A balanced scoring attack and a second half 21-2 run helped propel the Chesterton Academy Knights to a 61-50 win over the Groves Academy Griffins in the Pod 4 Semifinals of the 2019 Twin Cities Athletic Conference Boys Basketball Tournament Thursday in St. Louis Park.
Nick Maiers would begin the scoring for the Griffins with a three pointer :11 into the game. Adam Niskanen would strike first for the Knights as he scored their first four points. Groves Academy would also get a four point scoring run form center Sam Goldstein. Chesterton Academy would forge ahead on a 6-0 run, including a basket from Mitch Laxen. The lead would change hands throughout the first half. Eric Halpin would put the Knights ahead on a three point play and the Griffins would regain the lead as Gabe Gordon hit his second shot from Highway 100. Niskanen would score to cut the lead to one and Joe Grogan would connect to put Chesterton Academy back in front. The lead would be short lived on Nick Maiers second three pointer and Groves Academy would lead at halftime 28-24.
In the second half, the Knights would shine as they capitalized on the Griffins turnovers and missed shots by going on a 21-2 run to put them in the lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Goldstein would be the bright spot for Groves Academy, scoring on runs of four consecutive points but they weren't able to cut the Knights lead as nine players would tally for Chesterton Academy.
The Knights were led Laxen and Niskanen with 12 points apiece. Goldstein would lead the Griffins with 23 points and Gordon, who wore number five instead of his usual uniform number three added 11 points.
Chesterton Academy improved their record to 13-6 and will play in the fifth place game on Saturday, March 2 at noon at Hiawatha Collegiate High School in Minneapolis. Groves Academy fell to 5-16 and will play for seventh place, also on the 2nd at 10 AM at Hiawatha Collegiate.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Eden Prairie Eagles Extinguish Holy Family Catholic Fire
Just like the old Schoolhouse Rock song from the 70s, it's The Good Eleven for the Eden Prairie Eagles as senior captain Jack Jensen helped clinch Eden Prairie's 11th trip to the state tournament by scoring the game's opening goal and assisting on the other to lead them to a 3-1 win over the Holy Family Catholic Fire in the Section 2AA Championship Game Wednesday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota campus.
The Eagles dominated the early going, out shooting the Fire 4-0. The first Holy Family Catholic shot came with 10:14 left in the first period. Eden Prairie came close to breaking the scoreless tie but Fire goalie Bailey Huber made an outstanding save. They would eventually take the lead on Jensen's goal after he found an opening on Huber's left side. Jensen would pick up an assist on the second goal as he fed Drew Holt in the center slot and he drove it past Huber for a two goal lead. But Holy Family Catholic, based in Victoria would prevent a shut out from occurring on this chilly Wednesday night. With Eden Prairie's John Mittlestadt serving a two minute hooking penalty, the Fire went on the power play and it paid dividends when Michael Spinner made a pass to Sawyer Schugel on the right doorstep and he sent it to the net to cut the Eagle margin to 2-1.
Could Holy Family Catholic help celebrate the state tournament's 75th anniversary with their first trip to St. Paul? The answer would be no. Neither team would score in the second period and it looked that way for most of the third as Fire head coach Noel Rahn pulled Huber for a sixth attacker and Eden Prairie would find the net on Carter Batchelder sent the puck from his own blue line like the team bus heading down Highway 212 and it would enter the net with :14.8 to go.
Eden Prairie improved their record to 17-9-1 and will play in the state Class AA quarterfinals on Thursday, March 7 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Holy Family Catholic ended their season with a record of 16-10-2.
The Eagles dominated the early going, out shooting the Fire 4-0. The first Holy Family Catholic shot came with 10:14 left in the first period. Eden Prairie came close to breaking the scoreless tie but Fire goalie Bailey Huber made an outstanding save. They would eventually take the lead on Jensen's goal after he found an opening on Huber's left side. Jensen would pick up an assist on the second goal as he fed Drew Holt in the center slot and he drove it past Huber for a two goal lead. But Holy Family Catholic, based in Victoria would prevent a shut out from occurring on this chilly Wednesday night. With Eden Prairie's John Mittlestadt serving a two minute hooking penalty, the Fire went on the power play and it paid dividends when Michael Spinner made a pass to Sawyer Schugel on the right doorstep and he sent it to the net to cut the Eagle margin to 2-1.
Could Holy Family Catholic help celebrate the state tournament's 75th anniversary with their first trip to St. Paul? The answer would be no. Neither team would score in the second period and it looked that way for most of the third as Fire head coach Noel Rahn pulled Huber for a sixth attacker and Eden Prairie would find the net on Carter Batchelder sent the puck from his own blue line like the team bus heading down Highway 212 and it would enter the net with :14.8 to go.
Eden Prairie improved their record to 17-9-1 and will play in the state Class AA quarterfinals on Thursday, March 7 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Holy Family Catholic ended their season with a record of 16-10-2.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
2019 Class A Girls Basketball Section Preview
Some sections are already underway in Class A but there are some section that haven't started. Here's a preview and who's left standing in the eight Class A sections.
One thing that's certain in Section 1 is that there is likely going to be a new champion. Last year's section and state champion the Lyle/Pacelli Athletics has the fourth seed and the way the bracket looks, they may have to face the top seeded Grand Meadow Superlarks. There's very tough competition in the section with the second seeded Goodhue Wildcats and the third seeded Hayfield Vikings. One upset has taken place, the 12th seeded Southland Rebels beat fifth seeded Fillmore Central. Plenty of outstanding basketball coming up at the Mayo Civic Auditorium in Rochester.
Heading south to Section 2 where the North Subsection's top seed is the BOLD Warriors, who are in the hunt for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2013. They will have to get past the second seeded Sleepy Eye St. Mary's Knights. To the South Subsection where the Mountain Lake Comfrey/Wolverines are the top two seeds and the only ones with a winning record.
The top ranked team in Class A is also the top seed in the North Subsection of Section 3, the Minneota Vikings. Head coach Chad Johnston has built two power programs at the southwest Minnesota school in football and girls basketball and they are undefeated against in-state teams, losing only to a South Dakota school, Brandon Valley. They have to get past the second seeded Lac Qui Parle Valley Eagles or the third seeded Wabasso Rabbits to head to the section final. The top seed in the South Subsection is the unbeaten Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots. Still in action are the second seeded Southwest MN Christian Eagles and the third seeded Red Rock Central Falcons. Look out for a potential Minneota-Hills-Beaver Creek section final. It will be a big test for the Vikings.
In Section 4, the bracket hasn't been released as of this post but in all likelihood the top seed will be the Heritage Christian Academy Eagles. They have close to the number one spot all season and could be back to state for the second straight year. But there plenty of competition in the Eagles way. The Christ's Household of Faith Lions and one of the hottest teams you probably haven't heard of the Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas. Where's Cristo Rey Jesuit? It's located in south Minneapolis and home to a 17 game winning streak. They have not lost since December 28 when Mounds Park Academy beat them in a holiday tournament. Can they pull the upset and head to the University of Minnesota campus?
Now to Section 5. In the North Subsection, the top seeded and defending section champion Menagha Braves look to return to state but there's a hot team that could make their first trip to Minneapolis and it's the second seeded Pine River-Backus Tigers, winners of 16 straight games. Also looked at a good run is the third seeded Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Wolves. The top two seeded in the south Subsection are on a quest for their first trip to state. They are the top seeded Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars and the second seeded Swanville Swans.
Looking at Section 6, the top seed in the North Subsection is the Pelican Rapids Vikings, who are in the hunt for their first trip down I-94 to state in six years. But look out for perennial power, the second seeded Ada-Boru/Norman County West Cougars and a team looking for their first state tournament berth the third seeded Park Christian Falcons. Over in the South Subsection, the top seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs have a shot at their first state tournament berth since 2010 when fans got their first look at a player who would play for the Gophers, Sari Noga. But one team also looking for their first state tournament trip, the second seeded West Central Area Knights. Exciting basketball to watch in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
In Section 7, could this be the end of the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers eight year state tournament run? The Cromwell-Wright Cardinals have the number one seed while the Rangers are seeded second. The two team split their regular season series. A rematch is possible in the section final as Jeff Buffetta's bunch looks to extend their state tournament run to nine.
The last section examined is Section 8, beginning with the East Subsection. The top seed is the Red Lake Warriors followed by the second seeded Fosston Greyhounds who are looking for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2006. In the West Subsection, the top seeded team is best known for their outstanding Nine Man Football program, the Stephen-Argyle Storm. The defending section champions only regular season loss was by four points to the Crookston Pirates. The second seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies got off to a 12-1 start but went 5-7 the rest of the season. Also in the hunt is the third seeded Greenbush-Middle River Gators.
Who will fill the brackets for the four classes? Plenty or drama and excitement coming up as the Road to the Barn gets underway.
One thing that's certain in Section 1 is that there is likely going to be a new champion. Last year's section and state champion the Lyle/Pacelli Athletics has the fourth seed and the way the bracket looks, they may have to face the top seeded Grand Meadow Superlarks. There's very tough competition in the section with the second seeded Goodhue Wildcats and the third seeded Hayfield Vikings. One upset has taken place, the 12th seeded Southland Rebels beat fifth seeded Fillmore Central. Plenty of outstanding basketball coming up at the Mayo Civic Auditorium in Rochester.
Heading south to Section 2 where the North Subsection's top seed is the BOLD Warriors, who are in the hunt for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2013. They will have to get past the second seeded Sleepy Eye St. Mary's Knights. To the South Subsection where the Mountain Lake Comfrey/Wolverines are the top two seeds and the only ones with a winning record.
The top ranked team in Class A is also the top seed in the North Subsection of Section 3, the Minneota Vikings. Head coach Chad Johnston has built two power programs at the southwest Minnesota school in football and girls basketball and they are undefeated against in-state teams, losing only to a South Dakota school, Brandon Valley. They have to get past the second seeded Lac Qui Parle Valley Eagles or the third seeded Wabasso Rabbits to head to the section final. The top seed in the South Subsection is the unbeaten Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots. Still in action are the second seeded Southwest MN Christian Eagles and the third seeded Red Rock Central Falcons. Look out for a potential Minneota-Hills-Beaver Creek section final. It will be a big test for the Vikings.
In Section 4, the bracket hasn't been released as of this post but in all likelihood the top seed will be the Heritage Christian Academy Eagles. They have close to the number one spot all season and could be back to state for the second straight year. But there plenty of competition in the Eagles way. The Christ's Household of Faith Lions and one of the hottest teams you probably haven't heard of the Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas. Where's Cristo Rey Jesuit? It's located in south Minneapolis and home to a 17 game winning streak. They have not lost since December 28 when Mounds Park Academy beat them in a holiday tournament. Can they pull the upset and head to the University of Minnesota campus?
Now to Section 5. In the North Subsection, the top seeded and defending section champion Menagha Braves look to return to state but there's a hot team that could make their first trip to Minneapolis and it's the second seeded Pine River-Backus Tigers, winners of 16 straight games. Also looked at a good run is the third seeded Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Wolves. The top two seeded in the south Subsection are on a quest for their first trip to state. They are the top seeded Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars and the second seeded Swanville Swans.
