2017 STATE CLASS AA BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Thursday, March 9 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
11:00: Lakeville South vs. St. Thomas Academy (Seed 2)
1:00: Hill-Murray vs. Moorhead (Seed 3)
6:00: Wayzata vs. Eden Prairie (Seed 1)
8:00: Grand Rapids (Seed 5) vs. Maple Grove (Seed 4)
Examining the Field: Big crowds and big hopes await the eight Class AA teams that get their turn in the Xcel Energy Center spotlight. First up is the Lakeville South Cougars and the second seeded St. Thomas Academy Cadets. The Cougars have won six of their last seven games and are making their third trip to the X. Their leading scoring Josh Ess will be playing against his former teammate, now a Minnesota Gopher Justin Kloos at Wisconsin next season. The Cadets are in their 10th state tournament and their second since the Brothers Vanelli, Tom and Greg moved them on up from Class A to Class AA. They have not lost a game since a January 14 overtime loss to the Mahtomedi Zephyrs 2-1. Could this be the year St. Thomas Academy finally gets their piece of the championship pie in Class AA?
The afternoon session concludes with a pair of perennial powers, the Hill-Murray Pioneers and the Moorhead Spuds. The two teams met on February 18 when the Pioneers headed up I-94 to Moorhead and lost to the Spuds 4-3. It's the 28th trip to state for Hill-Murray and there will probably be a lot of green clad fans in the X's green seats. Moorhead makes their 15th trip to St. Paul and they are still looking for their first state title. They have been the Minnesota Vikings of Class AA boys hockey, finishing second seven times. The Spuds have not lost a game since December 29 when they lost 1-0 to the Prior Lake Lakers at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park. Is an eighth state title game in the works for the Spuds as well as fans in the Fargo-Moorhead area?
Now to the evening session where a rematch of last year's Class AA final takes place between the defending Class AA champion Wayzata Trojans and the top seeded Eden Prairie Eagles. The Trojans have shaken off a 1-5 start and have beaten a couple of top teams to return to St. Paul. They beat the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders in the Section 6 semifinals and beat the Edina Hornets in the section final. In three section games, Wayzata has outscored their opponents 11-1. As for the Eagles, they beat their Lake Conference rivals twice in the regular season 8-2 and 4-2. Eden Prairie is on a 17 game winning streak and advanced to their fifth consecutive state tournament with a 4-3 win over the Holy Family Catholic fire in the Section 2AA final. Nicky Leivermann got the game winning goal for the Eagles. His teammate, Casey Mittlestadt is a Mr. Hockey Hockey finalist and will be playing for the Gophers next season if he doesn't get drafted and sign an NHL contract. Eden Prairie is a favorite to win their first state Class AA title since 2011.
Concluding the Class AA quarterfinals will the the fifth seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks and the fourth seeded Maple Grove Crimson. The Thunderhawks make their 15th trip to St. Paul and clinched a state tournament berth in glorious fashion with a 3-2 double overtime win over the Duluth East Greyhounds. Last season, Grand Rapids took home the third place trophy and this year they're looking for their first state title since 1980. The Crimson head down I-94 to St. Paul for the first time since 2012 and hope to get their first tournament win. They have been on a roll, winning nine of their last ten games.
There's plenty of exciting high school hockey coming up in downtown St. Paul.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Saturday, March 4, 2017
2017 State Class A Boys Hockey Tournament Preview
2017 STATE CLASS A BOYS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Games played Wednesday, March 8 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
11:00: Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake vs. Delano (Seed 2)
1:00: Northfield vs. Mahtomedi (Seed 3)
6:00: Luverne vs. Hermantown (Seed 1)
8:00: St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 5) vs. East Grand Forks (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Boys Hockey Tournament gets underway with the "Battle of Wright County" as the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose and the Delano Tigers make their maiden voyages to the X. The two teams didn't play each other during the regular season because they play in different conferences. The Moose are in the Mississippi 8 and the Tigers are in the Wright County Conference. M/A/ML has been on a 12-1-1 since a 4-3 overtime loss to Chisago Lakes January 12 and are led by Nick Zwack, who will be headed for the baseball diamond at Xavier in Cincinnati next season. Delano has done what few teams have done in Section 2 tournament play and that is beat the Breck Mustangs. Two of three Tiger defeats were to the Holy Family Catholic Fire and the other when they played in the Duluth Marshall tournament on December 28 and hell to the Hermantown Hawks 4-3. If you haven't seen Delano's outstanding Mr. Hockey finalist Ben Meyers in action, it may be your only chance to do so because he will be headed for Maine next season to play for the Black Bears. It should be an outstanding early quarterfinal match up and 45TV's rating will probably go through the roof in Wright County.
The afternoon session concludes with another first time entrant, the Northfield Raiders as maroon and gold clad fans once again head up Highway 3 two weeks after the girls lost to the Warroad Warriors in the Class A third place game. They will go up against the third seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs who pulled of the upset in the Section 4A final against the St. Paul Academy Spartans. After losing to the St. Thomas Academy Cadets 7-0 on February 9, the Zephyrs have heated up at the right time, winning five straight games. As for Northfield, they have won two straight overtime games in the Section 1 tournament by identical 3-2 scores. The first was a single OT against Mankato East/Loyola and the second was a double overtime affair as they beat the Red Wing Wingers. Can the Raiders accomplish what their female counterparts did in February or will the Zephyr's hot streak continue?
