Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:34 pm
Got one right!!WHAFightingSaints wrote:We are only a couple weeks away from the start sections and there are still some unsettled spots up for grabs in the quest for St. Paul. My take on Section 4AA now, and the future.
1-Hill Murray (16-3-1) Section (3-0-0)
The Pioneers have a firm grasp on the top spot with no threat of falling. Their recent schedule hasn’t challenged the #1 team in the state; however they finish the season with 5 straight road games, including tests against Moorhead and STA. The final stretch of games should get them ready for a possible testy sectional semifinal and most likely final.
Best win: Minnetonka
Worst loss: None
Remaining schedule: at North St. Paul, at South St. Paul, at Moorhead, at Tartan, at STA
2-White Bear Lake (14-5-1) Section (3-2-1)
With Saturday’s loss to Stillwater the number two spot is no guarantee for the Bears, a win would have locked it up, now they are going to have to win some key games down the stretch to secure this spot. I have them in this spot because they are still leading the SEC, and have a slightly better overall record then Stillwater. They have no margin for error if the Ponies continue to win games.
Best win: Stillwater
Worst loss: not a loss but a tie with Mounds View
Remaining schedule: at Cretin, at Forest Lake, (H) Park, (H) Roseville, (H) Cloquet
3-Stillwater (13-4-2) Section (4-1-0)
The Ponies have every right to claim the number two spot, they are playing better than White Bear at the moment, fewer losses, have a better record within the section, and have a signature win over Minnetonka. (The Bears have no signature win on the season) With all that I can’t put them ahead of White Bear Lake for the simple fact they still trail in the SEC. If the Ponies come back to win the SEC, or even stake a claim by tying for the crown, they should take over the #2 spot.
Best win: Minnetonka
Worst loss: not a loss but 2 ties with Forest Lake have hurt them in SEC play.
Remaining schedule: (H) East Ridge, at Cloquet, at North St. Paul, at Hastings, (H) Benilde
4-Roseville (10-6-5) Section (0-3-2)
The Raiders have no chance of moving up, winless in section play they have one more shot against White Bear to get a victory within the section. Roseville has only lost one game by more than two goals, that happened Saturday against Hastings which needed an empty netter to get the two goal margin. Could be a dangerous matchup in a semi, but they have to win a quarterfinal game first which could prove difficult with their lack of scoring.
Best win: Officially a tie with Burnsville that the Raiders advanced with a shootout win.
Worst loss: Twice to Hastings
Remaining schedule: (H) Forest Lake, at Cretin, at White Bear Lake, (H) Rochester Century
5-North St. Paul (12-7-1) Section (2-1-1)
Better record than Roseville, but their strength of schedule keeps them in the five spot for the moment. Would definitely move up with an upset of Hill and could possibly top Roseville with a late season win over Stillwater.
Best win: Hopkins
Worst loss: Anoka
Remaining schedule: (H) Hill Murray, at Simley, (H) Stillwater, at STA, at Mounds View
6-Tartan (11-8-1) Section (1-2-1)
The Titans were neck and neck with North St. Paul until the Polars put up a five goal shutout on them Saturday. Tartan, like North St. Paul has played a fairly week schedule so far but finish with an extremely tough slate and maybe have a chance to jump a spot with a couple of wins against quality teams.
Best win: Mahtomedi
Worst loss: Not really any bad ones.
Remaining schedule: (H) Totino Grace, (H) STA, at Hill Murray, at Henry Sibley, (H) Duluth East
7-Mounds View (6-11-4) Section (0-4-2)
The Mustangs should be locked into the seven spot; I don’t see any scenario with them moving up or down.
Best win: not a win but tied White Bear Lake
Worst loss: East Ridge
Remaining schedule: (H) Stillwater, at Park- Cottage Grove, (H) Woodbury, (H) North St. Paul
8-Como Park (5-15-0) Section (2-1-0)
Should get by the Saints in the play in game and become fodder for Hill.
Best win: Minnehaha Academy
Worst loss: 0-3 versus Wisconsin Teams with the exception of a win over the Sparta JV.
Remaining schedule: at Providence Academy, (H) Breck, at Blake, (H) Spring Lake Park, at Johnson, (H) Le Suer
9-St. Paul Saints (4-16-0) Section (0-2-0)
Unfortunate that the Saints and Como Park aren’t playing in the Section 4A, however the Saints do have the best logo in the section.
Best win: Ely
Worst loss: 0-2 versus Wisconsin Teams.
Remaining schedule: (H) Highland Park, (H) Blake, (H) Johnson, at Minnehaha Academy, at SPA/Mounds Park Academy
Predictions:
Quarterfinal
Hill Murray 8 Como Park 0
Roseville 3 North St. Paul 2 (Double OT)
White Bear Lake 4 Mounds View 1
Stillwater 6 Tartan 1
Semifinal
Hill Murray 3 Roseville 2 (OT)
Stillwater 4 White Bear Lake 3 (OT)
Final
Hill Murray 5 Stillwater 2 (Bold prediction eh?)
