State: Semifinals
Shakopee v Lakeville North
This game lived up to the hype. A rematch of two powerhouse SSC teams who have both had phenomenal seasons. Shakopee is built on their defensive strength and Lakeville North has leaned on their offensive explosiveness this season. This game had a little bit of everything and needed overtime to settle things.
Despite Lakeville North being the proverbial, “explosive” team this year, it was Shakopee that seemed to have the hop in their step at the beginning of the game. They were winning face-offs against Metro Player of the year, Quinn Power and getting a myriad of great looks offensively. However, the story of game, or at least the first quarter was Lakeville North’s goalie, Tyler Ahlvers. He was dialed in and made some brilliant stops to hold Shakopee to only one goal and buying the panthers some time to get their offense going. North was able to get a 5-2 lead but Shakopee slowly started to grind their way back. That has been their M.O. all season. Despite maybe falling a few goals behind, they have found a way to amp up the defense, lock teams down and chip away goal by goal…. this game was no exception.
The Sabres closed the gap to 7-6 at the end of the third and took the lead 8-7 late in the 4th. However, right on queue was Quinn Power winning the important face-off and going to down to score and tie the game right back up. An equipment check was called by the Sabres on Power to see if they could get the goal taken off the board with an illegal stick penalty. A long discussion was had by the officials, but, the stick was legal. Goal was good. Headed into overtime.
Both teams had chances in overtime but it was Nathan Long inverting from behind the goal to turn the corner and score the game winner to send the Panthers back to the state final for the first time since 2016. What a game. Incredible battle. Could have gone either way and tip of the cap to both teams.
Benilde-St.Margaret’s v Prior Lake
This is probably the most played matchup in the history of the state tournament. Usually, these two meet in the finals, but, it was the semi’s this year and once again, the game did not disappoint. Two incredibly talented teams with a rich tradition of excellent. Both clubs are well-coached and play winning brands of team lacrosse.
I felt like Prior Lake had a little more spark in this game - more so than the Red Knights. Maybe it was an underdog mentality or maybe it was just trying to avenge the overtime loss in the state final last season, but, the Lakers seemed extremely energetic and engaged in the game. The Red Knights seemed a bit more subdued and business as usual. Maybe it was the 47 straight wins for them, it was just another day.
Prior Lake was able to get on the board early and while the teams traded goals most of the game, where I think things went in the Lakers favor was a few early goals combined with some big early saves by goalie Luke Bloomer kept the red knights from building any sort of big lead like they did in the first matchup this season. The lakers were able to keep the game close, slow, methodical for long stretches of time and didn’t allow the red knights to capitalize on quick breaks or face-offs to go on big runs. The longer the Lakers were leading and in the game, the more you could see things shift in their favor. The red knights started taking some uncharacteristic low percentage shots, where, they generally move the ball and find the best look. This caused turnovers and let Prior Lake bleed more clock with long drawn out possessions.
Every goal, ever save, every big play just continued to build for Prior Lake and seem to press the Red Knights. Honestly, I am not sure if it was an “off-day” for BSM or if it was just PL having the perfect day, but, despite the game being neck and neck the whole way, I never really felt like BSM was going to win. PL just seemed to have that feeling of being in control. I sensed panic and pressure on the BSM side and confidence on the PL side. But, like is true BSM/PL fashion, it wasn’t going to end without some fireworks. BSM scored on a fast break and won the ensuing face-off with just under 2 minutes remaining. The ball was in the hands of elite shooter/scorer and he won his matchup went right down the middle… but, hit the post. A loose ball hold was called on the ensuing rebound/ground ball on BSM. The Lakers were able to clear the ball and run the clock down before breaking a double team and scoring the insurance goal to win the game 9-7.
Another epic game. Absolute battle between both teams and tip of the cap to both squads. Could have gone either way but the Lakers prevail to set up the final against the Lakeville North Panthers Saturday night at 6pm.