Looking at Section 6, the top seed in the North Subsection is the Pelican Rapids Vikings, who are in the hunt for their first trip down I-94 to state in six years. But look out for perennial power, the second seeded Ada-Boru/Norman County West Cougars and a team looking for their first state tournament berth the third seeded Park Christian Falcons. Over in the South Subsection, the top seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs have a shot at their first state tournament berth since 2010 when fans got their first look at a player who would play for the Gophers, Sari Noga. But one team also looking for their first state tournament trip, the second seeded West Central Area Knights. Exciting basketball to watch in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
In Section 7, could this be the end of the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers eight year state tournament run? The Cromwell-Wright Cardinals have the number one seed while the Rangers are seeded second. The two team split their regular season series. A rematch is possible in the section final as Jeff Buffetta's bunch looks to extend their state tournament run to nine.
The last section examined is Section 8, beginning with the East Subsection. The top seed is the Red Lake Warriors followed by the second seeded Fosston Greyhounds who are looking for their first trip to Minneapolis since 2006. In the West Subsection, the top seeded team is best known for their outstanding Nine Man Football program, the Stephen-Argyle Storm. The defending section champions only regular season loss was by four points to the Crookston Pirates. The second seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies got off to a 12-1 start but went 5-7 the rest of the season. Also in the hunt is the third seeded Greenbush-Middle River Gators.
Who will fill the brackets for the four classes? Plenty or drama and excitement coming up as the Road to the Barn gets underway.
Monday, February 25, 2019
2019 Class AA Girls Basketball Section Preview
Two classes examined and two more to go. In Class AA, a couple of sections are underway and the rest are about to begin as the eight sections are about to be previewed.
Section 1 is already underway and there's good news for fans living near Lake Pepin since the Lake City Tigers are the top seed and have a great shot at their first trip to state in 35 years. But before Tiger fans make their hotel reservations for Minneapolis, the second seeded Caledonia Warriors are red hot and on a 17 game winning streak. It's been 10 years since the Warriors won the state Class AA title and they could head to The Barn if they stay that way. Look out for the third seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles, the fourth seeded Winona Cotter Ramblers and the fifth seeded Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars. Exciting girls basketball action at the Mayo Civic Center.
Over to Section 2 where the top seed in the North Subsection is the Norwood-Young America Raiders who are on a quest for their fourth trip to state in five years. They will have to get past the second seeded Jordan Jaguars and third seeded Tri City United. The South Subsection's top seed is the unbeaten Medford Tigers. The Tigers are four wins away from their first trip to Minneapolis. But they will have to get past the second seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers and the third seeded Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights.
Section 3 has already stated and the two top seeds are still alive, the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles and the Pipestone Arrows. It's been 35 years since an athlete named Janice Streit led the Eagles to state and they look to get the perennial power New London-Spicer Wildcats. As for the Arrows, they have to contend with the second seeded Redwood Valley Cardinals and the third seeded Jackson County Central Huskies.
In Section 4, the top seeded Minnehaha Academy Redhawks have another outstanding team that could make their seventh trip to state in eight years. Hoping to end the Redhawks run is the second seeded Concordia Academy Beacons and the third seeded Minneapolis Edison Tommies. The Tommies have a shot at being the fourth school from the Minneapolis City Conference to clinch a state berth. Can they pull the upsets?
It could be a three team race in Section 5 with the top seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire ending the regular season with eight wins in their last nine games. On their path is the second seeded Annandale Cardinals and the third seeded Maranatha Chirstian Academy Mustangs, a dominate program that has been to every state tournament this decade. Can the streak continue or will Holy Family Catholic put out the Mustangs section fire?
To Section 6 where the defending Class AA champion Sauk Centre Mainstreeters are on a quest for their eighth trip down I-94 in nine years. Head coach Scott Bergman has tough competition coming his way in the Rush City Tigers who are looking for their first state tournament berth. The pairing have not been released but it's likely the the top two seeds will be Sauk Centre and Rush City.
Up north in Section 7, the top seeded Proctor Rails hope to make their firt trip to Minneapolis since 2001. They will have to contend with the second seeded Crosby-Ironton Rangers and the third seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots in their subsection. In the second subsection, the top seeded Esko Eskomos are in the hunt for their 13th trip down I-35 to Minneapolis. Also in the hunt is the second seeded Mesabi East Giants and the third seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers.
Wrapping up the Class AA preview is Section 8 where the top seeded Roseau Rams look to return to state for the fifth straight year. Looking to dethrone them are the second seeded Breckenridge Cowboys and the third seeded Hawley Nuggets. The Park Rapids Panthers are the top seed in the second subsection followed by the second seeded East Granf Forks Green Wave.
Next; The eight Class A sections.
Section 1 is already underway and there's good news for fans living near Lake Pepin since the Lake City Tigers are the top seed and have a great shot at their first trip to state in 35 years. But before Tiger fans make their hotel reservations for Minneapolis, the second seeded Caledonia Warriors are red hot and on a 17 game winning streak. It's been 10 years since the Warriors won the state Class AA title and they could head to The Barn if they stay that way. Look out for the third seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles, the fourth seeded Winona Cotter Ramblers and the fifth seeded Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars. Exciting girls basketball action at the Mayo Civic Center.
Over to Section 2 where the top seed in the North Subsection is the Norwood-Young America Raiders who are on a quest for their fourth trip to state in five years. They will have to get past the second seeded Jordan Jaguars and third seeded Tri City United. The South Subsection's top seed is the unbeaten Medford Tigers. The Tigers are four wins away from their first trip to Minneapolis. But they will have to get past the second seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers and the third seeded Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights.
Section 3 has already stated and the two top seeds are still alive, the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles and the Pipestone Arrows. It's been 35 years since an athlete named Janice Streit led the Eagles to state and they look to get the perennial power New London-Spicer Wildcats. As for the Arrows, they have to contend with the second seeded Redwood Valley Cardinals and the third seeded Jackson County Central Huskies.
In Section 4, the top seeded Minnehaha Academy Redhawks have another outstanding team that could make their seventh trip to state in eight years. Hoping to end the Redhawks run is the second seeded Concordia Academy Beacons and the third seeded Minneapolis Edison Tommies. The Tommies have a shot at being the fourth school from the Minneapolis City Conference to clinch a state berth. Can they pull the upsets?
It could be a three team race in Section 5 with the top seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire ending the regular season with eight wins in their last nine games. On their path is the second seeded Annandale Cardinals and the third seeded Maranatha Chirstian Academy Mustangs, a dominate program that has been to every state tournament this decade. Can the streak continue or will Holy Family Catholic put out the Mustangs section fire?
To Section 6 where the defending Class AA champion Sauk Centre Mainstreeters are on a quest for their eighth trip down I-94 in nine years. Head coach Scott Bergman has tough competition coming his way in the Rush City Tigers who are looking for their first state tournament berth. The pairing have not been released but it's likely the the top two seeds will be Sauk Centre and Rush City.
Up north in Section 7, the top seeded Proctor Rails hope to make their firt trip to Minneapolis since 2001. They will have to contend with the second seeded Crosby-Ironton Rangers and the third seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots in their subsection. In the second subsection, the top seeded Esko Eskomos are in the hunt for their 13th trip down I-35 to Minneapolis. Also in the hunt is the second seeded Mesabi East Giants and the third seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers.
Wrapping up the Class AA preview is Section 8 where the top seeded Roseau Rams look to return to state for the fifth straight year. Looking to dethrone them are the second seeded Breckenridge Cowboys and the third seeded Hawley Nuggets. The Park Rapids Panthers are the top seed in the second subsection followed by the second seeded East Granf Forks Green Wave.
Next; The eight Class A sections.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
2019 Class AAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
Class AAAA has already been examined so here's a preview of the eight Class AAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Red Wing Wingers are the number on ranked team in Class AAA and are on a 16 game winning streak. Looking to keep Wingers fans from heading up Highway 61 to Minneapolis will be the second seeded Northfield Raiders, the third seeded Kasson-Mantorville KoMets and the fourth seeded Austin Packers.
The top seed in Section 2 is also on a 16 game win streak, the Waseca Bluejays. But it won't be easy for the Bluejays because the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets wrapped up the regular season winning four games in a row. The third seeded Marshall Tigers have a chance to defending their section title and appear in their 10th state tournament. One team that could be a surprise and challenge Waseca for a berth in the section final is the fourth seeded New Ulm Eagles. Can they pull the upset en route to their first state tournament appearance?
Section 3 has the top seeded Holy Angels Stars, led by veteran coach Dan Woods to a possible fourth consecutive trip to state. They will have to contend with the second seeded Simley Spartans, who finished the regular season with six straight wins. Don't count out the third seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders.
Heading to Section 4, where head coach Erin Herman has a chance to lead the Hill-Murray Pioneers to their 12th state tournament and first since 2013. It won't be an easy task for the green, white and black because there are several outstanding teams in this section. The second seeded DeLaSalle Islanders are on a nine game winning streak, the third seeded St. Paul Como Park Cougars lost only two games to Holy Angels and Becker and the fourth seeded Totino-Grace Eagles won five of six games heading into sections. Who will come out of this section? A tough question to answer.
Going to Section 5 and the top seeded Willmar Cardinals await the Monticello-St. Cloud Apollo winner. Two other teams to watch are the second seeded Becker Bulldogs and the third seeded Big Lake Hornets who could make their first trip on the Northstar Commuter Rail to Minneapolis.
The defending Class AAA state champion Cooper Hawks are the top seed in Section 6. Can former Gopher Kiara Buford lead the Hawks to their second straight trip to state? First they will have to contend with the second seeded Waconia Wildcats and the third seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, who they beat twice in Metro West Conference play.
A couple of teams from the Iron Range are the top two seeds in Section 7. The top seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are on a quest for their fourth consecutive trip to Minneapolis. But it's likely to be a rematch with the hot Hibbing Bluejackets, who beat the Thunderhawks 58-54 on January 8 and have not been defeated since then. Grand Rapids or Hibbing? Hockey may be big in those two cities but girls basketball is now the focus.
Great news for girls basketball fans in Alexandria! The Cardinals are the number one seed with two wins to go before making their 10th trip down I-94 to state. They are led by head coach Wendy Kohler, who picked up her 600th career win in the regular season finale against the Sartell-St. Stephan Sabers. In order to increase the number of wins, there could be a rematch with the Sabers or the fourth seeded Detroit Lakes Lakers. Who's next? the second seeded Fergus Falls Otters or the third seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks.
Next up. Who's left in Class AA
In Section 1, the top seeded Red Wing Wingers are the number on ranked team in Class AAA and are on a 16 game winning streak. Looking to keep Wingers fans from heading up Highway 61 to Minneapolis will be the second seeded Northfield Raiders, the third seeded Kasson-Mantorville KoMets and the fourth seeded Austin Packers.
The top seed in Section 2 is also on a 16 game win streak, the Waseca Bluejays. But it won't be easy for the Bluejays because the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets wrapped up the regular season winning four games in a row. The third seeded Marshall Tigers have a chance to defending their section title and appear in their 10th state tournament. One team that could be a surprise and challenge Waseca for a berth in the section final is the fourth seeded New Ulm Eagles. Can they pull the upset en route to their first state tournament appearance?
Section 3 has the top seeded Holy Angels Stars, led by veteran coach Dan Woods to a possible fourth consecutive trip to state. They will have to contend with the second seeded Simley Spartans, who finished the regular season with six straight wins. Don't count out the third seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders.
Heading to Section 4, where head coach Erin Herman has a chance to lead the Hill-Murray Pioneers to their 12th state tournament and first since 2013. It won't be an easy task for the green, white and black because there are several outstanding teams in this section. The second seeded DeLaSalle Islanders are on a nine game winning streak, the third seeded St. Paul Como Park Cougars lost only two games to Holy Angels and Becker and the fourth seeded Totino-Grace Eagles won five of six games heading into sections. Who will come out of this section? A tough question to answer.
