring for the Griffins :31 into the game. Benson Zhong would open the Warrior scoring to tie the game at two. Kenson Yang would also tally to put Hmong Academy ahead. Groves Academy would go on a 5-0 run that included a three pointer from Robert Hall. Kenson Yang and Kyu Vang would hit a couple of shots from Lake St. but the tide would turn for Groves Academy when it was discovered that Devin Lee was not entered in the official scorebook, so Hmong Academy was assessed a technical foul and it would send Gabe Gordon to the free throw line where he would hit both free throws. Gordon would later go to the bench after he picked up his third foul with 6:14 left in the first half. Goldstein would pick up the slack, also on defense as he block two shots. Noah Yager would tie the game at 23 and Groves Academy would lead at halftime 26-25.
The Warriors would vault into the lead in the second half on Kensen Vang's fourth three pointer. Goldstein would score to tie the game at 28 and Yager would hit a three pointer to put the Griffins ahead. No matter how close Hmong Academy would get, they would lose two players who picked up their fifth fouls. Kensen Yang and Kyu Vang would foul out but the Warriors would get help from their when Weelai Vang would hit four straight points. Groves Academy would also get bench help from Jake Anderson and he would also be the key to the Griffins putting the Warriors away by converting four three pointers.
Anderson was the only other Groves Academy player in double figures, scoring 11 points. Kensen Vang led Hmong Academy with 23 points. Other Warriors in double figures were Weelai Vang with 12 and Kyu Yang added 11.
The Griffins ended their three game losing streak and improved their record to 4-10. They will head down I-35 to Faribault on Tuesday, January 29 to take on the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Trojans at 5:30 PM. The Warriors fell to 2-11 and will also be in action on the 29th, hosting Hiawatha Collegiate at 7 PM.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Edina Hornets End Minnetonka Skippers Unbeaten Streak
High school hockey fans packed the Pagel Activity Center on a frigid Thursday night and they saw Jett Jungels score two goals to lead the Edina Hornets to a 5-2 win over the top ranked team in Class AA, the host Minnetonka Skippers.
The win by the Hornets ended the Skippers unbeaten streak at 18 games.
It would take a while for both teams to record a shot on goal in the first period. Edina, ranked third in Class AA got their first shot with 15:08 left in the period from Nick Williams. Five seconds later, Mike Vorlicky's rebound goal put the Hornets ahead. Minnetonka was outshot 6-0 until Grant Docter lined a shot from the right point that crossed the goal line to tie the game at one.
The Skippers would score the lone second period goal as Patrick Wyers wired the puck to Braedon Lacomy in the center slot and he would tally to put Minnetonka ahead 2-1.
After a 30 minute break due to technical problems with the zamboni, the third period would get underway and Edina would put the game away with four goals. The first two came on hooking penalties Mack Motzko and Docter that would put the Hornets on the power play. Brett Chorske, son of former NHL player Tom Chorske would be a factor in both power play goals. On the first, he fed Jungels in the right slot and he would tie the game at two. But Chorske was not done. He would give Edina the lead following a centering pass from Liam Malmquist that headed into the net. Chorske would send the puck to Kevin Delaney and he went through the center slot like the team bus heading down Highway 7 and he would put in past Skipper goalie Charlie Glockner. Glockner would be pulled by Minnetonka head coach Sean Goldsworthy late in the third period for a sixth attacker and Jungels would land the puck into the empty net with :39.8 left.
Edina improved their record to 14-2-1 and Minnetonka fell to 17-1-1. Both teams return to action on Saturday, January 27 at 7 PM. The Hornets will face the Eden Prairie Eagles at the Eden Prairie Community Center and the Skippers host the Wayzata Trojans.
The win by the Hornets ended the Skippers unbeaten streak at 18 games.
It would take a while for both teams to record a shot on goal in the first period. Edina, ranked third in Class AA got their first shot with 15:08 left in the period from Nick Williams. Five seconds later, Mike Vorlicky's rebound goal put the Hornets ahead. Minnetonka was outshot 6-0 until Grant Docter lined a shot from the right point that crossed the goal line to tie the game at one.
The Skippers would score the lone second period goal as Patrick Wyers wired the puck to Braedon Lacomy in the center slot and he would tally to put Minnetonka ahead 2-1.