Opening up the evening session is a rising boys hockey power in southwestern Minnesota the Luverne Cardinals. The good news is that the Cardinals have a high powered offense and a defense that has allowed only 32 goals this season. Now the bad news. They go up against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Hermantown Hawks. It's the 14th trip to St. Paul for veteran head coach Bruce Plante who finally took home the championship trophy last season after six consecutive second place finishes. The Hawks have not lost a game since they opened their season with a 5-1 loss to Wayzata December 2. Hermantown has a couple of Mr. Hockey finalists in Ryan Sandelin and Dyland Samberg and a Frank Brimsek Award finalist in goalie Cade McEwen. Keep your eye on the Hawks. They are the team to beat.
Concluding the Class A quarterfinals are the fifth seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders and the fourth seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. The Crusaders make their eighth trip down I-94 and won the consolation championship last year. They played East Grand Forks on December 3 and tied them at 4. The Green Wave are back at the X after winning two straight Class A titles in 2014 and 2015. It will also be the first under head coach Scott Koberinski, who replaced Tyler Palmiscino. Will fans is the Red River Valley be celebrating again?
Next up: The Class AA state preview.
Games played Wednesday, March 8 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
11:00: Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake vs. Delano (Seed 2)
1:00: Northfield vs. Mahtomedi (Seed 3)
6:00: Luverne vs. Hermantown (Seed 1)
8:00: St. Cloud Cathedral (Seed 5) vs. East Grand Forks (Seed 4)
Examining the field: The 2017 edition of the Minnesota State High School Boys Hockey Tournament gets underway with the "Battle of Wright County" as the Monticello/Annandale/Maple Lake Moose and the Delano Tigers make their maiden voyages to the X. The two teams didn't play each other during the regular season because they play in different conferences. The Moose are in the Mississippi 8 and the Tigers are in the Wright County Conference. M/A/ML has been on a 12-1-1 since a 4-3 overtime loss to Chisago Lakes January 12 and are led by Nick Zwack, who will be headed for the baseball diamond at Xavier in Cincinnati next season. Delano has done what few teams have done in Section 2 tournament play and that is beat the Breck Mustangs. Two of three Tiger defeats were to the Holy Family Catholic Fire and the other when they played in the Duluth Marshall tournament on December 28 and hell to the Hermantown Hawks 4-3. If you haven't seen Delano's outstanding Mr. Hockey finalist Ben Meyers in action, it may be your only chance to do so because he will be headed for Maine next season to play for the Black Bears. It should be an outstanding early quarterfinal match up and 45TV's rating will probably go through the roof in Wright County.
The afternoon session concludes with another first time entrant, the Northfield Raiders as maroon and gold clad fans once again head up Highway 3 two weeks after the girls lost to the Warroad Warriors in the Class A third place game. They will go up against the third seeded Mahtomedi Zephyrs who pulled of the upset in the Section 4A final against the St. Paul Academy Spartans. After losing to the St. Thomas Academy Cadets 7-0 on February 9, the Zephyrs have heated up at the right time, winning five straight games. As for Northfield, they have won two straight overtime games in the Section 1 tournament by identical 3-2 scores. The first was a single OT against Mankato East/Loyola and the second was a double overtime affair as they beat the Red Wing Wingers. Can the Raiders accomplish what their female counterparts did in February or will the Zephyr's hot streak continue?
Opening up the evening session is a rising boys hockey power in southwestern Minnesota the Luverne Cardinals. The good news is that the Cardinals have a high powered offense and a defense that has allowed only 32 goals this season. Now the bad news. They go up against the top seeded and defending state Class A champion Hermantown Hawks. It's the 14th trip to St. Paul for veteran head coach Bruce Plante who finally took home the championship trophy last season after six consecutive second place finishes. The Hawks have not lost a game since they opened their season with a 5-1 loss to Wayzata December 2. Hermantown has a couple of Mr. Hockey finalists in Ryan Sandelin and Dyland Samberg and a Frank Brimsek Award finalist in goalie Cade McEwen. Keep your eye on the Hawks. They are the team to beat.
Concluding the Class A quarterfinals are the fifth seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders and the fourth seeded East Grand Forks Green Wave. The Crusaders make their eighth trip down I-94 and won the consolation championship last year. They played East Grand Forks on December 3 and tied them at 4. The Green Wave are back at the X after winning two straight Class A titles in 2014 and 2015. It will also be the first under head coach Scott Koberinski, who replaced Tyler Palmiscino. Will fans is the Red River Valley be celebrating again?
Next up: The Class AA state preview.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Eden Prairie Eagles Return to State Tournament
Nicky Leivermann left the best part of the game for last as he scored the game winning goal with 7:05 left in the third period to lead the Eden Prairie Eagles to a 4-3 win over the Holy Family Catholic Fire in the Section 2AA Championship Game Wednesday night at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
The Eagles won their fifth consecutive section title. Last year, they lost in the Class AA championship game to their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans.
Both teams would tally in the first period. Spencer Rudrud would receive a pass from Casey Mittlestadt and scored to put the Eagles ahead. The Fire would be on fire on a rebound goal from Joe Hankinson.
Holy Family Catholic would vault into the lead in the second period when Matt Anderson, who will play next season at Minnesota-Duluth lined a shot toward the net and Nick Michel positioned himself on the left side of the crease to tap the puck in. The Fire's lead would be short lived when Eden Prairie tied the game at two as Mittlestadt would tap in a shot from Sam Pajor. Holy Family Catholic would regain the lead on a power play goal by Mack Byers from the center slot.
