There was plenty of blue and gold clad fans in the Xcel Energy Center's green seats Saturday afternoon who witnessed a classic when Colin Hagstrom scored the game winning goal with 5:16 left in overtime to lead the Mahtomedi Zephyrs to a 3-2 win over the Hermantown Hawks in the Class A boys hockey championship game.
It was the first state title in 12 trips to St. Paul for the Zephyrs. Mahtomedi is one of three Metro East Conference teams in this year's state tournament. The other two are Hill-Murray and St. Thomas Academy, both playing in the Class AA bracket.
The first period started with both teams four on four for :53 but neither team would strike first. The Zephyrs would break the scoreless tie while the Hawks Joey Pierce was serving a hooking penalty. Nikolai Dulak made a centering pass to JD Metz in the center slot and he line the shot through the slot, over the shoulder of Hagstrom and it would land in the net.
Both teams would tally in the second period. Mahtomedi, once again would capitalize on a power play opportunity as Metz maneuvered the puck around the boards and centered it to Ethan Peterson on the doorstep and he would put the Zephyrs ahead by two. There would be no shutout in this year's Class A final when Hermantown, appearing in its 16th state tournament would erase the zero from their portion of the scoreboard. Drew Sams received a pass from Cole Antcliff at the right point and fired the puck past Mahtomedi goalie Ben Dardis to cut the lead to one.
It looked like the Zephyrs were going to clinch the championship in regulation time. Not so fast. With :53 remaining, head coach Pat Andrews pull goalie Jacob Backstrom for a sixth attacker. The Hawks, who had 22 shots stopped by the sophomore goalie Dardis were able to connect on the 23rd on Aaron Pionk's liner past Dardis that crossed the goal line with :21.2 left. On to overtime.
It didn't take long for the Zephyrs to wrap up their first state title. Metz would go around the boards, head toward the corner and made a centering pass to Hagstrom in the center slot and he would send the puck past Backstrom to take home the championship trophy.
Hermantown outshot Mahtomedi 42-14.
In the Class A third palce game, the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders beat the Warroad Warriors 6-4. In the Class A consolation final at the 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota campus, Jesse Peterson scored the game winning goal with 4:50 left in overtime to lead the Delano Tigers to a 2-1 win over the Monticello Moose.
Not only did Hagstrom score the game winning goal, he also received the Class A Herb Brooks Award which goes to a player who exhibits the traits of the late coach.
The attendance for the Class A championship session was 8,978.
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
2020 Class A Boys Basketball Section Preview
Just like the eight Class AA sections, several Class A sections have already started and some are about to get underway so here's who's left standing and who are the top seeds in the eight Class A sections.
A highly competitive section is Section 1 as the top four seeds are still in competition. The top seeded Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms, followed by the second seeded Hayfield Vikings, the third seeded Randolph Rockets and the fourth seeded Schaffer Academy Lions, who are in the hunt for their first state tournament berth. Don't count out the fifth seeded Grand Meadow Superlarks and the sixth seeded Lyle/Austin Pacelli Athletics. Who will head up I-35 to Minneapolis? It's tough to answer the question.
In Section 2, the top seed in the North subsection is the BOLD Warriors, whose only loss this season was to the Minnewaska Area Lakers they will have to get past the second seeded New Ulm Cathedral Greyhounds. The South Subsection's top four seeds are still vying for a state tournament berth, starting with the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers, the second seeded Springfield Trojans, the third seeded Mountain Lake/Comfrey Wolverines and the fourth seeded Nicollet Raiders. Who will be bold against BOLD if the Warriors head to the section title game?
Over in Section 3, the North subsection's top seed, the Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays face the fourth seeded Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks and the second seeded MACCRAY Wolverines face the Lac Qui Parle Valley Eagles. Looking at the South Subsection, the top seeded Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagles are unbeaten and they will have to get past the fifth seeded Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots before they battle the winner of the Westbook/Walnut Grove Chargers and the third seeded Adrian/Ellsworth Dragons, seeds two and three.
The top seed in Section 4 is the Christ's Household of Faith Lions, who played in last year's state tournament and lost to the eventual state champion Henning Hornets. But the Lions have another team with the same nickname that's on a roll, second seeded Legacy Christian, who enters section play on an eight game winning streak. Could the Section 4 final be the Battle of the Lions?
In Section 5, the East Subsection could be a two team race with the top seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals and the second seeded East Central Eagles. It's also a two team race in the West Subsection with the top seeded Nevis Tigers and the second seeded Pine River-Backus Tigers.
Last year's Class A champions the Henning Hornets are the top seed in the Section 6 North subsection. Looking to end the Hornets run is the second seeded Norman County East/Ulen Hitterdal Titans. The top seed in the South Subsection is the West Central Area Knights, who ended regular season play with 14 straight victories. But look out for the second seeded Parkers Prairie Panthers, the third seeded Hancock Owls, the fourth seeded Ashby Arrows and the fifth seeded Brandon-Evansvile Chargers. Can the Hornets earn a return trip to Minneapolis or will any of the five teams in the South subsection put an end to their run?
