Noreen impresses

I was able to make it over to the Frazee softball game Thursday, with the Hornets hosting the Hawley Nuggets, which came in with an impressive 6-1 record, adding another win with a 10-0 victory.

It was quickly evident why the Nuggets boast a good record and it came in the form of their smallish eighth-grade pitcher Jessy Noreen. The Nugget hurler posted 12 strikeouts on the Hornet batters and a six-inning shutout. She allowed just one hit, as well.

Noreen doesn't possess great velocity - yet - but her accuracy has been second to none of the pitchers I've seen in the last several seasons. In the first three innings, she had six strikeouts. That allowed her to start putting her pitches just outside the strike zone, with the aggressive Hornet hitters swinging at air.

The Hawley pitcher was a starter as a seventh grader at New Ulm, a rich school in the tradition of softball and baseball.

Unfortunately for area softball teams, they will be having to have to see her for the next four seasons.

Another uncommon thing which happened Thursday in the Frazee vs. Hawley game was a homerun - and not the inside the park kind. Jordan Iverson, a sophomore outfielder, blasted a Frazee pitch over the right field fence for the rare high school softball homerun.

Personally, I've seen just two or three homeruns in softball hit over the fence, all coming in Frazee in my 10 years of covering area sports.

Impressive indeed.

Posted by: Brian W. on 5/09/2008 at 11:33 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Nice spring surprise with the Twins

Yeah, I've heard it already from the Twins Rubes..."Told ya the Twins will be just fine..." "We don't need overpriced players here..".

But let's hold our horses here for a moment. I'm having a fun time watching this collection of Twins, because they do play an exciting brand of baseball. And yes, they are in first place in the A.L. Central Division - something not even the most-ardent Minnesota fan could have predicted.

It looks as if Joe Mauer is back on track, leading the A.L. with a batting average of .346, while Justin Morneau is quietly putting up some more than impressive numbers, including his 25 RBIs. Carlos Gomez has been one of the most intense players to debut as a Twin since a man named Kirby Puckett, which includes one of the most exciting happenings in baseball - hitting for the cycle.

But let's quell some of this talk about playoffs - for just now. Having a 17-16 record is a great start by this team and being involved in division talk is great.

As of now, though, the two biggest disappointments in the entire majors reside in the Central. Detroit is slagging in last with a pitiful 15-21 record, while the Cleveland Indians are 16-18. Both teams came in boasting lineups which contend with the Boston Red Sox...obviously, it hasn't worked out that way.

But with the talent both these teams have, they could easily rattle off a 15-game winning streak. The Twins will need to improve and keep winning series and hopefully by the month of September, they are still right up there.

The biggest hole - or holes - is on the left side of the infield. The Twins foolishly went and signed the Houston Astros left side of the infield from last year when they were one of the worst teams in the N.L. Personally not thinking those were wise decisions of adding journeymen in shortstop Adam Everett and third baseman Mike Lamb, the Twins will have to tap into some inexperienced youth to make up for those shortcomings.

Each of Lamb and Everett are the bottom two hitters, with the former lashing out a paltry .175 average and the latter lacing out a red-hot .207. Everett also has been hurt, so now his over-average glove can't even be used.

Matt Tolbert has come in as a surprising young player, making up for those numbers by batting .295 in 61 at-bats. Nick Punto even is doing decent, putting up a .265 average in 49 at-bats.

The starting pitching has been solid, as well, but injuries are tapping out an already thin rotation. With the loss of set-up man Pat Neshek - who may have a serious elbow injury, not surprising due to his awkward sidearm delivery - and with up-and-comers Kevin Slowey and Scott Baker already making visits on the DL, injuries this early could take a toll.

The resigning of Joe Nathan has been huge, because he is the most-constant and reliable pitcher, in that if the Twins have a lead late, it's in the bag with the good closer.

The Twins are playing through lots of adversity by the departures of some big-named players. The best advice, though, is to throw the standings away, don't look at them until about late August - and just enjoy the style of play the Twins have been putting on the field as of late.

Posted by: Brian W. on 5/09/2008 at 8:29 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

DL girls' golf staying par with boys

The Laker boys' golf team is making some headlines with their No. 1 ranking in Class 2A with an average of 304.5, but the DL girl linksters are also creating some waves in the state rankings.

DL is currently ranked No. 4 in Class 2A with an average of 362.4, behind first-place Minnewaska (320), Red Wing (349) and Staples-Motley (362.1). With the S-M Cardinals just slightly ahead of the Lakers, look for a very close Mid-State Conference meet Monday, May 12, in Pequot Lakes.

The Lakers are coming off their second first-place finish in a meet Friday, where the Lakers shot a 363 in the Crookston Invite. They were 16 strokes better than second-place Crookston, which shot a 379.

Danelle Olson won her third medalist position with an 85, while Robin Hutchinson shot four strokes more at 89.

Olson holds the No. 6 ranking in Class 1 and 2A combined with a stroke average of 84.6.

The Laker girls are at Thief River Falls today and will play at the Blueberry Pines Thursday.

Posted by: Brian W. on 5/06/2008 at 9:50 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Laker boys' golf not letting down

The Detroit Lakes boys' golf team took their eastern state tour Monday and Tuesday, playing at the snowless White Bear Lake and Jordan meets.

The Lakers are currently holding the No. 1 ranking in Class 2A with an average of 304.5, far ahead of No. 2 Virginia which has posted an average score of 313. DL kept its ranking intact by taking second in the White Bear Invite with a 314 under some cold and blustery conditions. Wayzata took first with a 313.

DL didn't have a score in the mid to low 70's, but had a pair of six-over 78 marks by Mike Brodsho and Josh Herzog. Ben Bergquist and Adam Thielen each carded a seven-over 79. Wayzata's Travis Smith won medalist honors with a two-over 74.

But the Lakers didn't come home empty, winning the 16-team Jordan Invite, the site of the Class 2A state tournament. DL broke the 300 mark for the second time this season, notching a 297, which isn't too bad considering it was the first time they played on the course.

Eastview carded a 300 for second. Bergquist finished second overall with a two-under 70, while Brodsho, who is ranked No. 7 in Class 2A with an average of a 75.4, shot a one-over 73.

This team has planted their flag on top of the heap so far this season. Their biggest strength are their five seniors - Herzog, Bergquist, Ryan Kuehne, Thielen and Brodsho - all who have over 3-5 years of varsity experience. It should be a fun May and hopefully June for this Laker squad.

The Northwest Classic, which is played at the Detroit Country Club, has been postponed from this coming Friday and Saturday to next Friday and Saturday.

Posted by: Brian W. on 5/01/2008 at 12:37 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Angels fundraiser is Saturday, May 10

The Detroit Lakes Angels baseball team will be holding its fundraiser Saturday, May 10, at the Sandbar.

The fundraiser will consist of a steak fry with the cost being $20. The fee includes the steak dinner, admission to any home game (season ticket) and two drink tickets.

The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. and if you are interested in a ticket, email me at brianw@dlnewspapers.com.

The Angels open the season this Sunday at Vergas and will play at Dent May 10, before the steak fry.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/29/2008 at 3:12 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

We have sports

Four Laker sports teams hit the road for their games today.

All were scheduled to be away, except for the Laker softball team, which had to switch their home date against Crosby-Ironton to a road game against the Rangers.

Other games underway soon will be baseball at Crosby, the boys golf team is playing in the Jordan meet and the boys' tennis team is in Moorhead.

The DL girls' golf meet in Crookston was postponed.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/29/2008 at 3:08 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sgro went into boxing bout with cracked rib

I was talking with DL's pro boxer Dion Sgro about his fight at Northern Lights Casino April 12, and about the outcome of it.

The official decision was a stopped fight in the second round due to a cracked rib Sgro was battling. But the injury did not occur during the fight, instead Sgro was injured that Wednesday before in a sparring match.

But instead of backing out of the fight, Sgro soldiered on and fought anyways. It's quite impressive he made it to the second round and the fact that he was actually winning on the scorecard up to that point.

He kept his injury hush-hush leading up to his bout, as well. It was a good opportunity to make a name for himself and he did just that. He said many fighters came up and congratulated him on a great fight, with most not even knowing about his pre-fight condition.

Sgro said he is getting a potential rematch at Northern Lights sometime in July...hopefully being 100-percent this time around.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/28/2008 at 12:48 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Some DL scheduling news

The Laker boys' golf team made their trip south to play in the White Bear Lake Invite today and also will play in the Jordan meet tomorrow. Jordan is the location of the Class 2A state meet.

The DL softball team's home game may be switched to Crosby-Ironton Tuesday, while the baseball team's game at C-I is still on as of now.

The Laker boys' tennis team is scheduled to play Tuesday in Moorhead and that is still on.

The Northwest Invite at the Detroit Country Club is being threatened to be either postponed or canceled, depending on the snow conditions over the course of the week.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/28/2008 at 11:27 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

A good list of UDFA

Some final moves were made late last night, as NFL teams secured players who were not drafted.

The Vikings landed LB Erin Henderson, brother of E.J. Henderson. Erin was slated to be a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but fell out of the draft due to his two knee surgeries. Plenty of upside for Erin Henderson, if he can overcome the injured knees. The Vikes also signed UDFA J Leman of Illinois, who was a beast on the field during the Big 10 season.

Both have a decent chance to make the team, since the Vikings are pretty thin at LB behind their three starters in Leber, Henderson and Greenway. Dontarrious Thomas bolted to San Fran as a free agent. Depth-wise includes second-year LB Rufus Alexander, who blew his knee out last year - but was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year his senior season - Dallas Sartz, 'Nails' Farwell and a couple other special teamers.

I'm going to take a look at some other teams' drafts and see who did well. As far as Minnesota's draft, I think they rode their momentum from free agency and the Allen trade with a solid draft, especially after hearing and reading of all the gushing the "experts" had to say about Tyrell Johnson, the Vikes' new safety from Arkansas State.

An excerpt from the Strib on the UDFA list:

The Vikings also agreed to terms with quarterback Kyle Wright of Miami (Fla.); cornerbacks Brandon Sumrall of Southern Mississippi and Marcus Walker of Oklahoma; safeties Travis Key of Michigan State, Husain Abdullah of Washington State and Marcus Griffin of Texas; defensive end Martail Burnett of Utah; defensive tackle Leger Douzable of Central Florida; kicker Steven Hauschka of North Carolina State; receivers Nate Jones of Texas and Darius Reynaud of West Virginia; linebacker J Leman of Illinois; center Tim Mattran of Stanford and tackle Drew Radovich of Southern California; and running back Albert Young of Iowa. Mattran is from Chanhassen and went to Chaska High School.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/28/2008 at 8:39 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

DT Letroy Guion picked

Basically a need pick for the Vikings at No. 152. Letroy Guion is 6-4, 295 and is a DT who can get bigger. A bit of a development project, since he really only played for one year at Florida State, but he has time with Pat Williams still having a good amount of thread left on the tires.

