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.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
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.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
2020 Class A Girls Basketball Section Preview
Three classes for girls basketball sections have been examined and one more to go with the eight Class A sections.
It's down to the final four in Section 1 where the top seeded Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms are two wins away from their first trip to state since 1999. First they take on the fourth seeded Hayfield Vikings. The lower bracket has the second seeded Fillmore Central Falcons, winners of four straight going up against the sixth seeded Grand Meadow Superlarks, The Superlarks were super in quarterfinal play with an upset win over the third seeded Houston Hurricanes.
The top seed in the Section 2 North subsection is the Sleepy Eye St. Mary's Saints, in the hunt for their first trip to Minneapolis in 15 years. The will have to get past the second seeded Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays and the third seeded Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart Mustangs. The South Subsection could be a two team race between the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers and the second seeded Springfield Trojans.
Section 3 is also down to the final four with the top seeded and defending Class A champion Minneota Vikings facing the Lakeview Lakers in the North Subsection final and in the South Subsection final, the top seeded Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots face the second seeded Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagles.
The most interesting Class A section is Section 4 since there are six teams that have a shot at heading to The Barn. There's the top seeded Mayer Lutheran Crusaders who have not been to state since 2001 and played in a state title game since 1977. But before Crusader fans head down Highway 7, there could be gridlock in the second seeded Heritage Christian Eagles, the third seeded Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs, the fourth seeded Legacy Christian Lady Lions, followed by the red hot fifth seeded United Christian Academy Thunder who have won 14 straight games and the school with perhaps the most unique nickname in Minnesota, the Avail Academy Valor. Who will come out of this section? The mystery will be solved March 6.
Fans could be celebrating in Walker, Hackensack and Akeley since the Wolves are the top seed in the Section 5 West Subsection and are on a quest to head to their first state tournament. They will have to get past the second seeded Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars. The top seed in the East Subsection is the East Central Eagles followed by the second seeded Ogilvie Lions.
Here's an outstanding section in Section 6. In the North Subsection, it's a four team race that starts with the top seeded Henning Hornets, hoping to duplicate the success of their male counterparts who won the Class A title last season. Henning fans, don't make your hotel reservations for Minneapolis just yet since the Hornets have tough competition in the second seeded Underwood Rockets, the third seeded Park Christian Falcons and the fourth seeded Ada-Borup Cougars who have one of the state's best pep bands. The South Subsection has the top seeded West Central Area Knights, looking for their first trip to state. The second seeded Hancock Owls have won nine straight games and have to get past the third seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs. Next Friday's section final should be a dandy. Who will make the trip down I-94 to The Barn?
Another tough northern section is Section 7 where the top seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals have won 10 straight games. Watch out Cardinals, the second seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers are in your path. Jeff Buffetta has led the Rangers to nine straight state tournaments and are in danger of the streak ending if they don't beat the Cardinals. Looking for the upsets are the third seeded Cherry Tigers, the fourth seeded Ely Timberwolves and the fifth seeded Chisholm Bluestreaks. Get up north to see some great girls basketball.
And finally Section 8 where the top seed in the East Subsection is the Fosston Greyhounds who are in the hunet for their first trip to state in 14 years. Another drought that could end is the second seeded Cass Lake-Bena Panthers whose last trip to Minneapolis was in 2005. But the top seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies have not lost a game since they were beaten by Red Lake County Central January 9. A rematch could occur since Red Lake County Central is the second seed.
That's the section preview for the four classes. Research coming from minnesota-scores.net and the Minnesota State High School League website.
It's down to the final four in Section 1 where the top seeded Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms are two wins away from their first trip to state since 1999. First they take on the fourth seeded Hayfield Vikings. The lower bracket has the second seeded Fillmore Central Falcons, winners of four straight going up against the sixth seeded Grand Meadow Superlarks, The Superlarks were super in quarterfinal play with an upset win over the third seeded Houston Hurricanes.
The top seed in the Section 2 North subsection is the Sleepy Eye St. Mary's Saints, in the hunt for their first trip to Minneapolis in 15 years. The will have to get past the second seeded Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays and the third seeded Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart Mustangs. The South Subsection could be a two team race between the top seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers and the second seeded Springfield Trojans.
Section 3 is also down to the final four with the top seeded and defending Class A champion Minneota Vikings facing the Lakeview Lakers in the North Subsection final and in the South Subsection final, the top seeded Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots face the second seeded Southwest Minnesota Christian Eagles.