After a 30 minute break due to technical problems with the zamboni, the third period would get underway and Edina would put the game away with four goals. The first two came on hooking penalties Mack Motzko and Docter that would put the Hornets on the power play. Brett Chorske, son of former NHL player Tom Chorske would be a factor in both power play goals. On the first, he fed Jungels in the right slot and he would tie the game at two. But Chorske was not done. He would give Edina the lead following a centering pass from Liam Malmquist that headed into the net. Chorske would send the puck to Kevin Delaney and he went through the center slot like the team bus heading down Highway 7 and he would put in past Skipper goalie Charlie Glockner. Glockner would be pulled by Minnetonka head coach Sean Goldsworthy late in the third period for a sixth attacker and Jungels would land the puck into the empty net with :39.8 left.
Edina improved their record to 14-2-1 and Minnetonka fell to 17-1-1. Both teams return to action on Saturday, January 27 at 7 PM. The Hornets will face the Eden Prairie Eagles at the Eden Prairie Community Center and the Skippers host the Wayzata Trojans.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Liberty Classical Academy Lions Do Justice to Groves Academy Griffins
Thomas Conroy led a convoy of Liberty Classical Academy Lions with 38 points to a 69-43 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Thursday night in St. Louis Park.
Conroy began the first half scoring with his first two points :35 into the game. Larry Mohamed would score four consecutive points to put the Griffins ahead before Conroy scored to even the game at four. But the Lions began roaring down the floor and got four straight points from Ben Horn en route toward a 7-0 run. Horn and Conroy would carry most of the Liberty offense in the first half as they battle a short handed Groves Academy team that was minus Nick Maiers, Sam Goldstein and Noah Yager. So the Griffins would go to a smaller lineup with Alfie Galle the only starter taller than six feet. Groves Academy would cut the lead to one on a three pointer from Josh Lightowler. There would also be dueling three point plays from Horn of the Lions and Mohamed of the Griffins. Horn would also score seven straight points and Liberty led 35-18 at halftime.
It didn't take long for the Lions to begin the second half scoring as Landon Smith would tally :09 into the half. Conroy would also score in the first minute. The Griffins would get theire first basket from Mohamed and then would put the game away as the outscored Groves Academy 19-2. The margin would get above 35 so at the 9:00 mark there would be running time. But it wouldn't be for the rest of the game as Mohamed would be the bright spot in the Griffin offense, scoring five straight points. Both teams reserves would get playing time with the outcome decided.
The only other player in double figures for Liberty was Horn with 19 points. Mohamed led Groves Academy woth 22 points, the only Griffin in double figures.
The Lions improved their record to 9-4 will return to action on Monday, January 21 against Avail Academy at 7 PM at the Minnesota Timberwolves home court, Target Center. The Griffins fell to 3-9 and will head to Edina on Tuesday, January 22 for a 7 PM game at Chesterton Academy.
Conroy began the first half scoring with his first two points :35 into the game. Larry Mohamed would score four consecutive points to put the Griffins ahead before Conroy scored to even the game at four. But the Lions began roaring down the floor and got four straight points from Ben Horn en route toward a 7-0 run. Horn and Conroy would carry most of the Liberty offense in the first half as they battle a short handed Groves Academy team that was minus Nick Maiers, Sam Goldstein and Noah Yager. So the Griffins would go to a smaller lineup with Alfie Galle the only starter taller than six feet. Groves Academy would cut the lead to one on a three pointer from Josh Lightowler. There would also be dueling three point plays from Horn of the Lions and Mohamed of the Griffins. Horn would also score seven straight points and Liberty led 35-18 at halftime.
It didn't take long for the Lions to begin the second half scoring as Landon Smith would tally :09 into the half. Conroy would also score in the first minute. The Griffins would get theire first basket from Mohamed and then would put the game away as the outscored Groves Academy 19-2. The margin would get above 35 so at the 9:00 mark there would be running time. But it wouldn't be for the rest of the game as Mohamed would be the bright spot in the Griffin offense, scoring five straight points. Both teams reserves would get playing time with the outcome decided.
The only other player in double figures for Liberty was Horn with 19 points. Mohamed led Groves Academy woth 22 points, the only Griffin in double figures.