Up north in Section 7 the top seeded Nashwauk-Keewatin Spartans could make their first trip down I-35 to Minneapolis since 2004. However, the second seeded North Woods Grizzlies is in the hunt for their fourth consecutive trip to state where they lost three consecutive championship games. The third seeded Ely Timberwolves have a shot at their first trip to state since 2001 and the fourth seeded Deer River Warriors could surprise and make their state tournament debut. It could be an interesting section.
Closing out the section preview is Section 8. In the East Subsection, the top seed is the Cass Lake-Bena Panthers and the second seed is the Red Lake Warriors. Could a Native American school return to Minneapolis? It would be great for diversity since the state tournament began in 1913, though the Panthers have been to state six times and the Warriors nine. Looking at the West Subsection, the top seeded Ada-Borup Cougars have won 18 straight games but before the pep band and fan buses head to the Twin Cities, there could be four other teams that could cage the Cougars state tournament chances. The second seeded Fertile-Beltrami Falcons haven't been to state since 2001, the third seeded Banger-Greenbush-Middle River Raiders have won 10 of their last 11 games the fourth seeded Red Lake County Rebels have a chance at an All Red Lake final if Red Lake wins the East subsection and the fifth seeded Kittson County Central Bearcats are in the hunt for their first state tournament berth. It's more than just exciting hockey in northwestern Minnesota, there's some exciting boys basketball in that neck of the woods.
There they are. A preview of the eight sections in each of the four classes. The Road to Minneapolis is paved with some great games. Get out and see one.
A highly competitive section is Section 1 as the top four seeds are still in competition. The top seeded Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms, followed by the second seeded Hayfield Vikings, the third seeded Randolph Rockets and the fourth seeded Schaffer Academy Lions, who are in the hunt for their first state tournament berth. Don't count out the fifth seeded Grand Meadow Superlarks and the sixth seeded Lyle/Austin Pacelli Athletics. Who will head up I-35 to Minneapolis? It's tough to answer the question.
In Section 2, the top seed in the North subsection is the BOLD Warriors, whose only loss this season was to the Minnewaska Area Lakers they will have to get past the second seeded New Ulm Cathedral Greyhounds. The South Subsection's top four seeds are still vying for a state tournament berth, starting with the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers, the second seeded Springfield Trojans, the third seeded Mountain Lake/Comfrey Wolverines and the fourth seeded Nicollet Raiders. Who will be bold against BOLD if the Warriors head to the section title game?
Over in Section 3, the North subsection's top seed, the Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays face the fourth seeded Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks and the second seeded MACCRAY Wolverines face the Lac Qui Parle Valley Eagles. Looking at the South Subsection, the top seeded Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagles are unbeaten and they will have to get past the fifth seeded Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots before they battle the winner of the Westbook/Walnut Grove Chargers and the third seeded Adrian/Ellsworth Dragons, seeds two and three.
The top seed in Section 4 is the Christ's Household of Faith Lions, who played in last year's state tournament and lost to the eventual state champion Henning Hornets. But the Lions have another team with the same nickname that's on a roll, second seeded Legacy Christian, who enters section play on an eight game winning streak. Could the Section 4 final be the Battle of the Lions?
In Section 5, the East Subsection could be a two team race with the top seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals and the second seeded East Central Eagles. It's also a two team race in the West Subsection with the top seeded Nevis Tigers and the second seeded Pine River-Backus Tigers.
Last year's Class A champions the Henning Hornets are the top seed in the Section 6 North subsection. Looking to end the Hornets run is the second seeded Norman County East/Ulen Hitterdal Titans. The top seed in the South Subsection is the West Central Area Knights, who ended regular season play with 14 straight victories. But look out for the second seeded Parkers Prairie Panthers, the third seeded Hancock Owls, the fourth seeded Ashby Arrows and the fifth seeded Brandon-Evansvile Chargers. Can the Hornets earn a return trip to Minneapolis or will any of the five teams in the South subsection put an end to their run?
Up north in Section 7 the top seeded Nashwauk-Keewatin Spartans could make their first trip down I-35 to Minneapolis since 2004. However, the second seeded North Woods Grizzlies is in the hunt for their fourth consecutive trip to state where they lost three consecutive championship games. The third seeded Ely Timberwolves have a shot at their first trip to state since 2001 and the fourth seeded Deer River Warriors could surprise and make their state tournament debut. It could be an interesting section.
Closing out the section preview is Section 8. In the East Subsection, the top seed is the Cass Lake-Bena Panthers and the second seed is the Red Lake Warriors. Could a Native American school return to Minneapolis? It would be great for diversity since the state tournament began in 1913, though the Panthers have been to state six times and the Warriors nine. Looking at the West Subsection, the top seeded Ada-Borup Cougars have won 18 straight games but before the pep band and fan buses head to the Twin Cities, there could be four other teams that could cage the Cougars state tournament chances. The second seeded Fertile-Beltrami Falcons haven't been to state since 2001, the third seeded Banger-Greenbush-Middle River Raiders have won 10 of their last 11 games the fourth seeded Red Lake County Rebels have a chance at an All Red Lake final if Red Lake wins the East subsection and the fifth seeded Kittson County Central Bearcats are in the hunt for their first state tournament berth. It's more than just exciting hockey in northwestern Minnesota, there's some exciting boys basketball in that neck of the woods.