Going to Section 5 and the top seeded Willmar Cardinals await the Monticello-St. Cloud Apollo winner. Two other teams to watch are the second seeded Becker Bulldogs and the third seeded Big Lake Hornets who could make their first trip on the Northstar Commuter Rail to Minneapolis.
The defending Class AAA state champion Cooper Hawks are the top seed in Section 6. Can former Gopher Kiara Buford lead the Hawks to their second straight trip to state? First they will have to contend with the second seeded Waconia Wildcats and the third seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, who they beat twice in Metro West Conference play.
A couple of teams from the Iron Range are the top two seeds in Section 7. The top seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are on a quest for their fourth consecutive trip to Minneapolis. But it's likely to be a rematch with the hot Hibbing Bluejackets, who beat the Thunderhawks 58-54 on January 8 and have not been defeated since then. Grand Rapids or Hibbing? Hockey may be big in those two cities but girls basketball is now the focus.
Great news for girls basketball fans in Alexandria! The Cardinals are the number one seed with two wins to go before making their 10th trip down I-94 to state. They are led by head coach Wendy Kohler, who picked up her 600th career win in the regular season finale against the Sartell-St. Stephan Sabers. In order to increase the number of wins, there could be a rematch with the Sabers or the fourth seeded Detroit Lakes Lakers. Who's next? the second seeded Fergus Falls Otters or the third seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks.
Next up. Who's left in Class AA
2019 Class AAAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
With the girls hockey season ended, another girls sport is entering section play and it's basketball. First up is a preview of the eight Class AAAA sections.
The top seed in Section 1 is the Farmington Tigers who are looking for their first trip to Minneapolis. But the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers hope to extend their state tourney run to four. Don't count out the third seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets who enter section play on a six game winning streak.
It could be a three team race in Section 2 with the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles, the second seeded Chaska Hawks and the third seeded Shakopee Sabers. The Sabers had a tough finish, losing three straight games to Apple Valley, Farmington and Eastview. Which team will head to The Barn? A toughie.
The road to the Section 3 finals will likely go through Apple Valley as the top seeded and defending Class AAAA Eastview Lightning could face their city rivals the second seeded Apple Valley Eagles. The Lightning swept the season series with the Eagles. But hold everything Apple Valley fans, there's a team that could crash the city showdown, the third seeded Rosemount Irish, winners of eight straight games. Can they pull the upset or will it be an All-Apple Valley section final.
Now to Section 4 where the top seed is the Stillwater Ponies. It may be a golden opportunity to see future Golden Gopher Sara Scalia in action at The Barn. But the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders has another hot player, Frannie Hottinger. It has the making of an outstanding section between two Suburban East Conference teams.
In Section 5, the top seed is the Park Center Pirates are in the hunt for their fifth trip to state in six years. But there's another hot Northwest Suburban Conference team on their trail, the second seeded Centennial Cougars. The Cougars have won 14 straight games following a 75-61 loss on January 4 to the Pirates. Also in the hust is the third seeded Roseville Raiders.
Section 6 has the top seeded and top ranked team in Class AAAA the Hopkins Royals. One team they beat twice in Lake Conference play is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans. There's also the third seeded Armstrong Falcons and the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
Head north to Section 7 as the top seeded Forest Lake Rangers hope to make a return trip to the state tournament. Looking to keep the maroon and gold fan buses in the garage are the second seeded Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets and the third seeded Andover Huskies.
Wrapping up the Class AAAA preview is Section 8,where the top seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights are on a quest for their 10th state tournament. But it won't be easy as the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson look to defend their section crown. Also in the hunt are the third seeded Elk River Elks, the fourth seeded Buffalo Bison and the fifth seeded Moorhead Spuds.
Next up, the eight Class AAA sections.
The top seed in Section 1 is the Farmington Tigers who are looking for their first trip to Minneapolis. But the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers hope to extend their state tourney run to four. Don't count out the third seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets who enter section play on a six game winning streak.
It could be a three team race in Section 2 with the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles, the second seeded Chaska Hawks and the third seeded Shakopee Sabers. The Sabers had a tough finish, losing three straight games to Apple Valley, Farmington and Eastview. Which team will head to The Barn? A toughie.
The road to the Section 3 finals will likely go through Apple Valley as the top seeded and defending Class AAAA Eastview Lightning could face their city rivals the second seeded Apple Valley Eagles. The Lightning swept the season series with the Eagles. But hold everything Apple Valley fans, there's a team that could crash the city showdown, the third seeded Rosemount Irish, winners of eight straight games. Can they pull the upset or will it be an All-Apple Valley section final.
Now to Section 4 where the top seed is the Stillwater Ponies. It may be a golden opportunity to see future Golden Gopher Sara Scalia in action at The Barn. But the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders has another hot player, Frannie Hottinger. It has the making of an outstanding section between two Suburban East Conference teams.
In Section 5, the top seed is the Park Center Pirates are in the hunt for their fifth trip to state in six years. But there's another hot Northwest Suburban Conference team on their trail, the second seeded Centennial Cougars. The Cougars have won 14 straight games following a 75-61 loss on January 4 to the Pirates. Also in the hust is the third seeded Roseville Raiders.
Section 6 has the top seeded and top ranked team in Class AAAA the Hopkins Royals. One team they beat twice in Lake Conference play is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans. There's also the third seeded Armstrong Falcons and the fourth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.
Head north to Section 7 as the top seeded Forest Lake Rangers hope to make a return trip to the state tournament. Looking to keep the maroon and gold fan buses in the garage are the second seeded Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets and the third seeded Andover Huskies.
Wrapping up the Class AAAA preview is Section 8,where the top seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights are on a quest for their 10th state tournament. But it won't be easy as the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson look to defend their section crown. Also in the hunt are the third seeded Elk River Elks, the fourth seeded Buffalo Bison and the fifth seeded Moorhead Spuds.
Next up, the eight Class AAA sections.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Two Overtimes Equals Edina Hornets Threepeat
The Class AA girls hockey championship game turned out to be a classic Saturday night as Olivia Swaim scored the game winning goal 2:20 into the second overtime to lead the Edina Hornets to a 4-3 win over the Brainerd Warriors for their third consecutive Class AA title at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
Edina became the first Class AA school to win three straight state titles since Minnetonka turned the hat trick in 2011-13. The Hornets are 3-2 in Class AA championship games in nine trips to the state tournament.
The Warriors opened the scoring while Josie Kramer was sitting out two minutes for a tripping penalty. Cheyenne Abear made a stellar defensive play blocking the Hornets Mallory Uihlein's shot and she drove down the ice like the team bus heading down Highway 10 for the short handed goal. Edina would tie the game when freshman Vivian Jungels' shot was saved by Brainerd goalie Olivia King. The puck deflected off of CC Bowlby's stick and Sophia Doll sent it to the net. The Warriors would regain the lead on a pass by Gabbie Smith that was intended for Abear but it missed her stick so Abby Pohlkamp picked up the loose puck and scored. But the Hornets would even the score again. This time it was Vivian Jungels who rebounded CC Bowlby's shot and the first period ended even at two.
Neither team would tally in the second period. Though there wasn't a lot of offense, defense played a big role for the Hornets to keep the game even. Smith made a pass to Abear near the crease and Edina goalie Elli Strittmater made a spectacular save.
Now to the third period as Brainerd looked like they were going to capture their first state hockey title. The Warriors would take the lead while Edina's Annie Kuehl was serving a roughing penalty. Smith's shot was saved by Strittmater and Emma Booth, positioned near the crease would score on a rebound. The play was reviewed by the replay officials to see if Booth was in the crease. After the review, the goal did count. Edina would once again tie the game as another member of the Jungels family was ready for action. It would be Vivian's sister Tella, who scored after Hannah Chorske's shot was saved by King. Would there be a game winner before the snowstorm started? Not yet and there would be overtime.
Neither team would score in the first eight minute overtime period. After the ice would be resurfaced, the teams came back on the ice for a 17 minute period. It would be Swaim who got a pass from Vivian Jungels and she got into position on the left side of King to put the Hornets in the history books.
Edina out shot Brainerd 55-20.
The Hornets concluded their season with a 27-4 record. The Warriors finished 25-5-1.
In the third place game that was also played at the Xcel Energy Center, Emily Bayless would score the game winning goal to lead the Minnetonka Skippers to a 3-2 win over the Andover Huskies. In the consolation final played at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center, Lauren Stenslie scored two goals to lead the Maple Grove Crimson to a 5-1 win over the Farmington Tigers.
Edina became the first Class AA school to win three straight state titles since Minnetonka turned the hat trick in 2011-13. The Hornets are 3-2 in Class AA championship games in nine trips to the state tournament.
The Warriors opened the scoring while Josie Kramer was sitting out two minutes for a tripping penalty. Cheyenne Abear made a stellar defensive play blocking the Hornets Mallory Uihlein's shot and she drove down the ice like the team bus heading down Highway 10 for the short handed goal. Edina would tie the game when freshman Vivian Jungels' shot was saved by Brainerd goalie Olivia King. The puck deflected off of CC Bowlby's stick and Sophia Doll sent it to the net. The Warriors would regain the lead on a pass by Gabbie Smith that was intended for Abear but it missed her stick so Abby Pohlkamp picked up the loose puck and scored. But the Hornets would even the score again. This time it was Vivian Jungels who rebounded CC Bowlby's shot and the first period ended even at two.
Neither team would tally in the second period. Though there wasn't a lot of offense, defense played a big role for the Hornets to keep the game even. Smith made a pass to Abear near the crease and Edina goalie Elli Strittmater made a spectacular save.
Now to the third period as Brainerd looked like they were going to capture their first state hockey title. The Warriors would take the lead while Edina's Annie Kuehl was serving a roughing penalty. Smith's shot was saved by Strittmater and Emma Booth, positioned near the crease would score on a rebound. The play was reviewed by the replay officials to see if Booth was in the crease. After the review, the goal did count. Edina would once again tie the game as another member of the Jungels family was ready for action. It would be Vivian's sister Tella, who scored after Hannah Chorske's shot was saved by King. Would there be a game winner before the snowstorm started? Not yet and there would be overtime.
Neither team would score in the first eight minute overtime period. After the ice would be resurfaced, the teams came back on the ice for a 17 minute period. It would be Swaim who got a pass from Vivian Jungels and she got into position on the left side of King to put the Hornets in the history books.
Edina out shot Brainerd 55-20.
The Hornets concluded their season with a 27-4 record. The Warriors finished 25-5-1.
In the third place game that was also played at the Xcel Energy Center, Emily Bayless would score the game winning goal to lead the Minnetonka Skippers to a 3-2 win over the Andover Huskies. In the consolation final played at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center, Lauren Stenslie scored two goals to lead the Maple Grove Crimson to a 5-1 win over the Farmington Tigers.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Proctor/Hermantown Mirage Beats Rochester Lourdes Eagles in Overtime
There were a lot of empty green seats due to the heavy snow that pelted most of Minnesota Wednesday but it didn't stop the small throng in attendance from seeing Kaitlyn Fawcett score the game winning goal 1:36 into overtime to lead the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage to a 3-2 win over the Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota Eagles in the Class A girls hockey quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The Mirage got the lone first period goal when Dehli Heikes passed to Aurora Opsahl along the left boards. She skated toward the left face off circle and fired a shot Eagles goalie Corrin Hanson into the net to give Proctor/Hermantown the early lead.
