Tuesday night was Teacher Appreciation Night for the Groves Academy Griffins and the teachers who stayed for the game after the pregame ceremony would be impressed with Malik Bodden's game high 26 pints that led the Griffins to a 72-57 win over the Calvin Christian Cougars in St. Louis Park.
It looked like the Cougars were going to dominate the game as they would score the first 14 points that started with Joey Ritzema scoring :57 into the game. There would also be three pointers from Ritzema and Josiah Schaap. But lo and behold, the Griffins, playing without Nick Maiers and Max Greseth who missed the game due to illness, would finally get on the board with Larry Mohamed ending the early shutout with 12:18 left in the first half. Bodden would be the engine who put the Groves Academy offense into overdrive, scoring 15 straight points, including a 9-0 Griffin run. Calvin Christian would widen the lead with a 10-0 run. Groves Academy would slice Calvin Christian's lead to one late in the first half as Max Bilcik hit a pair of three pointers and Robert Hall scored on a jumper that wrapped up the first half with the Cougars ahead 32-31.
The second half would begin just like the first with Ritzema scoring the first basket :31 seconds into the half. The Griffins would forge ahead as Mohamed and Bodden would score as well as Donovan Bradshaw, inserted into the starting lineup due to Maiers' absence. It would be an 8-0 Groves Academy run. But Calvin Christian was not done yet as Even Olstad hit a three pointer and a pair of free throws from Josaih Schaap cut the lead to two. Josh Koreze would score to tie the game at 50 and Bradshaw would counter to put the Griffins back in front. They would begin to pull away from the Cougars as they went on a 7-0 run. The one bright spot for Calvin Christian would be Olstad heading to the free throw line for three shots since he was fouled on a three pointer attempt. He would hit his free throws, thought wouldn't be enough as Bodden would convert a three point play and Hall would wrap up the game to help a 5-0 Groves Academy run.
Other players in double figures for the Griffins were Bilcik with 15 points and Mohamed with 15. The Cougars were led by Jace Shields and Hans Dykstra with 10 points apiece.
The Griffins improved their record to 8-11 and head to northeast Minneapolis on Thursday, February 15 for a rematch with the Learning for Leadership Mustangs at 7 PM. The Cougars fell to 11-8 and host the Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabers on Friday, February 16 at 7 PM.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Nova Classical Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit to Leave TCAC
When Nova Classical Academy traveled to Groves Academy Thursday night, it was probably one of the last times the two Twin Cities Athletic Conference rivals will face each other.
That's because in the 2019-20 season, Nova Classical Academy, along with Cristo Rey Jesuit will leave the TCAC for the newly formed Skyline Conference.
Also joining the new conference will be St. Croix Prep, St. Agnes and Concordia Academy. Three schools from the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association will also be part of the Skyline. They are Trinity School at River Ridge, Maranatha Christian Academy and New Life Academy.
It will be the second incarnation of the Skyline Conference. The first incarnation ran from 1957 to 1976 and featured schools such as Fridley, Brooklyn Center, Osseo and Columbia Heights.
Prior to the start of Thursday's game, Nova Classical Academy head coach Duane Heidemann gave his thoughts on the newly formed Skyline Conference.
"I think it's going to be a challenge. It's tough leaving the conference. It's a change."
Could there be a further shakeup in the TCAC following the departure of Nova Classical Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit?
That's because in the 2019-20 season, Nova Classical Academy, along with Cristo Rey Jesuit will leave the TCAC for the newly formed Skyline Conference.
Also joining the new conference will be St. Croix Prep, St. Agnes and Concordia Academy. Three schools from the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association will also be part of the Skyline. They are Trinity School at River Ridge, Maranatha Christian Academy and New Life Academy.
It will be the second incarnation of the Skyline Conference. The first incarnation ran from 1957 to 1976 and featured schools such as Fridley, Brooklyn Center, Osseo and Columbia Heights.
Prior to the start of Thursday's game, Nova Classical Academy head coach Duane Heidemann gave his thoughts on the newly formed Skyline Conference.