Granted, would have liked Arrington, Henderson or Carl Nicks, but a DT pick was also a need.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/27/2008 at 1:42 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Booty call

Vikes got their QB...finally. More irony, too. Vikes traded with Green Bay to get John David Booty (haven't heard what the compensation was) after the Packers took Brohm in the second round.

This isn't a sign that the Vikes are giving up on Jackson, just providing a safety net in case he doesn't develop into a good QB. Great pick by the Vikes.

Next pick at 150...Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland or Adrian Arrington, WR, Mich.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/27/2008 at 12:47 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Waiting around

After trading their fourth rounder, the Vikes don't pick until the fifth round.

Some players who are dropping and potential Vikes: QB's Andre Woodson, J.D. Booty, Erik Ainge, Josh Johnson and Dennis Dixon. My preferance is Booty, not just for his play, but what the T.V. announcers can say.

"Booty sacked." "Booty scores!" "Booty hit from behind!" And so on....

At WR, I would like Adrian Arrington from Michigan, a good red zone target.

At LB, Erin Henderson - EJ Henderson's brother - is still there, as well.

At OT, Carl Nicks from Nebraska is still there, although he has lots of baggage off the field.

I would imagine the Vikes are looking for the top offensive lineman, but adding a QB I think is pretty crucial - hence Booty, Woodson or Ainge being good picks.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/27/2008 at 11:23 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Well...signing off from Zorbaz

A victorious Saturday for me....although not thrilled with the Vikes' pick...they gave up a fourth round pick to move up. Not depilitating, but not a great move.

Anyways...couching it tomorrow for the final rounds...pop in some tomorrow...

Enjoy your friggin' snow...have a good evening!

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 6:50 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Not an excitable pick

Vikes trade up and take Tyrell Johnson....with Henne and Brohm on the board, and Limas Sweed on the board.

Johnson is a 5-11.5 and 200 pound safety who runs a 4.52....Solid build and good hands and can hit hard. Solid tackler. Not great awareness, and not the best in man-to-man coverage. But is very unknown since he's from Arkansas State.

Could have the Vikes got him at their original No. 47 spot? Don't know...they must have been targeting him since the Allen trade...and pulled the trigger early to get him. Not a bad depth pick, since there are only three legit safeties on the roster in Sharper (old), Mideau Williams (young) and Michael Boulware (great FA signing).

Depending on what they gave up....I guess not a bad pick. Disappointed some with no picking Henne or Brohm at QB...or would have loved to have had Sweed...

Chicago, a joke of a draft...Henne and Brohm there and they pass? Horrible decision....the NFC North picks have sucked....good for the Vikes....so far.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 6:29 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Going to recharge the battery for the Vikes' pick

Be back around pick 45....two picks before VIkes' pick...see ya later!

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 6:00 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Green Bay sucks!

The Packers pick Jordy Nelson....not a bad pick.

A 6-2, 215 pound WR, from Kansas State, is a guy who can be a decent red zone target and good hands. They do have James Jones....

The Pack should have take Dejuan Morgan a safety or Reggie Smith, CB from Oklahoma.

Matches their Justin Harrell pick...Packers going down slowly.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 5:53 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Donnie Avery first WR taken - yuck!

Avery, about 6-7th best WR on my list taken by St. Louis....Limas Sweed, James Hardy, Devin Thomas, Mario Manningham, Malcom Kelly and Desean Jackson should feel slighted.

My Kenny Phillips got picked...shucks!

My next Viking hope now is Brian Brohm to fall...won't happen....

No. 2 faller for me for the Vikes...Limas Sweed, a 6-4, 212 pound WR...a great red zone WR along with Rice....

Manningham maybe a great value pick too....

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 5:46 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

The winners are!!

Me....and Sue Woytassek, a Chicago Bear fan....

I took the grill, she gets the football game...Brody will have to learn how to throw the ball a different way....

Anyone wants to grill with the victor and his spoils...hit me up this summer.

Below is the pic of the Draft gurus:

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 5:34 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Be back in a while

Juice going down....not just the beer....see ya all hopefully by the Packer's pick....my officially winning the Pick 'Em contest....be back to recharge the battery. 

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:44 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Pitt takes Mendenhall

With Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore...take the best player available....great value pick for Pitt with Mendenhall....

Plus....9 trades in last 23 picks...figured that.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:42 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Wow! Felix Jones instead of Mendenhall???

Stupid Jerry Jones and his loyalty to Hog Nation....he just screwed his team out of a great RB...good for the Cowboys, about time they get worse. Worst pick of the draft so far. 

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:38 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Cowboys going to get lucky

Instead of Felix Jones, the Cowboys will be able to get the NO. 2 RB in the draft...Mendenhall...will be an attitude adjustment for Marion Barber III and his contract issue. Mendenhall will be a stud. It was a three RB draft with a big drop after No. 3...Felix Jones is the fourth best.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:31 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sam Baker goes

One of my players I was hoping for the Vikes to get in the 2nd round goes...Atlanta traded back up into the first to get Baker....nice OT....since have my Kenny Phillips hopes for the Vikes. 

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:29 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

I am the victor

Well, don't want to brag...but I will....out of 18 contestants in the Zorbaz pick 'em....I win.

I had NO. 5 and 6 picks wrong...had Gholston and Dorsey switched...had No. 8 wrong and No. 10 wrong.

Although it's a Miller LIte grill...I'll take it....

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:26 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Talib - good player, too much green smoke

Talib has been tested positive for the ganja three times at Kansas...he would have been a top 10 pick if not for those positive tests...

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:17 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Another prediction

Worst kept secret is the Cowboys picking Felix Jones of Arkansas with one of their first round picks.

Carolina just got screwed giving up 2nd this year, fourth round this year and a 1st next year to get Otah (fat man in football uniform)...Philly just got a killer trade there.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 4:12 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Vikes No 17 pick

Although the No. 17 pick went through three different teams, finally the Detroit Lions picked Gosder Cherilus. There wasn't a DE worth at No. 17...thus more justification for the Allen trade. Although there was some good OT left, Vikes are looking better and better with the trade. 

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 3:58 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Wrong!

Cromartie - the one-kidney CB - goes to Arizona. Not a bad idea, since they are switching Antrolle Rolle to safety. Cromartie was my highest ranked CB and will pair Roderick Hood. Good secondary for Arizona....Rolle and Wilson at safety positions...Hood and Cromartie at CB.

One kidney is a concern for Cromartie...but a good athlete.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 3:50 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Arizona prediction

My prediction for Arizona is Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. Could be a good duo with James. 

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 3:46 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

I lead the pick 'em contest

Well...all that time since January is paying off....I'm in first in the pick 'em contest after picking the Bears' selection of Chris Williams...which is a good one.

For one, last year's champ and 2006 runner-up Brad Eckhoff isn't here, so I don't have as much challenge. Although a friend of mine, he did hang on my coat-tails most of the time during the last few Zorbaz contests.

Anyways...I have Ryan Clady going No. 17 (which is Detroit's pick now) and Aquib Talib to Green Bay to close the deal. I may have to fight for the grill if I have the choice with Brody...who has grown pretty attached to that football throwing game.

I might take the football machine, it could be my retirement tool for the little kiddo....

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 3:40 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

The Brodster playing some football

Son Brody testing out his right arm...I'm thinking 2nd rounder in about the 2028 draft...my retirement plan:

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 3:31 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sorry, had to recharge the battery

The juice wasn't flowing so had to recharge it.

Anyways...draft going almost according to plan...Baltimore gave up a 1st, 2 3rd's and a 6th to draft Derrick Harvey, a DE who will never reach double-digit sacks. Does that trade sound familiar?

Yep, Vikes trades a 1st and 2 3rd's for Jared Allen, who has 43 career sacks to Harvey's zero. This just justifies the trade even more.

Carolina threw a curve ball by taking Jon Stewart, RB out of Oregon. He is a compact type of runner, like a bowling ball. The surprise is the Panthers have DeAngelo Williams already and also picked Stewart before Mendenhall, who was the No. 2 ranked RB in my opinion.

Bears have their choice of OL now....I like Chris WIlliams, LT with some long arms.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 3:27 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

K.C. to have a top DT tandem

Dorsey and Tamba Hali in the middle is almost comparable to the Vikings' Williams' wall. Dorsey falling that far is a bit of a surprise...my first pick wrong. 

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 2:31 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Raiders the wildcard

Although I figured the Raiders would pick McFadden, they probably had other needs. But Davis likes his stars and McFadden is a star.

Oakland now has Fargas, McFadden, Jordan and Dominic Rhodes. Jordan will be the odd man out more than likely.

Good pick by Atlanta...good character in Ryan and a good future at QB.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 2:28 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Trades galore this year

One prediction...there will be plenty of trades...already the Vikings and Cowboys have traded picks for players....the Ravens are trying to trade up to get Matt Ryan, the B.C. QB, while the Jets sound like they are trying for DT Glen Dorsey. The Saints at No. 10 want to trade up to get either Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis, both DT's.

If the Saints stay at No. 10, they will probably have to go with CB...Cromartie or Chris Jenkins..because the top two DT's will be gone.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 2:02 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

And it starts!

Well, Miami better get their butt up there and give the card....followed right by St. Louis, who will be adding Chris Long to the roster.

Great pick by Miami though....the safest picks. Chris Long will be a pretty safe pick too...both will be contributors for years to come. Both are high character and both are pretty rich now....

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 1:58 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Come on down!

Let the snow-filled driveway fill up...forget about the April snowshowers, come on down and play the Zorbaz Draft Pick 'Em contest....you pick the top 10, Chicago, No. 17 and Green Bay's picks. Win some cool prizes and door prizes.

Below are the two top prizes:

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 12:26 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Happy NFL Draft!

Ole' Rusty (my '89 Ford Ranger) got me through the drifted roads and to my Zorbaz destination.

Been watching nonstop coverage since about 7 a.m. and a few things have transpired. The Rams look to be drafting Chris Long, DE of Virginia, making it a Long one two, since Miami has already made Jake Long the NO. 1 overall selection.

I worked out my top 10 mock draft last night, here it is:

1. Jake Long - Miami
2. Chris Long - Rams
3. Matt Ryan - Atlanta
4. Darren McFadden - Oakland
5. Vernon Gholston - K.C.
6. Glen Dorsey - NY JEts
7. Sedrick Ellis - N.E. Pats
8. Chris Jenkins - Baltimore
9. Keith Rivers - Cincinatti
10. Cormartie - New Orleans

Talib, CB - Green Bay
Chris Williams - Chicago
No. 17- Jeff Otah - K.C. (Vikings original pick)

Hopefully for the Vikes sake, some droppers could be S Kenny Phillips of the U of Miami...Sam Baker, OT from USC would be a wise choice, as well. Rumor through P.A. on KFAN is the Vikes also like Andre Caldwell, the speedy WR from Florida.

