2019 STATE CLASS AA GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
(Games played Wednesday, March 13)
AT WILLIAMS ARENA
6:00: Redwood Valley vs. Roseau (Seed 1)
8:00: Proctor (Seed 5) vs. Caledonia (Seed 4)
AT MATURI PAVILION
6:00: Albany vs. Holy Family Catholic (Seed 2)
8:00: St. Peter vs. Minnehaha Academy (Seed 3)
EXAMINING THE FIELD
If you've missed any of the first four state tournament games because you were at work or didn't catch the webcasts, there's plenty of outstanding basketball in the evening sessions. First up at Williams Arena is the Redwood Valley Cardinals, the second seed in Section 3, battling the top seeded Roseau Rams. The Cardinals clinched their first trip to state since 2014 with a 62-58 win over the top seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. The Rams are back in Minneapolis for the fifth consecutive year under the leadership of Kelsey Didrikson and look to make their third straight appearance in the Class AA finals. Last year, Roseau lost to the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters in the Class AA championship game. The Borowicz Sisters are still a factor in the Rams success, Katie and Kacie. Keep an eye on the Green and White.They are a favorite to bring home the gold.
Wrapping up the day at The Barn is the fifth seeded Proctor Rails and the fourth seeded Caledonia Warriors. The Rails are on board to Minneapolis for the first time since 2001 and their third overall trip. They have not lost a game since February 4, when they lost to the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals 66-46. The Warriors make their ninth state tournament appearance and look to bring the championship trophy to the town of 2,752 inhabitants for the first time in 10 years. The second seed in Section 1, Caledonia beat the fourth seeded Winona Cotter Ramblers 48-39 in the championship game. It should be an outstanding climax to a great day of basketball at The Barn.
Next door at Maturi Pavilion, the Albany Huskies head down I-94 for their 13th tournament appearance and their first since they won the 2008 Class AA title. But the man who led them to the title, head coach Jon Noreen won't be present in Minneapolis. Noreen passed away February 1 at the age of 67. Hearts will be heavy for the Huskies players and fans as they go for a state title in memory of the veteran head coach. It won't be easy for Albany as they go up against the second seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire who has played like the Victoria based school's nickname, winning 11 of their last 12 games. Holy Family earn their second state tournament berth with a 47-32 win over the Annandale Cardinals in the Section 5AA final. Can the Fire stay on fire?
Ending the day's festivities will be the St. Peter Saints taking on the third seeded Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. So far, it's been a big week for St. Peter fans. Last Thursday, the Minnesota River Bulldogs made their first trip to the State Boys Hockey Tournament, losing to East Grand Forks in the Class A quarterfinals. This coming Wednesday, Saints fans will be heading up Highway 169 to see the girls basketball team make their seventh trip to state and first since 2011. The Saints have a tough task ahead against the Redhawks, who are making their sixth straight appearance and 12th overall. Minnehaha Academy has won 17 of their last 18 games. They are a young team with three seniors and three seventh graders, including the sister of Redhawks boys basketball star Jalen, Jennica. Will she be a factor toward the Redhawks first state title since 2010?
Next: The Class A preview.
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