CC's local sports

Football recruits start finding homes

2012-01-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

The signing date for college football is Wednesday, and the commitments are starting to come in.

Mankato West quarterback Philip Nelson will sign with the University of Minnesota. He committed last fall, and he's already enrolled at Minnesota and is working out i preparation for spring practice.

Blue Earth Area tackle Jonah Pirsig, who is 6-9 and 290 pounds, also will sign with the Gophers on Wednesday.

West receiver Hunter Friesen has committed to Minnesota State. Friesen suffered a broken leg in the state semifinals but said this week that he's healing well. It will be interesting to see what position he plays. He was an all-state defensive back as a junior and all-state receiver last season.

Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial's Nate Meixell will sign with South Dakota State. He played quarterback at LCWM, but that won't be his college position.

BEA tackle Sam Lee is still trying to decide on a college. He has several Division I offers, including Minnesota, but he has two older brothers playing at Augustana so that might lure him to the Division II program.

Haven't heard much else about Minnesota State's recruiting class. Coach Todd Hoffner can't discuss recruits until he receives a signed letter of intent.

You can bet he'll have plenty to say about his incoming freshman next Wednesday night when Minnesota State hosts a signing-day gathering at downtown BW3.

Quick look at Mavericks' transfer from Egypt

2012-01-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

Took a few minutes Thursday to watch the Minnesota State men's basketball team practice, with a specific eye on Egyptian Assem Ahmed, who began practicing with the team this week.

It tells you a lot about how this season is going that the most interesting thing to watch is a player who is not yet eligible and may not play a minute this season. And his name is pronouced AW-sem, which makes for some nice nicknames should he become popular.

Though only 19, the 6-10, 240-pound Ahmed has played international basketball as a member of Egypt's national U19 team so you know he has skills. On Thursday, he showed good footwork in the post and a soft touch on his shot.

You can tell that he hasn't had a lot of coaching. When he had the ball at the top of the key, he often held it with just one hand and he made some lazy passes. Yet, he certainly knows the pick-and-roll, working that to perfection a few times in half-court drills.

He's going to need to get stronger. He didn't look real aggressive, and he wasn't afraid of contact, but some time in the weight room will further his chances of playing professional basketball, which he said is the reason he came to the U.S.

He's already the best post player on the team, and it remains to be seen how he'll rebound or if he's a shot blocker. At first glance, he seems more athletic than Travis Nelson or Atila Santos, two of the best big men ever to play at Minnesota State. He's not real outgoing, though maybe that will come as he gets more comfortable here. He was one of the first players to high-five a teammate after a good play at practice.

We'll have to see if his work ethic matches those two.

Coach Matt Margenthaler said Thursday that the process of determining Ahmed's eligibility continues to roll along, without any real sense of when it will be decided. Ahmed wants to play this season, and Margenthaler wants him in there.

If Ahmed is declared eligible immediately, the Mavericks will be able to challenge for a berth in the Northern Sun tournament. It's unlikely that his addition will put Minnesota State in position to win the conference tournament, which is the only way this team can continue the program's streak of national-tournament berths.

If Ahmed can't play until next season, that means he and Jayme Moten, who transferred here from Texas-Pan American, will be the first two building blocks for a major roster makeover. The program has already signed Michael Busack from Redwood Valley, but expect another transfer or two or three to show up before Oct. 15.

You wouldn't expect Margenthaler and his staff to meekly accept another season such as this one.

Halfway point of the Northern Sun schedule

2012-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State reached the midway point of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference basketball season, which makes this a good time to digest what has happened.

Obviously, the men's team has struggled. You knew there would be an adjustment period after the program lost so many talented kids from last season, but you also never expected to see one of coach Matt Margenthaler's teams struggle so much.

The transfers didn't work out. Torrieo Williams was gone before the season started, and D.J. Hoskins left at semester break. Charles McNeal was going to be deep on the bench so he's taking a redshirt season.

That leaves the Mavericks with a lot of young kids, all of whom are talented. But experience is very important in this league. Zach Romashko, T.J. Okafor, Miles Chamberlain and Kelly Madison all look like they have a promising future, but the growing pains are severe.

For the most part, Stephen Kirschbaum has played well, though the team's only senior is much better when others are creating and he can shoot from the perimeter.

Sophomores Jimmy Whitehead, Connor O'Brien, Travis Meinders and Alex Hanks have all had good games, but consistency is an issue.

The outlook for this team will change if Egyptian transfer Assem Ahmed is declared eligibile and is as good as expected, but the Mavericks will be lucky to crack the top eight in the conference to qualify for the league tournament.

The womn's team has been a pleasant surprise. After starting conference play with three losses, and having top scorer and rebounder Ali Wilkinson lost to a knee injury, the Mavericks have won eight straight to move into third place in the Northern Sun.

This team is athletic and defends well, and the last five victories have been by 7 points or less, meaning the Mavericks are performing well under pressure.

Seniors Laura Weber and Jennie Noreen have been very good over the last eight games, and freshmen Aubrey Davis and Jamie Bresnahan have played above their experience.

Ali Hoefer and Jameila Hudnell have provided key minutes, and just about every player that takes the court gives the team something.

It looks like Minnesota State has a very good chance of hosting a first-round game in the Northern Sun tournament, and you shouldn't sleep on their chances to challenge for the conference title and advance in to the national tournament.

As much as the men's team has fallen from last season, the women's team has made that big of a jump.

Minnesota State basketball vs. Mary

2012-01-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State basketball vs. Mary

Minnesota State basketball vs. Northern State

2012-01-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State basketball vs. Northern State

LIVE CHAT: MSU basketball vs. Upper Iowa

2011-12-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

MSU basketball vs. Upper Iowa

Another weekend of MSU basketball

2011-12-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

There are just two Minnesota State basketball games remaining before the holiday break, and it's been quite a cold slap in the face to watch the men's team.

After losing all those seniors from last season, there was a pretty good chance the Mavericks would struggle this season, especially early. But the play has been ever harder to watch than expected.

There are only three players with any experience. Stephen Kirschbaum is a spot-up shooter, and he's been trying too hard to drive to the basket. He needs to shoot 3s when he's opene because he generally makes at least half of them.

Connor O'Brien is the only player to have improved his game, and he's been good for about a double-double each night. But he can't be the go-to scorer. If he's your second or third option, you have a pretty good team. If he's the fifth option, as he was last season, you have a great team.

Point guard Jimmy Whitehead missed a lot of offseason work with a broken jaw, and he's been slow to recover. He leads the team in minutes played, yet his performance hasn't dictated that. Offensively, he doesn't look confident. He's not a great shooter, and when he goes to the basket, he often is called for charging.

The other players, most of whom are in their first season at Minnesota State, have been inconsistent. There are times when you see a bright future, followed by a harsh reminder of the sloppy future.

Will it get better this season? Tough to tell. This weekend's games should be a good test. Upper Iowa is a veteran team known for scrappy play, exactly the kind of team that could take advantage of the inexperienced Mavericks.

Winona State is one of the elite teams in the Northern Sun, and that game could be a blow out. Few teams wold like to bury the Mavericks on their home court more than Winona State.

You can only imagine that coach Matt Margenthaler, who has been pretty patient to this point, will be scouring the transfers this spring to find more college-ready players who can make an immediate impact next season. He doesn't like to lose.

Follow Friday's game at my live chat right here. I'll be on vacation Saturday through the end of December.

LIVE CHAT: Minnesota State basketball vs. St. Cloud State

2011-12-10T02:21:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State basketball vs. St. Cloud State

LIVE C HAT: MSU basketball vs. Concordia-St. Paul

2011-12-09T12:08:00.001-08:00

MSU women vs. Concordia-St. Paul

Watch MSU men's basketball differently this season

2011-12-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota State men's basketball team hasn't played a home game in three weeks, and if you didn't see the Mavericks at the home opener in early November, you might be surprised by what you see.

The Mavericks are a young team, inexperienced in the ways of college basketball. The team has played more halfcourt basketball, a far cry from the explosively offensive teams of the last seven or eight seasons.

The Mavericks have yet to find their offensive identity. Shooting has been a problem, and there have been nights that it's been a struggle to score 50.

But while this season might be tough to watch, the future bodes well. The young players in the rotation have big-time skills. Connor O'Brien is clearly better than he was as a freshman, and freshmen Zach Romashko and T.J. Okafor look like a rock-star tandem in the post.

Sophomore point guard Jimmy Whitehead will have to elevate his game. Whitehead missed offseason time while healing a broken jaw so the extended minutes could help him to find a rhythm. He needs to be a distributer and scorer on this team.

Coach Matt Margenthaler has had to adjust his expectations of this team, which will test the patience of a highly successful coach. It will be interesting to watch him straddle the line of competitiveness with understanding.

The Mavericks have home games against Concordia-St. Paul and St. Cloud State this weekend, then host Upper Iowa and Winona State the following weekend. It's important that Minnesota State protect its home court.

Check out the live chat from all four games this weekend by clicking the link at www.mankatofreepress.com or go directly to www.cclocalsports.blogspot.com.

Mankato West football vs. Bemidji

2011-11-18T09:18:00.001-08:00

Mankato West football vs. Bemidji

LIVE CHAT: MSU men's basketball vs. Dickinson State

2011-11-13T13:47:00.001-08:00

Minnesota State men vs. Dickinson State

LIVE CHAT: Minnesota State football vs. Minnesota Duluth

2011-11-12T05:12:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State football vs. Minnesota Duluth

LIVE CHAT: Mankato West football vs. South St. Paul

2011-11-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

Mankato West vs. South St. Paul

LIVE CHAT: Mankato West football vs. Waconia

2011-10-28T21:34:00.001-07:00

Mankato West football vs. Waconia

Big win for MSU football

2011-10-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

For the second straight week, Minnesota State has given up more than 500 yards of offense, yet came away with a victory.

On Thursday, it was Augustana that moved the ball with ease, but the Mavericks got some stops in the red zone and prevailed late in the fourth quarter.