I would sooner see a WR selected in the 4th our 5th round and Adrian Arrington of Michigan would be a good choice...a red zone target to go along with Sid Rice.

Festivities are starting to begin....

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/26/2008 at 11:41 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Happy NFL Draft Eve

Snow be damned! It's the best holiday of the spring tomorrow in the NFL Draft!

Festivities start at noon tomorrow at the NFL Draft Headquarters - aka known as Zorbaz on the Beach (or in tomorrow's case, snowdrift). There will be an NFL Draft pick 'em contest, along with lots of prizes given away. Wear a jersey (preferably not those green ones from the east) and get a free food buffet before the draft starts.

I will be blogging live from Zorbaz, breaking down the picks, and even post some pics of the NFL Draft-goers.

Action is already heating up, with the Vikings trading their No. 17 overall and two thirds for DE beast Jared Allen. The Saints traded out of the No. 10 spot, moving up to No. 7, with the Patriots going down to No. 10.

This will be an unpredictable draft, with plenty of trades to be had I imagine.

The Vikes do draft in the second round. Some hopefuls who will still be around (that I'm hoping anyway) include S Kenny Phillips out of Miami, CB Antoine Cason of Arizona, OT Sam Baker out of USC, LB Jerod Mayo out of Tennessee and TE Dustin Keller out of Purdue. The Vikes could reach a little for Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws (or trade down and collect some picks and then pick him).

Anyway...plenty of NFL draft talk here tomorrow, with the draft starting at 2 p.m. Zorbaz time!

Merry NFL Draft Eve and hopefully see ya tomorrow!

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/25/2008 at 4:13 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Baseball game in DL postponed

The Laker baseball game scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Washington Ballpark against Bemidji has been postponed due to rain.

No make-up date has been set, yet.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/24/2008 at 1:08 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Allen press conference video

Although we have had at least one ignorant comment on the DL-online site (hello Roger H. from Detroit Lakes), none here yet about the Allen trade. Anyways...I've had a great time today listening, watching and reading everything about it all day. It's been a great discussion topic out of the cyber world. Would like a good discussion here on the Allen trade. I'm all for it, but I see some concerns with it.

I'm a believer (not a tough sell) in Allen's dedication to paying Wilf and the Vikings back on the field for the huge contract and compensation to K.C.

Incidentally, Allen has close family in the area, with his grandparents and an uncle living in the Fargo area.

Here's some highlights from his press conference...

http://www.startribune.com/video/18074879.html

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/23/2008 at 8:46 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Picks No. 17, 73 and 82 since 1992...Picks given up for Jared Allen

This was a list compiled of NFL picks No. 17, 73 and 82 since 1992...the picks the Vikings traded for DE Jared Allen.

Some interesting facts on this list...1997 Jason Taylor was the 73rd pick....current Viking Steve Hutchinson was No. 17 in 2001....John Lynch was the 83rd pick in 1993.

Pick 17: 73: 82:
07: Jarvis Moss 73: Jacoby Jones 82: Tank Tyler
06: Chad Greenway 73: Dusty Dvoracek 82: Derrick Hagen
05: David Pollack 73: Vernon Morency 82: Alfred Fincher
04: DJ Williams 73: Keith Smith 82: Devard Darling
03: Bryant Johnson 73: Wayne Hunter 82: Ricky Manning
02: Phillip Buchanon 73: Will Witherspoon 82: James Allen
01: Steve Hutchinson 50: 73: Eric Westmorland 82: Heath Evans
00: Sabastian Janiskowski 73: Ron Dixon 82: Leander Jordan
99: Damien Woody 73: Joey Porter 82: Karsten Baily
98: Brian Simmons 73: Mitch Marrow 82: Larry Shannon
97: Kenard Lang 73: Jason Taylor 82: Paul Wiggins
96: Reggie Brown 73: Winslow Brown 82: Scott Slutzker
95: Tyrone Wheatly 73: LB Brian Williams 82: Steve McLaughlin
94: Charles Johnson 73: Lamar Smith 82: Willie Clark
93: Tom Carter 73: Russell White 82: John Lynch
92: Kevin Smith 73. Howard Dinkins 82: James Brown

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/23/2008 at 3:03 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

DL pitching carrying the team

Senior Chris Gilson has thrown 14 innings and only boasts of a 0.00 ERA and a 2-0 record. Not too shabby.

The Laker ace shutout the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines in the season opener, while giving up only one hit against Park Rapids in a complete-game shutout Tuesday. Gilson has matured and developed into a top-line pitcher after a solid hurler last year.

The righty had a no-no heading into the top of the sixth inning against the Panthers, which incidentally made the state last year and have seven of nine coming back from that team. A weak dribbler down third-base line was the lone hit for Park Rapids, thus breaking up Gilson's no-hitter.

After Gilson, Doug Dickey - the regular catcher - is a solid No. 2 pitcher, who also has three pitches like Gilson. Both are hitting their stride already with their off-speed pitches and both are not having problems with accuracy. By throwing strikes, that means the Lakers are also making the plays behind them.

Good defense will be key, along with pitching, early in the season for the Lakers because they are still a bunch of players who are still adjusting to their first year of seeing varsity pitching. It's showing on the offensive side of the plate, with DL gaining only three hits in the 2-0 victory over Park Rapids during Gilson's start.

But, the Lakers are 5-0, while the hitters are making their adjustments and gaining prime experience with some at-bats. If the bats come alive and start giving a relatively deep Laker pitching rotation some run support, DL could enter the Section 8-2A playoffs with one of the top seeds, which will be crucial.

Like golf, baseball has an added class. DL is the big school in Class 8-2A, along with Fergus Falls and Thief River Falls. Common sense tells you that smaller schools will not have the advantage of pitching depth.

In the first two rounds of the section playoffs, it will be single elimination. The rest will be double elimination, thus favoring larger school teams like the Lakers. If the offense can come around, the young DL pitchers will have an added advantage, thus giving the Lakers a deeper pitching staff.

With the season finally starting, these areas can start being addressed by DL head coach Steve Fuhs - who I give some big credit to for getting Washington Ballpark ready for the doubleheader Tuesday versus Park Rapids. The infield still had some areas which were underwater Monday evening, but the field and infield were in pretty good condition, considering the weather we've had as of late.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/23/2008 at 2:13 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

DL golf teams off to birdie of a start

The DL girls' golf have already collected runner-up and first positions in two meets, while the boys' have the exact same.

Both teams are now the "big dogs" in their sections, with the addition of another class in golf.  For the boys, they are laced with seniors who have up to 4-5 years of varsity experience, while the girls still have two leftover golfers from their Class 2A State Championship from two years ago in Danelle Olson and Robin Hutchinson.

This could be a very interesting spring for the Laker golf programs, with the potential of having a good contingent of DL Red down in Jordan come early June, the place and time of the Class 2A state meet.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/23/2008 at 2:11 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Vikes land a big one

Great morning arriving in the office at 6 a.m. and seeing the trade which seemed like would never happen  happened.

The Vikes got their man in Jared Allen, with a pretty hefty price. But overall, a great trade to improve a last-place passing defense.

Anyways...here's the column I wrote soon after I read the good news for Wednesday's In the Zone column in the Becker County Record (unedited version):

    No doubt, the Kansas City Chiefs will have a much more fun draft than the Minnesota Vikings.
    But, do fans want to win a draft or games on Sunday?
    The Vikings took a huge step towards the latter late Tuesday night with the announcement of their mega-trade with the Chiefs, which sends Minnesotas first round pick (No. 17) and two third round choices (No.s 73 and 82) for the rights of 2007 NFL sack leader defensive end Jared Allen.
    Allen, who accumulated 15.5 sacks last year in 14 games, also inked a six-year mega-deal with the Vikes for a whopping $74 million, with $31,000,0069 (his jersey is No. 69) in guaranteed money.
Now, for the those who fish the shallow waters and want to instantly aaack! At the trade picks the Vikes gave away and the contract, lets troll some deeper waters and meaning to this trade.
    The first inclination the pessimistic fan will think right away is the Hershel Walker trade.
    Those type of comparisons should get a chuckle and a slap on the back.
    Comparing these two trades is like putting the sinking of the S.S. Minnow on the level of the Titanic tragedy.
    Three picks were given up by the Vikes, the earlier third rounder they received from Denver last year for basically nothing. In that trade, the Vikings traded down from their second-round slot with the Broncos for their 2008 third rounder.
    In turn, Minnesota still got their man in WR Sidney Rice, for the price  of nothing.
    Now the Walker trade.
    Vikes gave up three first rounders, three second rounders, a third rounder and a sixth rounder.
    Wait, we are not done yet.
    Included were five players: LB Jesse Solomon, DB Isaac Holt, RB Darrin Nelson, LB David Howard and DE Alex Stewart.
    Now, compare that to a No. 1 and two third rounders  in the same draft.
    Enough on that.
    Now how about that contract?
    Allen, who has 43 career sacks in four seasons, was looking for guaranteed money which was in the Dwight Freeney range, the DE for the Colts who was limited to 3.5 sacks this season. He earned a $30 million guaranteed contract at the start of last season.
    Yes, its big and lots of coin.
    But, then again, the Miami Dolphins just paid left tackle Jake Long just a hair under $30 million in guaranteed money.
    The difference?
    Allen is more than a proven commodity for the last four seasons and is only 26 years old.
    Long was a stud last year  in college.
    The Chiefs also pick No. 5 this year due to their 4-12 record and will pay their rookie pick around the $20-25 million guaranteed money mark.
    Add in the payment for the No. 17 pick, they will be nearing what the Vikes paid Allen for two unproven players in a crapshoot of a draft  especially this year.
    The 2008 draft is really nothing special. If a team was going to trade picks in a draft, this would be the one.
    The Vikings still have six picks in this years draft, while maintaining every pick in future drafts, while adding Allen, who is more than just a one-year wonder.
    A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
    One cant expect  or should  those 15.5 sacks every year.
    But what one can expect is Allen will make the entire defense better.
    He will be lining up next to Pat and Kevin Williams, both Pro Bowl tackles.
    Both were consistently doubled teamed last year, since there was no threat from the outside.
    Now, there are virtually three players who need double-teaming and not enough offensive linemen to do it.
    That leaves the other defensive end position single-blocked on virtually every play. That position belongs to a pair of young up-and-comers in Ray Edwards and Brian Robison.
    Both can flourish against single-blocking schemes, with both of their numbers potentially going up.
    On the next level, the Vikings linebacking corp. last year proved to be one of the better ones in the league.
    With the O-line more than busy with probably the best D-line in the NFL now, that will create lots of space for the speedy LBs to roam. No big offensive lineman will be pulling outside to block the edge where Ben Leber and Chad Greenway will be patrolling.
    Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson will need to be just concerned with fullbacks instead of a center or guard, using his speed and much-needed space to make plays.
    With Allen, it also allows the linebackers to drop back in coverage and not be forced to blitz to create pressure on the QB. The D-line now should be able to do that by itself.
    That, in essence, improves a last-place passing defense, all with one player added.
    Thats not even mentioning the Vikings secondary, which potentially will have one to two valuable seconds cut off their responsibility on coverage.
    Allen can create Pro Bowlers with his presence alone.
    But with all the excitement Allen brings, there is caution tagged along.
    Allen is one DUI away from a one-year suspension, after getting two down in K.C., along with one while operating a boat.
    He was suspended for two games at the start of the 2007 season due to those infractions.
    But the Vikings front office, owner Zygi Wilf and head coach Brad Childress were reported in talks with K.C. for the last nine weeks and investigating Allens character.
    There are three former K.C. front office members now working for the Vikings who know Allen and one would imagine, they vouched for him.
    It will be up to Allen to stay clean. But reading article after article, there has been no black marks to his character  meaning his personality, not his poor choices in his past.
    There will be bellyaching from some Viking fans on this regard, the ones who are used to mediocrity and scared of big deals after the Walker trade.
    Allen has much to prove, but to the credit of Wilf and Childress, they venture into Minnesota waters never ventured in before by a professional sports franchise from the state  they are making an aggressive, yet risky, move to push their team over the hump.
    Sundays in the fall have just become a little sweeter with this trade at the cost of dulling down Saturdays draft.
    One should be able to live with that. 
   