The Eagles would score twice to bring back their fifth straight section championship trophy down Highway 5. Hunter Johannes got a pass from Pajor and he fired into the net. Mittlestadt, who will play next season at Mariucci Arena as a member of the Minnesota Golden Gophers fed Leivermann at the right face off circle and he put it past Fire goalie Jared Moe to eventually clinch the section title. Holy Family Catholic had an opportunity to send the game into overtime when head coach Noel Rahn pulled Moe for a sixth attacker. However, the Fire's flame flickered out since they couldn't put the puck in the net.
Eden Prairie improved their record to 21-4-1 and will play in the Class AA quarterfinals on Thursday, March 9 at the Xcel Energy Center. Time and opponent to be determined following the seeding on Saturday. Holy Family Catholic ended their season with a record of 22-5-1.
The Eagles won their fifth consecutive section title. Last year, they lost in the Class AA championship game to their Lake Conference rivals the Wayzata Trojans.
Both teams would tally in the first period. Spencer Rudrud would receive a pass from Casey Mittlestadt and scored to put the Eagles ahead. The Fire would be on fire on a rebound goal from Joe Hankinson.
Holy Family Catholic would vault into the lead in the second period when Matt Anderson, who will play next season at Minnesota-Duluth lined a shot toward the net and Nick Michel positioned himself on the left side of the crease to tap the puck in. The Fire's lead would be short lived when Eden Prairie tied the game at two as Mittlestadt would tap in a shot from Sam Pajor. Holy Family Catholic would regain the lead on a power play goal by Mack Byers from the center slot.
The Eagles would score twice to bring back their fifth straight section championship trophy down Highway 5. Hunter Johannes got a pass from Pajor and he fired into the net. Mittlestadt, who will play next season at Mariucci Arena as a member of the Minnesota Golden Gophers fed Leivermann at the right face off circle and he put it past Fire goalie Jared Moe to eventually clinch the section title. Holy Family Catholic had an opportunity to send the game into overtime when head coach Noel Rahn pulled Moe for a sixth attacker. However, the Fire's flame flickered out since they couldn't put the puck in the net.
Eden Prairie improved their record to 21-4-1 and will play in the Class AA quarterfinals on Thursday, March 9 at the Xcel Energy Center. Time and opponent to be determined following the seeding on Saturday. Holy Family Catholic ended their season with a record of 22-5-1.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
2017 Class A Girls Basketball Section Preview
The final part of the 2017 girls basketball section preview focuses on the eight Class A sections.
In Section 1, the East Subsection final has the fifth seeded Fillmore Central Falcons, who upset the top seeded Rushford-Peterson Trojans taking on the third seeded Kingsland Knights. Semifinal action in the West Subsection pits the defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats against the Bethlehem Academy Cardinals. The Grand Meadow Superlarks and the Lyle/Pacelli Athletics play in the bottom bracket. Can head coach Josh Wieme lead the Wildcats to a return trip up Highway 52 to play for another state title?
Going to Section 2, the top seed in the North Subsection is the Cedar Mountain/Comfrey Cougars and the Sleepy Eye Indians have the number two seed. The South Subsection has one of the state's top teams in Class A, the Mankato Loyola Crusaders as the top seed. Occupying the second seed is Granada Huntley-East Chain-Truman and Martin Luther. from New Ulm. There are going to be a lot of happy people in those communities if they clinch a state tournament berth.
Section 3 has the Central Minnesota Christian Blue Jays go up against the top seeded Canby Lancers in the North Subsection with the winner taking on the winner between the Wabasso Rabbits and the Lac Qui Parle Valley Eagles. In the South Subsection, the top seeded Red Rock Central Falcons try to slay the fifth seeded Adrian Dragons. The defending section champion Southwest Minnesota Christian face the Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots in the second semifinal game.
The Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs have been to every state tournament in the 2010s and this year could be the eighth straight year for the top seeded Brooklyn Park school in Section 4. But it won't be easy for Maranatha since there are seven other schools that could dethrone the Mustangs section dominance. The eighth seeded Christian Life Academy are on a 19 game winning streak. Never heard of Christian Life Academy? The school is based in Farmington and plays in the Twin Cities Athletic Conference. Then there are a couple of teams that could meet in the quarterfinals the fourth seeded Heritage Christian Academy Eagles and the fifth seeded Mayer Lutheran Crusaders. Also in the hunt are the sixth seeded Christ's Household of Faith Lions and the West Lutheran Warriors. Look out for the second seeded Minneapolis North Polars and the third seeded Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs, they could face the Mustangs in the Section 4A final. Keep an eye on this section. Can Maranatha bring home another trophy or will someone end their reign as section champs.
Another interesting race can be found in the Section 5 North Subsection. The Cromwell-Wright Cardinals are the top seed and there are three other teams with identical 21-5 records. They are the second seeded Menagha Braves, the third seeded Pine River-Backus Tigers and the fourth seeded Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Wolves. In the South Subsection, the top seed is the Kimball Cubs. Their closest competitor is the second seed Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars. It could be a five team race for a trip to Minneapolis.