"I think it's going to be a challenge. It's tough leaving the conference. It's a change."
Could there be a further shakeup in the TCAC following the departure of Nova Classical Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit?
Nova Classical Academy Knights Cruise Past Groves Academy Griffins
It would be a night to remember for Noah Olson as he scored a game high 23 points to lead the Nova Classical Academy Knights to an 83-49 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Thursday night in St. Louis Park.
Max Bilcik began the scoring for the Griffins with a free throw :15 into the game and the lead changed hands four times in the early going until the Knights went on a 7-0 run. Olson would be a bright spot in the Nova Classical Academy offense as he helped widen the lead with 10 straight points. Groves Academy's field goal shooting was like the weather outside-chilly. It also helped the Knights pull away in the first half on a 10-0 run. The Griffins would go on a late 6-0 run and the Knights led 43-25 at halftime.
Robert Hall would begin the second half scoring for the Griffins on a free throw but it would be the Knights who would put further distance into the margin as they would start on a 8-0 run. Thing would get even worse for Groves Academy in the second half with the game pretty much decided, head coach Peter Shutte started to give the reserves some playing time but one of them, Josh Lightowler wss not listed in the official scorebook so the Griffins were assessed with an administrative technical foul that sent Nova's Abdullahi Abdullahi to the free throw line for two shots. He missed both of them. Nova classic Academy head coach Duane Heidemann also gave his reserves a chance to get some action, including three junior varsity additions, Mustafa El Chamee, Finn Miller and Jack Monroe.
Other player in double figures for Nova Classical Academy were Isaiah Boudreaux with 19 points and Shae Nelson added 15. Groves Academy was led by Malik Biodden with 15 points. Bilcik was the only other Griffin in double figures, scoring 11 points.
The Knights improved their record to 11-7 and return to action on Tuesday, February 13 when they host the St. Croix Prep Lions at 7:30 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-11 and will also be in action on the 13th, hosting the Calvin Christian Cougars at 7 PM.
Max Bilcik began the scoring for the Griffins with a free throw :15 into the game and the lead changed hands four times in the early going until the Knights went on a 7-0 run. Olson would be a bright spot in the Nova Classical Academy offense as he helped widen the lead with 10 straight points. Groves Academy's field goal shooting was like the weather outside-chilly. It also helped the Knights pull away in the first half on a 10-0 run. The Griffins would go on a late 6-0 run and the Knights led 43-25 at halftime.
Robert Hall would begin the second half scoring for the Griffins on a free throw but it would be the Knights who would put further distance into the margin as they would start on a 8-0 run. Thing would get even worse for Groves Academy in the second half with the game pretty much decided, head coach Peter Shutte started to give the reserves some playing time but one of them, Josh Lightowler wss not listed in the official scorebook so the Griffins were assessed with an administrative technical foul that sent Nova's Abdullahi Abdullahi to the free throw line for two shots. He missed both of them. Nova classic Academy head coach Duane Heidemann also gave his reserves a chance to get some action, including three junior varsity additions, Mustafa El Chamee, Finn Miller and Jack Monroe.
Other player in double figures for Nova Classical Academy were Isaiah Boudreaux with 19 points and Shae Nelson added 15. Groves Academy was led by Malik Biodden with 15 points. Bilcik was the only other Griffin in double figures, scoring 11 points.
The Knights improved their record to 11-7 and return to action on Tuesday, February 13 when they host the St. Croix Prep Lions at 7:30 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-11 and will also be in action on the 13th, hosting the Calvin Christian Cougars at 7 PM.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Kugler Signs Wtih UW-Milwaukee
Wednesday was Signing Day for high school seniors throughout the nation and one senior who signed a letter of intent was a St. Louis Park girls soccer player.
Rafferty Kugler, one of four captains for the St. Louis Park Orioles will be headed to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee next season. She was a starter on last season's team that went 10-5-2 before losing to the Minneapolis Washburn Millers in the Section 6AA semifinals.