   
   

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/23/2008 at 9:25 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Allen update

Chief's DE Jared Allen departed from Minneapolis yesterday still a K.C. Chief.

That's not all too bad of news for the Vikes and their pursuit of the NFL's leading sacker last year with 15.5 sacks. The NFL has a rule that a franchised player can only spend 48 hours with another team.

But Allen's agent said there were negotiations for a contract and that he and his client enjoyed the visit. Allen is supposedly heading to Tampa Bay to meet with Bucs officials later this week.

After reading some reports on the situation, it sounds like Allen and the Vikes are potentially close to a deal, which could reach a 6-year $60 million contract, with up to $25 million being guaranteed, which nears the Colts' DE Dwight Freeney's $30 million guaranteed contract.

The hold up could be K.C.'s refusal of the Viking's offer of a 2008 first round (No. 17) and one of their third rounders. K.C. is probably pocketing the offer to see if they can get more from another team, using the Vikes to drive up the price.

Meanwhile, the Vikings could potentially trip up the Chief's tactics, waiting until after the draft, using all their picks, and then sign Allen to an offer-sheet, thus forcing K.C. to either match it (which it's highly doubtful they are willing to pay that price, since they haven't yet) or take the Vikings' No. 1 picks in 2009 and 2010. The Chief's want picks this year, because they are rebuilding, but the Vikings certainly don't want to give up two No. 1's either.

Things will get more clearer this week, if Allen visits the Bucs or not. If he wants to play for the Vikes this year, he can force K.C.'s hand. The thinking here, is K.C. is just seeing if they can obtain more for Allen than a first and third round pick package. Most likely, not, since any other NFL team almost can't offer more than the Vikes (they have nine picks in the draft) and if they can, they won't have the cap space to eat a huge contract Allen is demanding.

The Vikes have a perfect storm in their favor: they have the draft picks to offer and have the cap space and money to offer Allen. Most teams don't have both options.

The guess here, a deal will be struck by Friday, after K.C. learns they will not be able to trade Allen for a better deal. Worst-case scenario, they offer Allen what the Vikes did and he accepts, which doesn't sound plausible because it sounds like that bridge has been burned with Allen - he wants out of K.C.

Now, it's just playing a waiting game.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/21/2008 at 10:33 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

DL boys' golf puts section/state on notice

The Detroit Lakes boys' golf team has been lurking in the shadows the last few seasons, building up to this year with three seniors having over 4-5 years of varsity experience, along with several others who have been playing varsity for another 2-3 years.

In their first tournament of the 2008 season, the Lakers finished second overall in the prestigious Tri-State Boys' Golf Tournament at the University of Minnesota, held Friday and Saturday.

DL finished with a 614, behind Mankato West, which shot a 612. The Lakers bested big-city teams such as Forest Lake, Elk River, Eden Prairie, Edina and White Bear Lake. And remember, the Lakers are in Class 2A, with former section foes such as Alexandria, Moorhead, Bemidji and the St. Cloud schools now residing in Class 3A.

Seniors Ben Bergquist and Adam Thielen (who took his junior year off to play baseball, but is back in the fold) each shot a 151 in the two-day tourney, tied for sixth. Ryan Kuehne finished with a 152 for 11th, while seniors Mike Brodsho (156) and Josh Herzog (159) and underclassman Connor Hedstrom (181) rounded out the Laker field.

Finishing second in this tournament is a huge momentum push for the Lakers, who play a rugged schedule during the spring, leading up to the Sub-Section and Section tournaments. DL will get a better idea where it stands in Section 8-2A Tuesday, when they play in the Presection Tournament at Longbow Golf Course in Walker, with all the section teams planning on being there.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/21/2008 at 10:15 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Jared Allen a Viking?

It's out there and it's actually quite unbelievable.

The Vikings, yes the Minnesota kind and yes the NFL one's...are actually in talks to obtain a high-quality player.

Instead of trading away their super-stars, they are in discussions currently to nab a top 3 - if not the top - DE in the NFL. Is a first, actually. Instead of losing talent to a trade - i.e. Randy Moss or Chris Doleman - the Vikings are very close in obtaining Jared Allen...the same player who registered 15.5 sacks last year to lead the NFL and 46 career sacks in four years. And he's only 26 years old.

This move proves that Zygi Wilf is committed to winning...no matter the cost. It's the first time in Minnesota history that an owner actually cares about winning, besides the bottom dollar - Carl Pohlad isn't listening, but should take a lesson here.

If the Vikes obtain Mr. Allen, they will have to extend his contract which will have to include at least $32-35 million guaratneed money. That eclipses the Colts' Dwight Freeney's $30 million contract, which was the highest contract for a defensive player in the history of the NFL.

If this happens and Allen gets his $30 million-plus...Wilf has paid Steve Hutchinson the largest contract for an O-lineman and one to Allen as the highest D-player. Add in top five contracts to DT's (both Pro Bowlers) Kevin and Pat Williams, this team is actually dedicated to winning, not collecting the all-mighty buck.

Can't ever say that about the penny-pinching Pohlad, who unfortunatley is a Minnesota-native. Wilf has shelled out a top contract to the top WR free agent in Bernard Berrian and now is close to landing the top DE in the NFL. Pohlad? He cuts over $20 million from last year AFTER gaining a new stadium.

Maybe our so-called native owners have to take a page out of Wilf's book - a non-Minnesotan - and try and build a winning team?

If the Allen deal gets done, Wilf has shown more than any other Minnesota pro owner ever that he is committed to winning.

Hard to say that about any other owner in the history of Minnesota sports.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/18/2008 at 9:33 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Not sports related: Good story about unselfish lady

Great T.V. news story on the following link about our soldiers over in Iraq and what she does back home for the families of the fallen. Very honorable and unselfish act this woman does:

http://www.militarytimes.com/hancock

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/15/2008 at 4:46 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Vikings 2008 schedule

Vikes will open on Monday night in the land of cheese against the falling-out-of-grace Packers...great opening game!

Great warm weather games late in the year at Tampa (Nov. 16), at Jacksonville (Nov. 23) and rest under a roof (at Arizona and Detroit).

The Colts will be Minnesota's home opener Sept. 14.

NFL Draft coming up April 26-27...

Vikings 2008 schedule

Sept. 8: Vikings at Green Bay (6 p.m. Monday, ESPN)
Sept. 14: Indianapolis at Vikings (noon, CBS)
Sept. 21: Carolina at Vikings (noon, FOX)
Sept. 28: Vikings at Tennessee (noon, FOX)
Oct. 6: Vikings at New Orleans (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Oct. 12: Detroit at Vikings (noon, FOX)
Oct. 19: Vikings at Bears (noon, FOX)
Oct. 26: BYE
Nov. 2: Houston at Vikings (noon, CBS)
Nov. 9: Green Bay at Vikings (noon, FOX)
Nov. 16: Vikings at Tampa Bay (noon, FOX)
Nov. 23: Vikings at Jacksonville (noon, FOX)
Nov. 30: Chicago at Vikings (7:15 p.m., NBC)
Dec. 7: Vikings at Detroit (noon, FOX)
Dec. 14: Vikings at Arizona (3:05 p.m., FOX)
Dec. 21: Atlanta at Vikings (noon, FOX)
Dec. 28: N.Y. Giants at Vikings (noon, FOX)

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/15/2008 at 2:15 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Good tool to keep up-to-date on DL athletic schedule

With the ever-changing spring sports schedule for Detroit Lakes, go to the following website to see up-to-date changes for each team. A very helpful site!

http://www.highschoolsports.net/defaultcal.cfm?ct=w&schoolid=MN565019888&spt=-1&lvl=-1&division=-1&timeoffset=300

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/15/2008 at 11:36 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Pair of former DL athletes named captains

St. Cloud State University men's hockey defenseman Garrett Raboin and University of North Dakota football defensive back Rory Manke were each named captain of their respected teams.

Raboin, a sophomore this year, was a starter on defense of the Husky hockey team, which played into the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament. He will be the captain for the 2008-09 team after being the alternate captain this past season.

Here is the press release from the UND Sports Information site on Manke:

GRAND FORKS, N.D.--University of North Dakota head football coach Chris Mussman announced today that senior quarterback Danny Freund and senior free safety Rory Manke have been named team captains for the 2008 season.

I wanted to go into spring ball with some leadership in place, said Mussman. We put it to a team vote and Danny and Rory emerged as the top two. I believe our players got it right; you couldnt ask for two better guys to represent this program. I feel it is important to have the leadership in place as we get ready for our first season as a Division I-Football Championship Subdivision program.

Freund, a native of Kenosha, Wis., completed his first season as UNDs starting quarterback in 2007 and was named an All-North Central Conference honorable mention after throwing for 2,860 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions in 12 games. All 24 of Freunds touchdown passes came during the regular season, setting a school regular season record. A banking and financial economics major, Freund was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District team, the Academic All-NCC team and the NCC Commissioners Academic Honor Roll.

Manke, a native of Detroit Lakes, Minn., enters his second season as UNDs starting free safety in 2008. Last season he started all 12 games and led the team in total tackles (73) and solo tackles (49) to earn an All-NCC second team selection. A biology major, Manke was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America second team, the Academic All-NCC team and the NCC Commissioners Academic Honor Roll.