Augustana's big, veteran offensive line dominated the Mavericks, and the Vikings held a 26-21 lead midway though the fourth quarter. But Minnesota State's best drive of the game yielded the go-ahead TD on a 6-yard pass from Jon Daniels to Andy Pfeiffer, two players who weren't at Minnesota State last season.

Dennis Carter scored two spectacular TDs in the first quarter, returning the opening kick 87 yards for a score, then a 53-yard run on a reverse, going to each sideline as he looked for running room.

However, Carter picked up a personal foul in the second quarter and did not play again. It's not the first time he's lost playing time because of his conduct.

Augustana running back Dajon Newell, just a freshman, had 189 yards and three touchdowns rushing, but the Vikings couldn't generate any offense on its final possession.

Augustana punted the ball back to the Mavericks with less than three minutes remaining, down a point with no timeouts, a curious call.

Then on first down at the 50, MSU was called for holding. Augustana accepted the penalty, giving the Mavericks an extra play. That extra 40 seconds was enough for the Mavericks to run out the clock.

The victory clinches at least a share of the Northern Sun South Division championship. It also puts Minnesota State back into the national-tournament picture.

The Mavericks have two games remaining: next week at Southwest and the finale at Minnesota Duluth. That final game could decided the conference championship and a berth in the playoffs.

This MSU team has come a long way this season, and with all the young talent, the future has rarely looked better.

LIVE CHAT: Minnesota State football vs. Augustana

2011-10-27T09:28:00.001-07:00

Minnesota State football vs. Augustana

LIVE CHAT: MSU football vs. Wayne State

2011-10-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Minnesota State football vs. Wayne State

Gotta love high-school athletics

2011-10-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Did you give Mankato East a chance to win Wednesday's football game
against Mankato West?
Be honest. Nobody, at least outside of the Cougars' locker room, thought the Cougras could pull off the upset.

That's not to demean the East program, which has struggled the last few
seasons, but the numbers didn't add up for an East victory. West was just
too powerful, having bulldozed every opponent this season.

But with seven minutes to play in the third quarter, East had cut the lead
to 14-11 and were about to try an onside kick.

That's why high-school athletics are so much more fun to watch than college
or professional.

As most know by now, West pulled away in the final 19 minutes to post a
28-11 victory, finishing an undefeated regular season with the sixth
straight Jug victory.

The victory kept West on track for its season's goals, which include a No. 1
seed in the Section 2AAAA playoffs and homefield for the semifinals and
championship game. Eventually, this team has its sights on a state
championship, but there will be some tough battles ahead in that pursuit.

East also has plenty to feel good about. The Cougars pushed West as hard as
any team this season, and despite having just three victories, East now
looks like a formidable opponent in the playoffs.

The only chance East had to pull off the upset was to use running back Tevyn Schmidt and a size advantage in the offensive line to pound the ball at the Scarlets.

It¹s too corny to say that both teams were winners Wednesday night because
that¹s not how life works. You can say that both teams should be proud of
their performances.

The winners were the 3,500 or so folks who sat at Blakeslee Stadium, some in the
protected environment of a press box, who got to watch a very compelling,
fun game.

LIVE BLOG: Mankato East football vs. Mankato West

2011-10-19T08:34:00.001-07:00

Mankato East vs. Mankato West

A few observations from Midnight Madness

2011-10-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

It's tough to drawn many conclusions from watching a 10-minute intrasquad scrimmage by the Minnesota State men's and women's basketball teams early Saturday morning at Bresnan Arena, but there's no reason to stay up past midnight if you're not going to try to gain a little insight.

The men's team has new nine names on the roster, four of which might be starters when the season begins Nov. 12. Connor O'Brien, who clearly has added some size and strength, will be back in the post, and he looked very aggressive and confident.

Point gurd Jimmy Whitehead will be the starting point guard, but he's out with a broken jaw and could miss games, leaving that position to redshirt freshman Travis Meinders or true freshman Kelly Madison.

Freshman forward T.J. Okafor is freakishly athletic, and if his effort matches his talent, fans are in for a treat.

Perimeter shooting looks like this team's weakness, though transfer D.J Hoskins has a good reputation as a shooter. Stephen Kirschbaum, the team's only senior, looks like the best shooter.

Speaking of shooting, the women's team showed good peimeter shooting. Newcomers Aubrey Davis, Kathleen Reynolds and Jameila Hudnell showed 3-point acumen, and with Laura Weber and Ali Wilkinson in the post, it looks like a better team.

But the last two seasons for the women's team have not been very good so it remains to be seen how the incumbents and new faces mix.

LIVE BLOG: Mankato West football vs. Rochester Mayo

2011-10-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

Mankato West football vs. Rochester Mayo

Biggest win of season for MSU football

2011-10-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Head coach Todd Hoffner and receiver Adam Thielen downplayed the importance of Saturday's 24-14 victory over Winona State, but there's no question it was the most significant victory of the season.

Previous wins over Northern State, Minnesota Crookston and Concordia-St. Paul only proved that the Mavericks were not a bottom-feeder in the Northern Sun.

Saturday's win against Winona State shows that Minnesota State is one of the big boys.

The defense was spectacular, limiting Winona State to just 216 yards of offense and one touchdown. The other score came on a blocked punt.

A week ago, the Warriors rolled up a school-record 677 yards of offense against Upper Iowa.

Offensively, the Mavericks won despite three interceptions, two of which came in the end zone.

Andy Pfeiffer continued his strong play, rushing for 101 yards, his fourth straight 100-yard game. The former Mankato West standout ran hard and earned all of his yardage.

It was a very good game by the young, improving offensive line. With four sophomores and redshirt freshmen on the line, it looks like the Mavericks are building something special in that unit.

The Mavericks face a tough road test this week at St. Cloud State. Though it's not a division game, the Mavericks and Huskies are among five Northern Sun teams at 4-1, so this will be an important outcome for postseason consideration.

LIVE BLOG: Minnesota State football vs. Winona State

2011-10-01T08:03:00.001-07:00

Minnesota State vs. Winona State

MSU football season begins for real

2011-09-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

The South Division of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football season is nearly always going to be a four-team race between Minnesota State, Winona State, Augustana and Wayne State.

Which means Saturday's homecoming game between the Mavericks and Winona State is one of the three most important contests of the season.

Minnesota State's first three games were more of a preseason, with two victories, then last week, the Mavericks eased into the South Division games with a road win at Concordia-St. Paul.

Winona State is the best team the Mavericks have faced yet, and the winner keeps alive hopes of a South Division championship and postseason invitation. The loser will need to win out and get help, either from other league teams or the regional committee, to make the playoffs.

At this point, Winona State has been very impressive, rolling up 677 yards and 72 points in a victory against Upper Iowa. The Warriors also have a win over St. Cloud State, which was ranked ninth in the country at the time.

Augustana lost in the much-hyped opener to Minnesota Duluth, then lost games to Bemidji State and Mary, probably falling out of postseason contntion in the first month. It's tough to say what a win against Southwest Minnesota State last week will do for the Vikings, who remain a dangerous team.

Wayne State got done by Nebraska-Kearney in the opener, then struggled against hapless Minnesota Crookston. A 7-0 victory over Minnesota Duluth opened some eyes so Wayne State probably is still a threat in the South Division.

The Mavericks are also a wild card. The loss at Northern Michigan was explainable, and the victories against Northern State, Minnesota Crookston and Concordia-St. Paul haven't been much of a test.

That makes the game with Winona State a lot of fun. In this league, you don't get a marquee matchup every week. You need to enjoy them when you can.

LIVE BLOG: West football vs. Faribault

2011-09-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

West football vs. Faribault

Getting you ready for MSU football

2011-09-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Mavericks take on Minnesota Crookston on Saturday at Blakeslee Stadium in what should be a good tune-up for the next three games, which are at Concordia-St. Paul and St. Cloud State with a home game against Winona State in the middle.

The Mavericks weren't impressive in a 32-10 win over Northern State, nor were there any reasons to panic. Quarterback Jon Daniels was efficient as the offense moved the ball and controlled the clock.

Freshman running back Andy Pfeiffer, who went to Mankato West, was the most impressive runner, gaining 111 yards on 14 carries with a 53-yarder mixed in. He's listed as the starter this week.

Defensively, the Mavericks limited Northern State to nearly nothing in the first half, then made an impressive goal-line stand, stopping four plays at the 1, in the final minute.

Minnesota Crookston shouldn't provide much of a test, though the Golden Eagles forced Wayne State into the fourth quarter before the Wildcats scored the final 14 points in a 35-24 win.

Running back Richard Haley has gained 379 yards on 60 carries to pace Crookston.

The Mavericks should enjoy a victory Saturday because the next three weeks will determine this season's success. With already one loss, the Mavericks can't afford any more losses.

A few thoughts from Minnesota State's football victory

2011-09-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

Just got done writing about Minnesota State's 32-10 victory over Northern State at Blakeslee Stadium.

It was a good win for a program that lost its opener at Northern Michigan, which is a better team than Northern State. The Mavericks dominated play for most of the game, accumulating 485 yards of offense to 212 for the Wolves.

Quarterback Jon Daniels had a nice game, completing 13 of 19 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown. Receiver LaMark Brown had a touchdown run and reception, breaking a few tackles to complete the 70-yard scoring pass. Receiver Adam Thielen made six catches for 84 yards, pushing him over 1,000 yards for his career.

Running back Andy Pfeiffer rushed for 111 yards, including a 53-yarder in the third quarter. The offensive and defensive lines were too big and fast for Northern State.

Defensively, the Mavericks were pretty stingy, including a goal-line stand to end the first half. Northern had first down at the 1 and went nowhere in four plays.

Northern State isn't the worst team that the Mavericks will play this season, though the Wolves are unlikely to be a .500 team. It was a good win for Minnesota State, not something you can draw many conclusions from.

Around the league, Minnesota Crookson gave Wayne State all it could handle before losing 35-24. Bemidji State upset Augustana 30-27 in overtime.

It's good to have college football back.