There they are. A preview of the eight sections in each of the four classes. The Road to Minneapolis is paved with some great games. Get out and see one.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
2020 Class AA Boys Basketball Section Preview
Now to the smaller school portions of the section preview as there some Class AA sections underway. so who is left standing and who are the top seeds in the upcoming sections.
Section 1 has had some upsets on the road to Minneapolis that started with 13th seeded Dover-Eyota eliminating St. Charles. They will face the top seeded Caledonia Warriors, led by The Brothers King, Eli and Noah who led the Warrior football team to their fifth consecutive state title last November. The lower bracket has another surprise team with the 10th seeded Pine Island Panthers knocking out the second seeded Lake City Tigers. The Panthers head down Highway 52 to take on the third seeded Stewartville Trojans. Will a double digit seed emerge as section champion?
In Section 2, the North Subsections's top two seeds are still alive with the top seeded Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers battling the Belle Plaine Tigers and the second seeded Jordan Hubmen facing the Glencoe-Silver Lake Panthers. The South subsection's top seed the Waseca Bluejays have won eight straight games and they host Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton. The second seeded Blue Earth Area Buccaneers battle the third seeded Maple River Eagles. Last year, the Bluejays advanced to the Class AAA title game. Can they return to state as a Class AA school?
To Section 3 where the North Subsection top seed the Minnewaska Area Lakers have won seven straight games and face the fifth seeded Paynesville Area Bulldogs. Second seeded Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta takes on the third seeded Redwood Valley Cardinals. The South Subsection could see a battle between the Jackson County Central Huskies and the second seeded Fairmont Cardinals.
There could be a newcomer at Target Center in Section where the top seeded St. Croix Prep Lions are unbeaten. Never heard of St. Croix Prep? The school is located in Stillwater. But first they have to get past the second seeded Concordia Academy Beacons and one of the best teams you've probably never seen or heard of the third seeded Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers. They are a quick and athletic team that has lost only two games this season. Their losses were to St. Paul Academy and Hill-Murray. Who will come out of this section?
The top seed in Section 5 is the Minneapolis North Polars, who lost in the Class AA final to the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. But the Polars have several challengers in their path. The second seeded Rockford Rockets, the third seeded Blake Bears and the fourth seeded Litchfield Dragons. It's a solid four team race to Target Center.
Looking at Section 6, it is a tough section to forecast because there are seven teams that have a shot at the section title trophy. There's the top seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles, who lost their season opener to the second seeded Osakis Silverstreaks. Then there's the third seeded Annandale Cardinals, the fourth seeded Melrose Dutchemen, the fifth seeded Albany Huskies, the sixth seeded Mora Mustangs and a team that hasn't been to state in 40 years, the seventh seeded Pine City Dragons. Plenty of exciting basketball in central Minnesota but only two of these teams will face each other at St. John's March 11. Who will they be?
Now to Section 7 where Subsection 1 has the top seeded Esko Eskomos, the second seeded Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels, the third seeded Pierz Pioneers and the fourth seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. A pretty tough subsection. Not so with Subsection 2 with the top seeded Virginia Blue Devils and the second seeded Greenway Raiders.
And finally in Section 8, the North Subsection's top two seeds are the East Grand Forks Green Wave and the second seeded Dilwoth-Glyndon-Felton Rebels. The South Subsection is a toughie as the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters could battle the second seeded and unbeaten Perham Yellowjackets. But look out for the third seeded Pelican Rapids Vikings and the fourth seeded Barnesville Trojans.
The Class A section preview is next.
Section 1 has had some upsets on the road to Minneapolis that started with 13th seeded Dover-Eyota eliminating St. Charles. They will face the top seeded Caledonia Warriors, led by The Brothers King, Eli and Noah who led the Warrior football team to their fifth consecutive state title last November. The lower bracket has another surprise team with the 10th seeded Pine Island Panthers knocking out the second seeded Lake City Tigers. The Panthers head down Highway 52 to take on the third seeded Stewartville Trojans. Will a double digit seed emerge as section champion?
In Section 2, the North Subsections's top two seeds are still alive with the top seeded Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers battling the Belle Plaine Tigers and the second seeded Jordan Hubmen facing the Glencoe-Silver Lake Panthers. The South subsection's top seed the Waseca Bluejays have won eight straight games and they host Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton. The second seeded Blue Earth Area Buccaneers battle the third seeded Maple River Eagles. Last year, the Bluejays advanced to the Class AAA title game. Can they return to state as a Class AA school?
To Section 3 where the North Subsection top seed the Minnewaska Area Lakers have won seven straight games and face the fifth seeded Paynesville Area Bulldogs. Second seeded Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta takes on the third seeded Redwood Valley Cardinals. The South Subsection could see a battle between the Jackson County Central Huskies and the second seeded Fairmont Cardinals.
