As predicted, sections weekend 1 did not disappoint for
amazing performances and game changing results.
Congratulations to all of our state newcomers who made it this
year. This weekend looks to have some exciting
drama of its own, so check out the schedules page for all of your favorite
events. Speaking of schedules – the
State 2020 tournament page is live with all kinds of information you need to
plan your visit. One of the things I
can’t encourage enough is pre-purchasing tickets via the online link if you
won’t have reserved seats from your school.
The lines can be slow to say the least. More about that next week, first
– Its’ sections round 2!
Section 1A: Lake City High School
The southeast small teams have been making some moves in
recent years to be a stronger representation at state tournament time. A technically sound Zumbrota Mazeppa jazz
team and a well-rounded program at St. Charles lead the way. Lake
City and Wabasha Kellogg will try to make an impression, especially in
kick. Houston is also looking good to
qualify in the jazz division unless someone else is ready to make a move up we
didn’t see in January.
Section 2A: Bloomington Kennedy High School
The morning session of super-sections will feature 2A and
3AAA going back to back as Cannon Falls, PACT Charter, and Atwater CGC will try
to hold back the newcomers from Holy Family (Victoria). Holy Family has largely been in the driver’s
seat for jazz this year, but in a late development Cannon Falls took top honors
at their last pre-sections meeting. With
only 2 jazz trophies to go around, it’s going to be tight. Kick should be less
surprising, and it’s pretty even between ACGC, PACT, and Holy Family for the 2nd
and 3rd spots.
Section 3A: Montevideo High School
The ultra-competitive section 3A will not disappoint as
double state champs LqPV-DB will try to defend their title. Top names from BOLD, Yellow Medicine East,
and Montevideo will be in the picture again, but this time they have outsiders
challenging. Minnewaska, Canby, or
Worthington could all have something to say about who those state tickets
belong to. Minnewaska especially has
some momentum on their side this year after some highly visible placements during
the season.
Section 1AA: Faribault High School
The only AA event this week will showcase the Emeralds at
home against annual rivals from Austin and Simley. Sneaky good Cretin Derham Hall will try to
upset the status quo, as will the wild card team from Albert Lea who might come
up for a surprise finish. Both of those
teams fall into the “they have it coming one of these years” groups, so who
knows, it could just be now. South St.
Paul didn’t end up a standout on the leaderboards this year, but as perennial
qualifiers here would be worth watching out for.
Section 1AAA: Bloomington Kennedy High School
The evening event at Bloomington is worth catching the
contest between Eastview, Prior Lake and Lakeville North who all have scores in
the mid-80s or 90s. Lakeville South and
Burnsville will be in the hunt, but with a season finale loss by Burnsville to
Farmington in kick, things could be interesting. Rochester Mayo also quietly had a good year
and should be on the watch list for moving up in the standings from last
year. If you’re not sure what to go
watch this weekend, this is an easy recommendation. (Parking isn’t the best here, so plan ahead)
Section 3AAA: Bloomington Kennedy High School
Going on the flip side with 2A, this group will be looking
to catch Centennial in one of their better seasons on record. Spring Lake Park is close behind, especially
in jazz, and tends to show up for this big event with their best. Henry Sibley and Mounds View will be closely
ranked and will want their qualifying spots locked down after their
performances. Dark horses here are
Eagan, Roseville, and Bloomington who might need a few things to go their way;
but will be ready for the challenge come Saturday.