Kugler is one of five girls soccer players from the Metro West Conference to sign with Division I or II schools. Two players from Chanhassen will be staying in Minnesota. Alex Harmdiercks will be playing next season at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Claire Shea won't have to travel so far. Shea will be heading up I-94 next season to play at St. Cloud State.
Also, a couple of Benilde -St. Margaret's Red Knights have sign Division I tenders. Claire Grazzini will be headed to Fargo next fall to play for the North Dakota State Bison and Maddie Stokes will be headed further away from the Twin Cities since she will be playing next season at the University of Memphis.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Abdi's Gamewinner Leads Learning for Leadership Mustangs
While many Minnesota high schools had the night off due to precinct caucuses, there was plenty of basketball action in St. Louis Park as Kafi Abdi hit a game winning shot with :02.2 to play to lead the Learning for Leadership Mustangs to a 69-68 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Tuesday night.
Ahmed Nur opened the scoring for the Mustangs :33 into the game. Malik Bodden evened the score for the Griffins as they went on an 8-0 run that included four straight points from Max Bilcik. Nur would end the run for Learning for Leadership as he scored four points in a row. Groves Academy would surge ahead as they would go on a late 7-0 run. Nur would score six straight points to bring the Mustangs close as the Griffins led 33-27 at halftime.
In the second half, Abdirizek Ahmed started the scoring with a pair of free throws :39 into the half. The Griffins would go on a 6-0 run but the big story of the second half would be Abdi. He would sink shot after shot from Minnetonka Blvd. as he would hit six three pointers to bring Learning for Leadership back into the game. The tide would turn for the Mustangs when Groves Academy's Nick Maiers was assessed a technical foul that sent Ahmed to the free throw line for two shots. He would make boh free throws to cut the lead to one. The Griffins called time out with :11.6 remaining as the Mustangs would go for the last shot. They would get the win on Abdi's inside shot with :02.2 left in the game. Groves Academy had a chance to win the ballgame but they turned the ball over and that's how the game ended.
Abdi would lead Learning for Leadership with 31 points, 29 in the second half. Other Mustangs in double figures were Ahmed with 18 and Nur with 10. Bilcik led Groves Academy with 22 points. Bodden added 21 and Mohamed finished with 14.
The Mustangs improved their record to 115 and will host the Liberty Classical Academy Lions on Friday, Feburary 9 at 6 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-10 and host the Nova Classical Academy Knights on Thursday, January 8 at 7 PM.
Ahmed Nur opened the scoring for the Mustangs :33 into the game. Malik Bodden evened the score for the Griffins as they went on an 8-0 run that included four straight points from Max Bilcik. Nur would end the run for Learning for Leadership as he scored four points in a row. Groves Academy would surge ahead as they would go on a late 7-0 run. Nur would score six straight points to bring the Mustangs close as the Griffins led 33-27 at halftime.
In the second half, Abdirizek Ahmed started the scoring with a pair of free throws :39 into the half. The Griffins would go on a 6-0 run but the big story of the second half would be Abdi. He would sink shot after shot from Minnetonka Blvd. as he would hit six three pointers to bring Learning for Leadership back into the game. The tide would turn for the Mustangs when Groves Academy's Nick Maiers was assessed a technical foul that sent Ahmed to the free throw line for two shots. He would make boh free throws to cut the lead to one. The Griffins called time out with :11.6 remaining as the Mustangs would go for the last shot. They would get the win on Abdi's inside shot with :02.2 left in the game. Groves Academy had a chance to win the ballgame but they turned the ball over and that's how the game ended.
Abdi would lead Learning for Leadership with 31 points, 29 in the second half. Other Mustangs in double figures were Ahmed with 18 and Nur with 10. Bilcik led Groves Academy with 22 points. Bodden added 21 and Mohamed finished with 14.
The Mustangs improved their record to 115 and will host the Liberty Classical Academy Lions on Friday, Feburary 9 at 6 PM. The Griffins fell to 7-10 and host the Nova Classical Academy Knights on Thursday, January 8 at 7 PM.