LIVE BLOG: Minnesota State football vs. Northern State

2011-09-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

MSU football vs. Northern State

LIVE: Mankato West football vs. Austin

2011-09-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Mankato West football vs. Austin

Let the (football) games begin

2011-08-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Even though Mankato Loyola has already played one game, the football season really begins this week, and for local football fans, it's going to be an interesting season to watch quarterbacks.

At Mankato West, senior Philip Nelson will likely be remembered as the best quarterback in program history, and he'll surely end up with most of the prominent passing records by the time he leaves for the University of Minnesota next fall.

If West is to win another state championship, which is Nelson's stated goal, he'll have to be very productive, both passing and running, to overcome some of the Scarlets' weaknesses.

Loyola has a returning starter in Blake Matuska, while Mankato East will send in an inexperienced starter Friday, be it senior Matt Roberts or sophomore Quinn Frisell. Both teams had losing records last season, meaning it's up to the quarterback to help turn things around.

Minnesota State, which had poor quarterback play for much of last season, is going to Jon Daniels, a senior transfer from Nebraska-Omaha. The early reports have been good on Daniels, but sophomore Jon Wolf looked promising at the end of last season.

Gustavus Adolphus brings back senior Logan Becker, who put up pretty good numbers last season but threw 12 interceptions. Ball security should be better as a senior, in his second season as a starter, but the Gusties won't go far with that kind of turnover number.

The Minnesota Vikings acquired Donovan McNabb to be the starter until Joe Webb or Christian Ponder are ready to take over, and McNabb has looked a little better in each preseason game. The Vikings aren't likely to get much out of this season so you wonder how long McNabb will remain engaged.

It's often said that quarterbacks get too much blame and too much credit, but this season, in this area, quarterback play has never been so important.

High-school football begins

2011-08-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

With the exception of Mankato Loyola, area prep football teams began practicing Monday. Of course, any program with a hint of success has been working out all summer, either at camps or led by captains.

Loyola started a week early, taking advantage of a new rule that allowed teams to schedule a game the last Friday of August, then take a week off during the rest of the season.

Loyola should be in a better place this season, with numbers up to 43 from 27. Last season, the Crusaders won just two games, often times practicing with less than 22 players. But those younger players gained a lot of experience.

At Mankato West, all eyes will be on senior quarterback Philip Nelson, who has committed to the University of Minnesota. Other teams will measures themselves against Nelson, who will likely collect many of the program's passing records by season's end.

But don't forget Hunter Friesen, who caught 50 passes and made nine interceptions to earn some all-state recognition.

Mankato East won three games last season and should be able to build on that. There will be a new quarterback, but there are some veterans in the backfield and on the line.

You should always keep an eye on Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, which has a lot of players returning but must replace all-state quarterback Conrad Masberg.

At Blue Earth Area, 6-9, 290-pound lineman Jonah Pirsig has also committed to the University of Minnesota.

New Ulm Cathedral returns as the defending Class A champions, though there were a lot of seniors on that team. Senior running backs Eric Hauser, Ted Skillings and Nick Simon each played key roles in that championship season.

Surely, many other cool stories will emerge as the season gets rolling. Check back here or keep an eye on the print edition for some of those.

Annual Krugel golf tournament begins Saturday

2011-07-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Mankato Golf Club's 63rd annual Loren Krugel Invitational will be played Saturday and Sunday, with the usual cast of talented amateur golfers expected in the field.
Two-time defending champion Steve Chesley will be teeing it up in the 45-hole event, and crowd favorite J.B. Lloyd would surely like to add another Krugel title to his resume.
Past champion Jason Rudquist is also in the field.
Local players Geoff Klein, Toby Robinson, Alex Klehr and Josh Blackman certainly have a chance to win.
Former Minnesota State golfer Kyle Bahe had a great spring for the Mavericks, and he's entered in the Krugel. The University of Minnesota's Rob Bell is also in the field.
The Krugel is a great tournament, with flights for higher handicaps and older players, and it's one of the few events where each golfer plays his own ball, from tee to hole.
In the championship flight, you can expect the winning score to be under par, and the course is in beautiful shape. If you're not doing anything Sunday afternoon, stop by the Mankato Golf Club to watch the finish.

Northern Sun baseball tournament coming to town

2011-05-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Minnesota State is the top seed for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference baseball tournament, which will be played Wednesday through Saturday at Franklin Rogers Park.

The Mavericks, who have won a program-record 27 straight games, have won this tournament the last two seasons and would be the favorite to win again, though all three of their conference losses came to second-seeded St. Cloud State on April 1-2.

Minnesota State has the top offense in the Northern Sun, batting .350 in league games, and the top pitching, with a 2.29 ERA in Northern Sun games, which is almost a run better than any other team.

The Mavericks have the deepest rotation of Danny Miller, Blake Schwartz and Luke Putz, who are a combined 24-3 this season, which means pitching shouldn't be an issue this weekend.

Jeremy Sudbeck, Patrick Dockendorf, Aaron Berner and Steven Helget all rank in the top 10 in the conference for batting average, and Matt Kuchenbecker led the conference with 46 RBIs.

There are some other players to watch this weekend. St. Cloud State outfielder Jordan Smith might be the best player in the league, batting .477 in conference games, and teammate Scott Lieser just threw a no-hitter last week.

Augustana's Charlie Dubanoski batted .457 in conference game, and teammate Nate Baumann led the Northern Sun with seven homers.

Ponder seems like a good choice for Vikings

2011-04-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt that the Minnesota Vikings were going to draft a quarterback this week, though many were caught off guard when they took Christian Ponder at No. 12.

Three quarterbacks had already been selected, and presumably, the Vikings had some interest in one, two or all three. So when it came time to pick, the Vikings used their choice on Ponder, a player whose strengths seems to be intelligence and leadership but has concerns about arm injuries.

If the Vikings have faith that Ponder will be a starter for the next 5 to 10 years, it was a good choice, regardless of what self-titled "draft experts" say.

Could the Vikings have drafted Ponder at No. 20? Probably.

But the problem is that the Vikings didn't draft at 20. They were 12.

The Vikings may have tried to trade down, but apparently, no team was willing to offer much. So the Vikings were stuck at 12, and they took the player they wanted.

That makes it a good choice.

Does that mean that Ponder will work out? No.

But none of the players drafted Thursday, or any of the ones selected in the next two days, carry any money-back guarantee.

The Vikings could have taken a defensive lineman or offensive lineman that would have been safer, but if you have a chance to draft a starting quarterback, you do it.

For that reason, give the Vikings the benefit of the doubt. If the Ponder selection doesn't work out, GM Rick Spielman or coach Leslie Frazier won't be around the next time the team drafts a quarterback.

NFL Draft live chat

2011-04-28T09:20:00.001-07:00

NFL Draft: Live chat

What to watch for at MSU football team's final spring practice

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota State football team holds its final spring practice Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. at Blakeslee Stadium, and there are a few things to keep an eye at the scrimmage.

Quarterback Jon Wolf has missed most of the spring practice with a broken throwing hand, leaving redshirt freshman Trent Cummings to handle the work. Senior Will Brogan has not participated in spring practice to save a semester of eligibility, though it's clear that the athletic Wolf is best-suited and favored to be the starting quarterback in the fall.

There are three offensive linemen returning, and it's important that the Mavericks improve up front. Hoffner prefers a physical, run-first attack which can't happen without good offensive line play.

Defensively, the top five tacklers from last season are gone, leaving gaping holes in that unit. Defensive lineman Chris Schaudt and linebacker Ross Jirgl are the top tacklers back.

This is an important season for the Mavericks, who took a step back with a 6-5 record. After consecutive playoff appearances, the Mavericks can't afford to continue slipping.

MSU men's basketball team getting bigger ... literally

2011-04-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

It doesn't appear that Minnesota State men's basketball coach Matt Margenthaler is done with recruiting this spring, but he certainly has solved the team's most glaring need: size.

In the last week, the Mavericks have added high-schoolers Zach Romashko (Blaine) and T.J. Okafor (Champlin Park)and Iowa Lakes Community College transfer Charles McNeal III. Each is around 6-6 or 6-7, with good numbers for scoring and rebounding.

Romashko and Okafor are more gifted scorers, apparently inside and outside, while McNeal is more of a scrapper. Regardless, the Mavericks, who have Connor O'Brien, Mike Bisenius and Mitch Grundman returning, will no longer have a size disadvantage.

Throw in guards Kelly Madison and Miles Chamberlain, who signed in the fall, and Margenthaler said this is the most talented recruiting class he's ever brought to Minnesota State. That's a big statement, considering all the talented players to put on the purple and gold over the last 10 seasons.

Margenthaler said Monday that he'd like to bring in at least one more player, preferably a transfer who is more mature and ready to play right away. The roster only has one true point guard (Jimmy Whitehead) and one known 3-point threat (Stephen Kirschbaum).

Since Margenthaler has already recruited size, he's free to add a shooter or ball-handler.

It might be a rebuilding season upcoming for the Mavericks, who made that historic run to the national semifinals, but it doesn't appear that the dropoff will be severe as fans may have thought. And it likely never will under Margenthaler.

It's only six months until Midnight Madness. Recruiting has a way of getting you excited for the next season.

Final thoughts on MSU basketball from Elite Eight

2011-03-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Left Springfield, Mass., for a couple of days at Hartford before returning to Minnesota on Sunday.

It's always amazing, regardless of sport or level its being played, how quickly the emotions of a dramatic postseason run can crash with a loss. When a team, such as the 2009 Minnesota State women, wins a championship, there's usually a few days for everyone to revel in the victory, slowly coming down from the emotional high.

But when a team is playing at a high level, such as this Minnesota State men's squad, and then loses, it's an immediate and hard letdown for the coaches and players. In a few days, they'll be able to look back at the amazing accomplishments of this season, but that first 24 hours seems pretty tough.

The Mavericks will be back at the Elite Eight sometime, especially if Matt Margenthaler continues to coach at Minnesota State, but the rebuilding task is daunting. Seniors Jefferson Mason, Marcus Hill, Cameron Hodges, Joe Drapcho and Taylor Morrow were so important to this team, and it leaves little experience coming back next season.