Now to Section 6, where the top seed in the North Subsection is a familiar one, the Ada-Borup Cougars. Head coach David smart has built a powerhouse in northwestern Minnesota that also includes one of the most unique pepbands in the state under the direction of Richard Tuttle since the members perform original material. The Cougars have not lost a game since the season opener to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton. Their biggest threat can be found in the South Subsection in the top seeded and unbeaten Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Warriors. They have had only two close games all season with a seven point win over Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton and a six point victory over the second seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs in December. Don't count out the third seeded Underwood Rockets, winners of 11 straight games.
Head north to Section 7 where the Floodwood Polar Bears are the top seed in Subsection 1. Over in Subsection 2, the top seed is the top ranked team in Class A, the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers. Jeff Buffeta's bunch has only lost one game this season, losing to the Roseau Rams 80-67 on February 3. This could be the year the Rangers have a great shot at bringing the championship trophy to the Iron Range but first they have to get past the second seeded Bigfork Huskies.
Here's the final section to be examined, Section 8. The East subsection's top seed is the Red Lake Warriors. It could be a big month for the Red Lake Indian Reservation since both the boys and girls team are having outstanding seasons. The Warriors are vying for their first trip to Minneapolis but first they have to get past the second seeded Fosston Greyhounds. In the West Subsection, the top seed is the Stephen-Argyle Storm. Can the girls bring success to the the two towns just like their nine man football counterparts who have won seven state titles? First they have to get past the second seeded Sacred Heart Eagles and the third seeded team that's also nicknamed the Eagles, Red Lake Falls. The Eagles made four trips to state from 1996 to 1999 under Kris Kennett. Interesting note. Her husband Brad is the high school principal. Now Brian Remick is at the helm and can he lead Red Lake Falls back to the state tournament.
There you have it. There four section previews for each class. Get ready for the plot to thicken in each section.
In Section 1, the East Subsection final has the fifth seeded Fillmore Central Falcons, who upset the top seeded Rushford-Peterson Trojans taking on the third seeded Kingsland Knights. Semifinal action in the West Subsection pits the defending Class A champion Goodhue Wildcats against the Bethlehem Academy Cardinals. The Grand Meadow Superlarks and the Lyle/Pacelli Athletics play in the bottom bracket. Can head coach Josh Wieme lead the Wildcats to a return trip up Highway 52 to play for another state title?
Going to Section 2, the top seed in the North Subsection is the Cedar Mountain/Comfrey Cougars and the Sleepy Eye Indians have the number two seed. The South Subsection has one of the state's top teams in Class A, the Mankato Loyola Crusaders as the top seed. Occupying the second seed is Granada Huntley-East Chain-Truman and Martin Luther. from New Ulm. There are going to be a lot of happy people in those communities if they clinch a state tournament berth.
Section 3 has the Central Minnesota Christian Blue Jays go up against the top seeded Canby Lancers in the North Subsection with the winner taking on the winner between the Wabasso Rabbits and the Lac Qui Parle Valley Eagles. In the South Subsection, the top seeded Red Rock Central Falcons try to slay the fifth seeded Adrian Dragons. The defending section champion Southwest Minnesota Christian face the Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots in the second semifinal game.
The Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs have been to every state tournament in the 2010s and this year could be the eighth straight year for the top seeded Brooklyn Park school in Section 4. But it won't be easy for Maranatha since there are seven other schools that could dethrone the Mustangs section dominance. The eighth seeded Christian Life Academy are on a 19 game winning streak. Never heard of Christian Life Academy? The school is based in Farmington and plays in the Twin Cities Athletic Conference. Then there are a couple of teams that could meet in the quarterfinals the fourth seeded Heritage Christian Academy Eagles and the fifth seeded Mayer Lutheran Crusaders. Also in the hunt are the sixth seeded Christ's Household of Faith Lions and the West Lutheran Warriors. Look out for the second seeded Minneapolis North Polars and the third seeded Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs, they could face the Mustangs in the Section 4A final. Keep an eye on this section. Can Maranatha bring home another trophy or will someone end their reign as section champs.
Another interesting race can be found in the Section 5 North Subsection. The Cromwell-Wright Cardinals are the top seed and there are three other teams with identical 21-5 records. They are the second seeded Menagha Braves, the third seeded Pine River-Backus Tigers and the fourth seeded Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Wolves. In the South Subsection, the top seed is the Kimball Cubs. Their closest competitor is the second seed Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars. It could be a five team race for a trip to Minneapolis.
Now to Section 6, where the top seed in the North Subsection is a familiar one, the Ada-Borup Cougars. Head coach David smart has built a powerhouse in northwestern Minnesota that also includes one of the most unique pepbands in the state under the direction of Richard Tuttle since the members perform original material. The Cougars have not lost a game since the season opener to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton. Their biggest threat can be found in the South Subsection in the top seeded and unbeaten Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Warriors. They have had only two close games all season with a seven point win over Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton and a six point victory over the second seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs in December. Don't count out the third seeded Underwood Rockets, winners of 11 straight games.
Head north to Section 7 where the Floodwood Polar Bears are the top seed in Subsection 1. Over in Subsection 2, the top seed is the top ranked team in Class A, the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers. Jeff Buffeta's bunch has only lost one game this season, losing to the Roseau Rams 80-67 on February 3. This could be the year the Rangers have a great shot at bringing the championship trophy to the Iron Range but first they have to get past the second seeded Bigfork Huskies.