The most interesting Class A section is Section 4 since there are six teams that have a shot at heading to The Barn. There's the top seeded Mayer Lutheran Crusaders who have not been to state since 2001 and played in a state title game since 1977. But before Crusader fans head down Highway 7, there could be gridlock in the second seeded Heritage Christian Eagles, the third seeded Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs, the fourth seeded Legacy Christian Lady Lions, followed by the red hot fifth seeded United Christian Academy Thunder who have won 14 straight games and the school with perhaps the most unique nickname in Minnesota, the Avail Academy Valor. Who will come out of this section? The mystery will be solved March 6.
Fans could be celebrating in Walker, Hackensack and Akeley since the Wolves are the top seed in the Section 5 West Subsection and are on a quest to head to their first state tournament. They will have to get past the second seeded Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars. The top seed in the East Subsection is the East Central Eagles followed by the second seeded Ogilvie Lions.
Here's an outstanding section in Section 6. In the North Subsection, it's a four team race that starts with the top seeded Henning Hornets, hoping to duplicate the success of their male counterparts who won the Class A title last season. Henning fans, don't make your hotel reservations for Minneapolis just yet since the Hornets have tough competition in the second seeded Underwood Rockets, the third seeded Park Christian Falcons and the fourth seeded Ada-Borup Cougars who have one of the state's best pep bands. The South Subsection has the top seeded West Central Area Knights, looking for their first trip to state. The second seeded Hancock Owls have won nine straight games and have to get past the third seeded Parkers Prairie Bulldogs. Next Friday's section final should be a dandy. Who will make the trip down I-94 to The Barn?
Another tough northern section is Section 7 where the top seeded Cromwell-Wright Cardinals have won 10 straight games. Watch out Cardinals, the second seeded Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers are in your path. Jeff Buffetta has led the Rangers to nine straight state tournaments and are in danger of the streak ending if they don't beat the Cardinals. Looking for the upsets are the third seeded Cherry Tigers, the fourth seeded Ely Timberwolves and the fifth seeded Chisholm Bluestreaks. Get up north to see some great girls basketball.
And finally Section 8 where the top seed in the East Subsection is the Fosston Greyhounds who are in the hunet for their first trip to state in 14 years. Another drought that could end is the second seeded Cass Lake-Bena Panthers whose last trip to Minneapolis was in 2005. But the top seeded Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies have not lost a game since they were beaten by Red Lake County Central January 9. A rematch could occur since Red Lake County Central is the second seed.
That's the section preview for the four classes. Research coming from minnesota-scores.net and the Minnesota State High School League website.
Monday, February 24, 2020
2020 Class AA Girls Basketball Section Preview
Some sections are already underway in Class AA so who is left standing are who are the top seeds in the eight sections.
Section 1 is down to the final four teams as the top seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles are still alive and take on the fifth seeded Stewartville Trojans. There was an quarterfinal upset with the seventh seeded Dover-Eyota Eagles ending the second seeded Lake City Tigers season. They will face a team that moved on up from Section 1A to Section 1AA, the third seeded Goodhue Wildcats who are in the hunt for a piece of the state tournament pie.
The Battle of Highway 169 could take place in the Section 2 North Subsection with the top seeded Belle Plaine Tigers and the second seeded Jordan Jaguars. The top four seeds in the South Subsection are still alive as the top seeded Waseca Bluejays dropped down to Class AAA for Class AA. The second seeded Medford Tigers are on a six game winning streak and will battle the Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights.
Down in Section 3, the North Subsection top seed New London-Spicer Wildcats are having a fabulous season under veteran head coach Mike Dreier and they are three wins away from their 18th state tournament berth. But they will have to get past the second seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. The South Subsection go come down to a two team race between the top seeded Luverne Cardinals and the second seeded Windom Area Eagles.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class AA champion Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. Matt Pryor's bunch has some tough competition in defensive of the Redhawks championship reign in the second seeded St. Paul Humboldt Hawks, who have never been to the state tournament and the third seeded Concordia Academy Beacons. Can the Redhawks maintain their dominance in Class AA though their male counterparts moved up to Class AAA?
In Section 5, the top seeded Providence Academy Lions look for their first trip to The Barn since 2013. It could be a four team race as the Watertown-Mayer Royals, led by future Gopher Maggie Czinano are the second seed, followed by the third third seeded Rockford Rockets and the fourth seeded Blake Bears.