Monday, February 5, 2018
2018 Class AA Girls Hockey Section Preview
After examining the eight Class A sections, here's a preview of the eight Class AA sections.
In ?Section 1, the Farmington Tigers, last year's state Class AA consolation champions are the number one seed. The Tigers have won five of their last six games, their only loss was to the second seeded Lakeville South Cougars. Lakeville South has gone 14-5 since they got off to a 2-4 start. Look out for the third seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans. They have lost only one game to a Minnesota team since Red wing beat them 6-2 on December 19 and it was the Owatonna Huskies. Can the Spartans end an 11 year drought without a Rochester based team heading to St. Paul? It should be interesting.
Over in Section 2, the top two teams are from the Lake Conference, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles and the second seeded Minnetonka Skippers. The two teams played each other three times this season with Minnetonka winning two of three games. Eden Prairie ended the season with three straight losses and they need to get back on course in order to set up a fourth battle with the Skippers. Looking to spoil the Lake's dominance are the third seeded Shakopee Sabers and the fourth seeded Holy Family/Waconia Wildfire.
To Section 3, where the top seeded Eagan Wildcats look to return to the X for their first trip since 2013. They are one of two teams with a winning record in the section, the other is the third seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack. The Wildcats district rival the Apple Valley Eagles is the second seed.
In Section 4, the top seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers have won 10 of their last 11 games including consecutive shutouts of Elk River/Zimmerman and Benilde-St. Margaret's. In order for the green clad Pioneer fans to return to the X's green seats, they will have to get past the second seeded Mounds View Mustangs, who have won nine of their last 10 games, including five shut outs. Also in the hunt is the third seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
Going to Section 5, it looks like the best field of any section in the state. It also shows that the Northwest Suburban Conference is one of Minnesota's most competitive girls hockey conference. First of all, there's the top seeded Centennial Cougars who lost two of their three games to the Blake Bears. Look out Centennial, the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson has not lost a game since they were beaten in overtime by Elk River/Zimmerman on December 12. They also have five ties and if the two teams meet in the section final, bring a thermos of coffee, it could last well into the night. But wait, there's more. There's the third seed Blaine Bengals, who got off to a 7-0-1 start, the fourth seeded Rogers Royals and the fifth seeded Champlin Park/Coon Rapids Bluebirds. Who will come out of this section? There's plenty of great action coming to the Roseville Skating Center.
The good news is the two top seeds in Section 6 are the defending Class AA champion Edina Hornets and the defending Class A champion Blake Bears. The bad news is only one team will head to St. Paul. There could be a rematch of the January 20 game where the Hornets beat the Bears 5-2. Before you stand in line outside the Parade Ice Garden for the section final on February 16, the two teams will have to get past the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. Should a Blake-Edina final come to fruition, pickup takeout at any of the eateries along Hennepin and Lyndale Aves. and get to the arena early. The place should be packed and difficult to find a parking spot.
In Section 7, another Northwest Suburban Conference team that has had a stellar season is the top seeded Andover Huskies. Two of their five losses has been to the Centennial Cougars. They will have to get past the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers, who they beat 4-2 on December 14. Another section team the Huskies beat is third seeded Grand Rapids/Greenway.
The pairings have not been posted for Section 8 but it could be the first of several trips to the Twin Cities for Roseau fans since the girls hockey team could get the number one seed and the defending state Class AA champion girls basketball team could head back to Target Center in March. But first, the Rams will have to contend with Brainerd/Little Falls, North Wright County and St. Cloud. Could there be excitement in the Granite City for Icebreaker fans? It's a tough section to forecast.
That's the section pairings as the Road to St. Paul gets underway this week.
In ?Section 1, the Farmington Tigers, last year's state Class AA consolation champions are the number one seed. The Tigers have won five of their last six games, their only loss was to the second seeded Lakeville South Cougars. Lakeville South has gone 14-5 since they got off to a 2-4 start. Look out for the third seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans. They have lost only one game to a Minnesota team since Red wing beat them 6-2 on December 19 and it was the Owatonna Huskies. Can the Spartans end an 11 year drought without a Rochester based team heading to St. Paul? It should be interesting.