Rochester Lourdes would tie the score in the second period as Clara Billings banked the puck off the boards, cut into the center slot and scored to even the game at one.
Heading into the third period, Proctor/Hermantown would regain the lead on Sydney Skorich's go ahead goal as she went past the right boards, switch directions and found and opening on the left side of Hanson to place the puck. With 1:32 left in regulation time, the Eagles called time out and head coach Jeff True pulled Hanson to go with a sixth attacker. It would be a six on four situation for Rochester Lourdes since Proctor/Hermantown's Braelyn Sathers was serving a tripping penalty. Could the Mirage find the empty net to clinch the win? Not yet as Maggie Hanzel would score a power play goal from the center slot with :43 left in regulation and the game would eventually go to overtime.
Sathers would help set up the game winner when she made a centering pass to Fawcett from the right boards and the puck would find the net 1:36 into overtime to send Proctor/Hermantown to the Class A semifinals.
The Mirage improved their record to 19-7-3 and will play the Warroad Warriors in the Class A semifinals on Friday, February 22 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center. The Eagles fell to 15-10-1 and faced St. Paul United on Thursday in the consolation semifinals at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center. Emma Schmitz would get the hat trick as she scored the game winning goal with 1:58 left in overtime to lead the Eagles to a 4-3 win over SPU.
The Mirage got the lone first period goal when Dehli Heikes passed to Aurora Opsahl along the left boards. She skated toward the left face off circle and fired a shot Eagles goalie Corrin Hanson into the net to give Proctor/Hermantown the early lead.
Rochester Lourdes would tie the score in the second period as Clara Billings banked the puck off the boards, cut into the center slot and scored to even the game at one.
Heading into the third period, Proctor/Hermantown would regain the lead on Sydney Skorich's go ahead goal as she went past the right boards, switch directions and found and opening on the left side of Hanson to place the puck. With 1:32 left in regulation time, the Eagles called time out and head coach Jeff True pulled Hanson to go with a sixth attacker. It would be a six on four situation for Rochester Lourdes since Proctor/Hermantown's Braelyn Sathers was serving a tripping penalty. Could the Mirage find the empty net to clinch the win? Not yet as Maggie Hanzel would score a power play goal from the center slot with :43 left in regulation and the game would eventually go to overtime.
Sathers would help set up the game winner when she made a centering pass to Fawcett from the right boards and the puck would find the net 1:36 into overtime to send Proctor/Hermantown to the Class A semifinals.
The Mirage improved their record to 19-7-3 and will play the Warroad Warriors in the Class A semifinals on Friday, February 22 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center. The Eagles fell to 15-10-1 and faced St. Paul United on Thursday in the consolation semifinals at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center. Emma Schmitz would get the hat trick as she scored the game winning goal with 1:58 left in overtime to lead the Eagles to a 4-3 win over SPU.
A Warroad Warrior Wallop
Last year's Class A runner up the Warroad Warriors opened the Wednesday evening session of the 2019 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament with a pure hat trick from Genevieve Hendrickson that led the top seeded and top ranked Class A team to a 4-0 win over St. Paul United in a quarterfinal game at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The Warriors tallied twice in the first period. Cahlilah Lindquist would pass to Hannah Corneliusen and she went along the left boards, cut to the face off circle and went top shelf to put Warroad on the scoreboard. Hendrickson would wrap up the first period scoring when she forced a turnover from SPU's Jenna Hoops and she would score from the center slot.
Warroad concluded the scoring with a pair of second period power play goals from the trio of Hendrickson, Kaitlyn Kotlowski and Sydney Phaneuf. The first came on a rebound from Kotlowski's saved shot by SPU goalie Kenzie Giese. The final goal came with :08 left in the period following a center slot pass from Phaneuf.
The Warriors recorded their 16th shut out of the season and improved their record to 27-0-1. They will play the winner of the Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota-Proctor/Hermantown game in the Class A semifinal Friday, February 22 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center. SPU fell to 12-14-2 and will play in the Class A consolation semifinals on Thursday, February 22 at noon at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center in downtown St. Paul.
The Warriors tallied twice in the first period. Cahlilah Lindquist would pass to Hannah Corneliusen and she went along the left boards, cut to the face off circle and went top shelf to put Warroad on the scoreboard. Hendrickson would wrap up the first period scoring when she forced a turnover from SPU's Jenna Hoops and she would score from the center slot.
Warroad concluded the scoring with a pair of second period power play goals from the trio of Hendrickson, Kaitlyn Kotlowski and Sydney Phaneuf. The first came on a rebound from Kotlowski's saved shot by SPU goalie Kenzie Giese. The final goal came with :08 left in the period following a center slot pass from Phaneuf.
The Warriors recorded their 16th shut out of the season and improved their record to 27-0-1. They will play the winner of the Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota-Proctor/Hermantown game in the Class A semifinal Friday, February 22 at 1:30 PM at the Xcel Energy Center. SPU fell to 12-14-2 and will play in the Class A consolation semifinals on Thursday, February 22 at noon at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center in downtown St. Paul.
Monday, February 18, 2019
2019 Class AA Boys Hockey Section Preview
Eight Class A sections have been examined so now its the eight Class AA sections to be previewed.
First up is Section 1, where the top seeded Hastings Raiders have a chance to head down Highway 61 for the first time in 18 years to St. Paul. But hoping to keep the blue and gold clad Hastings fans on the banks of the Mississippi River is the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers and the third seed team that also is nicknamed the Panthers, Rochester Century. It's been 10 years since Century has been to the state tournament and they finished the regular season on a seven game winning streak. Can they win the "Battle of the Panthers" against their Lakeville counterparts.
Over in Section 2, the top seeded and defending Class AA champion Minnetonka Skippers are the top seed. The Skippers were the top ranked team for most of the regular season until they lost to the Edina Hornets before a packed Pagel Center crowd. But look who's on a roll and three games away from their first trip to state, the second seeded Chaska Hawks. The Hawks have won eight straight games and hope to extend their streak to double figures. Not so fast, Chaska fans. There are three other teams that can be spoilers for Minnetonka and Chaska. They are the third seeded Eden Prairie Eagles, the fourth seeded Prior Lake Lakers and the fifth seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire. Who will be on fire and take home the championship trophy?
Now to Section 3 where the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look to end The Vannelli Brothers era with a 12th trip to the X. But before the green uniformed Cadets fans populate the X's green seats, they will have to take care of the hot second seeded Rosemount Irish, who enter section play on an 11 game winning streak. Irish eyes have been smiling for Rosemount hockey fans since they haven't lost since January 8 following a 5-1 defeat by the Eagan Wildcats. Should St. Thomas Academy and Rosemount advance to the section final, it will be a rematch of the January 3 game that was won by the Cadets 3-1. Looking to prevent the rematch is the third seeded Eagan Wildcats.
In Section 4, the top seeded White Bear Lake Bears have a shot at their first trip to state since 2011. But before Bears fans drive by the familiar polar bear statue on Highway 61 to St. Paul, there's a familiar roadblock in the way, the second seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers. The Pioneers are on a quest for their 30th state tournament trip and look forward to a rematch with the Bears who beat them 3-2 on December 22.
If there's one common thread in Section 5, all eight teams are from the Northwest Suburban Conference. Leading the pack is the top seeded Blaine Bengals, who are in the hunt for their first trip to St. Paul since 2015 and 12th overall. But look out for the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson, who are on a five game winning streak and the third seeded Champlin Park Rebels who have gone 12-2 since losing to the Chanhassen Storm January 12. It has the makings of an outstanding three team race for the title trophy.
The top seeded team in Section 6 is the top ranked Class AA team, the Edina Hornets. Edina rose to the top spot in the Class AA rankings after they beat their Lake Conference rival the Minnetonka Skippers. But before the City of Edina sends its 34th team to the state tournament, they will have to get though a very tough section that includes the second seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Blake Bears. There's also the fifth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders,, the sixth seeded Armstrong/Cooper Wings and a team that can be the sleeper of the section, the seventh seeded Holy Angels Stars. Take your pick. Who will punch their ticket to state?
Up to Section 7 where it's been an outstanding hockey season in the growing metropolis of Andover. The girls team has the number two seed in the Class AA tournament and the boys are the top seed in Section 7 and looking for their first trip to the X. But they will have to get past the second seeded Duluth East Greyhounds who are in the hunt for their 24th trip sown I-35 and the third seeded Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks.
The final Class AA section is Section 8 which has the makings of a four team race. The top seeded Moorhead Spuds are on a nine game winning and have not lost since they were shut out by the Wayzata Trojans 5-0 on January 5. Looking to make their 35th excursion to the capitol city is the second seeded Roseau Rams, who lost to Moorhead 6-2 on December 11. But wait, there's more. The third seeded Brainerd Warriors and the fourth seeded Buffalo Bison could pull the upsets and make their first trip to state. Some pretty good hockey coming up north.
Bloggers Note: Research form mshsl.org and minnesota-scores.net
First up is Section 1, where the top seeded Hastings Raiders have a chance to head down Highway 61 for the first time in 18 years to St. Paul. But hoping to keep the blue and gold clad Hastings fans on the banks of the Mississippi River is the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers and the third seed team that also is nicknamed the Panthers, Rochester Century. It's been 10 years since Century has been to the state tournament and they finished the regular season on a seven game winning streak. Can they win the "Battle of the Panthers" against their Lakeville counterparts.
Over in Section 2, the top seeded and defending Class AA champion Minnetonka Skippers are the top seed. The Skippers were the top ranked team for most of the regular season until they lost to the Edina Hornets before a packed Pagel Center crowd. But look who's on a roll and three games away from their first trip to state, the second seeded Chaska Hawks. The Hawks have won eight straight games and hope to extend their streak to double figures. Not so fast, Chaska fans. There are three other teams that can be spoilers for Minnetonka and Chaska. They are the third seeded Eden Prairie Eagles, the fourth seeded Prior Lake Lakers and the fifth seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire. Who will be on fire and take home the championship trophy?
Now to Section 3 where the top seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets look to end The Vannelli Brothers era with a 12th trip to the X. But before the green uniformed Cadets fans populate the X's green seats, they will have to take care of the hot second seeded Rosemount Irish, who enter section play on an 11 game winning streak. Irish eyes have been smiling for Rosemount hockey fans since they haven't lost since January 8 following a 5-1 defeat by the Eagan Wildcats. Should St. Thomas Academy and Rosemount advance to the section final, it will be a rematch of the January 3 game that was won by the Cadets 3-1. Looking to prevent the rematch is the third seeded Eagan Wildcats.
In Section 4, the top seeded White Bear Lake Bears have a shot at their first trip to state since 2011. But before Bears fans drive by the familiar polar bear statue on Highway 61 to St. Paul, there's a familiar roadblock in the way, the second seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers. The Pioneers are on a quest for their 30th state tournament trip and look forward to a rematch with the Bears who beat them 3-2 on December 22.
If there's one common thread in Section 5, all eight teams are from the Northwest Suburban Conference. Leading the pack is the top seeded Blaine Bengals, who are in the hunt for their first trip to St. Paul since 2015 and 12th overall. But look out for the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson, who are on a five game winning streak and the third seeded Champlin Park Rebels who have gone 12-2 since losing to the Chanhassen Storm January 12. It has the makings of an outstanding three team race for the title trophy.