Mussman said he will name two more team captains at the conclusion of the spring practice season.

 

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/14/2008 at 3:44 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

What's with the golf fashion?

Watching The Master's, I couldn't but notice the ugly fashions of some of the professional golfers.

Yes, there are some outrageous fashions put on display for some of golf's majors, but it's starting to become the norm  not the unique.

One fashion statement which has been unfortunately popular the last few years has been the color pink on the male golfer. I simply ask this question: Does pink really belong in a male professional sport?

Yes, call me chauvinistic, but the color pink doesn't belong on a field of competition. I have a hard time seeing Bryan Urlacher splitting a running back in half, getting up and pumping his chest splayed with a pink jersey. Blood  on a jersey has always been a mark of toughness. But add blood on a pink jersey, that tough-image has disintegrated.

It just really takes those competitive juices out when your opponent is beating you handily and all you can see is his pink visor and pink shirt mocking your existence.

If that wasn't enough, add in the fact I saw a golfer wearing pink pants! Ugggg...hopefully he didn't have them matching his underwear, then you can just take off the "s" in pants and add the letters "ies".

I'm definitely not a fashion guru, but I guess I must be the one to point out the obvious here, because this subject has not been breached yet. And by all accounts that I have seen, the King of Cool in the World of Golf - Tiger Woods - has not been observed swinging his driver and flexing his biceps after another clutch putt...wearing pink pants or pink anything.

So I plead my case about pink in the world of manly sports. Don't do it.

And, by the way...pull the collars down, too, fellas. The Fonz-look died with Richie Cunningham and ChaChi.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/14/2008 at 2:44 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Games actually being played this week

Since the latest snowstorm didn't strike the north too hard, the Detroit Lakes softball team is on its way to Thief River Falls for its season opener, after losing its first couple of games due to weather.

The Laker's home game at Wadena-Deer Creek Tuesday is postponed, though, since Wadena is still under a blanket of snow yet.

The DL cross country team will also be in action, heading to TRF, as well, for its outdoor opener. The meet was originally scheduled to be held in Park Rapids, but Thief River Falls was the alternative.

Thursday and Friday games are yet to be determined.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/14/2008 at 2:41 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Snow, snow go away...and let the Angels play

And let baseball back on the darn field!

I'm starting to feel the pain of Jack from The Shining...the insanity of this long winter better not continue, or I better put all my axes far away. 

Ok, my daily gripe about this extended winter....is done.

The Detroit Lakes Angels are about set to go, with 17 on the roster and up to three spots still left open to fill. The season starts Sunday, May 4, in Vergas for the defending Hi-10 regular season and playoff champions. They have 25 games scheduled and will open their home schedule Wednesday night, May 14, against visiting Verndale at 7 p.m.

The home opener is significant, because the Angels went 19-0 at Washington BallPark last year. It will be a very interesting to see how long they can extend that already impressive streak.

The Angels lost shortstop/pitcher Chris Sieling, who moved to the Twin Cities. Their new additions will be former Perham Pirate ace Chad Griffin (36 years old) and 2007 DLHS graduate and Laker ace Matt Huberty. Both provide the Angels with some solid arms in a six-man pitching rotation, which includes ace Matt Olson, Taylor Fuhs, Brian Buhr and Max Saarinen.

That depth on the mound will propel DL to plenty of wins, but their bats are still as potent as they were last year. Eight of the nine top averages return - again, with Sieling being the third best average in 2007 at .371. First baseman Terry Haus hit .384 and co-manager and outfielder Phil Kirchner post a .379 average and led the team with five homers.

The previous restructuring of the Hi-10 and Countryside Leagues was nixed, so it will be the same setup as last year. The Hi-10 will consist of DL, Bluffton, Perham, Wadena-Deer Creek, New York Mills and Bertha-Hewitt. The Region 16C will remain the same, as well.

The Angels will be without Nick Schroeder and Taylor Fuhs early on in the season, since the latter is playing and starting for Mayville State and the former is playing at the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse.

This team looks to be even stronger this season, even with the loss of Sieling. Their pitching is deep and they should be able to absorb the loss of Sieling's bat with a 1-9 potent batting order.

Now, all the Angels need is to have the clouds open up and start having some friggin' sunlight beat down on this frozen wasteland.

See ya at the ballpark (hopefully)!

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/09/2008 at 10:55 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

NFL Draft approaches

The best holiday of the spring approaches in the NFL Draft, which is a mere 18 days away.

This year, ESPN will start televising the draft at 2 p.m. and only have the first two rounds Saturday and the rest Sunday. The first round will have 10-minute intervals, while the second is seven minutes.

The Fourth Annual Draft Day Headquarter Party will once again be anchored at DL's Zorbaz on the Beach. Last year, the day was blessed with 75-degrees and sunshine, while the Vikings were able to land their superfreak and star Adrian Peterson at No. 7.

This year, the Vikes pick No. 17, while the Bears are No. 14 and Packers No. 30.

There will be a Zorbaz Draft Contest, with prizes, and door prizes throughout the draft. If you wear a jersey, you earn a free lunch during the day.

It's a great time, with the contest being a fun stipulation during the draft.

Personally for me, it's a great holiday and a good injection of football during a dry time of year for sports. I've been studying up on the draft since about February, so come on down and see if you can out-draft me and my comrades April 26.

I will also be live-blogging from Zorbaz during the draft, so hopefully if you can't make it, chime in on my blog and make your thoughts known...I'll be checking regularly during the day and make responses.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/08/2008 at 4:17 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Slow days are here

With the snow slowly melting away, prep sports are still withering in the starting blocks.

This week, the Detroit Lakes boys' golf team is still primed to go to the U of M golf tourney which is Friday and Saturday. Since the metro area got little to zero snow from this beast of a storm last weekend, the links there should be A-OK.

There is some positive possibility the DL track team can make a go of it at Fergus Falls Thursday (was originally scheduled for today).

Other than that, baseball, softball and tennis probably will be no-go's.

Let's hope for sun and wind so this spring season can kickstart up.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/08/2008 at 4:13 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

In case you haven't been outside

It's still cold, snowy and just plain winter-like.

I'll point out the obvious here: the Detroit Lakes softball game with Grand Forks Central scheduled for Thursday has been (gasp!) postponed due to weather. As has the home baseball game against Frazee scheduled for Thursday.

Wonder what the scientists will name this new Ice Age we have slipped into?

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/02/2008 at 3:43 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Mercy rules enacted for football and basketball

It's about time...no more sitting in the stands or sidelines for a game which is out of hand.

The MSHSL passed mercy rules for each of football and basketball.

If one team is ahead by 35 or more points in the fourth quarter of a football game, running time will be used. If a team is ahead by 35 or more points with nine minutes or under remaining in regulation, running time will be used.

Hockey already uses the mercy rule and adding basketball and football to the mix is a very good call by the MSHSL.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/01/2008 at 3:31 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Twins not a bad start

The bigger story of the Twins' 3-2 victory over the visiting Angels in the season opener was not Torii Hunter's return, Carlos Gomez' great debut or even the Twins' win - it was the weather.

I already read and heard the statements "What are the Twins going to do when they have their new open-air stadium on a night like this?"

Of course, it was snowing like it was January and if the game would have been played outdoors, there wouldn't have been a game.

The most likely scenario starting in 2010, when the Twins' take to their new stadium, is they will open on the road for their first two series, giving them the opportunity to have their home-opener in the second week of April, which lessens the chances of foul weather (doesn't obviously eliminate the chances).

I have avoided going to too many games in the Metrodome the last decade because it's a sterile, boring, dry, uneventful atmosphere, which dulls the best game in the summer feeling. It would have been the same last night, as well. The Dome sucks, period.

I will gladly trade in one to three postponed games due to the weather for over 75-80 games under the June-July-August sun, starting in 2010.

Now, on to the Twins' performance. It was good. Can't say much about it other than that, besides good, since there are 161 games left to be played. Hard to judge anything off of last night's outing.

One thing which could be a strength is the outfield and its defense. Delmon Young looks to be the best LF for the Twins since the Shane Mack and Dan Gladden days and Gomez does possess unbelievable speed and a rocket of an arm - along with Young. Cuddyer is above-average in the OF, along with Kubel. But the duo of Gomez and Young could be a super OF corp. for years to come.

Some advice to Twins' GM Mr. Smith - sign these two fellas to long-term contracts SOON! Don't pull a Terry Ryan and dink around like he did with Hunter and Johan Santana (who looked pretty dominating for the Mets) and end up losing them because the market got out of hand. The Twins need to wrap up Young and Gomez if they start producing like I think they will in the next couple of years.

My prediction for the Twins still is not a finish in the Central higher than third. The big reasoning there is of course the competition in the Tigers and Indians, but the huge question marks in starting pitching and the weakling gaggle of batters the Twins employ at the top of the order.

But, if the Twins can flirt with 80-85 wins, that will be a huge success, only because it will show their young guys such as Young and Gomez are worth what they paid for and some of the young pitching is coming around. Another prediction - 3B Mike Lamb will be not be around by the end of July. Just another plug-in vet the Twins signed. Hopefully, there will be a third baseman coming up through the ranks by August, to start breaking him in for the future.

Personally, I will not watch the standings too much this summer, instead I will be focusing my attention on the progress of Gomez and Young, not to mention the play of the Twins' studs in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau.

Pitching, I will be watching the hopeful progress of Kevin Slowey, who I have big expectations for. He can fit the bill of the next Brad Radke - an inning-eater and control-pitcher. I also like the potential of Nick Blackburn and although Glen Perkins was sent down - there is still hope for the former Gopher to contribute with a lively fastball.

It's just beginning - and not a better time - to help fill the huge void of the lack of sports to follow.

Posted by: Brian W. on 4/01/2008 at 12:40 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Some more NCAA hockey info

Detroit Lakes' native and St. Cloud State University defenseman Garrett Raboin (above) answers questions at the East Regional press conference in Albany, N.Y. The Huskies face Clarkston at 3 p.m. Friday.

Some more info for Gopher and Sioux fans: FSN will pick up the games for the Sioux, starting at 2 p.m. and the Gophers at 6:30 p.m. both on Saturday. For Husky fans, like myself, have to venture out and about (Lakeside in Detroit Lakes for me) if you don't have ESPNU.

The reason for FSN being able to televise the Goph vs. Boston College and Sioux vs. Princeton games is because of the tape delay ESPNU will have, but ESPNU will televise the Husky game live, thus having exclusive rights to the game.

Here's another interesting NCAA tidbit, as well: There are 106 hockey players from Minnesota competing in the D-I NCAA Tournament...while there are a total of 215 D-I hockey players hailing from Minnesota.