This will be the most difficult class to replace since the 2007 class of Luke Anderson, Tony Thomason and Paris Kyles, which ironically was the year that Hill, Drapcho, Morrow, Mike Bisenius, Stephen Kirschbaum and Mitch Grundman came to Minnesota State.

There was no shame in losing to Bellarmine, which has a good chance to win a national championship Saturday against BYU-Hawaii. Bellarmine was a veteran, tough, strong, disciplined team that out-executed the Mavericks over the last five minutes.

Mason ended his career as one of the top 5 players ever at Minnesota State, and Cameron Hodges' final month was nearly as good. Hill is also a top-20 player in program history, and the fact that he played 224 of 225 minutes in the national tournament says a lot about his courage and determination.

Margenthaler and assistant Mike Schott will never have a bad team at Minnesota State. They're too good at recruiting to let the talent level slip, but experience will be the key.

There might only be two starters for next year that are on the team right now. Jimmy Whitehead will be the point guard, and Connor O'Brien will be the center or power forward. Kirschbaum and Bisenius will probably be the first players off the bench.

That means the two freshman already signed -- Kelly Madison of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mile Chamberlain of Madison, Wis., -- might be starters, or there could be some additional signings or transfers.

It's important that Margenthaler and staff capitalize on this historic season and attract some talented players. The women's program didn't do that after 2009, and that team is struggling just two years later.

You might expect next season to be less successful, but that's the same opinion that most fans had back in November, especially after the two senior transfers were kicked off the team.

It appears that you should never underestimate Margenthaler, Schott and his players. A lot of teams and fans found out the hard way this season.

National semifinals ... this is getting fun

2011-03-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Just a few thoughts from Springfield, Mass., as the Minnesota State men's basketball team prepares for tonight's game against Bellarmine University at the NCAA Division II tournament.

It should be another interesting matchup of styles. Bellarmine is a big, physical team with lots of man muscles. They seemed to play a disciplined style and shoot the ball well.

The Mavericks will want to press the pace, hoping to make it a fullcourt game instead of a halfcourt battle. Marcus Hill will have a tough time guarding any of their players, yet Bellarmine has no one who can keep up with Hill.

In Wednesday's game, Midwestern State was able to dribble inside the Bellarmine zone, but then the guards made bad decisions. Hill and Hodges should be able to penetrate, but then they have to finish or find an open teammate.

It will be interesting to see how much energy Wednesday's overtime victory over Alabama Huntsville took from the Mavericks. Hill played 45 minutes, and in the region tournament, he struggled offensively in the second game of back-to-backs. In his favor, Bellarmine is unlikely to press much.

If the Mavericks can score 80 points, they should win. Bellarmine appears to prefer a game played in the 60s.

FINAL FOUR: Minnesota State vs. Bellarmine

2011-03-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

FINAL FOUR: Minnesota State vs. Bellarmine

ELITE EIGHT: Minnesota State vs. Alabama Huntsville

2011-03-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

ELITE EIGHT: Minnesota State vs. Alabama Huntsville

Off to Springfield for MSU basketball game

2011-03-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Leaving Mankato at 8 a.m. Tuesday, with stops at MSP airport, Philadelphia and Hartford before, hopefully, getting to Springfield, Mass., in time for happy hour.

While it's been hectic, trying to make sure all the work is done and the kids have rides to their various activities this week, once I get to Springfield for the NCAA Division II Elie Eight, it should be a lot of fun.

I've been thinking a lot about the trip to San Antonio two years ago, watching the Minnesota State women's basketball team win a national championship. That final game still ranks with the most enjoyable I've ever watched.

If the Minnesota State men's team can make that kind of run, I'm sure it will be just as much fun.

Hope you've enjoyed some of the preview stories, a profile on coach Matt Margenthaler and another on senior Jefferson Mason. Tuesday's print edition includes a story with some prominent members of past Mavericks teams to get their views on this historic season.

Once I get to Springfield, I';ll try to a story the night before the first Elite Eight game, trying to see if the boys are nervous or excited. I'll try to get some info on the Alabama Huntsville, the team Minnesota State plays Wednesday.

I'll try to get some stories about the fans who made the trip to Springfield, and hopefully there will be three Minnesota State games for them to watch.

I'll check back once I get to Massachusetts, and don't forget to access the live blog during the game.

LIVE BLOG: Minnesota State vs. Fort Lewis

2011-03-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Minnesota State vs. Fort Lewis

Wow! What a game. On to the championship game.

2011-03-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

As Minnesota State coach Matt Margenthaler said after Sunday's 69-65 victory over Metro State, "Wow."

The hard-fought semifinal victory in the NCAA Division II Central Region men's basketball tournament had something for everybody. It was a tough-guy game, there were some unbelievably athletic plays, the game was close throughout.

There was the agony of two missed free throws by Metro superstar Reggie Evans, followed by the joy of two clinching free throws by Jefferson Mason.

If you didn't enjoy this one, you have no heart or emotion.

The Mavericks looked tired early, then got a spark from Taylor Morrow and Stephen Kirschbaum in the second half. Then with the game on the line, Mason started attacking the basket and Metro's shot blockers to provide 16 second-half points.

The Mavericks had the rebounding advantage, which hasn't happened much in the last month, and 23 offensive rebounds, usually the other team's number.

Now it's on to the championship game against Fort Lewis, a team that Minnesota State has had success in the past. This is the best Fort Lewis team of the last five or six, but it's a favorable matchup for Minnesota State.

Marcus Hill has played 80 minutes in the last two games, and Margenthaler said he'll play 40 on Tuesday. Mason has played 76 minutes and Cameron Hodges 63. Expect each to log a lot of minutes in every game from here on out.

Minnesota State has only playe din one regional championship game, losing to Winona State in 2006. This team is much better prepared to win that elusive title.

LIVE BLOG: Minnesota State vs. Metro State

2011-03-13T17:07:00.001-07:00

Minnesota State vs. Metro State

LIVE BLOG: Colorado School of Mines vs. Fort Lewis

2011-03-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Colorado School of Mines vs. Fort Lewis

Few thouhts from first day of Central Region

2011-03-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Been at Bresnan Arena for 12 hours, watching four quarterfinal games from the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament.

Here's a few thoughts:
Three of the four games today were rematches. In fact, three matchups were between teams that were playing for the fourth time this season.

It's inevitable with only two teams in each region, but something has to be done so that you get more teams facing each other for the first time. Too much RMAC vs. RMAC and Northern Sun vs. Northern Sun.

Colorado School of Mines really struggled to defeat Adams State, and I think that getting that victory will allow Mines to play better in the semifinals.

Fort Lewis demolished Mesa State. Hard to believe that Mesa State beat Fort Lewis twice during the regular season. Mesa State didn't look like it belonged in the tournament today.

Minnesota State was impressive in dispatching Winona State for the third time this season. Marcus Hill was unbelievable, and the big thre eof Hill, Cameron Hodges and Jefferson Mason combined for 70 points.

But the role players also contributed to the surprisingly easy win.

The best game was the last, when Metro State defeated Mary 78-73. Reggie vans is for real, and Metro has some other nice parts. Anthony Moody really struggled for Mary.

Sunday night's semifinals match Mines against Fort Lewis and Minnesota State vs. Metro State. It should be fun.

LIVE BLOG: Mary vs. Metro State

2011-03-12T18:06:00.001-08:00

Mary vs. Metro State

LIVE BLOG: Minnesota State vs. Winona State, Central Region tournament

2011-03-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State vs. Winona State

LIVE BLOG: Fort Lewis vs. Mesa State

2011-03-12T12:03:00.001-08:00

Fort Lewis vs. Mesa State

LIVE BLOG: Colorado School of Mines vs. Adams State

2011-03-12T06:10:00.001-08:00

Colorado Mines vs. Adams State

Region tournament begins Saturday

2011-03-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State again hosts the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament, which begins Saturday and runs through Tuesday.

The best eight teams in the region are in town, and judging by last season's tourney, there is a lot of good basketball to watch at Bresnan Arena.

There are some intriguing story lines.

Minnesota State is the No. 1 seed, and for five straight years, the top seed had won the region championship and advanced to the Elite Eight. That streak ended last season when the Mavericks lost in the semifinals.

Will the Mavericks finally claim a region championship in its seventh straight appearance at the tournament?

Minnesota State's opponent is Winona State, which might be the best eighth seed in any region. The Warriors got in by winning the Northern Sun tournament, a three-game stretch of impressive play after suspending leading scorer, and top headache, Anthony Tucker.

Can the shorthanded Warriors stay on a roll?

You might remember Colorado School of Mines, who nearly took out the Mavericks in the quarterfinals last season as an eighth seed. The Orediggers have all five starters back, and as the No. 3 seed, look like the best team in that bracket.

Can Mines use last season's loss as motivation for a better finish?

Adams State must be a hoot to watch. The Grizzlies commit more than 26 fouls per game, and they turn the ball over at an alarming rate. But this is the first 20-win season in school history so they must do other things right.

Will Adams State's frenetic pace be effective in a halfcourt game that is the norm in national tournaments?

Fort Lewis has been to the national tournament seven times since 2002, but the Skyhawks are 0-6 at this level. Fort Lewis was the No. 1-rated team when the first region rankings came out, then slipped to 6 before jumping back to 2 after winning the RMAC tournament.

Can Fort Lewis finally win a national-tournament game?

You can go to Bresnan Arena to watch the games, or you can follow my live blog during each game. It should be fun.

