Sections: Day 10
What a wild night in MN lax last night. We talked about a lot of the games on our latest, mid-week, episode of down the alley, so I will keep the recaps brief, and move on to preview of the couple section finals played tonight
Lakeville North 11 v Farmington 9: What an amazing game this was. Tigers proved everyone wrong and made this a game to the final minutes. Lakeville North made some big plays at the end including and showed why they are the #5 team in the state. This was a fantastic game both ways and congrats to the Panthers for punching their ticket to state.
Edina 13 v Rosemount 10: I unfortunately did not get to see this game, but, score indicates a competitive game all the way through.
Prior Lake 13 v Valley 10: Welp, just when we thought the Lakers might be “down and out” this year, here we are seeing them move on to the section final… AGAIN. I saw bits and pieces of this game and definitely two teams with a lot of talent going back and forth. Valley had a great first half and took a 7-4 lead into halftime but the Lakers found a little spark of momentum in the 3rd quarter and just took full advantage scoring 8 goals in row. I think the PL depth started to factor and they were able to push the pace when they started getting some momentum and Valley just couldn’t keep up. When they finally settled back in, it was too late.
CDH 8 v Woodbury 7: I didn’t see this game, but, has to be the biggest upset in sections thus far. Sounds like the CDH goalie was in the zone and stole a few goals away from the Royals. CDH has been playing well down the stretch so it doesn’t surprise me they were able to pull off the upset.
Eagan 18 v STA 10: Eagan is a new team as of mid-may. Not sure if there was personnel adjustments, a come to Jesus meeting or a new Cardiac Cats energy drink concoction but they are playing lights out right now. I watched some of this game and they were just the better, faster, stronger team from the first whistle. Not sure if they just had a day, STA had an off day, or if the Wildcats are primed for a run, but, completely dominance in the game.
Moorhead 13 v St Cloud 5: Reports of this game is that the Spuds just jumped out quick and never looked back. They were the heavy favorite and made sure to make no mistake about it. They head on to their third straight section final.
STMA 13 v Elk River/Zimmerman 10: A game that had upset potential turned into just that. The Knights are playing their best lacrosse of the year and continue their winning streak. STMA plays a tough schedule throughout the year in the Lake Conference, so, I think they come into sections with a much better team than maybe their record shows. Should set up an awesome section 8 final with the Spuds
Chisago Lakes 9 v Anoka 3: Chisago Lakes is a gritty team that can win face offs and score goals. Nothing agains their defense but they just are not tested defensively with their schedule. This was probably one of their harder games to be honest and they were able to hold Anoka to 3 goals. I didn’t see this game and no additional stats available, but, should set up a good game with the Cougars
Centennial 15 v Duluth 10: Centennial has been slowly rebuilding this year. They have had their ups and downs but a nice performance against a motivated Duluth squad. Reports of this game said the Duluth goalie was lights out and helped keep Duluth’s deficit manageable but at the end of the day Centennial was just the better team and pulled away. Sets up a rematch with CL tomorrow night.
Wednesday Game Preview
Section 2 Final: Chanhassen v Shakopee
A rematch of last year’s final and the top 2 seeds in section 2 battling it out. Shakopee has limped their way into the finals playing two very grueling games against Chaska and Eden Prairie. They make plays when they need to be made but I would have anticipated them winning those games a little easier. No disrespect to the Hawks and Eagles - they came to play. And just like the Farmington/LVN game - throw the stats out the window in the playoffs. Everyone wants to win. Chanhassen has had a bit easier road, in the sense that their games were not as close/intense. The Storm finally exorcised the skipper curse in the semi’s and were able to get back to their 4th straight section final. This game comes down to two things for me. Possessions and goaltending. I think both teams have a great defense. Both teams are well coached and athletic. Both teams have good face-off guys. Both LSM’s are great off the ground and cause havoc in the middle of the field. Both teams have a couple top dogs that really carry the offense. Offensive efficiency and possession time will be critical in this game. Must take advantage of the good looks you get against these defenses.
Section 4 Final: Stillwater v Mahtomedi
Another 1v2 final and a long standing section 4 rivalry. This will be the, wait for it, 6th year in a row, that the Ponies and Zephyrs will matchup in the section 4 final. Mahtomedi won in 2017, 2018, 2019. Stillwater won in 2021 and 2022. Stillwater and Mahtomedi this year both started out a bit slow but have been playing a lot better as of late. I think Stillwater is more athletic but Mahtomedi has the edge at face-offs. Both goalies are playing great right now, Stillwater’s goalie is only a freshman so, that may factor, but, hes been the starter all season and should not be overcome by the big state. A lot of public opinion thinks Stillwater will dominate this game, but, I am fading and think it will be close! (clueless take)
Section 5 Final: Benilde-St. Margaret’s v Maple Grove
A rematch of last year’s final and a highly anticipated game for many reasons. First, Maple Grove held a 3-2 lead at halftime on the champs last season and caused a stir amongst the public. BSM ended up winning the game handedly 9-3, shutting out the crimson in the second half on their way to their repeat. Second, Coach Joe was MG’s head coach last year and is now the D-Coordinator at BSM. Obviously, a lot of history as he will know a lot of the players. After seeing BSM play down the stretch, I just don’t know who is going to be able to play 4 quarters with them. For the sake of entertainment, I hope teams give them a run/challenge, but, they are just firing on all cylinders right now and it will take a near perfect performance to beat them. Crazier things have happened and I’d love to see the Crimson make it interesting, but, I am not sure they have enough firepower to keep up in this game.