The Lions improved their record to 9-4 will return to action on Monday, January 21 against Avail Academy at 7 PM at the Minnesota Timberwolves home court, Target Center. The Griffins fell to 3-9 and will head to Edina on Tuesday, January 22 for a 7 PM game at Chesterton Academy.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
North Lakes Academy Huskies Sink Groves Academy Griffins
Cole Donelon was a merry soul Tuesday night, scoring 26 Points to lead the North Lakes Academy Huskies to a 79-63 win over the Groves Academy Griffins in St. Louis Park.
Donelan and Ethan Crandall would help the Huskies get off to a strong start. Crandall would score the first five points and Donelan would add a three. Sam Goldstein would put the Griffins on the board and Larry Mohamed would score to cut the NLA lead in half. Donelan would hit two more shots from Minnetonka Blvd. to widen the Huskie lead. Goldstein, the 6'5" senior center for Groves Academy would be the offensive bright spot in the first half, scoring 11 of the Griffins first 12 points. But there would be some hope in the half as Josh Lightowler hit a free throw to cut the lead to seven. But NLA would start to pull away Asher Luebke and Alex Ten Napel would spark an 8-0 run and the Huskies led 42-23 at halftime.
Goldstein, who had 15 points in the first half would score the first basket of the second half and Gabe Gordon would hit a three pointo come within 14 points. Goldstein would score from the post to to put the Griffins on a 7-0 run and also make an outstanding defensive play as he blocked Tallon Johnson's shot. It would be the only time Groves Academy would get close as Donelan would score eight straight points. Crandall would also tally to put the Huskies on a 10-0 run. Even the NLA bench would contribute. Sam Schmidt would hit a three point play and with the game decided, head coach Mark Kosloski would clear his bench to give his reserves playing time.
Other players in double figures for NLA were Crandall with 16 points and Ten Napel added 14. Goldstein led Groves Academy with 33 points and Gordon scored 13.
The Griffins were without Nick Maiers who did not play due to undisclosed reasons.
NLA improved their record to 6-7 and will host Hiawatha Collegiate on Friday, January 18 at 7 PM. Groves Academy fell to 3-8 and hosts the Liberty Classical Academy Lions on Thursday, January 17 at 6 PM.
Donelan and Ethan Crandall would help the Huskies get off to a strong start. Crandall would score the first five points and Donelan would add a three. Sam Goldstein would put the Griffins on the board and Larry Mohamed would score to cut the NLA lead in half. Donelan would hit two more shots from Minnetonka Blvd. to widen the Huskie lead. Goldstein, the 6'5" senior center for Groves Academy would be the offensive bright spot in the first half, scoring 11 of the Griffins first 12 points. But there would be some hope in the half as Josh Lightowler hit a free throw to cut the lead to seven. But NLA would start to pull away Asher Luebke and Alex Ten Napel would spark an 8-0 run and the Huskies led 42-23 at halftime.
Goldstein, who had 15 points in the first half would score the first basket of the second half and Gabe Gordon would hit a three pointo come within 14 points. Goldstein would score from the post to to put the Griffins on a 7-0 run and also make an outstanding defensive play as he blocked Tallon Johnson's shot. It would be the only time Groves Academy would get close as Donelan would score eight straight points. Crandall would also tally to put the Huskies on a 10-0 run. Even the NLA bench would contribute. Sam Schmidt would hit a three point play and with the game decided, head coach Mark Kosloski would clear his bench to give his reserves playing time.
Other players in double figures for NLA were Crandall with 16 points and Ten Napel added 14. Goldstein led Groves Academy with 33 points and Gordon scored 13.
The Griffins were without Nick Maiers who did not play due to undisclosed reasons.
NLA improved their record to 6-7 and will host Hiawatha Collegiate on Friday, January 18 at 7 PM. Groves Academy fell to 3-8 and hosts the Liberty Classical Academy Lions on Thursday, January 17 at 6 PM.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Hopkins Royals Blast Bloomington Kennedy Eagles
The Hopkins Royals were on the right page as Paige Boeckers scored a game high 20 points to lead them to an 83-48 drubbing of the Bloomington Kennedy Eagles in the T Will Basketball Showcase Saturday afternoon at Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis.
The top ranked team in Class AAAA took control of the game early as they scored 13 straight points. Maya Nnaji began the scoring :21 into the game and freshman Amaya Battle contributed four. The Eagles would end the shutout on Destinee Oberg's basket with 13:38 left in the first half. Oberg, a transfer from Holy Angels who will play next season at Arkansas, was the bright spot for Kennedy, scoring seven straight points. Boeckers would also shine on defense, forcing an Eagle turnover and adding two more points to the red scoreboard. Kayhia Adams would play a part in Hopkins first half dominance as she hit three shots from Webber Parkway. The Royals led at halftime 42-15.
