Prep Blog: Looking Back On An Eventful Winter Season
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's transition time in Minnesota's prep sports scene. The winter season is over and the champions have been crowned.
We got a taste of spring earlier than anticipated with a warm start to March leading to golf courses opening about a month ahead of schedule. The snow is mostly melted, but we're not quite ready to head back outside full-time for the spring high school sports season.
While we have the time, let's look back on an eventful winter season and reflect on the teams and games that gave us excitement and allowed us to appreciate high schools sports for what they are: Fun, competitive and entertaining.
Here's some of the best from the winter state champions.
Lakeville North Boys Hockey Completes Perfect Season
Until this year, a boys high school hockey team hadn't had an undefeated season since Bloomington Jefferson went 27-0 in the 1992-93 season to win a state championship. Lakeville North entered this year's Class AA State Tournament a perfect 28-0. The Panthers breezed through their section bracket, beating three teams by a combined 30-1. Not much changed at Xcel Energy Center as they beat Hill-Murray 4-1, Eden Prairie 6-2 and Duluth East 4-1 to finish the season a perfect 31-0 and more importantly, state champions.
Roseville Wins State Gymnastics Title... Again
Roseville gymnastics is synonymous with state championships, and the Raiders entered this year's state meet at the University of Minnesota Sports Pavilion as the three-time defending state champions. There's a reason why. Roseville won two of the four events in the team competition and won a state title with a team score of 150.050 for its fourth straight state championship. The Raiders won the team title by nearly two full points, which in gymnastics is a dominating performance.
Hopkins Wins Girls State Basketball Title
The Hopkins Royals entered the State Basketball Tournament with one loss on the season, to a team they would meet again for the state championship. The Royals cruised to victories over Rochester Mayo and Shakopee to get to the state title game, while rival Eastview did the same in wins over Andover and St. Michael-Albertville. The Lightning beat Hopkins 75-70 in overtime in the previous battle between the two teams this season. Hopkins won the match-up that mattered the most, beating Eastview in the state title game 68-60. It was the Royals' fourth title in five seasons.
Apple Valley Knocks Off Champlin Park For Boys Basketball Crown
When Champlin Park beat Apple Valley in the Granite City Classic over the Christmas holiday, most basketball fans were hoping that the state's best two basketball teams would meet again at the state tournament. The Rebels were trying to complete an undefeated season and got to the state final after victories over St. Francis and Shakopee. The Eagles did their part with wins over St. Michael-Albertville and Lakeville North. The Target Center was packed for the Saturday night championship game, and it didn't disappoint. Apple Valley knocked off Champlin Park 64-61, ending the Rebels' hopes of a perfect season, giving the Eagles their second state championship in three years. Apple Valley's entire starting five returns next season.
Apple Valley, St. Michael-Albertville Duel For Wrestling Crown
It doesn't get much better than Apple Valley when it comes to high school wrestling. The Eagles are traditionally the best program in Minnesota and one of the best in the country. Two years ago, they had to share a team state title with St. Michael-Albertville. This year, the Eagles and Knights squared off yet again with a state title on the line. Apple Valley got to the title match with wins over White Bear Lake and Prior Lake. St. Michael-Albertville got there by beating Moorhead and Willmar. The Eagles and Knights were tied 30-30 heading into the heavyweight match, where Apple Valley was heavily favored. Freshman Gable Steveson pinned senior Randy Anderson 57 seconds in, sealing yet another state championship for the Eagles. Apple Valley has won nine straight since losing to Owatonna in 2005.
Hill-Murray Repeats In Girls Hockey
After winning the 2014 state championship, the Hill-Murray girls hockey team had high hopes this year. The Pioneers recovered from an 0-2 start to win 25 of their next 28 games. Hill-Murray got to this year's state championship game by beating Eastview 6-1 and Edina 2-1. Their opponent was a familiar face. Minnetonka had won two straight state championships before the Pioneers took over. Hill-Murray won its second straight title this year with a 2-1 win over the Skippers.
Faribault Dance Team Wins State Title Amid Controversy
It was one of the most talked about stories of the winter season for a sport that stays largely under the radar. The Faribault Emeralds won this year's Class AAA State High-Kick Dance title, but the first-place trophy didn't come without some controversy. The Emeralds won after the other teams competing in the finals, Wayzata, Eastview, Chaska, Lakeville South and Eden Prairie, refused to lineup in the proper spot for the awards ceremony and were all disqualified. The move was in protest over allegations that Faribault had stolen its routine from another squad. Faribault coach Lois Krinke admitted that they got inspiration out of a routine from a team in Utah, but denied copying it. The MSHSL sent out a letter to participants before the state tournament informing them that an investigation concluded Faribault had not plagiarized the dance routine. It was a big story in the winter sports season for all the wrong reasons.