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/27/2008 at 3:18 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Raboin talks about NCAA's and SCSU

I was working on a column about Garrett Raboin's season on the SCSU men's hockey team for Wednesday Becker County Record, as SCSU will be playing Friday at 3 p.m. against Clarkston in the opening round of the Eastern Regional. The game is only televised on ESPNU.

Anyways, had a good chat with Raboin and obviously couldn't put everything he said in the column. Here are some leftover quotes (and some comments used in the story) from my interview with the sophomore Husky defenseman.

On SCSU's 0-6 NCAA Tournament record:
"Yeah, SCSU is 0-6 in the NCAA Tournament, but this year's team is 0-0 in the tournament. This is a whole new crop of guys this year. We are our own team. We are looking forward to playing our game and writing our own history.

"It would be nice to win and get rid of that 0-6 mark. But we are also going to try and win for ourselves. Every team dreams of making the Frozen Four, but we just want to be still playing Saturday (the day of the Eastern Regional final)."

On playing in his second NCAA Tournament (SCSU lost to Maine last year in the opening round):
"Playing in it last year helped me from a preparation (standpoint). I now know how to be ready for all the emotions which go into playing in the (NCAA's). But it's great being back again. I've learned to be more patient and keep my composure. Myself, I'm better prepared."

The turnaround of the Huskies' power play, which is rated fourth in the nation (second overall of teams left in the tourney, Niagara is a few .10's of a point ahead of SCSU) after the Huskies' struggled with it last year:
"Another piece of the puzzle was added with the addition of Garrett Roe (freshman with 44 points, 18 goals, 9 power play goals). The three guys (Roe, Ryan Lasch and Andres Nodl) are hard to defend. John Swanson and myself (the power play defensemen) shoot the biscuit only when we need to."

Reaction to Mankato not making the NCAA's, but Wisconsin making it, despite having a losing record and the Mavs finishing ahead of the Badgers in the WCHA:
"I would have liked to have seen both of them in it. We've struggled with both teams this season and both are fantastic teams. Wisconsin will be a dangerous team, especially since they are playing on their home ice.

"But I really haven't thought about it much. We are worried about our team. But looking at it from a fan's point of view, I thought Mankato would make it for sure. But, personally, it doesn't matter to me."

On if the Huskies are playing their best hockey, despite losing to the U of M in the last seconds in the Final Five play-in game:
"I think we are playing our best hockey. The U of M game was just another opportunity to learn. The Gophers have been a good defensive team all year, which is a bit different than their past teams, where they could score a lot."

On goalie Jase Weslosky, who has come into his own and has posted an outstanding .931 save percentage average:
"He's on a roll. Earlier in the season, he and (Dan) Dunn were splitting time, but Jase really has come into his own and making his own name."

About his offensive game and picking up his first-ever collegiate goal, which came in the second game against Wisconsin:
"My first goal was nice, because it came in front of all my family, who were in the stands. I've been put in some different positions to score and have been getting a lot of power play minutes with those three forwards."

On his goal against the Gophers in the Final Five to tie the game: "It was just a chip in there. I wish I could more credit, but it was a good pass and I had an easy chip in."

On passing up an open-net goal, which would have been his first-ever score: "It obviously would have been a simple goal, but it would have been a dirty one to take. After not scoring for a while after that, I was kind of kicking myself for not taking it, but it worked out in the end."

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/26/2008 at 11:45 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

NCAA hockey brackets

Here are the NCAA Men's Hockey brackets:

E1 Michigan (31-5-4)
E4 Niagara (22-10-4)
E2 St. Cloud St. (19-15-5)
E3 Clarkson (21-12-4)

W2 Colorado Col. (28-11-1)
W3 Michigan St. (24-11-5)
W4 Notre Dame (24-15-4)
W1 New Hampshire (25-9-3)

MW1 North Dakota (26-10-4)
MW4 Princeton (21-13-0)
MW2 Denver (26-13-1)
MW3 Wisconsin (15-16-7)

NE2 Boston College (21-11-8)
NE3 Minnesota (19-16-9)
NE4 Air Force (21-11-6)
NE1 Miami (Ohio) (32-7-1)

And here is the NCAA schedule and breakdown (from ESPNU.com) and all times are Eastern:

East Regional
At Times Union Center -- Albany, N.Y.
Friday, March 28
Clarkson (21-12-4) vs. St. Cloud State (19-15-5), 4 p.m., ESPNU
Niagara (22-10-4) vs. Michigan (31-5-4), 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

Saturday, March 29
Regional final, 7 p.m., ESPNU

West Regional
At World Arena -- Colorado Springs, Colo.
Friday, March 28
Notre Dame (24-15-4) vs. New Hampshire (25-9-3), 6:30 p.m., ESPN360.com
(tape delay on ESPNU, 1 a.m. on 3/29)
Michigan State (24-11-5) vs. Colorado College (28-11-1), 10 p.m., ESPNU

Saturday, March 29
Regional final, 10 p.m., ESPNU

Midwest Regional
At Kohl Center -- Madison, Wis.
Saturday, March 29
Princeton (21-13-0) vs. North Dakota (26-10-4), 3 p.m., ESPN360.com
(tape delay on ESPNU, 12:30 p.m. on 3/30)
Wisconsin (15-16-7) vs. Denver (26-13-1), 6:30 p.m., ESPN360.com
(tape delay on ESPNU, 2:30 p.m. on 3/30)

Sunday, March 30
Regional final, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Northeast Regional
At DCU Center -- Worcester, Mass.
Saturday, March 29
Air Force (21-11-6) vs. Miami, Ohio (32-7-1), 4 p.m., ESPNU
Minnesota (19-16-9) vs. Boston College (21-11-8), 7:30 p.m., ESPN360.com
(tape delay on ESPNU, 1 a.m. on 3/30)

Sunday, March 30
Regional final, 4:30 p.m., ESPNU

Frozen Four
At Pepsi Center -- Denver
Thursday, April 10
East champion vs. West champion, 6 p.m. or 9 p.m., ESPN2
Midwest champion vs. Northeast champion, 6 p.m. or 9 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, April 12
National championship, 7 p.m., ESPN

Regional breakdown
East Regional (Albany, N.Y.)
1. Michigan -- CCHA champion (No. 1 overall seed)
2. St. Cloud State -- at-large selection
3. Clarkson -- at-large selection
4. Niagara -- CHA champion

West Regional (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
1. New Hampshire -- at-large selection (No. 3 overall seed)
2. Colorado College -- at-large selection
3. Michigan State -- at-large selection
4. Notre Dame -- at-large selection
Midwest Regional (Madison, Wis.)
1. North Dakota -- at-large selection (No. 4 overall seed)
2. Denver -- WCHA champion
3. Wisconsin -- at-large selection
4. Princeton -- ECAC champion
Northeast Regional (Worcester, Mass.)
1. Miami, Ohio -- at-large selection (No. 2 overall seed)
2. Boston College -- Hockey East champion
3. Minnesota -- at-large selection
4. Air Force -- Atlantic Hockey champion

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/24/2008 at 12:48 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

State boys' basketball info

Here's all the info and more you will want on the upcoming State Boys' basketball tournament. Just a quick update, Little Falls - the team which defeated Detroit Lakes in the first round of the Section 8-3A quarterfinals - played through the bracket and won the section and a spot in the state tourney.

Ellsworth - with Frazee native Markus Okeson head coaching the team - is back in Class 1A to defend its title, as well.

Here's the MSHSL press release and state tournament preview for all classes:

 Ellsworth in Class A and St. Thomas Academy in Class AAA return to defend their 2007 titles. A new champion will emerge in the other two classes since the Class AA champions from Holy Family Catholic of Victoria and Class AAAA champions from Buffalo failed to qualify.
      Five teams are making first appearances: Minnesota Transitions Charter of Minneapolis and Granada-Huntley-East chain in Class A; La Crescent in Class AA; and Rochester Mayo and Henry Sibley of Mendota Heights in Class AAAA.
      This year marks the 12th year of the four-class format, and the fifth with all games being played in Minneapolis. It also the first year that the top four teams in Class AAA and Class AAAA were seeded and their opponents determined by blind draw. The head coaches of the 16 schools logged onto a special page of the League Web site, and each coach ranked the other teams 1 through 7. The highest and lowest rankings for each team were discarded, leaving five rankings for each team. From those rankings, the top four seeds were selected. In conference calls with all eight head coaches of each class, League Associate Director Kevin Merkle announced the top four seeds. Coaches association representative Tom Critchley then conducted a blind draw of the four remaining teams to establish the opponents for the seeded teams. When the tabulating was completed, Benilde-St. Margarets was chosen No. 1 in Class AAA, and Minnetonka was chosen No. 1 in Class AAAA.
      The 2008 State Boys Basketball Tournament starts Wednesday, March 26. Quarterfinal games will be played at Target Center on Wednesday, March 26, and at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis on both Wednesday and Thursday, March 26 and 27. Semifinals will be played at Target Center on Thursday March 27 and Friday March 28. The championship games of all four classes will be played at Target Center on Saturday March 29. Third-place games will be played on Saturday at Concordia University in St. Paul.
      Detailed statistics provided by qualified teams are available on the Leagues Web site  www.MSHSL.org  as a Media Guide link under Tournaments, then Winter, then Boys Basketball.
 
      Class A Preview
      (Section 1) Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton (20-10) vs. (Section 4) Minnesota Transitions Charter, Minneapolis (26-4): The Bulldogs of Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton return for their third appearance, but their first since 1997. The school did not submit team or individual statistics. Minnesota Transitions Charter, which averages 94.7 points and 44.5 rebounds per game, is making its debut tournament appearance. Sophomore Kevin Noreen leads the Wolves with 29.2 points per game. Neither team was ranked in the final Associated Press (AP) poll.
      (Section 5) Bertha-Hewitt (28-0) vs. (Section 8) Cass Lake-Bena (27-3): Bertha-Hewitt comes in as the top-ranked team in the final AP poll. This is the Bears second consecutive and fourth overall appearance. In 2007 they lost in the quarterfinals. This years squad averages 71.6 points per game and set a school record for most wins in a season. Senior John Hartung is the leading scorer for Bertha-Hewitt, averaging 15.1 point per game. The Panthers of Cass Lake-Bena are looking to improve on last years runner-up finish. This is their second consecutive and fourth overall appearance. Cass Lake made one additional appearance in 1934. The Panthers, who were ranked No. 2 in the final AP poll, average 98.1 points and 43.1 rebounds per game. Sophomore Martin Wind and seniors Joel Salscheider and Nate Salscheider have all scored more than 1,000 career points. Wind averages 24.3 points per game, while Nate Salscheider averages 9.3 rebounds per game.
      (Section 2) Granada-Huntley-East Chain (25-2) vs. (Section 3) Ellsworth (28-2): The No. 3-ranked Mustangs of Granada-Huntley-East Chain are making their debut tournament appearance. Junior Tim Garry and senior Dan Stensland both average 14.3 points per game. The Mustangs shoot 53.1 percent from the field and average 70.3 points per game. The Ellsworth Panthers return to defend their 2007 title. They were ranked No. 4 in the final AP poll and are making their third consecutive and fourth overall appearance. This years squad averages 81.8 points per game and they hold their opponents to an average of 55.8. Senior Cody Schilling, who has scored 27.9 points per game, is 23 points away from becoming the states all-time leading scorer. Schilling also leads Ellsworth with 9.5 rebounds per game.
      (Section 6) Norman County East, Twin Valley (24-5) vs. (Section 7) Chisholm (24-6): The Norman County East Eagles are looking for their second title in their second appearance. They won the Class A title 1998. David Varriano, a senior, is the teams top scorer. He averages 17.4 points per game. Junior Tyler Bennefeld adds 15.5 points per game and leads the Eagles with 11.6 rebounds per game. Norman County East averages 67.2 points per game. The Chisholm Bluestreaks return to make their 17th appearance, but their first since 1995. They won previous titles in 1934, 1973, 1975, and 1991. Junior Taylor Skoglund, who averages 20.7 points per game, has more than 1,000 career points. Skoglund also leads the Bluestreaks with 9.8 rebounds per game. Chisholm averages 67.6 points per game. Neither team was ranked in the final AP poll.
 