There could be a newcomer at Target Center in Section where the top seeded St. Croix Prep Lions are unbeaten. Never heard of St. Croix Prep? The school is located in Stillwater. But first they have to get past the second seeded Concordia Academy Beacons and one of the best teams you've probably never seen or heard of the third seeded Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers. They are a quick and athletic team that has lost only two games this season. Their losses were to St. Paul Academy and Hill-Murray. Who will come out of this section?
The top seed in Section 5 is the Minneapolis North Polars, who lost in the Class AA final to the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. But the Polars have several challengers in their path. The second seeded Rockford Rockets, the third seeded Blake Bears and the fourth seeded Litchfield Dragons. It's a solid four team race to Target Center.
Looking at Section 6, it is a tough section to forecast because there are seven teams that have a shot at the section title trophy. There's the top seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles, who lost their season opener to the second seeded Osakis Silverstreaks. Then there's the third seeded Annandale Cardinals, the fourth seeded Melrose Dutchemen, the fifth seeded Albany Huskies, the sixth seeded Mora Mustangs and a team that hasn't been to state in 40 years, the seventh seeded Pine City Dragons. Plenty of exciting basketball in central Minnesota but only two of these teams will face each other at St. John's March 11. Who will they be?
Now to Section 7 where Subsection 1 has the top seeded Esko Eskomos, the second seeded Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels, the third seeded Pierz Pioneers and the fourth seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. A pretty tough subsection. Not so with Subsection 2 with the top seeded Virginia Blue Devils and the second seeded Greenway Raiders.
And finally in Section 8, the North Subsection's top two seeds are the East Grand Forks Green Wave and the second seeded Dilwoth-Glyndon-Felton Rebels. The South Subsection is a toughie as the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters could battle the second seeded and unbeaten Perham Yellowjackets. But look out for the third seeded Pelican Rapids Vikings and the fourth seeded Barnesville Trojans.
The Class A section preview is next.
2020 Class AAA Boys Basketball Section Preview
Next up are the eight Class AAA sections.
If there is a clear favorite in Section 1 it's the top seeded Austin Packers. Head coach Kris Fadness has brought a wave of success in Spamtown as they look to head up I-35 to Minneapolis for the third straight year. The rest of the section isn't much but could the Packers Big Nine Conference rival the second seeded Albert Lea Tigers spring an upset?
Another Big Nine team is the top seed in Section 2, the Mankato East Cougars. Last season's second the Waseca Bluejays dropped down to Class AA so it could be the Cougars turn to head to their 10th state tournament. They have not lost a game since December 7 when they lost to the DeLaSalle Islanders 67-63. There's some outstanding boys basketball in southern Minnesota with the second seeded Marshall Tigers, the third seeded St. Peter Saints who have won five in a row and the fourth seeded Hutchinson Tigers. Can the Cougars conquer this competitive field?
It could be The Battle of Richfield in Section 3 with the top seeded Richfield Spartans and the second seeded Holy Angels. Looking to end any hopes of an All Richfield section final is the third seeded South St. Paul Packers who could advance to their first state tournament since the end of the one class era in 1970. Can the Packers prove that South St. Paul is not just a hockey town and earn a trip to The Barn or will there be a celebration in the city of Richfield?
You'll need only four words to describe the top seed in Section 4. The Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. The author of this blog has followed Minnesota high school basketball since 1973 after living in New Jersey and there has never been a dominant team like the Redhawks. They have Gonzaga signee Jalen Suggs who also played in two Prep Bowls and one of the best juniors in the nation in 7'0" center Chet Holmgren. This is a team that is a very strong favorite to headback to state but first they have to beat the second seeded Totino-Grace Eagles.
In Section 5, the top seeded Delano Tigers hope to return to Minneapolis since they took home the Class AAA title trophy in 2018. The only other section team with a winning record is the second seeded Monticello Magic.
The defending Class AAA champion DeLaSalle Islanders are the top seeded team in Section 6. Before a sea of black and gold fans descend on Williams Arena the Minneapolis school has serious competition in their midst. The second seeded Waconia Wildcats have won 13 straight games and their Wright County Conference rival, the third seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks have won eight in a row. The Islanders road to state this year isn't an easy one but the seedings are intriguing.
The top seed in Section 7, the Princeton Tigers ended an 87 year state tournament drought last season. But before Tiger fans make the trip down Highway 169, there's three other schools up north that could end the Tigers section title reign. They are the second seeded Hermantown Hawks, the third seeded Hibbing Bluejackets and the fourth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. Who will come out of this section? It has the makings of a toughie?
Another tough section is Section 8, where the top three seeded ended the regular season with 18 wins. It's a three team race between the top seeded St. Cloud Apollo Eagles, the second seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks who have won five consecutive games and the third seeded Alexandria Cardinals. Which one of these teams will take home the championship hardware? The answer comes in the section final March 12.
Next: Some sections are underway in Class AA. So who will be left and who are the top seeds in the others who haven't started yet.