Tough day for MSU hoops, but things may work out

2011-03-05T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota State men's basketball team lost 82-74 to Winona State in Saturday's semifinals of the Northern Sun tournament, but the opportunity to host next week's Central Region tournament may not be lost.
It was a day of upsets in the Northern Sun as in all four semifinals, two for men and two for women, the lower-seeded team won.
In the men's tournament, Winona State and St. Cloud State will play for the championship, and since the winner gets an automatic berth into the national tournament, an neither team is ranked in the top 10 in the region, some team is going to get bumped, likely either Augustana or Adams State.
Minnesota State was ranked No. 1 in the region before this weekend's games, followed by Colorado School of Mines, Mary and Metro State. All four lost this weekend so the seedings will probably remain the same.
Minnesota State is hosting a viewing party for the NCAA selection show at 9 p.m. Sunday at the downtown Buffalo Wild Wings. The best guess is that Minnesota State will retain the No. 1 ranking and host the Central Region tournament next weekend.
Here's a guess at the pairings: Minnesota State vs. the winner of Winona State and St. Cloud State, Mines vs. Augustana, Mary vs. Metro State and Fort Lewis vs. Mesa State.
The NCAA could choose not to have so many matchups between teams of the same conference, so we'll see Sunday.
Will it matter for MSU? Not if they play so passively as in Saturday's loss. Winona State attacked the offensive glass, and Minnesota State didn't match the physical play. The referees allowed a lot of contact, and the Mavericks didn't adjust.
Unfortunately, Minnesota State has a reputation for great regular seasons and postseason losses. So far, that's the story on this season.

Minnesota State vs. Winona State, Northern Sun semifinals

2011-03-04T19:04:00.001-08:00

Minnesota State vs. Winona State

Wayne State vs. Minnesota State, NSIC Tournament

2011-03-02T11:57:00.001-08:00

Wayne State at Minnesota State

MSU men win another conference title

2011-02-26T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota State men's basketball team escaped with a 61-60 victory over Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday at Marshall, earning the program's second consecutive Northern Sun regular-season championship.
The Mavericks led by 14 points with seven minutes to play, but it took a pair of free throws by Marcus Hill with five seconds remaining to secure the win. Southwest had a last possession but couldn't get a shot off before the buzzer.
Minnesota State is now the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament and will host Wayne State in the quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The semifinals and finals will be played Saturday and Sunday at Concordia-St. Paul.
Saturday's win was interesting in many ways. Cameron Hodges scored 13 points in the first half, when the Mavericks led by 18 at one point and 32-24 at halftime. Jefferson Mason scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half, and Hill had all of his nine points after halftime.
Southwest had a 50-34 rebounding advantage with 25 offensive rebounds. But those produced only 11 second-chance points as Southwest shot only 29 percent from the field.
The hold on the Central Region rankings seems safe for the No. 1-rated Mavericks, though No. 2 Colorado School of Mines and No. 3 Mary also won. The final region rankings will be released after conference tournaments next Sunday.

Minnesota State men vs. SW Minnesota State

2011-02-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State at Southwest Minnesota State

MSU men stay at No. 1 in region

2011-02-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

Despite Saturday's loss to Concordia-St. Paul, the Minnesota State men's basketball team remained atop the NCAA Division II Central Region rankings, which were released Wednesday.

Colorado School of Mines jumped up to No. 2, followed by Fort Lewis, Mary, Augustana, Fort Lewis, Mesa State and New Mexico Highlands.

The Mavericks probably need to win the final three regular-season games against Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State, all on the road to stay at No. 1. Minnesota State might also have to win a couple games in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament.

Te Mavericks had a similar loss last year, falling at home to Augustana near the end of the regular season. Minnesota State then lost to Southwest in the opening round of the conference tournament but held onto the top ranking in the region and hosted the regional tournament.

Can the Mavericks take another loss? Probably not. Mines and Fort Lewis play each other this week so that eliminates one of those teams from jumping to No. 1. However, the winner seriously increases its schedule strength.

It would be best for the Mavericks to win these next three games, all against teams from the bottom half of the Northern Sun. That's something Minnesota State controls.

Minnesota State men, women vs. Concordia-St. Paul

2011-02-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State vs. Concordia-St. Paul

LIVE BLOG: MSU men, women vs. St. Cloud State

2011-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

MSU vs. St. Cloud State

MSU men move to No. 1 in region rankings

2011-02-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Two road victories last weekend not only strengthened the Minnesota State men's basketball team's chances of winning the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship, they also put the Mavericks in position to host the NCAA tournament's Central Region.

Minnesota State (19-2) moved into the No. 1 spot in the region rankings, which were released Wednesday.

Fort Lewis, which had been ranked No. 1, lost twice last weekend and slipped to No. 2, followed by Metro State, Colorado School of Mines, Mary, Augustana, New Mexico Highlands and Winona State.

The Mavericks host St. Cloud State on Friday (8 p.m.)and Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday (6 p.m.. The regular season ends with road games at Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State and Southwest Minnesota State.

The Mavericks have a two-game over Mary in the conference and could clinch the Northern Sun title with two wins this weekend and two losses by Mary. If the Mavericks win four of the five remaining games, they will be the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament.

However, the big prize is hosting the region tournament. Minnesota State hosted that event last season but lost in the semifinals, but the No. 1 seed has been very successful in the last 10 seasons.

MSU men need signature road victory

2011-02-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota State men's basketball team has just two losses, both on the road, at gyms where the opponent doesn't win very often.

However, in order to be a serious threat to advance in the national tournament, the Mavericks will likely have to face tough crowds and rowdy environments. That makes Friday's game at Augustana so important.

In this surprising season, the Mavericks have played inspired, tough basketball, but they haven't produced that key road victory that will make the rest of the region take notice.

Back in December, you might have thought that the Minnesota State's win at Winona State was a big victory. It was at the time, given the nature of that rivalry, but it has been shown by other teams beating Winona State this season, even at home, doesn't mean what it would have the last five seasons.

Augustana has one of the top two homecourt advantages in the Northern Sun, along with Mary. The student section is unbelievable, and the community support is wonderful, the kind of thing that happens about once per season at Minnesota State.

The Vikings have won eight straight to move into second place along with Mary, two games behind the Mavericks with seven to play, and the loss at Minnesota State earlier this season will likely provide additional motivation.

If Minnesota State can handle that atmosphere and defeat Augustana, that would be a large statement for what might lie ahead in the postseason.

A loss wouldn't be crippling to the Mavericks' chances of winning another conference title, given that the lead would still be one game, and Augustana plays at Mary next weekend.

The Mavericks are a veteran, gritty bunch that should be able to handle this assignment. Those traits are what has made this a special season. A victory over Augustana would be another positive step.

MSU men's, women's basketball vs. Upper Iowa

2011-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State vs. Upper Iowa

MSU men's, women's basketball at Winona State

2011-01-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State vs. Winona State

Battles will be going to Super Bowl

2011-01-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

Former Minnesota State football player will be traveling to Dallas next week to participate in Super Bowl week as a member of the Green Bay Packers.

Battles, an offensive lineman, was cut by the Minnesota Vikings at the end of the preseason, and he signed with the Packers as a practice-squad player in late December. He was with the team for the last two regular-season games, which means he draws 1/8th of a rookie minimum salary, though he should get a full share of the Packers' playoff money.

I talked with Battles, who grew up in Milwaukee, for a few minutes earlier in the week, and we'll talk again next week after he's had a couple of days to soak in the Super Bowl atmosphere.

It would take a strange set of events for the Packers to activate him for the Super Bowl, but clearly he has a future in professional football, perhaps in Green Bay. He'll certainly get another invitation to training camp somewhere.

Mavericks in good shape with 9 games to go

2011-01-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota State men's basketball team took care of business at home this weekend, defeating Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth, and there are important games coming up Friday and Saturday at Bresnan Arena.

Minnesota State is 15-2, 11-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and holds a two-game lead over Winona State, Augustana, Mary and St. Cloud State. The Mavericks still have games remaining with Winona State on Friday, at Augustana on Feb.4 and at home against St. Cloud State on Feb. 11.

The Mavericks can just about eliminate Winona State on Friday. Minnesota State won at Winona in December.

It's been amazing how the Mavericks have navigated this season, with coach Matt Margenthaler dismissing two potential starters before league games begin. Then, Mike Bisenius, Mitch Grundman, Connor O'Brien, Jimmy Whitehead and Cameron Hodges have all missed game with injury.

Of course, if Jefferson Mason or Marcus Hill get injured, the Mavericks will likely not be able to overcome that.

Look for the College Basketball Notebook on Thursday where we'll discuss the careers of Joe Drapcho, Taylor Morrow and Stephen Kirschbaum. All three have greatly outplayed the expectations they had when they got to Minnesota State.

The regional rankings come out this week, and the Mavericks will be No. 1 or 2. Metro State of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference has nearly the same record so we'll see what the committee comes up with.

MSU men's, women's basketball vs. Minnesota Duluth

2011-01-22T10:13:00.001-08:00

MSU basketball vs. Minnesota Duluth

MSU basketball vs. Bemidji State

2011-01-21T09:09:00.001-08:00

MSU vs. Bemidji State

MSU men, women try to get back on track

2011-01-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota State men's and women's basketball teams take on Bemidji State at 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, then play Minnesota Duluth at 4 and 6 p.m. Saturday. All games will be played at Bresnan Arena.

You can follow these games with my live blog each night.

We're at the halfway point in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schedule, and the Mavericks have just six home games remaining in the regular season.

Despite the loss at Mary on Saturday, the men's team remains in first place in the conference, leading Winona State by one game and Mary by 1 1/2 games. This weekend's opponents are both in the bottom half of the league, with losing records.

But Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth brings different challenges. The Beavers don't mind playing a high-tempo game, and all five of their starters are double-figure scorers. Minnesota Duluth is more methodical (boring)and have caused problems for past Minnesota State with that deliberate style.

If you like entertaining basketball, Friday's your night. But you should expect the home team to sweep these games.

The women's team is in ninth place in the conference, with the top eight qualifying for the league tournament. Bemidji State has struggled, but Minnesota Duluth will be a tough test.

The Mavericks have played much better at home and should get a split, but a sweep would really help the postseason outlook.

Looks like expansion for Northern Sun

2011-01-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

The University of Sioux Falls has called a press conference for Thursday afternoon to discuss a decision by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference presidents regarding expansion.