      Class A Quarterfinal Schedule  Thursday, March 27
      11:00 a.m.  Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton vs. Minnesota Transitions Charter at Mariucci Arena
      1:00 p.m.  Bertha-Hewitt vs. Cass Lake-Bena at Mariucci Arena
      3:00 p.m.  Granada-Huntley-East Chain vs. Ellsworth at Mariucci Arena
      5:00 p.m.  Norman County East vs. Chisholm at Mariucci Arena
 
      Class AA Preview
      (Section 1) La Crescent (28-1) vs. (Section 4) St. Bernards, St. Paul (27-2): The La Crescent Lancers are making their first tournament appearance. They defeated their opponents by an average of 17.4 points per game during the regular season and they were ranked No. 5 in the final AP poll. Senior Ian Anderson is the schools all-time leading scorer and he averages 21.2 points per game. Anderson also pulls down 6.5 rebounds per game. The Bulldogs of St. Bernards, who competed in the Class A tournament last year, are hoping to improve on their third-place finish. They were ranked No. 4 in this years final poll and are making their second consecutive and overall appearance. This years team averages 81.9 points and 35.4 rebounds per game. Junior Jordair Jett has 1,396 career points and leads the Bulldogs with 20.6 points per game. Senior John Brights younger brother, Joe, is a junior guard with the Robbinsdale Cooper team that is competing in the Class AAAA tournament.
      (Section 5) Rockford (28-2) vs. (Section 8) Crosby-Ironton (30-0): The Rockford Rockets return after a two-year absence to make their second appearance. They were ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll. Senior Nick Haugen, who will play for the University of North Dakota next year, leads the Rockets with 18.5 points per game. Senior Lucas Mernin adds 16.5 points per game. Rockford outscored its opponents by 15.5 points during regular-season play. The Rangers of Crosby-Ironton return for their 19th appearance, but their first since 1999. Crosby-Ironton averages 79.3 points and shoots 52.2 percent from the field, plus 37.6 rebounds per game. Seniors Bryce Tesdahl and Derek Swanhorst average 17.4 and 15.3 points per game, respectively. Swanhorst also leads the Rangers with 8.3 rebounds per game. Crosby-Ironton was the No. 1 team in the final AP poll.
      (Section 2) Maple River, Mapleton (27-1) vs. (Section 3) Montevideo (27-4): The Maple River Eagles return for their third consecutive and fifth overall appearance. They placed second last year and won one previous title in 1993. Maple River shoots 57.5 percent from the field and averages 79.4 points per game. The Eagles, who were No. 3 in the final AP poll, are led by senior Seth Anderson. He averages 21.2 points and 3.1 steals per game. The unranked Thunder Hawks of Montevideo are making their fifth tournament appearance, but their first since 1976. Senior Tyler Grey has 1,811 career points and he leads his team with 19.1 points per game. Montevideo averages 77.9 points per game while holding its opponents to 56.6.
      (Section 6) New London-Spicer (30-1) vs. (Section 7) Braham (26-4): The No. 2-ranked Wildcats of New London-Spicer return after a one-year hiatus to make their fifth appearance. This years team outscores its opponents by an average of 22.9 points while pulling down 40.9 rebounds per game. Seniors Skylar Wachter and Wade Powers average 13.7 and 13.0 points per game, respectively. Powers also averages 4.3 blocks per game. The unranked Braham Bombers are making their fifth consecutive and overall appearance. The Bombers lost in the 2007 quarterfinals, but won three consecutive titles from 2004 through 2006. The Bombers score an average of 72.1 points per game while holding their opponents to 56.8. Senior David Vavra leads Braham in both points (15.2 per game) and rebounds (8.1 per game).
 
      Class AA Quarterfinal Schedule  Wednesday, March 26
      10:00 a.m.  La Crescent vs. St. Bernards at Mariucci Arena
      12:00 p.m.  Rockford vs. Crosby-Ironton at Mariucci Arena
      2:00 p.m.  Maple River vs. Montevideo at A Mariucci Arena
      4:00 p.m.  New London-Spicer vs. Braham at Mariucci Arena
 
      Class AAA Preview
      (Section 4) St. Paul Como Park (20-9) vs. (No. 1 Seed-Section 6) Benilde-St. Margarets, St. Louis Park (26-3): The Cougars of St. Paul Como Park, who were not ranked in the final AP poll, are making their second tournament appearance. Their first was in 2003. This season the Cougars averaged 65.7 points and 29.0 rebounds per game. Senior Greg Morse has 1,178 career points and averages 19.0 points per game. The Red Knights of Benilde St. Margarets, who are making their second consecutive and overall appearance, are looking to improve on last years runner-up showing. This years team was ranked No. 1 in the final AP poll and was also seeded No. 1 by the coaches. The Red Knights average 77.4 points per game and outscore their opponents by an average of 15.0 points. Senior Armond Battle leads Benilde-St. Margarets with 22.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
      (Section 3) Minneapolis Patrick Henry (19-10) vs. (No. 4 Seed-Section 5) St. Michael-Albertville (26-3): The No. 10-ranked Patriots of Minneapolis Patrick Henry are making their ninth appearance, but first since 2003. If they win it would be their seventh title, having won previously in 1944, 1945, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. This years team averages 80.1 points and 13.0 steals per game. Senior Mandela Jackson averages 21.1 points per game, and he also dishes off 7.5 assists per game. St. Michael-Albertville, which was No. 5 in the final AP poll and the No. 4 seed, returns for its second consecutive and overall appearance. The Knights lost in the quarterfinals last year. This years team pulls down 33.5 rebounds per game and outscores its opponents by 15.2 points per game. Senior Theo Rothstein has verbally committed to St. Cloud State University and he leads the Knights with 17.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Junior Kevin Nelson adds 16.1 points per game for St. Michael-Albertville.
      (Section 8) Little Falls (14-14) vs. (No. 2 Seed-Section 1) St. Thomas Academy, Mendota Heights (22-6): The unranked Flyers of Little Falls return for their ninth appearance, but first since 1977. They won one previous title in 1975. The Flyers average 66.1 points per game and they shoot 41.3 percent from behind the arc. Junior Nick Erdrich is the teams leading scorer with 16.7 points per game. Senior Ronnie Kornbaum averages 7.5 rebounds per game and also adds 13.6 points per game. The defending champions from St. Thomas Academy, also the No. 2 seed, are making their third consecutive and ninth overall appearance. They are in the hunt for their third title, having also won 1998. Senior Alex Schneider, who will play football for College of the Holy Cross next year, leads the Cadets with 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. St. Thomas Academy averages 65.5 points per game and defeated its opponents by 11.9 points per game. The Cadets were the No. 4 team in this years final AP poll.
      (Section 7) Grand Rapids (13-17) vs. (No. 3 Seed-Section 2) Willmar (23-5): The unranked Thunderhawks of Grand Rapids return after a two-year absence to make their seventh overall appearance. This years squad averaged 58.8 points and 30.2 rebounds per game. Juniors Matt Sjostrand and Jared Sutherland averaged 12.7 and 10.3 points per game, respectively. The No. 6-ranked and third-seeded Willmar Cardinals outscored their opponents by an average of 12.1 points this season. They shoot 55.5 percent from the field and 44.0 percent from three-point range. Senior Casey Sussenguth averages 19.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for the Cardinals. This is Willmars 14th tournament appearance. Their last was in 1988.
 
      The Class AAA Quarterfinals Schedule  Wednesday, March 26
      6:00 p.m.  St. Paul Como Park vs. Benilde-St. Margarets at Target Center
      8:00 p.m.  Minneapolis Patrick Henry vs. St. Michael-Albertville at Target Center
      6:00 p.m.  Little Falls vs. St. Thomas Academy at Mariucci Arena
      8:00 p.m.  Grand Rapids vs. Willmar at Mariucci Arena
 
      Class AAAA Preview
      (Section 2) Bloomington Kennedy (19-8) vs. (No. 1 Seed-Section 6) Minnetonka (25-3): The unranked Eagles of Bloomington Kennedy return for their third overall appearance, but first since 1984. Seniors Alfred Jaryan and Carlton Starr average 16.1 and 15.9 points per game, respectively. Starr also leads the team with 8.9 rebounds per game. Bloomington Kennedy averages 66.2 points per game as a team. The Minnetonka Skippers return for their fourth appearance, but first since 1999. They won previous championships in 1965 and 1999, and they were the No. 2 team in this years final AP poll and seeded No. 1 by the coaches. Minnetonka outscored its opponents by 18.6 points per game during the regular season, and they average 84.2 points per game. The Skippers did not submit individual statistics.
      (Section 7) Cambridge-Isanti (19-10) vs. (No. 4 Seed-Section 8) St. Cloud Tech (27-2): The unranked Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets are making their first appearance. Cambridge made appearances in 1978 and 1991. This season the Bluejackets scored an average of 66.7 points per game, and their opponents scored 59.3 against them. Senior Chadd Mathson leads Cambridge-Isanti in scoring with 15.3 points per game. The Tigers of St. Cloud Tech are returning for their ninth appearance, but their first since 1983. They were No. 5 in this years final AP poll and were seeded No. 4. Junior Nate Wolters paces the Tigers with 20.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. St. Cloud Tech averages 78.0 points and 36.0 rebounds per game.
      (Section 1) Rochester Mayo (24-4) vs. (No. 2 Seed-Section 4) Henry Sibley, Mendota Heights (24-5): The Rochester Mayo Spartans, who were No. 4 in the final AP poll, are making their debut tournament appearance. The Spartans average 66.7 points and 33.5 rebounds per game. Seniors Jordan Hicks and Lucas Kuipers lead Rochester Mayo in scoring; they average 18.3 and 18.2 points per game, respectively. Kuipers also leads the Spartans with 9.1 rebounds per game. The No. 7-ranked and No. 2-seeded Warriors of Henry Sibley are also making their first tournament appearance. The school did not provide team or individual statistics.
      (Section 3) Burnsville (20-9) vs. (No. 3 Seed-Section 5) Robbinsdale Cooper (23-6): Burnsville returns to tournament action after a three-year hiatus to make its second appearance. Senior Tarell Clark, who scored 22.3 points per game, is the schools all-time leader in steals. He had 108 during regular-season play (3.7 per game). The Blaze average 71.2 points per game. Robbinsdale Cooper, seeded No. 3, is also making its second tournament appearance after a one-year hiatus. The Hawks average 71.3 points per game and shoot 35.3 percent from three-point range. Junior Rodney Williams, Jr. averages 21.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Junior Joe Bright is the second-leading scorer, averaging 14.8 points per game. Neither school was ranked in the final AP poll.
 