The top seeded team in Section 6 is the top ranked Class AA team, the Edina Hornets. Edina rose to the top spot in the Class AA rankings after they beat their Lake Conference rival the Minnetonka Skippers. But before the City of Edina sends its 34th team to the state tournament, they will have to get though a very tough section that includes the second seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Blake Bears. There's also the fifth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders,, the sixth seeded Armstrong/Cooper Wings and a team that can be the sleeper of the section, the seventh seeded Holy Angels Stars. Take your pick. Who will punch their ticket to state?
Up to Section 7 where it's been an outstanding hockey season in the growing metropolis of Andover. The girls team has the number two seed in the Class AA tournament and the boys are the top seed in Section 7 and looking for their first trip to the X. But they will have to get past the second seeded Duluth East Greyhounds who are in the hunt for their 24th trip sown I-35 and the third seeded Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks.
The final Class AA section is Section 8 which has the makings of a four team race. The top seeded Moorhead Spuds are on a nine game winning and have not lost since they were shut out by the Wayzata Trojans 5-0 on January 5. Looking to make their 35th excursion to the capitol city is the second seeded Roseau Rams, who lost to Moorhead 6-2 on December 11. But wait, there's more. The third seeded Brainerd Warriors and the fourth seeded Buffalo Bison could pull the upsets and make their first trip to state. Some pretty good hockey coming up north.
Bloggers Note: Research form mshsl.org and minnesota-scores.net
2019 Class A Boys Hockey Section Preview
While the State High School Girls Hockey Tournament gets underway this week in downtown St. Paul, section play begins in boys hockey. Here's a preview of the eight Class A sections.
In Section 1, it's been a big year so far for hockey in the Key City. First, the Mankato East/Loyola girls hockey team is in the state tournament for the second consecutive year and now their male Cougar counterparts have the number one seed. It should be an interesting race with the second seeded Minnesota River Bulldogs, the third seeded Albert Lea Tigers and the fourth seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles. The Eagles are looking for their first trip to St. Paul since 2013 but can they beat the top seeded Cougars?
The Section 2 tournament will take place this year at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park instead of Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis and fans in the St. Louis Park area will get to see the top seeded and defending Class A champion Orono Spartans embarked on their return trip to the X. The Spartans have won five of their last six games. Orono's Wright County Conference rival, the Delano Tigers is the second seed and on a seven game unbeaten streak. The two teams split their season series. The third seeded Mound-Westonka/Watertown-Mayer Whitehawks and the fourth seeded Breck Mustangs are also in the hunt.
Heading south to Section 3 where the top seeded Marshall Tigers look to return to the X for the first time since 2013. The Tigers have not lost a game since the Minnesota River Bulldogs beat them 4-1 on January 5. Last season's section champions, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato is the second and the third seed is the New Ulm Eagles. Doo't count out the fourth seeded Luverne Cardinals who have gone 6-5 after losing five straight games.
Section 4 has the look of a very tough section led by the top seeded Totino-Grace Eagles. Looking to keep the Eagle fan buses from heading down I-694 are the second seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs, the third seeded Northfield Raiders and the St. Paul Johnson Governors, who are looking for their first state tournament berth since 1995. Also in the mix are the fifth seeded St. Paul Academy Spartans and the sixth seeded South St. Paul Packers. Who will emerge with the championship trophy in Roseville on March 1? No clear cut favorite.
Section 5 has the top seeded Monticello Moose who are in the hunt for their third straight trip down I-94 to the X. Hoping to end Monticello's section reign is the second seeded North Branch Vikings and the third seeded Princeton Tigers, who ended the regular season with a seven game losing streak. Can the Tiger offense turn on the red light and vie for their first trip to state since 2016?
Great news for hockey fans in The Granite City. The St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders are the number one seed and the favorites to earn their ninth trip to St. Paul. The Crusaders got off to a great start, going 12-0 before losing 2-1 to the Hermantown Hawks on January 4. Also in contention is the second seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabers, the third seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the fourth seeded Little Falls Flyers.
To quote a phrase from the classic sitcom Seinfeld, the Hermantown Hawks are "masters of their domain." The domain is Section 7, where they are the top seed and looking for their 10th consecutive trip down I-35 to St. Paul. The Hawks have been unbeaten since December 29 when they lost to the Rosemount Irish 3-2 in a holdiay tournament in Duluth. Looking to end Hermantown's section reign is the second seeded Duluth Denfeld Hunters and third seeded Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin.
Closing the Class a section preview is Section 8, which could be a five team race that starts with the top seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. There's also the second seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers, the third seeded Warroad Warriors, the fourth seeded Crookston Pirates and the fifth seeded Detroit Lakes Lakers. Who will come south to St. Paul?
Next up, the eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, it's been a big year so far for hockey in the Key City. First, the Mankato East/Loyola girls hockey team is in the state tournament for the second consecutive year and now their male Cougar counterparts have the number one seed. It should be an interesting race with the second seeded Minnesota River Bulldogs, the third seeded Albert Lea Tigers and the fourth seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles. The Eagles are looking for their first trip to St. Paul since 2013 but can they beat the top seeded Cougars?
The Section 2 tournament will take place this year at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park instead of Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis and fans in the St. Louis Park area will get to see the top seeded and defending Class A champion Orono Spartans embarked on their return trip to the X. The Spartans have won five of their last six games. Orono's Wright County Conference rival, the Delano Tigers is the second seed and on a seven game unbeaten streak. The two teams split their season series. The third seeded Mound-Westonka/Watertown-Mayer Whitehawks and the fourth seeded Breck Mustangs are also in the hunt.
Heading south to Section 3 where the top seeded Marshall Tigers look to return to the X for the first time since 2013. The Tigers have not lost a game since the Minnesota River Bulldogs beat them 4-1 on January 5. Last season's section champions, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato is the second and the third seed is the New Ulm Eagles. Doo't count out the fourth seeded Luverne Cardinals who have gone 6-5 after losing five straight games.
Section 4 has the look of a very tough section led by the top seeded Totino-Grace Eagles. Looking to keep the Eagle fan buses from heading down I-694 are the second seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs, the third seeded Northfield Raiders and the St. Paul Johnson Governors, who are looking for their first state tournament berth since 1995. Also in the mix are the fifth seeded St. Paul Academy Spartans and the sixth seeded South St. Paul Packers. Who will emerge with the championship trophy in Roseville on March 1? No clear cut favorite.
Section 5 has the top seeded Monticello Moose who are in the hunt for their third straight trip down I-94 to the X. Hoping to end Monticello's section reign is the second seeded North Branch Vikings and the third seeded Princeton Tigers, who ended the regular season with a seven game losing streak. Can the Tiger offense turn on the red light and vie for their first trip to state since 2016?
Great news for hockey fans in The Granite City. The St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders are the number one seed and the favorites to earn their ninth trip to St. Paul. The Crusaders got off to a great start, going 12-0 before losing 2-1 to the Hermantown Hawks on January 4. Also in contention is the second seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabers, the third seeded Alexandria Cardinals and the fourth seeded Little Falls Flyers.
To quote a phrase from the classic sitcom Seinfeld, the Hermantown Hawks are "masters of their domain." The domain is Section 7, where they are the top seed and looking for their 10th consecutive trip down I-35 to St. Paul. The Hawks have been unbeaten since December 29 when they lost to the Rosemount Irish 3-2 in a holdiay tournament in Duluth. Looking to end Hermantown's section reign is the second seeded Duluth Denfeld Hunters and third seeded Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin.
Closing the Class a section preview is Section 8, which could be a five team race that starts with the top seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. There's also the second seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers, the third seeded Warroad Warriors, the fourth seeded Crookston Pirates and the fifth seeded Detroit Lakes Lakers. Who will come south to St. Paul?
Next up, the eight Class AA sections.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
2019 State Class AA Girls Hockey Tournament Preview
2019 STATE CLASS AA GIRLS HOCKEY QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
(THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL)
11:00: Farmington vs. Andover (Seed 2)
1:00: White Bear Lake vs. Brainerd (Seed 3)
6:00: East Ridge vs. Edina (Seed 1)
8:00: Minnetonka (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)
EXAMINING THE FIELD
Thursday is the eight Class AA team's turn in the Xcel Energy Center spotlight and the day leads off with the Farmington Tigers returning to St. Paul after a year's absence to face the second seeded Andover Huskies. The Tigers have outscored their Section 1 opponents in tournament play 24-4 and they picked up the championship trophy with a 5-4 overtime win against the Lakeville North Panthers. Last season in their first trip to state, the Huskies took home the Class AA consolation championship trophy. Andover has won 11 of their last 12 games, including a pair of overtime victories in the Section 7 tournament over the Elk River/Zimmerman Elks and the Forest Lake Rangers. Could the Huskies bring the school's first title trophy back to Andover? Should they play Edina in the finals, the Huskies opened their season November 8 with a 4-3 win over the Hornets. A rematch is possible.
The afternoon session closes with the White Bear Lake Bears battling the third seeded Brainerd Warriors. The Bears will be headed down White Bear Way for the first time since 2002 by way of three consecutive section shutouts, including a 2-0 win over top seeded and perennial Class AA power Hill-Murray. The Warriors are back in the state tournament and are on a five game winning streak. They have also beat a couple of the state's top teams, including Maple Grove and Breck. Excitement is brewing in Lakes country as the Warriors are on their quest for their first state title.
In the evening session, the city of Woodbury will be represented for the first time as East Ridge Raptors fans will be headed down I-94 to downtown St. Paul to take on the top seeded and defending champion Edina Hornets. Edina has a chance to become the first school since Lake Conference rival Minnetonka to win three straight Class AA titles. The Hornets are on a seven game winning streak since losing to their Section 6AA rival the Blake Bears 2-1 on January 18. Edina would beat Blake in the section final 3-2 to clinch their fifth consecutive trip to the X and ninth overall. There will be a lot of green in the X's green seats as the Hornets have a great chance to make history.
And speaking of the Minnetonka Skippers, they are the fifth seed and back in the state tournament for the first time since 2015. The Skippers have been on a roll since finishing the regular season 3-6 and upset the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles in the Section 2AA final. The fourth seeded Crimson are back in St. Paul for the first time since 2016 and have won eight of their last nine games. It could be a late night in downtown St. Paul for Crimson fans. Seven of their regular season games have gone into overtime and Maple Grove is 4-2-1 in extra sessions. Can the Skippers continue their Cinderella post season run or will the Crimson send them to the consolation bracket which will be played this year at the new TRIA Rink that's not to far from the X?
It should be an outstanding four days of girls high school hockey. Head over to downtown St. Paul for all the action.
(THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER, ST. PAUL)
11:00: Farmington vs. Andover (Seed 2)
1:00: White Bear Lake vs. Brainerd (Seed 3)
6:00: East Ridge vs. Edina (Seed 1)
8:00: Minnetonka (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)
EXAMINING THE FIELD
Thursday is the eight Class AA team's turn in the Xcel Energy Center spotlight and the day leads off with the Farmington Tigers returning to St. Paul after a year's absence to face the second seeded Andover Huskies. The Tigers have outscored their Section 1 opponents in tournament play 24-4 and they picked up the championship trophy with a 5-4 overtime win against the Lakeville North Panthers. Last season in their first trip to state, the Huskies took home the Class AA consolation championship trophy. Andover has won 11 of their last 12 games, including a pair of overtime victories in the Section 7 tournament over the Elk River/Zimmerman Elks and the Forest Lake Rangers. Could the Huskies bring the school's first title trophy back to Andover? Should they play Edina in the finals, the Huskies opened their season November 8 with a 4-3 win over the Hornets. A rematch is possible.