Here's the final section to be examined, Section 8. The East subsection's top seed is the Red Lake Warriors. It could be a big month for the Red Lake Indian Reservation since both the boys and girls team are having outstanding seasons. The Warriors are vying for their first trip to Minneapolis but first they have to get past the second seeded Fosston Greyhounds. In the West Subsection, the top seed is the Stephen-Argyle Storm. Can the girls bring success to the the two towns just like their nine man football counterparts who have won seven state titles? First they have to get past the second seeded Sacred Heart Eagles and the third seeded team that's also nicknamed the Eagles, Red Lake Falls. The Eagles made four trips to state from 1996 to 1999 under Kris Kennett. Interesting note. Her husband Brad is the high school principal. Now Brian Remick is at the helm and can he lead Red Lake Falls back to the state tournament.
There you have it. There four section previews for each class. Get ready for the plot to thicken in each section.
Monday, February 27, 2017
2017 Class AA Girls Basketball Section Preview
As the Class AAA & AAAA sections get underway this week, The Road to The Barn is already underway in Class AA. Here's who is left standing and who are the top seeds in the eight Class AA sections.
In Section 1, the defending Class AA champion Plainview-Elgin-Millville Bulldogs are the top seed but it could be a tough road for P-E-M as there are several teams that could keep the black and gold clad fans from making the trip up Highway 52. The second seeded Hayfield Vikings face the 10th seeded Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars, who upset seventh seeded Dover-Eyota. Third seeded Rochester Lourdes, with Aaron Berg taking over the coaching reins from Myron Glass who retired after last season take on the sixth seeded Caledonia Warriors. There's also the fifth seeded Pine Island Panthers facing the Kenyon-Wanamingo Knights. Keep you eye on this section. There's a lot of exciting basketball to be played at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
Section 2 has the makings of a three team race between the top seeded and the defending section champion Norwood-Young America Raiders and the second seeded St. Peter Saints in the north subsection and top seeded NRHEG in the south subsection. Raiders head coach Gary Lembcke has lost only one game this season, a two point defeat to St. Peter. But watch out for the third seeded Glencoe-Silver Lake Panthers and the fourth seeded Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Thunderbirds who have a 14 game winning streak.
There are a couple of red hot teams in the Section 3 north subsection including the top seeded New London-Spicer Wildcats and the second seeded Minnewaska Lakers. There's also third seeded Morris/Chokio Alberta with an eight game winning streak. In the south section, it ould come down to battle between the top seeded Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Panthers and the second seeded Pipestone Arrows. First, the Arrows have to get past the third seeded Minneota Vikings. Southwest Minnesota has some outstanding basketball to go before a trip to Minneapolis.
In Section 4, the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks are the top seed and head coach Josh Thurow has a team with only one senior that could make a return trip to state. But look out for the second seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders, the third seeded Columbia Heights Hylanders and the fourth seeded Minneapolis Edison Tommies, winners of nine straight games. Could Tommie fans be celebrating in northeast Minneapolis if they meet the Redhawks in the Section 4AA final at Anoka Ramsey Community College March 10 and dethrone Minnehaha Academy?
The top seed in Section 5 is the Watertown-Mayer Royals as they are three wins away from their first trip to state since Marissa Janning hit shots from Highway 25 to lead them to their last trip in 2010. But there's a hot team on the Royals path, the second seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles who are on a nine game winning streak. The third seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire are the defending section champions and have a shot at returning to Minneapolis. Two other teams in the mix are the fourth seeded Southwest Christian Stars and the fifth seeded Litchfield Dragons.
Section 6 has some talented teams that could take home the championship trophy. The top seed in the east subsection is the unbeaten Rush City Tigers. Head coach Joe Nelson has a solid young team with no seniors and a chance to head to their first state tournament. But before they can make the trip down I-35, they will have to battle the second seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders and the third seeded Pine City Dragons. The west subsection is led by the top seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters, winners of 24 straight games Head coach Scott Bergman has built a solid program that has played in each state tournament this decade except 2014. But don't count out the second seeded Albany Huskies and the third seeded Osakis Silverstreaks. The Silverstreaks have won seven straight games and have a shot at the gold medals. An outstanding section that should have some great basketball in central Minnesota. Who will bring home the championship trophy.
Up north to Section 7 where the Esko Eskomos are the top seed in Subsection 1. Also in the hunt is the second seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. In Subsection 2, the top seed is the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers who hope to make their first trip to state. Duluth Marshall is best known for their successful boys hockey program but this year it could be the girls basketball team's turn to play for a state title. First they have to get past the second seeded International Falls Broncos and the third seeded Two Harbors Agates. The Agates are also vying for their first trip to Minneapolis and they have a shot at becoming the first North Shore team to qualify for state since Cook County in 2001.
Wrapping up the Class AA preview is Section 8 with the top ranked team in Class AA the Roseau Rams the number one seed. They've been playing great basketball in a community that's been rich in hockey tradition. This year, the girls basketball team can add to the town's history with the Borowicz Sisters, Kacie, Kiley and Katie leading the way for head coach Kelsey Didrikson. Looking to derail the Rams chances of a state tournament berth are the second seeded Staples-Motley Cardinals and the third seeded Barnesville Trojans.
Next will be the eight Class A sections.