      The Class AAAA Quarterfinals Schedule  Wednesday, March 26
      10:00 a.m.  Bloomington Kennedy vs. Minnetonka at Target Center
      12:00 p.m.  Cambridge-Isanti vs. St. Cloud Tech at Target Center
      2:00 p.m.  Rochester Mayo vs. Henry Sibley at Target Center
      4:00 p.m.  Burnsville vs. Robbinsdale Cooper at Target Center
 
      Ticket Information
      Tickets will be available at Target Center and Mariucci Arena. Quarterfinal tickets cost $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students. Quarterfinal wristbands, which are good at both venues on Wednesday only, are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students. Semifinal and championship tickets will be available at Target Center and are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students per session. Third-place tickets will be available at Concordia University and are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for students.
      A Jersey Day promotion is available only on Saturday, March 29. Any youth 13 or under wearing their youth basketball jersey can get a half-price adult admission for $5.00 with one paid adult admission. The Jersey Day promotion is only available at the Target Center box office.
 
      All semifinal and championship games will be televised live by KSTC TV, Channel 45.
 
      Live stats of all games will be viewable via links on the home page of the League Web site  www.MSHSL.org.
 
     Individual and team statistics provided by the schools are posted on the League's Web site. Tournament results will also be posted on the site. The Leagues Web site address is www.MSHSL.org.

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/24/2008 at 11:46 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Rodents claw back

Yuck! The U of M Rodents - ok, Gophers - broke that seven game unbeaten streak by my SCSU Huskies tonight.

I just had a feeling with under 20 seconds those Gophs would score....and they did with 12.4 seconds left. They were putting the pressure on the net and kept the puck in the the Huskies' zone. They knew - the Goofs that is - that they would have lost in overtime...so they scored the winning goal with just 12 seconds left.

Barf! But was a fun game nonetheless. Garrett Raboin, our own DL native, scored the first Husky goal to answer the Goofs first one. Mark one up for the Lakers....

Anyways...SCSU will be in the NCAA...the Goofs were playing for their NCAA lives...now they probably have it after that crappy goal at the end of regulation.

Bitter? Sure I am...but SCSU has another life in the NCAA's...a place they have never won in. This year...I think is the Huskies' first win, with Jase Waslosky being a solid wall and the line of Nodl, Lasch and Roe leading the way...can't forget that Mr. Raboin, the Huskies are on their way to their first NCAA win. Let UND and the rest play for that meaningless WCHA title (hehe)...

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/20/2008 at 10:07 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Vold resigns DL boys' hockey head coach position

Jason Vold's resignation was accepted by the Detroit Lakes School Board in its last meeting, thus ending his three-year tenure as Laker head coach of the boys' hockey team.

Under Vold, the Lakers won just over 40 games and was competitive throughout his three seasons.

There are several rumored candidates to replace Vold, but a decision for a hiring will not be made until all the teacher positions are filled in the Detroit Lakes School District. Two names surfacing in the rumor-mill include assistant coach Matt Brenk and former assistant coach and youth hockey coach Matt Wimmer.

Both are long-time residents in the community and both have played important roles throughout the years for DL hockey. The school district and activity director Mitch McLeod will be accepting applications for the job in the near future.

The Laker boys' hockey team have had four coaches in the last six years including Bruce Raboin, Corey Poole, Jake Blow and Vold.

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/20/2008 at 9:58 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Okeson's team at it again

Frazee native Marcus Okeson is a perfect 3-for-3.

Entering his third year as the Class 1A head basketball coach for the powerhouse Ellsworth Panthers, Okeson is going to his third state tournament.

Okeson already has a state championship (last year) and a deep run in 2006. This season was yet another success for the former Hornet, with the Panthers going 28-2 and capturing the Section 3-1A championship for a third consecutive year last night with a 56-51 win over Dawson-Boyd at Southwest State.
  
Scoring has come flowing out, as the Panthers have scored over 100 points in a game this season twice (111 and 100 points). Senior Cody Schilling is fast approaching to eclipse Minnesota's all-time leading scoring mark of 3,366 points, held by Isaiah Dahlman of Braham.

Schilling is just 23 points off of tipping Dahlman off the all-time leading scoring pedestal.

The Panthers will start Class 1A state playoff action Thursday, March 27, inside the U of M's Mariucci Arena.

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/19/2008 at 10:46 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

March Madness losing some of that madness

The NBA in recent years finally addressed the problem of high school players skipping college and entering the draft right out of their prep years.

It wasn't enough.

With players having have to go to only one year of college and then enter the NBA, it still has effected both the NCAA and NBA. Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim was on ESPN's "PTI" yesterday and made some valid points on this year's and the past few year's NCAA Tournament, by basically saying there isn't that big gap between the top seeds and bottom seeds anymore.

Teams are not as recognizable as they have been in the past. Goliath has shrunk and David has grown.

The league has been watered down by the departures of these undergrads after just their first year of eligibility. Sure, the tourney will still have those "good" teams as No. 1 seeds, such as UNC and UCLA...but now day's No. 1 seeds are no where close to No. 1 seeds back 10-15 years ago.

The top teams still get those top recruits, but those recruits stay for one year and are gone. Dynasties are hard to come by anymore, there are no measuring sticks out there anymore to use. Florida did win two NCAA Championships, but that was after a rare commitment by those young players who decided to stay for an extra year to get that back-to-back title run.

Just look at last year's championship teams - Ohio State and Florida. That was an intriguing matchup just because of the players involved. There were the freshman phenoms of Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. against the loaded team of Florida (all underclassmen) looking to repeat.

After that title game, all the Florida underclassmen bailed for the NBA (rightfully so, it was their choice and they all did make an extra year commitment to play one more year). Oden and Conley were drafted, as well.

Neither teams made the NCAA Tournament this year because of those defections.

Personally, it's hard to blame an 18 or 19-year-old to not enter early and go for the bucks.

But, it has dulled down NCAA men's b-ball for me. I was a huge fan following UNLV in their glory years, watching Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, Anderson Hunt and others play for 2-3 years together. It built a following, recognition.

Now, players leave early and it's hard to get attached to any team. It also has evened the playing field in the NCAA's. Sure, it's nice seeing a mid-major like George Mason make the Final Four, but this basketball is not the quality it was in the early 1990's and 1980's.

Trying to fill out a bracket and be accurate is tough, too, for the average fan. Many of the players highlighted for teams are either freshmen or sophomores...rarely juniors or seniors. I'm talking the "big names"...not role players who do stay for the full four years.

The NBA also is affected by these young players coming in. They are not ready for the NBA level, but that forces NBA teams to draft them anyways, thus replacing a seasoned vet. It does take a young player more years to hit their prime...which usually starts at the ages of 24 or 25. Now, with these young players coming in at 19, teams have to wait 4-5 years to start earning some production.

And nowdays, it's "what have you done for me lately" mentality of the fan which makes this a tough proposition for NBA teams.

A simple cure would to add at least one more year on becoming NBA draft eligible, so most of these players play two years of college ball and hit the pro level at the age of 20. This would build better continuity for NCAA teams and prepare the players better for the NBA.

Parity in the NCAA isn't all that good idea. There needs to be some "Monsters to slay", the Goliath's. The games are still enjoyable to watch...but the upsets pulled by mid-majors over majors are not that thrilling.

Anyways...I still watch as many games as I can, but I avoid filling out the brackets because of the parity throughout the tourney. When I started picking teams based on that I liked the color of their uniforms, that's when I quit doing them.

But, now onto the WCHA Tournament. Those games get the adrenal glands pumping throughout all three periods - or lately, all four or five.

Thursday I'll be glued to the SCSU hosting the U of M Rodents on the ice (yes, I'm a Husky alum)...I'll be missing the opening of the NCAA Tourney because of that game. Unless I miss the first-ever No. 1 seed losing to a No. 16, the hockey will take precedent over the hardwood this year without much regret.

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/18/2008 at 2:57 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Gophers' Big 10 run ends...as well as the RPS dream

Saturday concluded the U of M men's basketball run through the Big 10 Tournament, which included some more than memorable moments with the last-second shot to defeat favored Indiana.

The Gophers just haven't been able to stop that Illinois curse...with 20 straight losses to the Illini now. Now the Tubby Smith-led team will enter the NIT Tournament by hosting Maryland. This NIT Tourney is looking similar to the Clem Haskins' era, where the Gophers went on and won the NIT before making their run to the Final Four.

Can only hope.

As for my Las Vegas dreams, they ended rather quickly after losing in the first round. Sadly, I didn't pull out my double-scissors move, abandoning it for the paper. Instead my opponent whipped out the scissors in round three to end all that could have been in the RPS world.

Oh well...I'm still considered youthful in this sport...many years ahead of me to finally push through to the Nationals someday.

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/18/2008 at 10:11 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Comeback from Gophers

That was quite the comeback from the U of M Gophers in the opening round of the Big 10 Tournament tonight.

It was usually a game the Gophs would have lost this season...falling down by 16 points, making a legit comeback, but then falling short. Didn't happen this time, they did make a nice comeback and took the lead late in the game and actually held on to win.

Tomorrow is Indiana, in which they gave a game to them last time in Indiana. All this is due to Tubby Smith...period. The same players with the last regime...they are out in the first round today.

The future is more than bright for the men in Maroon. We Minnesota fans do have lots to look forward to in the dead of winter in years to come with Tubby at the helm...because the T-Wolves won't be supplying much in the near future.

Unless you are a college hockey fan and watching the rise of the SCSU Huskies to power...then you are in the right path for success.

Posted by: Brian W. on 3/13/2008 at 9:57 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

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