Photo Credit to Lancelot Furber
Boys Basketball
The Pine City boys basketball team finds themselves in a position they were not supposed to be in: two wins away from the State Tournament.
Pine City came in to the new-look Section 6AA playoffs with the #8 seed and a potential second round matchup with a top team in the state. The Dragons have peaked at the right time and after knocking off the #1 Seeded Cardinals they are now in the semi-finals.
Many people would say that things should get easier after knocking off the #1 seed but unfortunately for the Dragons that is not the case. Their next opponent, Eden Valley-Watkins could have been higher than the #5 seed.
The Eagles come in with a record of 25-2 with their only two losses being to Maple Lake, the team they defeated in the quarterfinals. Eden Valley-Watkins faced Annandale in the regular season and beat them 44-40.
It's no secret the Dragons have their work cut out for them, but they have already proven they are ready for any challenge the playoffs can throw at them. Dragons head coach Kyle Allen told the Pine City Pioneer:
"We felt like we were the best #8 seed in the state. Our section is so stacked that anyone can win on any given night. There are not a lot of #8 seeds that have a 20-win regular season and bring home a conference title. The moment was not too big for our boys, they were focused and prepared. They did not let anything shake them throughout the day.”
Dragons and Eagles tip-off from St. John's University at 5:30 on Wednesday Night. That game can be heard on 106.5 FM/AM 1350 and wcmpradio.com