The conference presidents are scheduled to take a vote on expansion Thursday morning.

The Northern Sun has been considering expansion to 16 teams, with Sioux Falls and Minot State being the additional programs. The league expanded to 14 when Minnesota State, St. Cloud State, Augustana and Minnesota Duluth joined the league in 2008.

It's hard to believe that there would be a press conference, attended by Sioux Falls coaches and administrative officials, if the Northern Sun declined to expand.

The league will likely need to form divisions in basketball, as there already is for football. It would be logical that Sioux Falls will join the South Division with Minot State in the North, but there also could be a total realignment.

Sixteen teams is too many, and it's tough to see what Sioux Falls and Minot State bring to the league. This could set the stage for the stronger programs to form their own eight-team conference sometime in the future.

Or maybe the Northern Sun will surprise everyone and decline expansion.

We'll find out Thursday.

Notes for a weekend of MSU basketball

2011-01-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State plays at Northern State on Friday and at Mary on Saturday. Both games are big for the Mavericks' men's and women's basketball teams, though for different reasons.

The men need to keep winning to hold onto their lead in the Northern Sun. Northern State is a team trying to stay out of last place in the conference, while Mary is the up-and-comer, needing to knock off a team from above in the standings to mark their improvement.

The Mavericks are a little more healthy this weekend. Freshman center Connor O'Brien missed last week's game with a sprained ankle but should be able to play, and guard Jimmy Whitehead, who took a nasty spill in last week's game, is also expected to play, though he has a bruised rib.

Minnesota State was one of only two teams to win at Mary last season, and you know the gym will be packed. Mary still has an outside shot at winning the conference but will be virtually eliminated with a loss. Mary also is a borderline team in the region so any victory strengthens their case.

Something that won't matter this weekend: Guard Tre Creamer has transferred to Minnesota State and can practice but not play until next season. Creamer, a 6-5 point guard, averaged 13 points last season at Madison (Wis.) Memorial, and he enrolled at John A. Logan junior college but left before joining the basketball team. He has four years of eligibility.

For the women, it looks like Northern State and Mary will be teams that will battle Minnesota State for spots 4 through 7 in the league, and obviously, fourth is better. There could be a home game in the first round of the conference tournament and a possibility of being invited to the national tournament.

Guard Lauren Barber is expected to play after missing five games with a concussion, but Brittany Thiesfeld is doubtful with a concussion. As noted in Friday's print edition, there have been seven different Mavericks to lead the team in scoring, and it will take that kind of balance this weekend.

Northern State is a big team, though the Wolves' 6-2 center apparently injured her knee last week and is done. Mary is a guard-oriented team that likes to shoot 3-pointers, and the Marauders hit 18 3s and scored 111 points in last week's victory over Minnesota Crookston.

MSU basketball vs. Southwest Minnesota State

2011-01-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

MSU basketball vs. Southwest Minnesota State

Big games coming up for MSU basketball

2011-01-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State hosts Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday, with the women's game starting at 2 p.m. and the men's at 4 p.m.

It's getting close to the halfway point of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference season, and both the women and men need victories to keep momentum, especially on the home court.

The women (7-5, 4-4 in Northern Sun) have won four of their last five games to get back into the upper half of the league, tied for sixth with Mary and Northern State, next week's road opponents.

Southwest is 3-9, 2-6 in the conference, but with a new coach and new schemes, the Mustangs seem to be getting bettter.

It looks like the Mavericks will have sophomore post Ali Wilkinson available. She took a hard fall late in Tuesday's victory over Minnesota Crookston and left the court limping, holding her hip. She hasn't participated in the contact portion of practices, but coach Pam Gohl said Wilkinson, who leads the team in scoring and rebounding and has become a double-double machine, will play.

The men's team (11-1, 7-1) continues to roll, though the victories have not been easy. I thought Southwest would be a conference contender this season, but the Mustangs (6-5, 3-4) have struggled to score.

Senior Jefferson Mason has been playing at an MVP level, scoring 58 points in a pair of victories this week to earn Northern Sun Player of the year honors, and nearly every player contributes something important each game.

Southwest is a rugged rebounding team, which could give the Mavericks some trouble. Minnesota State has used perimeter pressure to keep the ball out of the post, but the Mustangs go hard to the offensive glass as a big part of their offense.

Freshman center Connor O'Brien is questionable for this game, spraining his ankle early in the second half of Tuesday's victory. The Mavericks can't afford to be without its post players, especially against Southwest.

Junior Mitch Grundman will start if O'Brien can't make it.
You can ask questions or make comments by following my live blog from courtside Saturday.

Live blog: MSU men's, women's basketball vs. Minnesota Crookston

2011-01-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=2bd1355969" &amp;amp;gt;MSU basketball vs. Minnesota Crookston&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

MSU women, men takes on Minnesota State-Moorhead

2011-01-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=f16e2a6e26" >MSU basketball vs. MSU-Moorhead</a>

MSU basketball team earns nice break for holidays

2010-12-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

Saturday's victory at Winona State was an early holiday present for the Minnesota State men's basketball team, and the Mavericks have two weeks off before home games against Minnesota Crookston and Minnesota State-Moorhead Jan. 1-2.
The Mavericks, who are 3-1 on the road, are the surprising leaders in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference race, tied with Minnesota Duluth and a full game ahead of four teams, including St. Cloud State and Winona State, two of the top threats in the league. And not for a couple of bad possessions late in the game at St. Cloud State, the Mavericks could be undefeated.
For the first time in coach Matt Marenthaler's career, which has now reached 200 victories, his team is an overachieving bunch whose sum is greater than the parts. This is a team that might not get a player of the week award, though Jefferson Mason and Marcus Hill are always a possibility, but it's a team that thrives on toughness and defensive intensity.
Winona State might be "the bad mix of good players," which has described past Minnesota State teams at times.
You still wonder how this bunch of Mavericks will fare in the final two months of the regular season and playoffs. Will the lack of size hurt? Winona State went hard to the offensive boards Saturday, and had the Warriors converted more often, the outcome may have been different. Other teams will try to do the same thing, especially Southwest Minnesota State.
But for now, the Mavericks are in first place with winnable games coming up against Minnesota Crookston and Minnesota State-Moorhead. When the regional rankings come out in mid-January, the Mavericks could begin at No. 1.
Who would have thought that?
The roster remaions in flux. Backup center Mitch Grundman didn't play last week with a bad back, though Mike Bisenius saw his first action since suffering a collapsed lung during a fall in practice Dec. 9. Anthony Brant, who has shown glimpses of the 3-point prowess he's supposed to have, but Margenthaler said that a knee injury has bothered Brant, who wants to take off the rest of the season and apply for a medical redshirt.
It's going to be an interesting final two months of the regular season for Minnesota State, which should make it fun to watch.

MSU men's, women's basketball vs. Winona State

2010-12-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=3eba428ed4" >MSU men, women vs. Winona State</a>

Weber, Freisen earn all-state honors

2010-12-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press' al-state football team finally came out Thursday, and Mankato West's Drew Weber and Hunter Friesen both earned second-team honors.
Weber, a senior linebacker, was named the Big Nine Conference's defensive player of the year, making 25 solo tackles and 131 assists. Freisen, a junior cornerback, had nine interceptions, including three in the playoffs.
Several area players received honorable mention, including Nick Kaus, Philip Nelson and Adam Athey from West.
Other local honorable-mentions were defensive lineman Michael Kroells of Belle Plaine; running back Zach Tvedten of Blue Earth Area; running back Mario Arroyo of Le Center; defensive end Cole Brown of Minnesota Valley Lutheran; lineman Dan Simon of New Ulm Cathedral; quarterback Sean Murphy, receiver Jamie Fischer and defensive back Nick Mans of Nicollet; lineman Teddy DuFrane of Sibley East; and quarterback Conrad Masberg and receiver Jordan Gregor of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown;
The player of the year was De La Salle running back Reggie Gandy, whom Le Sueur-Henderson fans might never forget from the state quarterfinals.

East, West hoops doubleheader on Tuesday

2010-12-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

Mankato East and Mankato West meet in a girls-boys basketball doubleheader Tuesday, with the girls game starting at 6 p.m. at the East gym.
These games have been moved back to the respective campuses, with the rematch Feb. 1 at East.
Again this season, the girls game should be more competitive. East has lost its first five games, though three have been within five points, while West is 0-2.
Both boys team lost their opener, with East winning big at New Ulm and West losing big at home against Shakopee. West has owned this series lately, though that should change this season.
The East-West rivalry doesn't have the shine that it did five or six years ago, when there was college-level talent playing before big crowds at Minnesota State.

First real road test for MSU basketball

2010-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota State men's basketball team plays road games at 7:30 p.m. today at Concordia-St. Paul and 6 p.m. Saturday at St. Cloud State. It's the first real test of the season as the Mavericks have opened the seaosn with six victories.
Concordia-St. Paul has some size so that may cause problems for the undersized Mavericks, and St. Cloud State has strong perimeter players, such as Taylor Witt, Brett Putz and Andrew Bernstetter. Saturday's matchup is clearly better against the Huskies.
As was written in the print edition Friday, this is a different Minnesota State team, built on defense and toughness. There's a lot less flash and more grit on the team, and the likelihood of the 94-88 type games is far less. Look for more scores in the 60s and 70s.
It's easy to have watched the last four home games and conclude that this team isn't as talented as past Minnesota State squads, but the Mavericks are winning differently. Coach Matt Margenthaler was asked last week if this was the best defensive team he's had in 10 seasons at Minnesota State, and the answer was a quick "yes."
Maybe ask Augustana's Cody Schilling, who scored only six points against the Mavericks last week. Witt is one of the premier players in the Northern Sun, and he's struggled against the Mavericks at times.
There might not be as many highlight-reel plays, but the success has been the same. You just have to adjust the way you evaluate this team's performance.

Who did you think would coach the Gophers?