The afternoon session closes with the White Bear Lake Bears battling the third seeded Brainerd Warriors. The Bears will be headed down White Bear Way for the first time since 2002 by way of three consecutive section shutouts, including a 2-0 win over top seeded and perennial Class AA power Hill-Murray. The Warriors are back in the state tournament and are on a five game winning streak. They have also beat a couple of the state's top teams, including Maple Grove and Breck. Excitement is brewing in Lakes country as the Warriors are on their quest for their first state title.
In the evening session, the city of Woodbury will be represented for the first time as East Ridge Raptors fans will be headed down I-94 to downtown St. Paul to take on the top seeded and defending champion Edina Hornets. Edina has a chance to become the first school since Lake Conference rival Minnetonka to win three straight Class AA titles. The Hornets are on a seven game winning streak since losing to their Section 6AA rival the Blake Bears 2-1 on January 18. Edina would beat Blake in the section final 3-2 to clinch their fifth consecutive trip to the X and ninth overall. There will be a lot of green in the X's green seats as the Hornets have a great chance to make history.
And speaking of the Minnetonka Skippers, they are the fifth seed and back in the state tournament for the first time since 2015. The Skippers have been on a roll since finishing the regular season 3-6 and upset the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles in the Section 2AA final. The fourth seeded Crimson are back in St. Paul for the first time since 2016 and have won eight of their last nine games. It could be a late night in downtown St. Paul for Crimson fans. Seven of their regular season games have gone into overtime and Maple Grove is 4-2-1 in extra sessions. Can the Skippers continue their Cinderella post season run or will the Crimson send them to the consolation bracket which will be played this year at the new TRIA Rink that's not to far from the X?
It should be an outstanding four days of girls high school hockey. Head over to downtown St. Paul for all the action.
2019 State Class A Girls Hockey Tournament Preview
2019 STATE CLASS A GIRLS HOCKEY QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
(WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 AT XCEL ENERGYCENTER, ST. PAUL)
11:00: Fergus Falls vs. Breck (Seed 2)
1:00: Mankato East/Loyola vs. Mound-Westonka/Watertown-Mayer/Southwest Christian) Seed 3
6:00 St. Paul United vs. Warroad (Seed 1)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes (Seed 5) vs. Proctor-Hermantown (Seed 4)
EXAMINING THE FIELD
The 25th edition of the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament gets underway Wednesday as the Fergus Falls Otters make their first trip to St. Paul since 2009 after ending the Alexandria Cardinals six year title reign. They will battle the second seeded and defending state Class A champion Breck Mustangs who had no problem advanced to seventh state tournament with a 7-0 win over the Minneapolis Novas. Allyson Qualley clinch the Mustangs state berth with a pure hat trick in the first period. Breck has played a brutal schedule with seven of its eight losses coming against Class AA schools. Their only loss to a Class A team was to the Warroad Warriors. Could there be a possible rematch with Warroad or will maroon and gold clad Otter fans witness an upset?
Concluding the afternoon session is the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars facing the third seeded Mound Westonka/Watertown-Mayer/Southwest Christian Whitehawks. The Cougars are making their second straight trip to the X and are on a five game winning streak. As for the Whitehawks, they are unbeaten in 27 games, five of them ending in ties. Veteran head coach Bob Kuehl is a co-coach along with Clare Goldsmith. Kuehl's daughter Taylor was an outstanding player who went on to play at Ohio State. Will she be back to cheer on the Whitehawks who look to extend their unbeaten streak to 28 and a possible showdown with Breck?
Now to the evening session as surprising St. Paul United returns for their fourth consecutive state tournament and fifth overall as they have a difficult task ahead in the top seeded and unbeaten Warroad Warriors. SPU has the only losing record in the Class A field but they pulled the upset in the Section 4 final with a 2-1 win over the South St. Paul Packers. Last season, the Warriors were defeated by the Breck Mustangs in last year's Class A final. This season they have a great shot at winning their fourth state title. That could be good news for fans in "Hockeytown USA" if the black and gold brings home the gold medals back to the Lake of the Woods.
Wrapping up the Class A quarterfinals is the fifth seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles and the fourth seeded Proctor-Hermantown Mirage. What a season it has been for the Lourdes athletic program. The football team, led by Chad Jungels won the state Class AAA title and many of the fans who packed US Bank Stadium will probably head up Highway 52 to see the first team from Rochester to play at the X. It's no Mirage for head coach Glen Gilderman as he leads Proctor/Hermantown to their fourth trip to state but has never brought home the title trophy up I-35. It should be an outstanding match up to close out the Class A quarterfinals.
Next: The Class AA preview
(WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 AT XCEL ENERGYCENTER, ST. PAUL)
11:00: Fergus Falls vs. Breck (Seed 2)
1:00: Mankato East/Loyola vs. Mound-Westonka/Watertown-Mayer/Southwest Christian) Seed 3
6:00 St. Paul United vs. Warroad (Seed 1)
8:00: Rochester Lourdes (Seed 5) vs. Proctor-Hermantown (Seed 4)
EXAMINING THE FIELD
The 25th edition of the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament gets underway Wednesday as the Fergus Falls Otters make their first trip to St. Paul since 2009 after ending the Alexandria Cardinals six year title reign. They will battle the second seeded and defending state Class A champion Breck Mustangs who had no problem advanced to seventh state tournament with a 7-0 win over the Minneapolis Novas. Allyson Qualley clinch the Mustangs state berth with a pure hat trick in the first period. Breck has played a brutal schedule with seven of its eight losses coming against Class AA schools. Their only loss to a Class A team was to the Warroad Warriors. Could there be a possible rematch with Warroad or will maroon and gold clad Otter fans witness an upset?
Concluding the afternoon session is the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars facing the third seeded Mound Westonka/Watertown-Mayer/Southwest Christian Whitehawks. The Cougars are making their second straight trip to the X and are on a five game winning streak. As for the Whitehawks, they are unbeaten in 27 games, five of them ending in ties. Veteran head coach Bob Kuehl is a co-coach along with Clare Goldsmith. Kuehl's daughter Taylor was an outstanding player who went on to play at Ohio State. Will she be back to cheer on the Whitehawks who look to extend their unbeaten streak to 28 and a possible showdown with Breck?
Now to the evening session as surprising St. Paul United returns for their fourth consecutive state tournament and fifth overall as they have a difficult task ahead in the top seeded and unbeaten Warroad Warriors. SPU has the only losing record in the Class A field but they pulled the upset in the Section 4 final with a 2-1 win over the South St. Paul Packers. Last season, the Warriors were defeated by the Breck Mustangs in last year's Class A final. This season they have a great shot at winning their fourth state title. That could be good news for fans in "Hockeytown USA" if the black and gold brings home the gold medals back to the Lake of the Woods.
Wrapping up the Class A quarterfinals is the fifth seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles and the fourth seeded Proctor-Hermantown Mirage. What a season it has been for the Lourdes athletic program. The football team, led by Chad Jungels won the state Class AAA title and many of the fans who packed US Bank Stadium will probably head up Highway 52 to see the first team from Rochester to play at the X. It's no Mirage for head coach Glen Gilderman as he leads Proctor/Hermantown to their fourth trip to state but has never brought home the title trophy up I-35. It should be an outstanding match up to close out the Class A quarterfinals.
Next: The Class AA preview
Friday, February 15, 2019
LILA Dragons Down Groves Academy Griffins
A strong second half from Strom Norcross who had a game high 31 points to lead the Lakes International Language Academy Dragons to a 67-55 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Friday night in St. Louis Park.
Blake Strand opened the first half scoring for the Dragons, scoring on a put back :25 into the game. Sam Goldstein would tie the game for the Griffins. Norcross, one of five sophomores to start for LILA, would score six of the Dragons first seven points. He would also score eight consecutive points, most of them in the post. There would be good news for Groves Academy as Larry Mohamed would score to cut the lead to two and tie the game on a pair of free throws. A lay up from Goldstein would vault the Griffins into the lead. LILA would regain the lead on a 4-0 run. But it was Goldstein, along with Mohamed and Noah Yager who were playing their final regular season home game, that would be the Griffins dominant inside force in the first half. Goldstein would score eight straight points to put Groves Academy ahead and they would lead at halftime 22-19.
Alfie Galle would open the scoring for the Griffins, scoring :30 into the half. Angel Garcia Silva would hit the game's first three pointer for the Dragons after neither team hit any from Minnetonka Blvd. in the first half. Garcia Silva and Norcross would help Dragons go on an 11-0 run to put LILA ahead. But Groves Academy would regain the lead on Goldstein's basket and then things would begin to unravel. Mohamed would shoot the ball into the wrong basket. Following the game, the basket was credited to Garcia Silva. Turnovers would plague the Griffins and Norcross would go on a run where he would score 10 straight points. There would be some life for Groves Academy when Robert Hall would hit a three pointer that cut the lead to eight. The Dragon bench would be productive when Strand and Max McDonough picked up their fifth fouls. Grant Schwidder would also score on a jumper and the lead would stay in double figures.
Garcia Silva was the only other Dragon in double figures, scoring 14 points. Goldstein led the Griffins with 24 points and Mohamed added 15.
LILA improved their record to 8-10 and will host the Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabers on Tuesday, February 19 at 7 PM. Groves Academy fell to 4-12 and they will also be in action on the 19th as they head up Highway 10 to Ramsey to face the PACT Charter Panthers, also a 7 PM start.
Blake Strand opened the first half scoring for the Dragons, scoring on a put back :25 into the game. Sam Goldstein would tie the game for the Griffins. Norcross, one of five sophomores to start for LILA, would score six of the Dragons first seven points. He would also score eight consecutive points, most of them in the post. There would be good news for Groves Academy as Larry Mohamed would score to cut the lead to two and tie the game on a pair of free throws. A lay up from Goldstein would vault the Griffins into the lead. LILA would regain the lead on a 4-0 run. But it was Goldstein, along with Mohamed and Noah Yager who were playing their final regular season home game, that would be the Griffins dominant inside force in the first half. Goldstein would score eight straight points to put Groves Academy ahead and they would lead at halftime 22-19.
Alfie Galle would open the scoring for the Griffins, scoring :30 into the half. Angel Garcia Silva would hit the game's first three pointer for the Dragons after neither team hit any from Minnetonka Blvd. in the first half. Garcia Silva and Norcross would help Dragons go on an 11-0 run to put LILA ahead. But Groves Academy would regain the lead on Goldstein's basket and then things would begin to unravel. Mohamed would shoot the ball into the wrong basket. Following the game, the basket was credited to Garcia Silva. Turnovers would plague the Griffins and Norcross would go on a run where he would score 10 straight points. There would be some life for Groves Academy when Robert Hall would hit a three pointer that cut the lead to eight. The Dragon bench would be productive when Strand and Max McDonough picked up their fifth fouls. Grant Schwidder would also score on a jumper and the lead would stay in double figures.
Garcia Silva was the only other Dragon in double figures, scoring 14 points. Goldstein led the Griffins with 24 points and Mohamed added 15.
LILA improved their record to 8-10 and will host the Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabers on Tuesday, February 19 at 7 PM. Groves Academy fell to 4-12 and they will also be in action on the 19th as they head up Highway 10 to Ramsey to face the PACT Charter Panthers, also a 7 PM start.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Breck Mustangs Head Back to State Tournament
Allyson Qualley's aim was true Thursday night as she aimed the puck into the net three times and Carly Beniek had five assists to lead the defending Class A state champion Breck Mustangs to a 7-0 shut out of the Minneapolis Novas in the Section 5A Girls Hockey Championship game at the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis.
