The regular season has come to a close. And now we shift our attention to the playoffs. Let's take a look a where teams sit in the post season.
Section 5A East
1. Ogilvie 13-5
The Lions are continuing their success from last season, when they made it to the section championship. They have the best scoring offense in the east and the 3rd best in all of section 5A. The Lions will look to make another section championship push this year. They will host the winner of Barnum and McGregor on Wednesday.
2. Braham 12-6
The Bombers had a lot of success this season, going 10-2 in their section. Those two losses came against section leader, Ogilvie. But like Ogilvie, Braham has the 2nd best scoring offense in the east and the 5th best in the entire section. But they have something more going for them, their defense. Braham's defense is 2nd in the east and 4th overall. They will host the winner of Upsala vs Isle on Wednesday.
4. Hinckley-Finlayson 8-10
Despite their defense giving up more points than what they score, this team can stick with any team they face. The Jaguars have even beat a Class AAA school this season, North Branch. This team will prove to be a tough out and may even surprise some people with an upset or two. The Jags will host Onamia on Wednesday night.
5. Onamia 7-11
The Panthers played in some very close games this season. They were only a couple bounces from inversing their record. Although they only average 44ppg, their team scored over 50 points in seven games this season. Onamia will face off against Hinckley-Finlayson on the 18th, which should prove to be a very good matchup.
6. East Central 5-12
The Eagles lost some senior leaders last year, and they also play in a very tough conference. This team averages 37ppg, but in the games they've won they have scored more than that mark. They'll face a challenge in their opening matchup, they'll travel to face #3 Swanville on Wednesday night.
Section 6AA
3. Pine City 15-3
The Dragons didn't lose a step from last season to this one. They looked much like the same team, even though they were younger. They boasted the 2nd best scoring offense in all of Class AA and also were 3rd in points differential, along with a top 20 defense. The Dragons will host #14 Mora Tuesday night. Pine City could potentially face off against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last post season Sauk Centre in the 3rd round.
7. Foley 11-7
The Falcons season ended on a high note. After starting the season 4-2, they suffered a 3 game losing streak. But after the 3 game skid Foley ended the season on a 7-2 run, winning their final game of the regular season over Osakis. Foley will host the first playoff game against a familiar face, Osakis.
8. Milaca 9-9
The Wolves went on both a 3 game winning and losing streak this season. But they did something only one other team did this season, win against Pine City. Milaca will host Spectrum on the first night of playoffs, and look to make a deep run knowing they can stick with the top teams.
12. Rush City 10-8
The Tigers went on a pair of 3 game win streak on the season, and looked like the team to beat. But they suffered a couple tough losses as they ended the season on a 1-3 skid. In all but one win this year, the Tigers had double digit victories. Rush City will have a tough 1st round matchup. They will travel up to Pierz and take on the #5 Pioneers Tuesday night.
14. Mora 4-14
The Mustangs play in one of the toughest conferences in the state. But this team has a lot of heart. They'll make it a tough battle against anyone they face. The Mustangs play #3 Pine City in the 1st round.
Section 7AAA
7. North Branch 5-13 (Unofficial)
The Vikings scored at least 55 points in the three of their five wins this season. They've shown they can get it done on both sides of the ball. Their section playoffs might be the most interesting, as 5 of the 8 teams have a losing record. This looks like anyone's section to win. The Vikings will play in Chisago Lakes against #2 Wildcats on Saturday.
Section 7AAAA
2. Cambridge-Isanti 13-3
The Bluejackets are playing much like the team they were last year. Though they graduated a few senior this team hasn't lost a step. Two of their three losses came against Becker, a top 5 team in Class AAA throughout the whole year. The Bluejackets look to be the favorite to win their section and make another state tournament appearance. They will host #7 Duluth East on Saturday.