2010-12-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to hear the negative reaction about Jerry Kill's hiring as the football coach at the University of Minnesota.
You'd think the new coach has no chance of ever being successful with the Gophers. Why?
Because he's never coached at a major program? Because he's never won a national championship?
Kill has had a nice career, making incremental steps toward this job. His Northern Illlinois team was certainly better than the Gophers this season so why couldn't Kill do a better job at Minnesota?
It should be clear now that no big-time coach, outside of of Mike Leach, wanted to be the Gophers coach. This job is a coach-killer. No coach has left this job for a better one since Lou Holtz broke the faithful's hearts by jumping to Notre Dame.
It's time for the fans to realize that this is not a good job. You're playing in a power conference against a couple of the top teams in the country. Adding Nebraska next season isn't going to help the record. It's a program that lacks any vibe, either from the administration or the public.
The Tim Brewster experiment was such a failure that the program is years away from being competitive in the Big Ten.
Coaches with options don't come here, which is why Leach publicly lobbied for the job. You have to take a chance on an up-and-comer who's willing to work hard to build something from scratch.
Is that Kill? We'll find out. History suggests that no one can make the Gophers into perennial winners.
Why not give Kill a chance? He can't do much worse than the coaches here for the last 40 years.

MSU women, men vs. Augustana

2010-12-04T03:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=50354d4656/height=550/width=470</a>" scrolling="no" height="550px" width="470px" frameBorder ="0" allowTransparency="true"  ><a href="<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=50354d4656" target="_blank">http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=50354d4656</a>" >MSU vs. Augustana</a>

MSU basketball vs. Wayne State

2010-12-03T09:42:00.001-08:00

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=f0123f9c1a" >MSU vs. Wayne State</a>

More shakeup for MSU men's basketball

2010-12-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State men's basketball coach Matt Margenthaler has booted another player from the team for bad attitude.
Andre Gilbert, a transfer from Kansas State, was dismissed on Wednesday, and Margenthaler said it was a good move for both parties.
Gilbert, who was suspended for the first two games of the season, played sparingly in last weekend's two games. He was clearly out of shape, though he would have been a big body that the Mavericks could have used.
A couple of weeks ago, Margenthaler booted transfer A.J. Wilson for his Randy Moss-like attitude.
Margenthaler has brought plenty of transfers into the program, and most have flourished. Luke Anderson, Jamel Staten, Atila Santos and Travis Nelson all began their careers at Division I programs, but there have also been Wilson, Gilbert and Zach Kiekow, who came here in the early 2000s but his "big-time" attitude didn't fit in.
You win some when you play the "transfer game," and you lose some.
Gilbert and Wilson won't be missed, but their departure leaves the team shorthanded as it begins Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play this weekend.

Final thoughts on Cathedral championship

2010-12-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Now that there's been some time to digest what happened during New Ulm Cathedral's run to the Class A football championship, there's a few thoughts that remain.
Obviously, the Greyhounds had a special streak, losing the season-opener against Springfield before rattling off 13 straight victories. The rematch against Springfield in the section championship was the first hurdle to clear, then came an easy victory over Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City in the state quarterfinals.
The 34-33 semifinal victory over Minneota was the most memorable. Two evenly matched teams, with the outcome decided by quarterback Kevin Larson, who wasn't asked to throw much during the regular season.
The championship game seemed like it would be anticlimactic as Cathedral jumped ahead early. But Barnesville responded, and when Larson was unable to play in the second half, the outcome was in jeopardy.
However, Cathedral adjusted, using a running back at quarterback and trusting in an inexperienced junior quarterback later, and the defense stuffed any momentum as the program claimed its first state title.
As I pondered nominations for The Associated Press' all-state team, I figured Cathedral must have players worthy of that honor. But it was hard to single anyone out. This team was truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Cathedral has had some good runs at the state championship in the past, and this one finally was finished.
It's a great accomplishment, one that might be overdue for coach Denny Lux and a talented group of players.

MSU men's basketball team shorthanded

2010-11-19T12:16:00.000-08:00

Minnesota State men's basketball team has already run into some problems with the roster as they participate in a California tournament tonight and Saturday. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m. CST and can be heard on KYSM 1230-AM.
Senior A.J. Wilson, a transfer from Murray State, has been dismissed from the team for what coach Matt Margenthaler called an "attitude that was detrimental to the team." Wilson didn't appear to want to play here, and his actions and attitude were Randy-Moss-like.
Senior Andre Gilbert, a transfer from Kansas State, has been suspended through the weekend for violating team rules. Gilbert has been recovering from an ankle injury and must have been late to practice or some other minor violation that caused Margenthaler to leave Gilbert at Mankato.
Mike Bisenius will be sidelined through December after suffering a paritally collapsed lung during a fall in practice. Bisenius has been bitten by the injury bug during his time at Minnesota State and hasn't been able to get on the court. His presence would be helpful as the Mavericks have had to go small with the lineup.
Guard Anthony Brant, who is probably the team's best perimeter threat, will be out for another week with a knee injury.
The team will probably only go nine deep in the two games this weekend, then hope for some of the others to get healthy. It's been a rough first month of the season for the Mavericks.

New Ulm Cathedral vs. Minneota, Class A football semifinals

2010-11-19T09:48:00.001-08:00

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=1433e0be47" >New Ulm Cathedral vs. Minneota football</a>

And then there was one; Cathedral still standing

2010-11-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Four area high-school football teams made it to the state tournament, but New Ulm Cathedral is the only one to make it out of the quarterfinal round.
Mankato West lost to Mahtomedi, though that outcome might have been different had the Scarlets added to their 14-7 lead with the first drive of the third quarter.
Nicollet lost to Underwood, which definitely benefitted from poor weather. Nicollet's spread offense struggled in the cold, snow and wind, but that's the deal you make when you choose that offensive style in Minnesota.
Le Sueur-Henderson was rolled by DeLaSalle, but the Giants might have preferred to play outdoors, as scheduled Saturday. Instead, the game was moved Monday to Metrodome, which highlighted DeLaSalle's speed and size.
Cathedral disposed of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City in the quarterfinals, but the Greyhounds' challenge is tougher in the semifinals Saturday against Minneota, which was rated No. 1 for most of the season before taking a loss. Minneota has won four state championships, including last season.
Cathedral will need to rely on its tested formula of a ground game that controls the ball and the clock and a stingy defense that rarely gives up more than one score per game.
Cathedral has only advanced to the championship game once, in 2006, but lost in the finals. Another trip to the championship game wouldn't be out of the question.
You can follow my live blog from Saturday's game.

What to watch for in high-school playoffs

2010-11-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

The high-school football tournament begins Friday, with four local teams playing this week.
Mankato West takes on Mahtomedi at 7 p.m. Friday at Chanhassen. You can follow the game by clicking on the Cover It Live icon on this page or on the Free Press home page.
West hadn't been challenged until last week's Section 2AAAA championship game against Marshall, and its a testament to the team's preparation that the first tight game wasn't the last. West will need to play better to beat Mahtomedi.
Le Sueur-Henderson survived a four-game losing streak to rebound oin the postseason. The Giants were seeded fifth in Section 2AAA and defeated St. Paul Highland Park (4), Waseca (1) and Minneapolis Washburn (2) to advance to the state tournament for the third time in four seasons.
In Class A, New Ulm Cathedral lost the season-opener at Springfield, then waited nine game to get revenge, defeating Springfield in the championship game. Cathedral has a lot of state-tournament experience but haven't got out of the quarterfinals in the last two seasons.
Nicolle has been runner-up in Class Nineman three times since 1999, including last season's loss to Stephen-Argyle in the championship game. But Stephen-Argyle, which has seven state titles in the last 11 seasons, was eliminated in section play.
If Nicollet could get to the championship game, the oppponent might be Edgerton/Ellsworth. Those teams tied for the Southern Confederacy title but didn't play each other this season.

Mankato West football live blog

2010-11-11T12:20:00.001-08:00

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=2d2923c83c" >mankato west football</a>

No. 1 seeds look good in football playoffs

2010-10-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

The No. 1 seeds in Section 2 had a pretty easy time of it in the high-school football playoffs Saturday, with the exception of Waseca in Class AAA.
The Bluejays ran into an inspired Le Sueur-Henderson team that used a power rushing attack with a couple of well-timed passes, to win 42-20 and advance to the championship game at Minneapolis Washburn. LSH has recovered nicely from a four-game losing streak in the middle of the regular season.
It wasn't a good night for the South Central Conference as Blue Earth Area lost 40-13 at Washburn and Fairmont lost to Glencoe-Silver Lake in Section 3AAA.
Mankato West dominated Waconia 43-14 in Section 2AAAA, but the game wasn't that close. West scored on its first play and had a 30-0 lead at halftime. It would be surprising if Friday's section championship game against Marshall is any closer, though a knee injury to leading receiver Nick Kaus could be a concern for the Scarlets.
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown flexed its Section 2AA muscle with a 46-16 victory over New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva. The Bucs, the top-rated team in Class AA and defending state champion, faces undefeated Triton in the championship game. It seems that this section title goes to one of these teams every year.
Nicollet hasn't been challenged much this season, and we'll see if Cleveland, the No. 6 seed in the section, can pull off the upset or if Nicollet can get back to the state tournament.
Another good game in the area will be played at Springfield, which hosts New Ulm Cathedral. Unbeaten Springfield handed Cathedral its only loss in the season-opener.

No big surprises in football playoffs

2010-10-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

A couple of lower-seeded teams won, but the high-school football playoffs didn't produce many upsets Tuesday night. It sounded like the high winds were a factor in nearly every game.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva got revenge for a regular-season loss to Maple River by winning 14-8 in the Section 2AA playoffs. In the regular-season meeting, NRHEG was minus-5 in turnovers, but the Panthers were plus-5 in the rematch, which they won 14-8.
NRHEG has a tough game coming up Saturday against Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, which won 46-6 the first time these teams played. Interestingly, NRHEG has won all five of its road games this season.

Waseca rolled to a 70-0 victory over Minneapolis Roosevelt in Section 2AAA and now have an interesting matchup against Le Sueur-Henderson, which handled St. Paul Highland Park 52-7.