If there is a clear favorite in Section 1 it's the top seeded Austin Packers. Head coach Kris Fadness has brought a wave of success in Spamtown as they look to head up I-35 to Minneapolis for the third straight year. The rest of the section isn't much but could the Packers Big Nine Conference rival the second seeded Albert Lea Tigers spring an upset?
Another Big Nine team is the top seed in Section 2, the Mankato East Cougars. Last season's second the Waseca Bluejays dropped down to Class AA so it could be the Cougars turn to head to their 10th state tournament. They have not lost a game since December 7 when they lost to the DeLaSalle Islanders 67-63. There's some outstanding boys basketball in southern Minnesota with the second seeded Marshall Tigers, the third seeded St. Peter Saints who have won five in a row and the fourth seeded Hutchinson Tigers. Can the Cougars conquer this competitive field?
It could be The Battle of Richfield in Section 3 with the top seeded Richfield Spartans and the second seeded Holy Angels. Looking to end any hopes of an All Richfield section final is the third seeded South St. Paul Packers who could advance to their first state tournament since the end of the one class era in 1970. Can the Packers prove that South St. Paul is not just a hockey town and earn a trip to The Barn or will there be a celebration in the city of Richfield?
You'll need only four words to describe the top seed in Section 4. The Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. The author of this blog has followed Minnesota high school basketball since 1973 after living in New Jersey and there has never been a dominant team like the Redhawks. They have Gonzaga signee Jalen Suggs who also played in two Prep Bowls and one of the best juniors in the nation in 7'0" center Chet Holmgren. This is a team that is a very strong favorite to headback to state but first they have to beat the second seeded Totino-Grace Eagles.
In Section 5, the top seeded Delano Tigers hope to return to Minneapolis since they took home the Class AAA title trophy in 2018. The only other section team with a winning record is the second seeded Monticello Magic.
The defending Class AAA champion DeLaSalle Islanders are the top seeded team in Section 6. Before a sea of black and gold fans descend on Williams Arena the Minneapolis school has serious competition in their midst. The second seeded Waconia Wildcats have won 13 straight games and their Wright County Conference rival, the third seeded Mound-Westonka Whitehawks have won eight in a row. The Islanders road to state this year isn't an easy one but the seedings are intriguing.
The top seed in Section 7, the Princeton Tigers ended an 87 year state tournament drought last season. But before Tiger fans make the trip down Highway 169, there's three other schools up north that could end the Tigers section title reign. They are the second seeded Hermantown Hawks, the third seeded Hibbing Bluejackets and the fourth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. Who will come out of this section? It has the makings of a toughie?
Another tough section is Section 8, where the top three seeded ended the regular season with 18 wins. It's a three team race between the top seeded St. Cloud Apollo Eagles, the second seeded Bemidji Lumberjacks who have won five consecutive games and the third seeded Alexandria Cardinals. Which one of these teams will take home the championship hardware? The answer comes in the section final March 12.
Next: Some sections are underway in Class AA. So who will be left and who are the top seeds in the others who haven't started yet.
Monday, March 2, 2020
2020 Class AAAA Boys Basketball Section Preview
As the state boys hockey gets underway Wednesday and the girls basketball section finals determine who will go to next weeks's state tournament, it's the start of boys basketball section action throughout Minnesota. First up are the eight Class AAAA sections.
If there's any guarantee about Section 1, the road to the state tournament will go through Rochester. The section final is at the Mayo Civic Arena and the top seed is the Lakeville North Cougars. But wait. There are a couple of Rochester schools that could keep the Cougars from heading up I-35 to Target Center, the second seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans, looking for the first berth since 2008 and the third seeded Rochester Century Panthers, who have not made the trip to state since 2002. It should be an interesting section.
In Section 2, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles are unbeaten, even beating the Hopkins Royals twice in the regular season. However, David Flom's bunch has tough competition in the hot second seeded Chaska Hawks who have won 13 straight games. Who was the last team Chaska lost to? The answer, Eden Prairie 81-68 on January 3. There could be a rematch in the section final. Don't count out the third seeded Shakopee Sabers or the fourth seeded Prior Lake Lakers, winner of eight straight games.
The top seed in Section 3 is the Eastview Lightning, led by Steven Crowl who will play next season at Wisconsin. The only other section team with a winning record is the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers, under the veteran leadership of John Oxton. The Panthers have made the tournament seven straight years when they were in Section 1. The State High School League moved Lakeville North into Section 3 so could that streak end or will the pull the upset on the Lightning.
Section 4 looks like a toughie with five teams that could head to downtown Minneapolis. First is the top seeded East Ridge Raptors, featuring another future Wisconsin Badger Ben Carlson. But look out for the second seeded Cretin Derham-Hall Raiders, the third seeded Woodbury Royals, the fourth seeded North St. Paul Polars, who played in the first two class tournament in 1971 and lost in the Class AA final to the Duluth Central Trojans and the fifth seeded Tartan Titans. Who will make the trip down I-94? There's plenty of competition in the east metro.