Hopkins would start the second half on a 5-0 run with Boeckers starting the scoring ::39 into the half. Once again, Boeckers would make a stellar defensive play, blocking Samantha Husting's shot. But the Eagles would make a slight run on the Royals, scoring 11 straight points. Six of them would come from Linnea Ziebol. But there would be no miracle comeback for Kennedy as Hopkins showed scoring balance and outstanding passing. Boeckers also converted on a right handed layup. There would be some good news for Eagle fans when Amaya March hit a three pointer with 4:20 to play that put her in the 1000 career point club. The remainder of the game was played in running time.
Other players in double figures for the Royals were Dilayla Chakolis with 17 points. Adams added 11 and Battle with 10. March led the Eagles with 17 points. Oberg finished with 11.
Hopkins remained unbeaten and improved their record to 13-0. They will head to Eden Prairie on Tuesday, January 15 to face the Eagles at 7:15 PM. Kennedy fell to 4-11 and will also be in action on the 15th, hosting the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 7 PM.
The top ranked team in Class AAAA took control of the game early as they scored 13 straight points. Maya Nnaji began the scoring :21 into the game and freshman Amaya Battle contributed four. The Eagles would end the shutout on Destinee Oberg's basket with 13:38 left in the first half. Oberg, a transfer from Holy Angels who will play next season at Arkansas, was the bright spot for Kennedy, scoring seven straight points. Boeckers would also shine on defense, forcing an Eagle turnover and adding two more points to the red scoreboard. Kayhia Adams would play a part in Hopkins first half dominance as she hit three shots from Webber Parkway. The Royals led at halftime 42-15.
Hopkins would start the second half on a 5-0 run with Boeckers starting the scoring ::39 into the half. Once again, Boeckers would make a stellar defensive play, blocking Samantha Husting's shot. But the Eagles would make a slight run on the Royals, scoring 11 straight points. Six of them would come from Linnea Ziebol. But there would be no miracle comeback for Kennedy as Hopkins showed scoring balance and outstanding passing. Boeckers also converted on a right handed layup. There would be some good news for Eagle fans when Amaya March hit a three pointer with 4:20 to play that put her in the 1000 career point club. The remainder of the game was played in running time.
Other players in double figures for the Royals were Dilayla Chakolis with 17 points. Adams added 11 and Battle with 10. March led the Eagles with 17 points. Oberg finished with 11.
Hopkins remained unbeaten and improved their record to 13-0. They will head to Eden Prairie on Tuesday, January 15 to face the Eagles at 7:15 PM. Kennedy fell to 4-11 and will also be in action on the 15th, hosting the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 7 PM.
Friday, January 11, 2019
Vannelli Brothers Era to End at St. Thomas Academy
After 16 seasons leading the St. Thomas Academy hockey team, Greg and Tom Vannelli informed the team after Wednesday's practice that they will be stepping down following the season.
Since The Vannelli Brothers took over the coaching reins from Bill McCarthy in 2003, the Cadets have played in 10 state tournaments. When they were a Class A school, they dominated the state tournament field, winning five state championships. The first came in 2006 when they beat the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers 4-3. Their second title was a rematch of the first but not as close with the Cadets hammering the Hilltoppers 5-1. St. Thomas Academy would become the only school since the Class A & AA format was adopted in 1994 to win three straight Class A titles from 2011-13. All three had a common thread. They beat the Hermantown Hawks. The 2011 was the most dramatic when they beat the Twin Ports power 5-4 in overtime.
The success of the Cadets in Class A would move them up to Class AA as they have played in three of the last four tournaments. But they didn't take home any championship trophies to Mendota Heights. Instead, they won the consolation champion in 2015, 17 and 18.
Going into this season, The Vannelli Brothers recorded 343 wins, 87 losses and 16 ties.
One player that was part of the Cadets championship team in 2006 later played in the NHL, Jordan Schroeder. He's currently with the Chicago Blackhawks after playing for the Vancouver Canucks, the Minnesota Wild and the Columbus Blue Jackets. His pro career has been up and down, shuttling between the American Hockey League and the NHL.