In Section 1, the defending Class AA champion Plainview-Elgin-Millville Bulldogs are the top seed but it could be a tough road for P-E-M as there are several teams that could keep the black and gold clad fans from making the trip up Highway 52. The second seeded Hayfield Vikings face the 10th seeded Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars, who upset seventh seeded Dover-Eyota. Third seeded Rochester Lourdes, with Aaron Berg taking over the coaching reins from Myron Glass who retired after last season take on the sixth seeded Caledonia Warriors. There's also the fifth seeded Pine Island Panthers facing the Kenyon-Wanamingo Knights. Keep you eye on this section. There's a lot of exciting basketball to be played at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
Section 2 has the makings of a three team race between the top seeded and the defending section champion Norwood-Young America Raiders and the second seeded St. Peter Saints in the north subsection and top seeded NRHEG in the south subsection. Raiders head coach Gary Lembcke has lost only one game this season, a two point defeat to St. Peter. But watch out for the third seeded Glencoe-Silver Lake Panthers and the fourth seeded Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Thunderbirds who have a 14 game winning streak.
There are a couple of red hot teams in the Section 3 north subsection including the top seeded New London-Spicer Wildcats and the second seeded Minnewaska Lakers. There's also third seeded Morris/Chokio Alberta with an eight game winning streak. In the south section, it ould come down to battle between the top seeded Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Panthers and the second seeded Pipestone Arrows. First, the Arrows have to get past the third seeded Minneota Vikings. Southwest Minnesota has some outstanding basketball to go before a trip to Minneapolis.
In Section 4, the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks are the top seed and head coach Josh Thurow has a team with only one senior that could make a return trip to state. But look out for the second seeded St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders, the third seeded Columbia Heights Hylanders and the fourth seeded Minneapolis Edison Tommies, winners of nine straight games. Could Tommie fans be celebrating in northeast Minneapolis if they meet the Redhawks in the Section 4AA final at Anoka Ramsey Community College March 10 and dethrone Minnehaha Academy?
The top seed in Section 5 is the Watertown-Mayer Royals as they are three wins away from their first trip to state since Marissa Janning hit shots from Highway 25 to lead them to their last trip in 2010. But there's a hot team on the Royals path, the second seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles who are on a nine game winning streak. The third seeded Holy Family Catholic Fire are the defending section champions and have a shot at returning to Minneapolis. Two other teams in the mix are the fourth seeded Southwest Christian Stars and the fifth seeded Litchfield Dragons.
Section 6 has some talented teams that could take home the championship trophy. The top seed in the east subsection is the unbeaten Rush City Tigers. Head coach Joe Nelson has a solid young team with no seniors and a chance to head to their first state tournament. But before they can make the trip down I-35, they will have to battle the second seeded St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders and the third seeded Pine City Dragons. The west subsection is led by the top seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters, winners of 24 straight games Head coach Scott Bergman has built a solid program that has played in each state tournament this decade except 2014. But don't count out the second seeded Albany Huskies and the third seeded Osakis Silverstreaks. The Silverstreaks have won seven straight games and have a shot at the gold medals. An outstanding section that should have some great basketball in central Minnesota. Who will bring home the championship trophy.
Up north to Section 7 where the Esko Eskomos are the top seed in Subsection 1. Also in the hunt is the second seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. In Subsection 2, the top seed is the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers who hope to make their first trip to state. Duluth Marshall is best known for their successful boys hockey program but this year it could be the girls basketball team's turn to play for a state title. First they have to get past the second seeded International Falls Broncos and the third seeded Two Harbors Agates. The Agates are also vying for their first trip to Minneapolis and they have a shot at becoming the first North Shore team to qualify for state since Cook County in 2001.
Wrapping up the Class AA preview is Section 8 with the top ranked team in Class AA the Roseau Rams the number one seed. They've been playing great basketball in a community that's been rich in hockey tradition. This year, the girls basketball team can add to the town's history with the Borowicz Sisters, Kacie, Kiley and Katie leading the way for head coach Kelsey Didrikson. Looking to derail the Rams chances of a state tournament berth are the second seeded Staples-Motley Cardinals and the third seeded Barnesville Trojans.
Next will be the eight Class A sections.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
2017 Class AAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
Next up are the previews of the eight Class AAA sections.
Take a look at Section 1 and the top seed is the team that made it to last year's Class AAA final the Winona Winhawks, who lost to the Holy Angels Stars. It won't be easy for the Winhawks to win another trip to Minneapolis since there are three other teams that could keep the Winona team bus off Highway 61. There's also the second seeded Kasson-Mantorville Komets who have gone 11-2 since January 14. The third seeded Northfield Raiders were the number one team early in February until they lost to Austin and Winona. It's been a big year for the Big Nine as well as girls athletics in the home of Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges as the Raiders look to bring another busload of fans who saw the girls hockey team last weekend back to the Twin Cities. Also in the hunt are the fourth seeded Red Wing Wingers and the fifth seeded Byron Bears. Looking for some outstanding girls basketball March 4, drive down Highway 52 to the Mayo Civic Arena in Rochester. This could be a hard section to forecast.
Over in Section 2, there will likely be a new champion this year since the Marshall Tigers, who have dominated the section the last few years are the number six seed and lost the starters from last year's team to graduation. This year, the top seed is the Waseca Bluejays, who are looking for their first trip to state. Also contending for its first trip to Minneapolis is the second seeded New Ulm Eagles. Who will it be? Could it also be the third seeded Faribault Falcons or the fourth seeded Jordan Jaguars? Another interesting section to watch.