Another tough section is Section 5, with the top seeded Park Center Pirates, led by Dain Dainja, who will head south to Baylor next season. Looking to scuttle the Pirates state tournament plans are the second seeded Spring Lake Park Panthers, the third seeded Champlin Park Panthers and a pair of schools from the Mounds View school district that will meet in the quarterfinals, the fourth seeded Mounds View Mustangs and the fifth seeded Irondale Knights. Can the Pirates sail their ship to state or will any of the other four teams put them in drydock?
What an outstanding year for Hopkins basketball. The girls team is one win away from defending their state Class AAAA championship and the boys team is the top seed in Section 6. The Royals are led by Kerwin Walton who has not decided where he will play next season. Come on Richard Pitino, head to Target Center and recruit him hard, you'll need him to get the Gophers back in the NCAA tournament next season. They will have to get past the second seeded Cooper Hawks who have won four straight games.
Heading north to Section 7 where the top seeded Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets made their first trip to state last season since 2008. But there could be a rematch with the second seeded Duluth East Greyhounds who they beat in the Hibbing Holiday Tournament December 27 83-77.
There's been outstanding basketball this season in the Northwest Suburban Conference and one team that's be playing some really good basketball is the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson. But looking to keep the Crimson fan buses from heading down I-94 is the second seeded Moorhead Spuds, winners of 12 straight games. Can they earn their 24th trip to state or will the Crimson receive the gold medals following the section final?
Next the eight Class AAA sections.
If there's any guarantee about Section 1, the road to the state tournament will go through Rochester. The section final is at the Mayo Civic Arena and the top seed is the Lakeville North Cougars. But wait. There are a couple of Rochester schools that could keep the Cougars from heading up I-35 to Target Center, the second seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans, looking for the first berth since 2008 and the third seeded Rochester Century Panthers, who have not made the trip to state since 2002. It should be an interesting section.
In Section 2, the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles are unbeaten, even beating the Hopkins Royals twice in the regular season. However, David Flom's bunch has tough competition in the hot second seeded Chaska Hawks who have won 13 straight games. Who was the last team Chaska lost to? The answer, Eden Prairie 81-68 on January 3. There could be a rematch in the section final. Don't count out the third seeded Shakopee Sabers or the fourth seeded Prior Lake Lakers, winner of eight straight games.
The top seed in Section 3 is the Eastview Lightning, led by Steven Crowl who will play next season at Wisconsin. The only other section team with a winning record is the second seeded Lakeville North Panthers, under the veteran leadership of John Oxton. The Panthers have made the tournament seven straight years when they were in Section 1. The State High School League moved Lakeville North into Section 3 so could that streak end or will the pull the upset on the Lightning.
Section 4 looks like a toughie with five teams that could head to downtown Minneapolis. First is the top seeded East Ridge Raptors, featuring another future Wisconsin Badger Ben Carlson. But look out for the second seeded Cretin Derham-Hall Raiders, the third seeded Woodbury Royals, the fourth seeded North St. Paul Polars, who played in the first two class tournament in 1971 and lost in the Class AA final to the Duluth Central Trojans and the fifth seeded Tartan Titans. Who will make the trip down I-94? There's plenty of competition in the east metro.
Another tough section is Section 5, with the top seeded Park Center Pirates, led by Dain Dainja, who will head south to Baylor next season. Looking to scuttle the Pirates state tournament plans are the second seeded Spring Lake Park Panthers, the third seeded Champlin Park Panthers and a pair of schools from the Mounds View school district that will meet in the quarterfinals, the fourth seeded Mounds View Mustangs and the fifth seeded Irondale Knights. Can the Pirates sail their ship to state or will any of the other four teams put them in drydock?
What an outstanding year for Hopkins basketball. The girls team is one win away from defending their state Class AAAA championship and the boys team is the top seed in Section 6. The Royals are led by Kerwin Walton who has not decided where he will play next season. Come on Richard Pitino, head to Target Center and recruit him hard, you'll need him to get the Gophers back in the NCAA tournament next season. They will have to get past the second seeded Cooper Hawks who have won four straight games.
Heading north to Section 7 where the top seeded Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets made their first trip to state last season since 2008. But there could be a rematch with the second seeded Duluth East Greyhounds who they beat in the Hibbing Holiday Tournament December 27 83-77.
There's been outstanding basketball this season in the Northwest Suburban Conference and one team that's be playing some really good basketball is the top seeded Maple Grove Crimson. But looking to keep the Crimson fan buses from heading down I-94 is the second seeded Moorhead Spuds, winners of 12 straight games. Can they earn their 24th trip to state or will the Crimson receive the gold medals following the section final?