The Mustangs put the game away in the first period with five goals. The first came 1:11 into the period when Sadie Lindsey scored on a rebound goal that followed Shae Messner's shot. Breck would lead by two as Beniek found Ella Brophy in the center slot and it entered the net. They it was Qualley's turn to shine in the Kenwood area arena's spotlight as she would score a pure hat trick. Her first goal came off a pass from Beniek and she would find an opening on the left side of Minneapolis goalie Maeve Tallman and she sent over the goal line. The second came after she picked up the loose puck and went through the center slot like the team bus heading down I-394 to give Breck a four goal lead. But Qualley wasn't finished yet. The junior, who committed to Merrimack College in North Andover, MA would get the hat trick on a power play goal with 1:10 left in the first period and the Mustangs were in command with a 5-0 lead.
Breck would add a goal to their ledger in the second period when Qualley would slide the puck to Olivia Mobley on the doorstep and she went top shelf to put the Mustangs ahead by six.
Mobley would also score the lone third period goal on a left side pass from Beniek, who picked up her fifth assist of the game. Beniek will also be playing college hockey next season in Massachusetts. She will head to Holy Cross.
Eighth grad goalie Uma Cormiea picked up the shutout for Breck, stopping 22 Nova shots.
Breck improves their record to 19-8 and will play in the Class A quarterfinals of the 2019 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament Wednesday, February 20 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Time and opponent to be determined following Saturday's seedings.
Minneapolis concluded their season with a record of 15-10-1.
The Mustangs put the game away in the first period with five goals. The first came 1:11 into the period when Sadie Lindsey scored on a rebound goal that followed Shae Messner's shot. Breck would lead by two as Beniek found Ella Brophy in the center slot and it entered the net. They it was Qualley's turn to shine in the Kenwood area arena's spotlight as she would score a pure hat trick. Her first goal came off a pass from Beniek and she would find an opening on the left side of Minneapolis goalie Maeve Tallman and she sent over the goal line. The second came after she picked up the loose puck and went through the center slot like the team bus heading down I-394 to give Breck a four goal lead. But Qualley wasn't finished yet. The junior, who committed to Merrimack College in North Andover, MA would get the hat trick on a power play goal with 1:10 left in the first period and the Mustangs were in command with a 5-0 lead.
Breck would add a goal to their ledger in the second period when Qualley would slide the puck to Olivia Mobley on the doorstep and she went top shelf to put the Mustangs ahead by six.
Mobley would also score the lone third period goal on a left side pass from Beniek, who picked up her fifth assist of the game. Beniek will also be playing college hockey next season in Massachusetts. She will head to Holy Cross.
Eighth grad goalie Uma Cormiea picked up the shutout for Breck, stopping 22 Nova shots.
Breck improves their record to 19-8 and will play in the Class A quarterfinals of the 2019 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament Wednesday, February 20 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Time and opponent to be determined following Saturday's seedings.
Minneapolis concluded their season with a record of 15-10-1.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Good Grief-Another Weather Cancellation for Groves Academy Griffins
The weather picture has not been kind to the Groves Academy Griffins boys basketball team.
Last Thursday, January 31, their game against the Avail Academy Valor was postponed due to the extremely cold weather and rescheduled for the following Thursday, February 7.
On Tuesday, February 5, the Griffins were supposed to head up to Otsego to take on Kaleidoscope Charter School but a snowstorm wiped out that game, too.
But wait, there's more! The rescheduled game against Avail Academy for tonight was also canceled due to Avail's school closing and the heavy snow that has pelted the Twin Cities area.
No word on whether those two games will be rescheduled again but it's unlikely that there will be another rescheduling due to the shortage of open dates prior to the Twin Cities Athletic Conference Tournament that begins Thursday, February 28 and the start of Section 4A tournament play Monday, March 4.
So the Griffins, whose record remains at 4-10 has not had a game since January 25 against Hmong Academy. They will have three games next week (weather permitting of course) that begins with a game on Monday, February 11 at 7 PM at Hiawatha Collegiate in Minneapolis. Groves Academy will wrap up their home schedule on Tuesday, February 12 against the Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabers and Friday, February 15 against Lakes International Language Academy. Both games begin at 6 PM.
Hopefully, the weather picture will be more favorable next week.
Last Thursday, January 31, their game against the Avail Academy Valor was postponed due to the extremely cold weather and rescheduled for the following Thursday, February 7.
On Tuesday, February 5, the Griffins were supposed to head up to Otsego to take on Kaleidoscope Charter School but a snowstorm wiped out that game, too.
But wait, there's more! The rescheduled game against Avail Academy for tonight was also canceled due to Avail's school closing and the heavy snow that has pelted the Twin Cities area.
No word on whether those two games will be rescheduled again but it's unlikely that there will be another rescheduling due to the shortage of open dates prior to the Twin Cities Athletic Conference Tournament that begins Thursday, February 28 and the start of Section 4A tournament play Monday, March 4.
So the Griffins, whose record remains at 4-10 has not had a game since January 25 against Hmong Academy. They will have three games next week (weather permitting of course) that begins with a game on Monday, February 11 at 7 PM at Hiawatha Collegiate in Minneapolis. Groves Academy will wrap up their home schedule on Tuesday, February 12 against the Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabers and Friday, February 15 against Lakes International Language Academy. Both games begin at 6 PM.
Hopefully, the weather picture will be more favorable next week.
Monday, February 4, 2019
2019 Class AA Girls Hockey Section Preview
Eight Class A sections have been examined and now it's the eight Class AA sections turn to be previewed.
Starting with Section 1, it could be a four team race for the championship trophy. The top seed is the Farmington Tigers, who have lost two of their last three games. The second seeded Lakeville North Panthers enter section play on a three game unbeaten streak.
Looking for their first trip to the X is the third seeded Dodge County Wildcats. They picked up a couple of key wins against section opponents the Northfield Raiders and the Owatonna Huskies who are seeded fourth and fifth. There's no clear cut favorite in this section. Take your pick.
Heading to Section 2, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles are three wins away from their fifth trip to state in six years. There could also be a rematch with the second seeded Minnetonka Skippers who split the season series. Now wait a minute. There's more competition with the third seeded Chaska/Chanhassen Stormhawks who are in the hunt for their first trip as a co-op and the first by a Chaska based team in 18 years. The fourth seeded Shakopee Sabers have won five of their last six games, including a regular season overtime win against the Rosemount Irish. Another team that could be a factor is the fifth seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire who have gone 4-0-1 in their last five games. Looking to spring an upset are the sixth seeded Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars and the seventh seeded New Prague Trojans. Who will come out of this section? Find out February 15 at Braemar Arena in Edina.
In Section 3, the top seeded Eagan Wildcats are on a quest to bring home another section trophy. First they might have to face the second seeded Burnsville Blaze for the third time this season. The two South Suburban Conference schools split their regular season meetings. Looking to make their first trip down I-94 to St. Paul is the third seeded East ridge Raptors.
Over in Section 4, the top seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers are the only team with a winning record in their section. Head coach Bill Schafhauser has another outstanding team that has won eight of their last nine games going into their regular season finale against St. Paul United en route to their seventh consecutive state tournament berth. But they will have to get past the second seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
To Section 5, where the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson is red hot on a six game winning streak prior to closing out the regular season against the Wayzata Trojans. Last year's Class AA runner up, the Centennial Cougars is seeded second, followed by third seeded Champlin Park/Coon Rapids. Mix in the fourth seeded Anoka Tornadoes, the fifth seeded Blaine Bengals and the sixth seeded Rogers Royals and you have another highly competitive section. The Royals could surprise and make their first trip to state.
Now to Section 6. Blake or Edina? Two outstanding teams but only one can take home the championship trophy. The Bears and the defending Class AA champion Hornets split their two regular season games and there could be a third on February 15 at the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis. Looking to pull the upsets are the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. If the Blake-Edina final comes to fruition, bring a thermos of coffee. It could be a marathon game.
Section 7 could be a showdown of two excellent north metro teams, the top seeded Forest Lake Rangers and the second seeded Andover Huskies. The two teams met December 13 with the Rangers coming out on top 1-0. Don't count out third seeded Elk River/Zimmerman or fourth seeded Grand Rapids/Greenway. Another team that's in contention is Cambridge-Isanti/Mora/Pine City.
The Section 8 pairings won't be released until February 6 but it looks like it has the makings of another outstanding section with Brainerd/Little Falls, Roseau and North Wright County each with 19 wins. Buffalo/Maple Lake and Sartell/Sauk Rapids are also contenders. Last year, Brainerd/Little Falls made their first trip to St. Paul. Can they make it two straight?
There you have it. The Road to St. Paul. Section play gets underway this week.
Starting with Section 1, it could be a four team race for the championship trophy. The top seed is the Farmington Tigers, who have lost two of their last three games. The second seeded Lakeville North Panthers enter section play on a three game unbeaten streak.
Looking for their first trip to the X is the third seeded Dodge County Wildcats. They picked up a couple of key wins against section opponents the Northfield Raiders and the Owatonna Huskies who are seeded fourth and fifth. There's no clear cut favorite in this section. Take your pick.
Heading to Section 2, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles are three wins away from their fifth trip to state in six years. There could also be a rematch with the second seeded Minnetonka Skippers who split the season series. Now wait a minute. There's more competition with the third seeded Chaska/Chanhassen Stormhawks who are in the hunt for their first trip as a co-op and the first by a Chaska based team in 18 years. The fourth seeded Shakopee Sabers have won five of their last six games, including a regular season overtime win against the Rosemount Irish. Another team that could be a factor is the fifth seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire who have gone 4-0-1 in their last five games. Looking to spring an upset are the sixth seeded Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars and the seventh seeded New Prague Trojans. Who will come out of this section? Find out February 15 at Braemar Arena in Edina.
In Section 3, the top seeded Eagan Wildcats are on a quest to bring home another section trophy. First they might have to face the second seeded Burnsville Blaze for the third time this season. The two South Suburban Conference schools split their regular season meetings. Looking to make their first trip down I-94 to St. Paul is the third seeded East ridge Raptors.
Over in Section 4, the top seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers are the only team with a winning record in their section. Head coach Bill Schafhauser has another outstanding team that has won eight of their last nine games going into their regular season finale against St. Paul United en route to their seventh consecutive state tournament berth. But they will have to get past the second seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
To Section 5, where the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson is red hot on a six game winning streak prior to closing out the regular season against the Wayzata Trojans. Last year's Class AA runner up, the Centennial Cougars is seeded second, followed by third seeded Champlin Park/Coon Rapids. Mix in the fourth seeded Anoka Tornadoes, the fifth seeded Blaine Bengals and the sixth seeded Rogers Royals and you have another highly competitive section. The Royals could surprise and make their first trip to state.
Now to Section 6. Blake or Edina? Two outstanding teams but only one can take home the championship trophy. The Bears and the defending Class AA champion Hornets split their two regular season games and there could be a third on February 15 at the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis. Looking to pull the upsets are the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights. If the Blake-Edina final comes to fruition, bring a thermos of coffee. It could be a marathon game.
Section 7 could be a showdown of two excellent north metro teams, the top seeded Forest Lake Rangers and the second seeded Andover Huskies. The two teams met December 13 with the Rangers coming out on top 1-0. Don't count out third seeded Elk River/Zimmerman or fourth seeded Grand Rapids/Greenway. Another team that's in contention is Cambridge-Isanti/Mora/Pine City.