In Section 3, the defending Class AAA Holy Angels Stars are the top seed and head coach Dan Woods has another outstanding team anchored by Destinee Oberg and the two Megans, Meyer and Thompson. Holy Angels was the number one team early in the season until they lost to the Forest Lake Rangers in the Hill-Murray Tournament in December. They could also force a rematch with the second seeded Bloomington Kennedy Eagles. The Stars beat the Eagles on December 9 61-49. It could be a "Battle of the Nicollet Ave. Schools" that could take place March 9 at Bloomington Jefferson.
Over in Section 4, the top seed is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs. But look out for the second seeded St. Paul Como Park Cougars who are on a nine game winning streak and the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies. Also in the hunt is the fourth seeded DeLaSalle Islanders.
History could be in the making in Section 5 as the top seeded Zimmerman Thunder does something no athletic team other than a co-op with Elk River in hockey has done, advance to a state tournament since the school opened in 2003. The Thunder's only two losses have been to Grand Rapids and Albany. They will need to get past the only other school in the section with a winning record, the second seeded Willmar Cardinals.
The top seed in Section 6 is the top ranked team in Class AAA the Hutchinson Tigers. They have won 14 straight games since they lost to the Orono Spartans 76-66 on January 6. A rematch between the two Wright County Conference schools is likely, since the Spartans have the number two seed.
Now to Section 7 where the top seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks have a quarterfinal bye. The second seeded Hermantown Hawks are on a 10 game winning streak and if they can beat Grand Rapids, it could be the second straight week Hermantown fans can head down I-35 to the Twin Cities if the boys hockey team can defend its state Class A title. Looking to play the spoiler role are the third seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats and the fourth seeded Cloquet Lumberjacks.
Wrapping up the Class AAA preview is Section 8 where the Alexandria Cardinals are the top seed and have a senior dominated team that could be one of the favorites if the can get past the second seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabers and the third seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers.
Who's left standing in Class AA? Find out in the next post.
Take a look at Section 1 and the top seed is the team that made it to last year's Class AAA final the Winona Winhawks, who lost to the Holy Angels Stars. It won't be easy for the Winhawks to win another trip to Minneapolis since there are three other teams that could keep the Winona team bus off Highway 61. There's also the second seeded Kasson-Mantorville Komets who have gone 11-2 since January 14. The third seeded Northfield Raiders were the number one team early in February until they lost to Austin and Winona. It's been a big year for the Big Nine as well as girls athletics in the home of Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges as the Raiders look to bring another busload of fans who saw the girls hockey team last weekend back to the Twin Cities. Also in the hunt are the fourth seeded Red Wing Wingers and the fifth seeded Byron Bears. Looking for some outstanding girls basketball March 4, drive down Highway 52 to the Mayo Civic Arena in Rochester. This could be a hard section to forecast.
Over in Section 2, there will likely be a new champion this year since the Marshall Tigers, who have dominated the section the last few years are the number six seed and lost the starters from last year's team to graduation. This year, the top seed is the Waseca Bluejays, who are looking for their first trip to state. Also contending for its first trip to Minneapolis is the second seeded New Ulm Eagles. Who will it be? Could it also be the third seeded Faribault Falcons or the fourth seeded Jordan Jaguars? Another interesting section to watch.
In Section 3, the defending Class AAA Holy Angels Stars are the top seed and head coach Dan Woods has another outstanding team anchored by Destinee Oberg and the two Megans, Meyer and Thompson. Holy Angels was the number one team early in the season until they lost to the Forest Lake Rangers in the Hill-Murray Tournament in December. They could also force a rematch with the second seeded Bloomington Kennedy Eagles. The Stars beat the Eagles on December 9 61-49. It could be a "Battle of the Nicollet Ave. Schools" that could take place March 9 at Bloomington Jefferson.
Over in Section 4, the top seed is the Mahtomedi Zephyrs. But look out for the second seeded St. Paul Como Park Cougars who are on a nine game winning streak and the third seeded St. Anthony Village Huskies. Also in the hunt is the fourth seeded DeLaSalle Islanders.
History could be in the making in Section 5 as the top seeded Zimmerman Thunder does something no athletic team other than a co-op with Elk River in hockey has done, advance to a state tournament since the school opened in 2003. The Thunder's only two losses have been to Grand Rapids and Albany. They will need to get past the only other school in the section with a winning record, the second seeded Willmar Cardinals.
The top seed in Section 6 is the top ranked team in Class AAA the Hutchinson Tigers. They have won 14 straight games since they lost to the Orono Spartans 76-66 on January 6. A rematch between the two Wright County Conference schools is likely, since the Spartans have the number two seed.
Now to Section 7 where the top seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks have a quarterfinal bye. The second seeded Hermantown Hawks are on a 10 game winning streak and if they can beat Grand Rapids, it could be the second straight week Hermantown fans can head down I-35 to the Twin Cities if the boys hockey team can defend its state Class A title. Looking to play the spoiler role are the third seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats and the fourth seeded Cloquet Lumberjacks.
Wrapping up the Class AAA preview is Section 8 where the Alexandria Cardinals are the top seed and have a senior dominated team that could be one of the favorites if the can get past the second seeded Sartell-St. Stephen Sabers and the third seeded Thief River Falls Prowlers.
Who's left standing in Class AA? Find out in the next post.
2017 Class AAAA Girls Basketball Section Preview
The Road to The Barn begins with the first of a four part section girls basketball preview. Up first are the eight Class AAAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Lakeville North Panthers are on a roll with an 18 game winning streak. But look out for the second seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans who have won 12 straight games. It should be an interesting section final March 9 in Rochester and Mayo doesn't have to take a long bus ride down Highway 52.