Over in Section 2, the top two teams are from the Lake Conference, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles and the second seeded Minnetonka Skippers. The two teams played each other three times this season with Minnetonka winning two of three games. Eden Prairie ended the season with three straight losses and they need to get back on course in order to set up a fourth battle with the Skippers. Looking to spoil the Lake's dominance are the third seeded Shakopee Sabers and the fourth seeded Holy Family/Waconia Wildfire.
To Section 3, where the top seeded Eagan Wildcats look to return to the X for their first trip since 2013. They are one of two teams with a winning record in the section, the other is the third seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack. The Wildcats district rival the Apple Valley Eagles is the second seed.
In Section 4, the top seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers have won 10 of their last 11 games including consecutive shutouts of Elk River/Zimmerman and Benilde-St. Margaret's. In order for the green clad Pioneer fans to return to the X's green seats, they will have to get past the second seeded Mounds View Mustangs, who have won nine of their last 10 games, including five shut outs. Also in the hunt is the third seeded White Bear Lake Bears.
Going to Section 5, it looks like the best field of any section in the state. It also shows that the Northwest Suburban Conference is one of Minnesota's most competitive girls hockey conference. First of all, there's the top seeded Centennial Cougars who lost two of their three games to the Blake Bears. Look out Centennial, the second seeded Maple Grove Crimson has not lost a game since they were beaten in overtime by Elk River/Zimmerman on December 12. They also have five ties and if the two teams meet in the section final, bring a thermos of coffee, it could last well into the night. But wait, there's more. There's the third seed Blaine Bengals, who got off to a 7-0-1 start, the fourth seeded Rogers Royals and the fifth seeded Champlin Park/Coon Rapids Bluebirds. Who will come out of this section? There's plenty of great action coming to the Roseville Skating Center.
The good news is the two top seeds in Section 6 are the defending Class AA champion Edina Hornets and the defending Class A champion Blake Bears. The bad news is only one team will head to St. Paul. There could be a rematch of the January 20 game where the Hornets beat the Bears 5-2. Before you stand in line outside the Parade Ice Garden for the section final on February 16, the two teams will have to get past the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders. Should a Blake-Edina final come to fruition, pickup takeout at any of the eateries along Hennepin and Lyndale Aves. and get to the arena early. The place should be packed and difficult to find a parking spot.
In Section 7, another Northwest Suburban Conference team that has had a stellar season is the top seeded Andover Huskies. Two of their five losses has been to the Centennial Cougars. They will have to get past the second seeded Forest Lake Rangers, who they beat 4-2 on December 14. Another section team the Huskies beat is third seeded Grand Rapids/Greenway.
The pairings have not been posted for Section 8 but it could be the first of several trips to the Twin Cities for Roseau fans since the girls hockey team could get the number one seed and the defending state Class AA champion girls basketball team could head back to Target Center in March. But first, the Rams will have to contend with Brainerd/Little Falls, North Wright County and St. Cloud. Could there be excitement in the Granite City for Icebreaker fans? It's a tough section to forecast.
That's the section pairings as the Road to St. Paul gets underway this week.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
2018 Class A Girls Hockey Section Preview
The Road to St. Paul, the site of the 2018 Minnesota State Girls Hockey Tournament gets underway with section play in Class A& Class AA. Here's a preview of the eight Class A sections and who could be headed to the Xcel Energy Center February 21-24.
In Section 1, the Red Wing Wingers have been on a roll with nine straight wins and hold the number one seed. They have not lost a game since December 29 when they lost 4-1 to the Hutchinson Tigers in the Farmington tournament. The Wingers are the favorites to head down Highway 61 to St. Paul but can they overcome the second seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles.
Over in Section 2, The top seeded Delano/Rockford Tigers have won six of their last seven games and look to bounce back from a season ending loss to the New Prague Trojans. But don't count out the second seeded New Ulm Eagles or the third seeded Hutchinson Tigers. Both the Eagles and Tigers are in the hunt for their first state tournament trip since 2015. It should be an interesting section to watch.