Next the eight Class AAA sections.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
2020 Class AA State Boys Hockey Tournament Quarterfinal Preview
2020 STATE CLASS AA BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW
(Games played Thursday, March 5 at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul)
11:00: Maple Grove vs. Blake (Seed 2)
1:00: Lakeville South vs. Eden Prairie (Seed 3)
6:00: St. Thomas Academy vs. Andover (Seed 1)
8:00: Hill-Murray (Seed 5) vs. Moorhead (Seed 4)
Examining the field: After a day of Class A quarterfinal action, it's the Class AA schools turn to play as the Xcel Energy Center's green seats are filled with fans watching a pretty balanced field. First up is the Maple Grove Crimson, one of two Northwest Suburban Conference teams in the field. The Crimson were the number two seed in Section 5 and beat the Blaine Bengals after losing two games to them during the regular season to advance to their third state tournament. The Blake Bears make their sixth trip to St. Paul and their first as a Class AA school after years of competing in Class A. Blake beat the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights in the Section 6 final on a penalty shot. Can they advance to their first state title game after going 4-9 in their first five trips to state?
Rounding out the afternoon session are two teams who head to the X on six game winning streaks, the Lakeville South Cougars and the third seeded Eden Prairie Eagles. This is not a rerun, the two teams played each other in the same bracket last year with the Eagles winning 3-2 in triple overtime. Not only has Lakeville South won six straight games, they won 11 of their last 12. The Eagles were the number two seed in Section 2 as head coach Lee Smith guided his 12th team to the state tournament. Is another marathon game possible?
Heading to the evening session and to quote a Ralph Kramden line from the classic sitcom The Honeymooners "Whoa, what a surprise!" The surprise team is the St. Thomas Academy Cadets, who were the fifth seed in the Section 3 tournament and defeated the top seeded Rosemount Irish They have not lost a game since January 30 when they were beaten by the Hill-Murray Pioneers 3-2. Now it gets even tougher for the Mendota Hieights based school as they battle the top seeded Andover Huskies. Two weeks ago, the girls hockey team won the Class AA state title by ending the Edina Hornets three year title run. Now it's the guys turn to try to bring another trophy to the growing Anoka County metropolis. Can they do it? Get a spot in the trophy case ready custodians.
A pair of perennial powers wrap up the day's quarterfinal festivities as the fifth seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers face the fourth seeded Moorhead Spuds. The Pioneers, under the veteran leadership of Bill Lechner are in their 30th state tournament and are looking for their first Class AA title since 2008. The Spuds have made their 17th trip to St. Paul but they have never brought a championship trophy up I-94 to the Fargo-Moorhead area. It's a rematch of the February 15th game where the Pioneers beat the Spuds 4-3. Who will come out on top?
That's the state tournament preview. Get ready for four days of exciting Minnesota high school hockey.
(Games played Thursday, March 5 at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul)
11:00: Maple Grove vs. Blake (Seed 2)
1:00: Lakeville South vs. Eden Prairie (Seed 3)
6:00: St. Thomas Academy vs. Andover (Seed 1)
8:00: Hill-Murray (Seed 5) vs. Moorhead (Seed 4)
Examining the field: After a day of Class A quarterfinal action, it's the Class AA schools turn to play as the Xcel Energy Center's green seats are filled with fans watching a pretty balanced field. First up is the Maple Grove Crimson, one of two Northwest Suburban Conference teams in the field. The Crimson were the number two seed in Section 5 and beat the Blaine Bengals after losing two games to them during the regular season to advance to their third state tournament. The Blake Bears make their sixth trip to St. Paul and their first as a Class AA school after years of competing in Class A. Blake beat the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights in the Section 6 final on a penalty shot. Can they advance to their first state title game after going 4-9 in their first five trips to state?
Rounding out the afternoon session are two teams who head to the X on six game winning streaks, the Lakeville South Cougars and the third seeded Eden Prairie Eagles. This is not a rerun, the two teams played each other in the same bracket last year with the Eagles winning 3-2 in triple overtime. Not only has Lakeville South won six straight games, they won 11 of their last 12. The Eagles were the number two seed in Section 2 as head coach Lee Smith guided his 12th team to the state tournament. Is another marathon game possible?
Heading to the evening session and to quote a Ralph Kramden line from the classic sitcom The Honeymooners "Whoa, what a surprise!" The surprise team is the St. Thomas Academy Cadets, who were the fifth seed in the Section 3 tournament and defeated the top seeded Rosemount Irish They have not lost a game since January 30 when they were beaten by the Hill-Murray Pioneers 3-2. Now it gets even tougher for the Mendota Hieights based school as they battle the top seeded Andover Huskies. Two weeks ago, the girls hockey team won the Class AA state title by ending the Edina Hornets three year title run. Now it's the guys turn to try to bring another trophy to the growing Anoka County metropolis. Can they do it? Get a spot in the trophy case ready custodians.
A pair of perennial powers wrap up the day's quarterfinal festivities as the fifth seeded Hill-Murray Pioneers face the fourth seeded Moorhead Spuds. The Pioneers, under the veteran leadership of Bill Lechner are in their 30th state tournament and are looking for their first Class AA title since 2008. The Spuds have made their 17th trip to St. Paul but they have never brought a championship trophy up I-94 to the Fargo-Moorhead area. It's a rematch of the February 15th game where the Pioneers beat the Spuds 4-3. Who will come out on top?
That's the state tournament preview. Get ready for four days of exciting Minnesota high school hockey.