The defending Class AAAA champion Minnetonka Skippers are the top seed in Section 2 but it's going to be a bit tougher to head back to Minneapolis since there is no definitive favorite in that section. The Skippers Lake Conference rival, the Edina Hornets have the second seed and the third and fourth seeds come from the South Suburban Conference, the Prior Lake Lakers and the Shakopee Sabers. Can the Lake Conference repeat or will the South Suburban has close to three team's in the Class AAAA field.
And speaking of the South Suburban Conference, the top two seeds in Section 3 have shown why the city of Apple Valley has been successful in both boys and girls basketball. The Eastview Lightning are the top seed but their dominance could be over if the second seeded Apple Valley Eagles battle the Lightning for the third time this season. Both teams split the season series and have a 20-6 record so it would be the rubber game for a trip to state. Hoping to end a potential All Apple Valley final are the third seeded Rosemount Irish and the fourth seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack.
Over in Section 4, if there's any guarantee, the team headed to state will come from the Suburban East Conference. The top seeded East Ridge Raptors look for their first trip to state but the second seeded White Bear Lake Polars hope to keep the Raptors team bus in their Woodbury garage. Don't count out the third seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders or the fourth seeded Woodbury Royals.
Who will come out of Section 5? The top seeded Park Center Pirates, led by Mikayla Hayes, who will play at Florida next season. The second seeded Champlin Park Rebels, the third seeded Centennial Cougars are all 20-6 and have a good shot sinking the Pirates ship to state. Keep your eye on this section. It could be the toughest of the eight AAAA sections.
Now this sounds familiar, the Hopkins Royals are the top seed in Section 6. Even though they lost to Minnetonka in last year's AAAA final and Nia Hollie to graduation, the Royals didn't miss a beat and have a record of 26-0. Looking to end the Royals run is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans, the third seeded Cooper Hawks and the fourth seeded Armstrong Falcons. Also in the hunt is the fifth seeded Minneapolis South Tigers, led by Tayler Hill's younger sisters Jade and Morgan.
Another wide open section is Section 7, where the top seed is the Andover Huskies.The Forest Lake Rangers are seeded second and the Anoka Tornadoes have the third seed.
Go north to Section 8 and should be some really good basketball to watch as the top seeded and unbeaten Elk River Elks hope to end the second seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights hammerlock on the section title. The other team that's on a roll is the third seeded Moorhead Spuds.
Next up are the eight Class AAA sections.
In Section 1, the top seeded Lakeville North Panthers are on a roll with an 18 game winning streak. But look out for the second seeded Rochester Mayo Spartans who have won 12 straight games. It should be an interesting section final March 9 in Rochester and Mayo doesn't have to take a long bus ride down Highway 52.
The defending Class AAAA champion Minnetonka Skippers are the top seed in Section 2 but it's going to be a bit tougher to head back to Minneapolis since there is no definitive favorite in that section. The Skippers Lake Conference rival, the Edina Hornets have the second seed and the third and fourth seeds come from the South Suburban Conference, the Prior Lake Lakers and the Shakopee Sabers. Can the Lake Conference repeat or will the South Suburban has close to three team's in the Class AAAA field.
And speaking of the South Suburban Conference, the top two seeds in Section 3 have shown why the city of Apple Valley has been successful in both boys and girls basketball. The Eastview Lightning are the top seed but their dominance could be over if the second seeded Apple Valley Eagles battle the Lightning for the third time this season. Both teams split the season series and have a 20-6 record so it would be the rubber game for a trip to state. Hoping to end a potential All Apple Valley final are the third seeded Rosemount Irish and the fourth seeded Park of Cottage Grove Wolfpack.
Over in Section 4, if there's any guarantee, the team headed to state will come from the Suburban East Conference. The top seeded East Ridge Raptors look for their first trip to state but the second seeded White Bear Lake Polars hope to keep the Raptors team bus in their Woodbury garage. Don't count out the third seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders or the fourth seeded Woodbury Royals.
Who will come out of Section 5? The top seeded Park Center Pirates, led by Mikayla Hayes, who will play at Florida next season. The second seeded Champlin Park Rebels, the third seeded Centennial Cougars are all 20-6 and have a good shot sinking the Pirates ship to state. Keep your eye on this section. It could be the toughest of the eight AAAA sections.
Now this sounds familiar, the Hopkins Royals are the top seed in Section 6. Even though they lost to Minnetonka in last year's AAAA final and Nia Hollie to graduation, the Royals didn't miss a beat and have a record of 26-0. Looking to end the Royals run is the second seeded Wayzata Trojans, the third seeded Cooper Hawks and the fourth seeded Armstrong Falcons. Also in the hunt is the fifth seeded Minneapolis South Tigers, led by Tayler Hill's younger sisters Jade and Morgan.
Another wide open section is Section 7, where the top seed is the Andover Huskies.The Forest Lake Rangers are seeded second and the Anoka Tornadoes have the third seed.
Go north to Section 8 and should be some really good basketball to watch as the top seeded and unbeaten Elk River Elks hope to end the second seeded St. Michael-Albertville Knights hammerlock on the section title. The other team that's on a roll is the third seeded Moorhead Spuds.
Next up are the eight Class AAA sections.
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