The best section in Class AA and possibly Minnesota is Section 6 where six teams have a shot at the section title. First, there's the top seeded Albany Huskies who took home the championship hardware last season. Then you have the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. Head coach Scott Bergman has eight seniors on his roster and they have been tournament tested having advanced to three consecutive state tournaments. There's also the third seeded Pine City Tigers who are in the hunt for their first trip down I-35 to Minneapolis, as well as the fourth seeded Royalton Royals and the fifth seeded Holdingford Huskers and the sixth seeded Melrose Dutchmen who have not been to state since 1979. Head up to St. Cloud State on March 6 for the section final. Who will be in it?
Up north to Section 7, where the top seed in Subsection 1 is the Esko Eskomos, who have been to 12 state tournaments and not taken home a championship trophy. But on their heels is the second seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. It's a three team race in Subsection 2 with the top seeded and defending section champion Proctor Rails, followed by the second seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers and the hot third seeded Mesabi East giants who have won eight straight games.
The last Class AA section could also be highly competitive. The North Subsection has the top seeded Hawley Nuggets, the second seeded Roseau Rams who have won five consecutive section titles and the third seeded Crookston Pirates. Over in the South Subsection, the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA state quarterfinals. This season, the Otters went down to Class AA and will have to contend with the second seeded and unbeaten Pelican Rapids Vikings.
The eight Class A sections are next.
Section 1 is down to the final four teams as the top seeded Rochester Lourdes Eagles are still alive and take on the fifth seeded Stewartville Trojans. There was an quarterfinal upset with the seventh seeded Dover-Eyota Eagles ending the second seeded Lake City Tigers season. They will face a team that moved on up from Section 1A to Section 1AA, the third seeded Goodhue Wildcats who are in the hunt for a piece of the state tournament pie.
The Battle of Highway 169 could take place in the Section 2 North Subsection with the top seeded Belle Plaine Tigers and the second seeded Jordan Jaguars. The top four seeds in the South Subsection are still alive as the top seeded Waseca Bluejays dropped down to Class AAA for Class AA. The second seeded Medford Tigers are on a six game winning streak and will battle the Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Knights.
Down in Section 3, the North Subsection top seed New London-Spicer Wildcats are having a fabulous season under veteran head coach Mike Dreier and they are three wins away from their 18th state tournament berth. But they will have to get past the second seeded Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles. The South Subsection go come down to a two team race between the top seeded Luverne Cardinals and the second seeded Windom Area Eagles.
The top seed in Section 4 is the defending Class AA champion Minnehaha Academy Redhawks. Matt Pryor's bunch has some tough competition in defensive of the Redhawks championship reign in the second seeded St. Paul Humboldt Hawks, who have never been to the state tournament and the third seeded Concordia Academy Beacons. Can the Redhawks maintain their dominance in Class AA though their male counterparts moved up to Class AAA?
In Section 5, the top seeded Providence Academy Lions look for their first trip to The Barn since 2013. It could be a four team race as the Watertown-Mayer Royals, led by future Gopher Maggie Czinano are the second seed, followed by the third third seeded Rockford Rockets and the fourth seeded Blake Bears.
The best section in Class AA and possibly Minnesota is Section 6 where six teams have a shot at the section title. First, there's the top seeded Albany Huskies who took home the championship hardware last season. Then you have the second seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. Head coach Scott Bergman has eight seniors on his roster and they have been tournament tested having advanced to three consecutive state tournaments. There's also the third seeded Pine City Tigers who are in the hunt for their first trip down I-35 to Minneapolis, as well as the fourth seeded Royalton Royals and the fifth seeded Holdingford Huskers and the sixth seeded Melrose Dutchmen who have not been to state since 1979. Head up to St. Cloud State on March 6 for the section final. Who will be in it?
Up north to Section 7, where the top seed in Subsection 1 is the Esko Eskomos, who have been to 12 state tournaments and not taken home a championship trophy. But on their heels is the second seeded Pequot Lakes Patriots. It's a three team race in Subsection 2 with the top seeded and defending section champion Proctor Rails, followed by the second seeded Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers and the hot third seeded Mesabi East giants who have won eight straight games.
The last Class AA section could also be highly competitive. The North Subsection has the top seeded Hawley Nuggets, the second seeded Roseau Rams who have won five consecutive section titles and the third seeded Crookston Pirates. Over in the South Subsection, the top seeded Fergus Falls Otters lost to Holy Angels in last year's Class AAA state quarterfinals. This season, the Otters went down to Class AA and will have to contend with the second seeded and unbeaten Pelican Rapids Vikings.
The eight Class A sections are next.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)