Sections: Day 9 Preview
Well- this is probably the best day of HS lacrosse all season as we embark on a handful of section semi-final and final games. Here is a preview written specifically for ‘RedKnightFan’ in the discord ;)
Section 1 - Final
Lakveille North v Farmington: I’ll be as unbiased as I can here. A rematch of the 2021 section 1 final and rematch of a game from just a few weeks ago on may 19th. Lakeville North is playing heavy favorite here. They are loaded with talent this season and could have the best offense in the entire state. They have an elite face-off guy (who is also a threat to score) and 8 competent offensive players who can all dodge, feed and shoot the lights out. They also work-hard off ball and constantly cut seams/spaces. Lakeville can score in bunches and before you know it, you can be down 4-5 goals. Farmington, in what was supposed to be a “down” year to the public has earned a chance to defend their title. Last year, the Northfield Raiders knocked off Lakeville in the Semi’s so, Farmington didn't have to get through the powerful Panthers on their way to state for the first time. In a weird twist of fate now, the Tigers have to slay the dragon as the underdog in a title defense. The Tigers have been close this year. The team of “almost.” After a huge win against a strong Eagan team, they dropped close games to The Valley by 1, Prior Lake by 3, and Shakopee by 3. They had leads in the valley and Shakopee game as well. However, their defense is much improved this year and have a balanced spread of scoring which should help them against the high powered Panthers. Obviously, I think the Tigers have just as good a chance as any to win this game, but, the Panthers seem motivated to get back to state as the section 1 representative. If they Tigers can avoid getting behind by a lot of goals early, like the first meeting, that will give them the best chance to make this interesting.
Section 2 - no games today
Section 3: Semi-Final
A very competitive section with teams that all beat eachother throughout the regular season.
STA v Eagan: The Cadets won the first matchups WAYYYY back in April in a low scoring 7-4 game. Both teams are completely different versions of themselves at this point. The Cardiac Cats of Eagan have played the most entertaining games of the year and have some massive wins under their belt. The Cadets have played one of the toughest schedules in the state some of battled some the best teams extremely close. This game will come down to which team can establish their gameplan/style early. Eagan can win face-offs and score in transition. STA is extremely good 6v6, especially on defense. They have an elite goalie and some big, take-away poles. Eagan is a smaller team but gritty and fast. This should be a very interesting game.
Woodbury v CDH: Woodbury has been an anomaly this year for me. They are MUCH better than I thought they’d be, but, on top of that, they seem to be completely fine in low scoring, slow paced games. Playing slow, being patient does not seem to bother them one bit. They don’t make a lot of mistakes or take a lot of risk. If they get a lead on you, it’s probably game over. But, they have shown the ability to battle back in the second half if they are down. They pick their spots and play smart, winning brand of lacrosse. CDH will need to speed this game up and make Woodbury uncomfortable. The raiders have played good teams close this year, but, Woodbury will grind the clock and ball control if they get a lead. CDH will need to find a way to get turnovers and possessions as Woodbury has been very strong on face-offs this year.
Section 4: No Games
Section 5: No Games
Section 6: Semi-Final
Probably the most anticipated semi-final slate right now as it features the state’s #3 (edina), #7 (Valley), #8 (PL) and #10 (Rosemount) ranked teams all battling for the chance to make the state tournament
Edina v Rosemount: A rematch of a close game early in the season in which edina prevailed 11-9. Edina has been tough on defense this year and moves the ball well on offense. They have played a tough schedule and have been able to win close games, a couple in OT, which should bode well for them in the playoffs. Rosemount has been dialing in a motion offense that can be extremely hard to defend. They have sneaky attackmen and strong midfield dodgers. If Rosemount can win matchups they generate a lot of high quality scoring opportunities with their passing/movement. I’ll be curious to see how they handle Edina’s aggressive take-away defenders. They like to pressure and get the ball on the ground making the offense uncomfortable. If Edina can take Rosemount away from their offensive play style and make them isolate more, I think Edina can get a lot of takeaways and make Rosemount uncomfortable.
Valley v Prior Lake: Another rematch of an early season regular season game where the Valley prevailed 11-7. That game was Prior Lake’s third game of the year (Valley’s 8th) and PL has flipped a switch as of late, winning 9 in a row. I think the PL team that The Valley sees tonight will be much different, however, The Valley has an elite defense and a couple superstar offensive guys that seem to be able to score at will. Prior Lake will need to find a way to win face-offs and get possessions against the Valley’s 68% face-off guy as The Valley starts to heat up as their offense gets more touches. Prior Lake will need to find a way to win matchups on offense against some of the stud D-poles from the Valley. PL plays great team offense, but, is not designed to play hero ball. If Valley is slow to slide and PL can’t win 1v1, they might have a hard time playing the style they want to play
Section 7: Semi-Final
Centennial v Duluth: Duluth has the long travel day down to Lino Lakes to play the cougars. Both Duluth and Centennial have improved in the second half of the season and are familiar foes in section 7. Both teams have struggled at the face-off X this year so both offenses should be able to get possessions and try to work their sets. Duluth has struggled against better teams this year, but, did play Chisago Lakes close and had a big win against White Bear Lake. Centennial has a couple offensive superstars that can put their team on their back while Duluth leans heavily on their stud Goalie. Centennial will need to stay out of the penalty box and not give Duluth a bunch of man-up chances and Centennial will need to be patient and find good looks on offense and not let Duluth goalie get hot.
Chisago v Anoka: Anoka has been hot and cold this year, but I think they are having much better season that most anticipated. They have found ways to win the games they are supposed to and had the upset win in the section quarters against Blaine. I think Chisago is the better team and has been dominant most of the season, but Anoka won’t go down without a fight. CL’s FO/M is running at an 88% clip right now, and weak competition or not, that is impressive. Anoka’s main guy is running at a 48% clip, so, if CL can be efficient on offense, they should have the ball to start quite a bit. This game will come down to Anoka getting stops on defense and making the most out of their possessions.
Section 8: Semi-Final
Moorhead v St. Cloud: Moorhead is the team to beat in this section and won the first meeting of these two teams 10-5. St. Cloud has some studs on offense and may be able to stay in this game if they can get possessions, but, they will need to make sure to handle the physicality and speed of Moorhead. The big factor in this game, in my opinion, is Moorhead has played a much tougher schedule. They have committed to travel and playing some of the best teams in the state and should be more battle tested. That being said, St. Cloud has enough offensively to score and if they can hang around they can maybe make this a game.
Elk River/Zimmerman v St. Michael - Albertville: Lots of city names represented in this game! Elk River/Zimm has been up and down this year and has played good teams tough, but, also has played lower end teams closer than I thought they should. They are physical and, if they can stay out the penalty box, are tough to play against defensively. STMA has had the tale of two halves of this season, started slow, but has really turned it on as of late. Couple close losses and big wins against Hill-Murray and Chisago Lakes. If STMA can get some steady goaltending and I think their offense is potent enough to break through the ER/Z physicality on defense. Face-Offs will be a major factor as ER/Z has a clear advantage. STMA will need to get stops and get their offense the ball.