2020 State Class A Boys Hockey Tournament Quarterfinal Preview
2020 STATE CLASS A BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW
(Games played Wednesday, March 4 at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul)
11:00: Mankato East/Loyola vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 2)
1:00 Monticello Moose vs. Hermantown (Seed 3)
6:00: Hutchinson vs. Warroad (Seed 1)
8:00: Delano (Seed 5) vs. Mahtomedi (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The 2020 edition of Minnesota's premier hockey event opens as the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars head down Highway 169 to St. Paul to face the defending Class A champion St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. The Cougars were the fourth seed in Section 1 and had a key victory in beating the top seeded Dodge County Wildcats. But can they defeat another giant in St. Cloud Cathedral? Last season, the Crusaders brought joy to the Granite City with their first state title, the first by any St. Cloud based team. This season, the Crusaders played Warroad on November 29 and lost to the Warriors 5-2. Is a rematch possibly in the Class A final?
The afternoon session concludes as the Monticello Moose makes it's third trip to the X and first in its current iteration. They were also known as Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake and Monticello/Maple Lake. They have a tough task ahead in the perennial Twin Ports power the third seeded Hermantown Hawks. Pat Andrews, who took over for the retired Bruce Plante has brought Hermantown down I-35 to the X for the 13th time. They got back on track after losing two straight games to Lakeville South and Grand Rapids. A possible showdown with St. Cloud Cathedral could come in the semifinals. The two teams met on January 3 and tied 5-5. There could be overtime if the two teams meet Friday afternoon.
Opening the evening session are two teams that played a couple of weeks ago in the state girls hockey tournament, the Hutchinson Tigers and the top seeded Warroad Warriors. The Tigers make their first trip to St. Paul for the first time in 20 years and go up against a Warrior team that went through the Section 8 playoffs without giving up a single goal. Warroad outscored their three section opponents 19-0 and look to extend their unanswered goal streak beyond 20. There will be plenty of black and gold in the X's green seats as Warroad looks to bring fans in Hockeytown USA a state title trophy.
Concluding Class A quarterfinal play is the fifth seeded Delano Tigers and the fourth seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs. The Tigers are the second team from the Wright County Conference in the field and head down Highway 12 for the third straight year to St. Paul. Delano was the second seeded team and beat the fourth seeded Armstrong/Cooper Wings in the section title game. The Zephyrs are playing in their fourth consecutive state tournament and 13th overall but they have never taken home the championship hardware. Could it finally be the year? First they have to get past the Tigers and survive a showdown with Warroad if they beat Hutchinson.
Next up. The state Class AA preview.
(Games played Wednesday, March 4 at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul)
11:00: Mankato East/Loyola vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 2)
1:00 Monticello Moose vs. Hermantown (Seed 3)
6:00: Hutchinson vs. Warroad (Seed 1)
8:00: Delano (Seed 5) vs. Mahtomedi (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The 2020 edition of Minnesota's premier hockey event opens as the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars head down Highway 169 to St. Paul to face the defending Class A champion St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. The Cougars were the fourth seed in Section 1 and had a key victory in beating the top seeded Dodge County Wildcats. But can they defeat another giant in St. Cloud Cathedral? Last season, the Crusaders brought joy to the Granite City with their first state title, the first by any St. Cloud based team. This season, the Crusaders played Warroad on November 29 and lost to the Warriors 5-2. Is a rematch possibly in the Class A final?
The afternoon session concludes as the Monticello Moose makes it's third trip to the X and first in its current iteration. They were also known as Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake and Monticello/Maple Lake. They have a tough task ahead in the perennial Twin Ports power the third seeded Hermantown Hawks. Pat Andrews, who took over for the retired Bruce Plante has brought Hermantown down I-35 to the X for the 13th time. They got back on track after losing two straight games to Lakeville South and Grand Rapids. A possible showdown with St. Cloud Cathedral could come in the semifinals. The two teams met on January 3 and tied 5-5. There could be overtime if the two teams meet Friday afternoon.
Opening the evening session are two teams that played a couple of weeks ago in the state girls hockey tournament, the Hutchinson Tigers and the top seeded Warroad Warriors. The Tigers make their first trip to St. Paul for the first time in 20 years and go up against a Warrior team that went through the Section 8 playoffs without giving up a single goal. Warroad outscored their three section opponents 19-0 and look to extend their unanswered goal streak beyond 20. There will be plenty of black and gold in the X's green seats as Warroad looks to bring fans in Hockeytown USA a state title trophy.
Concluding Class A quarterfinal play is the fifth seeded Delano Tigers and the fourth seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs. The Tigers are the second team from the Wright County Conference in the field and head down Highway 12 for the third straight year to St. Paul. Delano was the second seeded team and beat the fourth seeded Armstrong/Cooper Wings in the section title game. The Zephyrs are playing in their fourth consecutive state tournament and 13th overall but they have never taken home the championship hardware. Could it finally be the year? First they have to get past the Tigers and survive a showdown with Warroad if they beat Hutchinson.
Next up. The state Class AA preview.
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