There's no clear cut favorite in Section 3 as the Marshall Tigers are the top seed. Look out for the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets and the third seeded Mankato East/Loyola Cougars. Also worth considering is the fourth seeded Luverne Cardinals, who have gone 4-3 since the calendar changed to 2018.
The pairings haven't been released for Section 4 but St. Paul United has an outstanding shot at the number one seed. Look out SPU. You're being challenged by the South St. Paul Packers who have gone 13-2-2 since they were shut out 5-0 by the Hill-Murray Pioneers on December 8. Also in the mix is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs, who split the season series with South St. Paul.
To Section 5 where it could be a banner season for the top seeded Breck Mustangs with the departure of the Blake Bears to Section 6AA. The Mustangs have the only winning record in the section but the championship trophy is not a given since they have to get past the second seeded Orono Spartans. The Spartans have to contend with the third seeded Totino-Grace Eagles.
No pairings have been posted in Section 6 but it's a safe bet that the Alexandria Cardinals will be the top seed. The Cardinals have gone 10-1 since December 27 and could set up a rematch with the Fergus Falls Otters who they beat 3-2 in overtime on December 5.
Section 7's bracket has also not been posted but watch out for the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. Last season, they won only seven games with a young team and this season the maroon and gold has a record of 17-8. Since their December 15 defeat to the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, the Hilltoppers have gone 12-3. Can they get past the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage, who they beat 1-0 on December 16?
No word yet on the Section 8 bracket as the Warroad Warriors are on a seven game winning streak, including four shut outs. Also in the hunt are the Thief River Falls Prowlers and the East Grand Forks Gree Wave.
Next up will be the eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, the Red Wing Wingers have been on a roll with nine straight wins and hold the number one seed. They have not lost a game since December 29 when they lost 4-1 to the Hutchinson Tigers in the Farmington tournament. The Wingers are the favorites to head down Highway 61 to St. Paul but can they overcome the second seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles.
Over in Section 2, The top seeded Delano/Rockford Tigers have won six of their last seven games and look to bounce back from a season ending loss to the New Prague Trojans. But don't count out the second seeded New Ulm Eagles or the third seeded Hutchinson Tigers. Both the Eagles and Tigers are in the hunt for their first state tournament trip since 2015. It should be an interesting section to watch.
There's no clear cut favorite in Section 3 as the Marshall Tigers are the top seed. Look out for the second seeded Mankato West Scarlets and the third seeded Mankato East/Loyola Cougars. Also worth considering is the fourth seeded Luverne Cardinals, who have gone 4-3 since the calendar changed to 2018.
The pairings haven't been released for Section 4 but St. Paul United has an outstanding shot at the number one seed. Look out SPU. You're being challenged by the South St. Paul Packers who have gone 13-2-2 since they were shut out 5-0 by the Hill-Murray Pioneers on December 8. Also in the mix is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs, who split the season series with South St. Paul.
To Section 5 where it could be a banner season for the top seeded Breck Mustangs with the departure of the Blake Bears to Section 6AA. The Mustangs have the only winning record in the section but the championship trophy is not a given since they have to get past the second seeded Orono Spartans. The Spartans have to contend with the third seeded Totino-Grace Eagles.
No pairings have been posted in Section 6 but it's a safe bet that the Alexandria Cardinals will be the top seed. The Cardinals have gone 10-1 since December 27 and could set up a rematch with the Fergus Falls Otters who they beat 3-2 in overtime on December 5.
Section 7's bracket has also not been posted but watch out for the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers. Last season, they won only seven games with a young team and this season the maroon and gold has a record of 17-8. Since their December 15 defeat to the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, the Hilltoppers have gone 12-3. Can they get past the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage, who they beat 1-0 on December 16?
No word yet on the Section 8 bracket as the Warroad Warriors are on a seven game winning streak, including four shut outs. Also in the hunt are the Thief River Falls Prowlers and the East Grand Forks Gree Wave.
Next up will be the eight Class AA sections.
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