The best game of the night was in St. Clair, where Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton rallied from a 28-12, fourth-quarter deficit to win 34-28 in overtime. Up next for JWP is Nicollet, which defeated the Bulldogs 48-20 in the regular season.

High-school football playoffs begin Tuesday

2010-10-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

The postseason for high-school football begins Tuesday, and though not every local team is playing, there are some intirguing matchups.
In Class AAAA, Mankato East plays at Waconia, whose top player is quarterback Max Williams, whom East coach Dave Frisell descirbes as a mirror image on Cougars' quarterback Abe Kolstad. Williams is the son of former NFL lineman Brian Williams, who played the majority of his career with the New York Giants.
This game will be won in the offensive and defensive lines, which could give East an advantage. The winner gets unbeaten Mankato West on Saturday.
In Section 2AA, top-seeded Waterville-Elysian-Morristown should win easily, but unbeaten Triton awaits on the other side of the bracket.
Maple River takes on New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva in a rematch from three weeks ago. In that game, NRHEG commited seven turnovers. If the Panthers can hold onto the ball, it should be a competitive game.
In another rematch, the nine-man game between Cleveland and Truman should be interesting. The game will be played at Madelia because Truman's field is still not playable from last month's flooding. Cleveland won the first game 32-6, starting a three-game winning streak. The Bluejays have been banged up, playing the top teams in the Southern Confederacy late.
Section 2A looks pretty tough as unbeaten Springfield in the top seed, followed by New Ulm Cathedral (7-1), Le Center (7-1) and Cedar Mountain/Comfrey (6-2). If the top seeds win Tuesday, that should provide interesting semifinals Saturday.

Here comes the Jug

2010-10-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

Mankato East takes on Mankato West at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Blakeslee Stadium, and while many don't think the annual crosstown game will be competitive, it's always an exciting atmosphere.
Undefeated West, ranked No. 2 in Class AAAA, is the heavy favorite. The offense, led by junior quarterback Philip Nelson, is averaging more than 40 points per game while allowing only 20 points to seven opponents. No opponent has had two scores of any kind in a game.
It all starts with Nelson, who has completed nearly 75 percent of his passes for more than 1,500 yards with 22 touchdowns, just eight short of the program's single-season record established by Ray Teachout in 2008. Nelson already holds the careee record of 51 touchdown passes, and with another season, he could make that mark untouchable.
East has to keep Nelson, who is also the Scarlets' leading rusher, in check and not let receivers Nick Kaus, Hunter Friesen and Des Spann run free. East can't get into a shootout, though West's defense probably wouldn't allow that.
East needs to control the clock with its running game, which a couple of weeks ago, produced two 16-play drives in a victory over Winona. However, West is tough to run on up the middle so quarterback Abe Kolstad and running back Tevyn Schmidt may need to get some yards on their own..
East leads the Jug series 22-15, though West has won the last four. Last season, West prevailed 51-0 on a muddy Todnem Field.
A victory would give West at least a share of its second straight Big Nine Conference championship. The Scarlets have already locked up the No. 1 seed in Section 2AAAA and a first-round bye.
A victory for East probably wouldn't be enough to move the Cougars up to No. 4 in the section and a home game in the first round, but it would be a huge confidence boost for the playoffs.
Given how many people have attended home games at Todnem Field and Wolverton Field this season, there could be a nice crowd Wednesday. The presale of tickets didn't produce much so if you go, you'd better get there early or the ticket line might be pretty long.

The madness begins for MSU basketball

2010-10-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota State men's and women's basketball teams began their seasons with the first offficial workouts at 12:01 a.m. Friday at Bresnan Arena.
The first thing you notice is transfer Andre Gilbert on crutches, with his right ankle wrapped up. Coach Matt Margenthaler said he doesn't expect Gilbert to miss much practice time.
Guard Anthony Brant has a smooth-looking jumper from long range. The Mavericks lacked consistent perimeter shooting in the final month of the season.
The Mavericks have new uniforms, with a simple MSU across the chest and a number on the front and back. It's an old-school look, but it might take a while to get used to it.
The loudest cheers of the night, and maybe the season, was the T-shirt and sub giveaways.
Point guard Marcus Hill, small forward Cameron Hodges and power forward Jefferson Mason look like cinches to be in the starting lineup. It wouldn't be a surprise if the other two are Gilbert and transfer A.J. Wilson, depending on how quickly they fit in at Minnesota State.
Watch out for redshirt freshmen Connor O'Brien and Jimmy Whitehead.

For the women's team, Lauren Barber looks like she's lost some weight. Last season, she struggled early in the season, and offseason conditioning looked like a problem. Given this team's offensive struggles last season, she's going to need to do more than shoot 3s.
It's good to see Andrea Walsh back on the court. It's been almost a year since she had back surgery, and she took a medical redshirt last season. Her play at point guard will be important as the Mavericks replace Tiffany Moe.

The men begin the season Nov. 6 with an exhibition game against Bethany Lutheran, and four days later, they travel to Madison, Wis., for an exhibition game against the Badgers. The first official games come at the Cal State-Sonoma tournament Nov. 19-20.
The first game for the women comes in the Maverick Classic with Grand View College and California (Pa.) University coming to town Nov. 19-20.

Tough times ahead for MSU football

2010-10-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota State football team's loss to Winona State on Saturday was explainable.
Winona State was playing at home, and the Warriors are pretty good.
The home loss to Concordia-St. Paul two weeks ago, however, wasn't easily explained away. The Mavericks should beat Concordia-St. Paul nine out of every 10 times, and they shoud never lose to the Bears at home.
Take the two losses together, and fans of the Mavericks should be concerned. There are six games remaining, and Minnesota State will be decided underdogs in four, starting with Saturday's homecoming game against St. Cloud State.
The Mavericks' offensive line is a mess, the quarterback situation is revolving issue because of injury, and the defense is giving up points with alarming frequency.
Fans of the team had to know this was going to be a tough season, considering the talent that graduated from last season's team. But a loss to Concordia-St. Paul? That's a major warning sign.
If the Mavericks can't beat St. Cloud State, the rest of the season loses meaning, which could lead to a white flag. The last two seasons have been a lot of fun, watching the Mavericks finally have some success, but it's equally as tough to watch it come apart.

Two weeks until first MSU basketball practice

2010-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Oct. 15, the first day of practice for Division II men's and women's basketball teams, is approaching fast, and it sounds like Minnesota State will have another version of midnight celebration to beginning of the season.

Bumped into a pair of incoming transfers — seniors Andre Gilbert and A.J. Wilson — this week at the Timberwolves practices, and they sure look the part.

Gilbert is 6-8 and long, while Wilson is about the same height but a little thicker. Gilbert played at Kansas State two years ago before sitting out since then, and Wilson played at Murray State last season, watching from the bench as the Racers made a short run in the NCAA tournament.

Last season, Jefferson Mason was clearly the most athletic player on the Mavericks' roster. Word is that's no longer the case.

You can debate coach Matt Margenthaler's strategy of bringing in a couple of one-year players, but you can't argue with his ability to find very talented athletes. It remains to be seen if he can get all this individual talent to flourish into team success.

The Mavericks don't have a lot of size, but the Northern Sun has become a league of guards and forwards. With Mason, Marcus Hill, Cameron Hodges, Taylor Morrow and Joe Drapcho, there is plenty of returning talent to mesh with the newcomers.

It seems that outside of the program, expectations are a little lower this season. It's doubtful the coaches and players feel that way. We'll see on Oct. 15.

Hey, Timberwolves fans ... are you other there? Hello?

2010-09-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming back to Minnesota State to hold training camp, beginning Saturday and lasting five days.
The camp is early this season because the team will be making a trip to Europe for some preseason games.
We'll be devoting a lot of coverage to the Timberwolves, though that franchise has slipped a bit off the sports radar the last couple of years.
In Saturday's print edition, there's an interview with owner Glen Taylor, who has some candid remarks about the past and the future.
While the Wolves are in town, we'll have daily stories about the players. Some of the story lines we'll be chasing are:
1. David Kahn, the president of basketball operations, on how he's shaped this roster and plans for the future.
2. No. 1 draft choice Wesley Johnson on how he'll fit on this team.
3. Newcomer Martell Webster, a draft-day acquisition, on what he may bring to the team now that he'll have a chance for a larger role than he had in Portland.
4. Kevin Love on how the experience with the USA team that won the world championships might help him flourish, now that Al Jefferson is gone.
5. Darko Milicic, who talked about ending his NBA career before being rejuvenated in Minnesota, signing a big free-agent contract this offseason.
Keep an eye on the print edition while the Wolves are in town, that is if you're still interested in that team.

Week 3 highlights from high-school football

2010-09-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Finally got a chance to see Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, and that's going to be a tough team to evaluate during the regular season.
The Bucs won 34-14 at Maple River, which is a pretty good result for just about any team in the area. But WEM did not look sharp. The passing attack, which is generally explosive, amassed only 65 yards, while the Bucs rushed for more than 200 yards and all five touchdowns, led by sophomore running back Brady Ayers.
The defense swarmed, especially linebacker Grant Pope, but the Eagles were able to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, one of which came on a 2-yard drive after a blocked punt.
WEM is the top-rated team in Class 2A, and optimism is high. It's tough for the team to meet those expectations each week.

Mankato West rolled over Faribault, which had won its first two games. The 48-2 victory could have been worse, and senior Nick Kaus set a program record with five touchdowns, three by receptions and two on punt returns. Friday's game against Winona might be the last time that the Scarlets will face a team with a winning record until the playoffs.

It was good to see Mankato East post a 15-3 victory at Rochester John Marshall. The Cougars had played well enough to win in the first two games, which both turned into a loss, and needed something to go right to build some confidence. Quarterback Abe Kolstad continues to flourish in his new role.

Le Center showed it will be a tough team to stop, and the Wildcats play at Bloooming Prairie this week in what amounts to the championship game of the Gopher Valley 1A Conference.