Can the Cadets close out The Vannelli Brothers era with another trip to downtown St. Paul? Section 3AA tournament play begins February 19 and the 21.
Since The Vannelli Brothers took over the coaching reins from Bill McCarthy in 2003, the Cadets have played in 10 state tournaments. When they were a Class A school, they dominated the state tournament field, winning five state championships. The first came in 2006 when they beat the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers 4-3. Their second title was a rematch of the first but not as close with the Cadets hammering the Hilltoppers 5-1. St. Thomas Academy would become the only school since the Class A & AA format was adopted in 1994 to win three straight Class A titles from 2011-13. All three had a common thread. They beat the Hermantown Hawks. The 2011 was the most dramatic when they beat the Twin Ports power 5-4 in overtime.
The success of the Cadets in Class A would move them up to Class AA as they have played in three of the last four tournaments. But they didn't take home any championship trophies to Mendota Heights. Instead, they won the consolation champion in 2015, 17 and 18.
Going into this season, The Vannelli Brothers recorded 343 wins, 87 losses and 16 ties.
One player that was part of the Cadets championship team in 2006 later played in the NHL, Jordan Schroeder. He's currently with the Chicago Blackhawks after playing for the Vancouver Canucks, the Minnesota Wild and the Columbus Blue Jackets. His pro career has been up and down, shuttling between the American Hockey League and the NHL.
Can the Cadets close out The Vannelli Brothers era with another trip to downtown St. Paul? Section 3AA tournament play begins February 19 and the 21.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Strong Second Half Adds Up to Math & Science Academy Win
The Math & Science Academy Dragons were on fire in the second half as Ahmad Elhassan and Charlie Eng had 18 points apiece to lead them to a 76-64 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Tuesday night in St. Louis Park.
It was the Griffins first game since December 20. They did not play in any holiday tournament.
Groves Academy broke out of the starting gate with a 5-0 run that included a three point play by Larry Mohamed. Sam Goldstein, who opened the scoring :16 into the game would score four of the Griffins first seven points. The Dragons would get on the scoreboard on Eng's three pointer. Manzi Kadoma and Jager Hansen would also score to put Math & Science Academy on a 7-0 run. Geoves Academy would widen their lead on three pointers by Gabe Gordon and Nick Maiers that would propel the Griffins to a 9-0 run. Gordon would hit another shot from Highway 100 and Noah Yager would come off the bench and help the Groves Academy attack as the lead would extend further. Ahamd Elhassan was the bright spot for the Griffins in the first half as he would would score four straight points and the Griffins led at halftime 41-27.
Groves Academy would open the second half on a 5-0 run that would include Gordon's third three pointer. But things would start to unravel for the Griffins when Mohamed was charged with an intentional foul that would also result in the Dragons retaining possession. They would use their speed and and outside shooting to cut into the Griffins lead as Eng would hit a pair of three pointers and Nate Stephan would also sink one. Ahmad Elhassan would connect to cut the Groves Academy lead to one and score another basket to put Math & Science Academy ahead. The lead would go back and forth until the Dragons started to pull away. The Griffins would be without Goldstein, who picked up his fifth foul. Math & Science Academy would score 14 straight points to put the game out of reach and head coach Jamey Strand would clear his bench to give the reserves playing time.
Hansen was the only other Dragon in double figures, scoring 14 points. Mohamed led the Griffins with 19 points. Gordon, who hit five three pointers, scored 17 and Goldstein added 10.
Math & Science Academy improved their record to 2-6 and returns to action on Thursday, January 10 as they host the Minnesota Academy for the Deaf at 7 PM. Groves Academy lost their fourth straight game and fell to an identical record of 2-6. They will also be in action on the 10th, heading to Bloomington to face the Bethany Academy Eagles at 6:30 PM.
It was the Griffins first game since December 20. They did not play in any holiday tournament.
Groves Academy broke out of the starting gate with a 5-0 run that included a three point play by Larry Mohamed. Sam Goldstein, who opened the scoring :16 into the game would score four of the Griffins first seven points. The Dragons would get on the scoreboard on Eng's three pointer. Manzi Kadoma and Jager Hansen would also score to put Math & Science Academy on a 7-0 run. Geoves Academy would widen their lead on three pointers by Gabe Gordon and Nick Maiers that would propel the Griffins to a 9-0 run. Gordon would hit another shot from Highway 100 and Noah Yager would come off the bench and help the Groves Academy attack as the lead would extend further. Ahamd Elhassan was the bright spot for the Griffins in the first half as he would would score four straight points and the Griffins led at halftime 41-27.
