Sections: Recap

Well, the field is set and what an absolute pleasure these section final games turned out to be. In the year of the upset, we had it all. I truly think this is the most competitive/balanced state tournament we have had in year’s. I am so amazed at the journey that of some of these teams had this season and it just continues to prove that anybody can get to state at any time. Rankings mean nothing when we get into June and the teams that stay strong, play hard and commit to playing a winning brand of TEAM lacrosse will find themselves in the last 8 standing. To recap the finals:

Section 1: This one turned out as expected with the #1 seed, Lakeville North, advancing to the state tournament. However, I know I am biased here, but I think Farmington surprised a lot of people with the battle they gave the Panthers on Tuesday night. A fantastic, back and forth game, that was tied with 2 minutes left. Couldn’t have asked for a more entertaining game and tip of the cap to Lakeville North for making some big plays when they needed them. Both goalies were phenomenal and Farmington was able to neutralize losing nearly every face-off and get stops on defense to tilt some of the possessions back their way. Lakeville North had a couple huge ground ball pickups late in the game to save possessions and get goals.

Section 2: I think everyone was ready to write Shakopee off after their struggled in the quarter and semi final games. They seemed to just limp in to this game but saved their best performance when it mattered most. Shakopee is not the explosive team they were last year, but, their new identity is built on athleticism, toughness and grit. Not saying they didn’t have it last year, but, they have played so many close games this year, had some tough losses, but kept moving forward. Chanhassen was a quality squad and it is a shame both of these teams couldn’t go on to the state tournament, but, the Sabres just put together a performance that got them over the hump and to state for the first time. Chanhassen returns a lot of pieces and will continue to compete for Section 2. Shakopee will move into a loaded section 6 next year making things even more interesting. This game was a bit higher scoring than I anticipated and impressed by Shakopee’s ability to score 11 on the Storm, whose defense has been extremely stout all season.

Section 3: This section tournament is an example of what makes sports so amazing. Not only did all these teams beat each other in the regular season, making seeding interesting, the most unlikely team of the bunch, Cretin-Derham Hall emerged in probably one of the most exciting games in the history of MN High School Lacrosse. First, a tip of the cap to the Wildcats for such a great season and a great run of huge wins down the stretch. Amazing kudos to CDH, the #4 seed for not backing down and grinding their way through the section when most of the public probably counted them out. Honestly, the performance of CDH Goalie, Eddie Keilkopf was one for the ages and put the team on his back in all of their games, but most especially in the this final that went 4 overtimes. What an incredible run for the Raiders! If Eddie keeps playing the way he’s playing, combined with their toughness on defense, I would not count them out of any game next week.

Section 4: This was the most confusing section for me all year. I thought, when we previewed it, that it would be the most competitive section, but, it was anything but. Every game leading into the final was a blowout. The final was closer but still not that close. This section also had the favorite, in my eyes, change multiple times this season. Between Stillwater, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and even Hill-Murray, there were weeks where I thought each of those teams had the best chance to win the section. Mahtomedi found the best version of themselves late in the year and was able to make the run. A side note, this was the 6th year in a row that Mahtomedi and Stillwater played for the section 4 final. I expect the Zephyrs to be a tough out this state tournament, they are getting strong goalie play and have the second team all-state face-off guy. With strength at those two positions, they should have as good a chance as any to make a run

Section 5: A lot of blowout games in this section, but, the rematch between Maple Grove and BSM came to fruition. I’ll be honest, I thought BSM was going to win by at least 7, but the Crimson came to play. The crimson leaned on their athleticism and toughness to try and just claw their way back in the game, but, BSM had multiple moments where they rattled off a bunch of quick ones. They are so good in transition and so skilled - it’s hard to stay within reach, but, the Crimson were able to make it somewhat of a game. The Red Knights will head into State Tournament as the 1 seed and are once again the favorite. Again, it comes down to IF a team has the depth to be able to play 4 quarters with them. I think a few of the teams in the field could match up if (big if), they have a near perfect day, but it will be a tall task to knock them off.

Section 6: As expected, this was a very competitive and difficult section. 4 top 10 teams in this section so, it really was anyones game. Even the #5 Jefferson Jaguars were not an easy out. Both semi-finals ended up being 13-10 games. I didn’t see the edina/rosemount game but the PL/Valley game was a game of runs. The Valley had a great second quarter and took a 7-4 lead into half time. However, a third quarter, 8 goal run for the Lakers allowed them to seal the deal. This set up the Hornets v Lakers final. This was a fantastic game. Honestly, could have gone either way and what you want to see in the section final. It is unfortunate both of these teams couldn’t be at State, but, pretty much back and forth all game. There was a stretch in the third quarter where Lakers goalie, Luke Bloomer, made some huge saves and allowed the Lakers to get up to a 3 goal lead. Edina made a push late but PL was able to answer the bell each time and hold on to win.

Section 7: A rematch between Chisago Lakes and Centennial for the third year in a row. This game was a close, low scoring battle with CL prevailing to win section 7. I didn’t get to see this game but reports said it was a physical and heated game. There were lots of penalties and emotions were running high. Unfortunately, it sounds like the spectators were hard on the officials the whole game and it sort of took away from the battle the players had on the field but Chisago was able to power through and hang on to advance to their second state tournament in 3 years.

Section 8: This game featured the heavy favorite Moorhead spuds against the late season surging STMA Knights. I thought Moorhead would win this game easily, despite STMA having a nice little late season run. I was wrong. The Knights left it all on the field and battled their hearts out. I was impressed with STMA’s ability to answer offensively every time Moorhead got any momentum. If it weren’t for the Moorhead goalie, we may be talking about the Knights in the state tournament, he made some huge saves to keep Moorhead ahead or tied most of the game. This game went to overtime and Moorhead was able to prevail, but, this was an awesome game to watch on the stream, shoutout SpudsTV for the broadcast. They do an awesome job knowing all of the players so that the casual fan, not super familiar with the teams, feel close and invested in the action.