The Section 8 pairings won't be released until February 6 but it looks like it has the makings of another outstanding section with Brainerd/Little Falls, Roseau and North Wright County each with 19 wins. Buffalo/Maple Lake and Sartell/Sauk Rapids are also contenders. Last year, Brainerd/Little Falls made their first trip to St. Paul. Can they make it two straight?
There you have it. The Road to St. Paul. Section play gets underway this week.
2019 Class A Girls Hockey Section Preview
This year marks the 25th year of the Minnesota State High School Girls Hockey Tournament. Which teams will make the trip to St. Paul? It depends on who survives section play in Class A & AA. First up. A preview of the eight Class A sections.
Looking at Section 1, the top seeded Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota Eagles have a chance to become the first school from the home of the Mayo Clinic to play at the X. But they will have to get by the second seeded Faribault Falcons. The two tams played each other February 1 with the Eagles victorious 6-1. The Falcons are the only other section team with a winning record. Don't count out the third seeded Red Wing Wingers or the fourth seeded Austin Packers, who finished the regular season with a six game winning streak.
Going west to Section 2, the pairings have not yet been released but it's very likely that the top seed will be the Mound-Westonka Whitehawks, who are on a 25 game unbeaten streak that also includes a couple of ties with second seeded Delano/Rockford. There could be overtime if the two teams face each other in the finals February 14 in St. Peter.
If there's any guarantee in Section 3, it's that the team that will make the trip up Highway 169 will be from Mankato. The pairings aren't out yet but it looks like the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars will be the number one seed and the Mankato West Scarlets will be seeded second. Mankato fans, before you make your hotel reservations for St. Paul, there are a couple of teams that could crash the party. They are the Marshall Tigers and the Luverne Cardinals. It should be an interesting section to watch.
There's only one team with a winning record in Section 4 and it's the top seeded South St. Paul Packers. Can head coach Dave Palmquist lead the maroon and white to their 15th trip to state? First they will have to get past second seeded St.Paul United, which is on their quest to their fourth straight section title and the third seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs.
Heading to Section 5, where the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Breck Mustangs have played a tough schedule with seven of their eight losses came against Class AA schools. But looking to make history and become the first team from the state's largest city to go to St. Paul is the second seeded Minneapolis Novas. Also in the mix is the third seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats.
Up in Section 6, Could Alexandria's title reign come to an end? The top seeded Fergus Falls Otters are vying for their first trip to St. Paul in 10 years but first they have to get by the second seeded Cardinals. Alexandria has headed down I-94 to St. Paul seven of the last eight years and the streak could come to an end. The Otters and Cardinals split a pair of one goal games in the regular season. Could there be a third in the section finals? First there could be a "Battle of the Cardinals" as the third seeded Willmar Cardinals look to make their first trip to state since 2003.
It's no mirage that the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage is the top seed in Section 7. But there is a rising program in the Twin Ports in the second seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. Two years ago, the Hilltoppers won only seven games. This season they have 16 and they are three away from heading to the X. Looking to return to state for the first time in 10 years is the third seeded Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks, the first as a Class A program.
Concluding the Class A preview is Section 8, where the top seeded Warroad Warriors are unbeaten. Going into their final regular season game against Roseau, they have recorded six shut out in their last eight games. Hoping to pull the upset are the second seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers and the third seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Next up, the eight Class AA sections.
Looking at Section 1, the top seeded Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota Eagles have a chance to become the first school from the home of the Mayo Clinic to play at the X. But they will have to get by the second seeded Faribault Falcons. The two tams played each other February 1 with the Eagles victorious 6-1. The Falcons are the only other section team with a winning record. Don't count out the third seeded Red Wing Wingers or the fourth seeded Austin Packers, who finished the regular season with a six game winning streak.
Going west to Section 2, the pairings have not yet been released but it's very likely that the top seed will be the Mound-Westonka Whitehawks, who are on a 25 game unbeaten streak that also includes a couple of ties with second seeded Delano/Rockford. There could be overtime if the two teams face each other in the finals February 14 in St. Peter.
If there's any guarantee in Section 3, it's that the team that will make the trip up Highway 169 will be from Mankato. The pairings aren't out yet but it looks like the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars will be the number one seed and the Mankato West Scarlets will be seeded second. Mankato fans, before you make your hotel reservations for St. Paul, there are a couple of teams that could crash the party. They are the Marshall Tigers and the Luverne Cardinals. It should be an interesting section to watch.
There's only one team with a winning record in Section 4 and it's the top seeded South St. Paul Packers. Can head coach Dave Palmquist lead the maroon and white to their 15th trip to state? First they will have to get past second seeded St.Paul United, which is on their quest to their fourth straight section title and the third seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs.
Heading to Section 5, where the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Breck Mustangs have played a tough schedule with seven of their eight losses came against Class AA schools. But looking to make history and become the first team from the state's largest city to go to St. Paul is the second seeded Minneapolis Novas. Also in the mix is the third seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats.
Up in Section 6, Could Alexandria's title reign come to an end? The top seeded Fergus Falls Otters are vying for their first trip to St. Paul in 10 years but first they have to get by the second seeded Cardinals. Alexandria has headed down I-94 to St. Paul seven of the last eight years and the streak could come to an end. The Otters and Cardinals split a pair of one goal games in the regular season. Could there be a third in the section finals? First there could be a "Battle of the Cardinals" as the third seeded Willmar Cardinals look to make their first trip to state since 2003.
It's no mirage that the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage is the top seed in Section 7. But there is a rising program in the Twin Ports in the second seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. Two years ago, the Hilltoppers won only seven games. This season they have 16 and they are three away from heading to the X. Looking to return to state for the first time in 10 years is the third seeded Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks, the first as a Class A program.
Concluding the Class A preview is Section 8, where the top seeded Warroad Warriors are unbeaten. Going into their final regular season game against Roseau, they have recorded six shut out in their last eight games. Hoping to pull the upset are the second seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers and the third seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave.
Next up, the eight Class AA sections.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Minnehaha Academy Redhawks Send Austin Packers Packing
Saturday was a monumental day for Jalen Suggs as he scored a game high 31 points and became Minnehaha Academy's all time career scoring leader who helped the Redhawks beat the Austin Packers 81-61 in Minneapolis.
The Redhawks, the top ranked team in Class AA struck early with six straight points from freshman Prince Aligbe. His first basket came :05 into the game on a right handed dunk. Another came on an alley oop pass from Suggs behind the three point line and Aligbe turned it into another slam. As for the Packers, ranked fourth in Class AAA, they put pressure on Minnehaha Academy's 7'0" center Chet Holmgren, but he would beat the double team and score five consecutive points. Ngor Deng would begin the scoring for Austin and Medi Obang would hit a three pointer. The Redhawks would get a couple of shots from West River Parkway from Holmgren. Minnehaha Academy was 27-14, when foul trouble hit the Packers as Agwa Nywesh picked up his third foul with 8:05 left in the first half. But it didn't stop Austin from making a run at Minnehaha Academy as they would go on a 10-0 run. It would include three pointers from Dongrin Deng and Gavin Owens. Defense would be a factor for the Redhawks as Holmgren blocked Dongrin Deng's shot. Austin would cut the lead to 31-29 and had possession for the final first half shot that could tie the game or give them their first lead. LaHenry Gills attempted a three pointer but Suggs made an outstanding block and Minnehaha Academy held their lead at halftime
There would be good news for Austin fans in the second half when Obang hit a couple of free throws to tie the game at 31. However it would be the only bright spot for the Packers since Suggs would hit a three pointer to regain the lead. The game was stopped briefly when it was announced that Suggs scored 2000 career points and became the Redhawks all time leading scorer. How bad could things go for the Packers? Nywesh would pick up his fourth foul with 15:34 left. Minnehaha Academy would extend their lead with a 9-0 run. Obang would end the run, scoring on a right side armed shot. Holmgren would be a dominant force inside and outside for Minnehaha Academy. He would score on three straight dunks and two consecutive three point plays. Suggs would score six straight points and before the starters were finished and head coach lance Johnson cleared his bench, Aligbe mad an outstanding scoring play, connecting on a left handed scoop shot.
Other players in double figures for Minnehaha Academy were Holmgren with 24 points and Aligbe added 15. Obang was Austin's leading scorer with 18 points. Nywesh was the only other Packer in double figures, finishing with 15 points.
Suggs, Kaden Johnson, Craig McDonald and Siegel Howard were key components of the Class AAAA SMB Wolfpack's state championship team.
The Redhawks improved their record to 13-2 and return to action on Tuesday, February 5 as they travel to St.Paulto take on the St. Paul Academy Spartans at 7 PM. The Packers fell to 13-3 and will also be in action on the 5th, hosting the Rochester John Marshall Rockets, led by Matthew Hurt at 7:30 PM.
The Redhawks, the top ranked team in Class AA struck early with six straight points from freshman Prince Aligbe. His first basket came :05 into the game on a right handed dunk. Another came on an alley oop pass from Suggs behind the three point line and Aligbe turned it into another slam. As for the Packers, ranked fourth in Class AAA, they put pressure on Minnehaha Academy's 7'0" center Chet Holmgren, but he would beat the double team and score five consecutive points. Ngor Deng would begin the scoring for Austin and Medi Obang would hit a three pointer. The Redhawks would get a couple of shots from West River Parkway from Holmgren. Minnehaha Academy was 27-14, when foul trouble hit the Packers as Agwa Nywesh picked up his third foul with 8:05 left in the first half. But it didn't stop Austin from making a run at Minnehaha Academy as they would go on a 10-0 run. It would include three pointers from Dongrin Deng and Gavin Owens. Defense would be a factor for the Redhawks as Holmgren blocked Dongrin Deng's shot. Austin would cut the lead to 31-29 and had possession for the final first half shot that could tie the game or give them their first lead. LaHenry Gills attempted a three pointer but Suggs made an outstanding block and Minnehaha Academy held their lead at halftime
There would be good news for Austin fans in the second half when Obang hit a couple of free throws to tie the game at 31. However it would be the only bright spot for the Packers since Suggs would hit a three pointer to regain the lead. The game was stopped briefly when it was announced that Suggs scored 2000 career points and became the Redhawks all time leading scorer. How bad could things go for the Packers? Nywesh would pick up his fourth foul with 15:34 left. Minnehaha Academy would extend their lead with a 9-0 run. Obang would end the run, scoring on a right side armed shot. Holmgren would be a dominant force inside and outside for Minnehaha Academy. He would score on three straight dunks and two consecutive three point plays. Suggs would score six straight points and before the starters were finished and head coach lance Johnson cleared his bench, Aligbe mad an outstanding scoring play, connecting on a left handed scoop shot.
Other players in double figures for Minnehaha Academy were Holmgren with 24 points and Aligbe added 15. Obang was Austin's leading scorer with 18 points. Nywesh was the only other Packer in double figures, finishing with 15 points.
Suggs, Kaden Johnson, Craig McDonald and Siegel Howard were key components of the Class AAAA SMB Wolfpack's state championship team.
The Redhawks improved their record to 13-2 and return to action on Tuesday, February 5 as they travel to St.Paulto take on the St. Paul Academy Spartans at 7 PM. The Packers fell to 13-3 and will also be in action on the 5th, hosting the Rochester John Marshall Rockets, led by Matthew Hurt at 7:30 PM.
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