Groves Academy would open the second half on a 5-0 run that would include Gordon's third three pointer. But things would start to unravel for the Griffins when Mohamed was charged with an intentional foul that would also result in the Dragons retaining possession. They would use their speed and and outside shooting to cut into the Griffins lead as Eng would hit a pair of three pointers and Nate Stephan would also sink one. Ahmad Elhassan would connect to cut the Groves Academy lead to one and score another basket to put Math & Science Academy ahead. The lead would go back and forth until the Dragons started to pull away. The Griffins would be without Goldstein, who picked up his fifth foul. Math & Science Academy would score 14 straight points to put the game out of reach and head coach Jamey Strand would clear his bench to give the reserves playing time.
Hansen was the only other Dragon in double figures, scoring 14 points. Mohamed led the Griffins with 19 points. Gordon, who hit five three pointers, scored 17 and Goldstein added 10.
Math & Science Academy improved their record to 2-6 and returns to action on Thursday, January 10 as they host the Minnesota Academy for the Deaf at 7 PM. Groves Academy lost their fourth straight game and fell to an identical record of 2-6. They will also be in action on the 10th, heading to Bloomington to face the Bethany Academy Eagles at 6:30 PM.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Schwan's Cup to Undergo Name Change
The 2018 Schwan's Cup High School Hockey Tournament concluded on January 1 with an announcement of a name change and a new sponsor.
After 18 years, the Schwan's Food Company, based in Marshall, MN is ending sponsorship of the high school hockey tournament that has taken place at the Schwan's Super Rink in Blaine, Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus and Aldrich Arena in Maplewood.
The National Sports Center, which runs the tournament has partnered with the Herb Brooks Foundation and has renamed the event The Herb Brooks Holiday Classic, in honor of the late coach.
This season, there were five varsity girls divisions of eight teams and three junior varsity divisions that added up to 64 teams. On the boys side, there were 28 varsity teams and 32 junior varsity teams bringing the total to 60. The top boys division only had four teams and was played in a round robin format instead of a bracket. The Gold Division champion was the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders.
In 2018, both the St. Louis Park Oriole varsity and junior varsity teams participated in the Schwan's Cup Silver Division. The varsity beat the Minneapolis Novas in the quarterfinals and got trounced by a team that played in the state Class AA tournament the St. Michael-Albertville Knights. However, they would beat St. Cloud in overtime to win the third place trophy.Avery Pittman scored the game winning goal 2:51 in overtime. As for the junior varsity team, they would advance to the semifinals with a 3-2 win over Minneapolis but they couldn't put the puck in the net in their next two games as they fell to the eventual champion Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack 4-1 and were shut out by the Tartan Titans 2-0.
A new era begins in December with the inaugural Herb Brooks Holiday Classic.
After 18 years, the Schwan's Food Company, based in Marshall, MN is ending sponsorship of the high school hockey tournament that has taken place at the Schwan's Super Rink in Blaine, Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus and Aldrich Arena in Maplewood.
The National Sports Center, which runs the tournament has partnered with the Herb Brooks Foundation and has renamed the event The Herb Brooks Holiday Classic, in honor of the late coach.
This season, there were five varsity girls divisions of eight teams and three junior varsity divisions that added up to 64 teams. On the boys side, there were 28 varsity teams and 32 junior varsity teams bringing the total to 60. The top boys division only had four teams and was played in a round robin format instead of a bracket. The Gold Division champion was the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders.
In 2018, both the St. Louis Park Oriole varsity and junior varsity teams participated in the Schwan's Cup Silver Division. The varsity beat the Minneapolis Novas in the quarterfinals and got trounced by a team that played in the state Class AA tournament the St. Michael-Albertville Knights. However, they would beat St. Cloud in overtime to win the third place trophy.Avery Pittman scored the game winning goal 2:51 in overtime. As for the junior varsity team, they would advance to the semifinals with a 3-2 win over Minneapolis but they couldn't put the puck in the net in their next two games as they fell to the eventual champion Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack 4-1 and were shut out by the Tartan Titans 2-0.
A new era begins in December with the inaugural Herb Brooks Holiday Classic.
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