Vikings
The first weekend of the fantasy playoffs will come down to Monday night with the Vikings, and all their studs, taking on the Seahawks and Russell Wilson. As always, the Pick Six will follow the game!
Bison
The men's Basketball team tipped off the week with the last of their gauntlet games on Monday against Iowa State. It was another one sided defeat against a possible tournament team. The conclusion I came to last week holds true, that if they aren't ready for the Summit teams by now then they won't be. A taste of that came yesterday as Eastern Washington came to town for a game. Even with the continued absences of multiple key contributors the Bison kept pace with the Eagles and were able to do enough to get their third win of the season.
But before Saturday could unfold, the Track & Field teams hosted the Dakota Classic. Both the men & women had successful showings, but check the results for yourself - because it's worth a look!
So that was Friday but Saturday also held a lot. The Football team started the day early and was every bit as appetizing as the foods prepared in the tailgating lot. Getting the first shutout of the year is the headline, but there are many subplots worth consideration. If you haven't seen it already, check out the Pick Six about the game! The day also included the first of two showings by the Wrestling team, against Wyoming.
They fell 6 - 29 but came back on Sunday at Air Force and managed to get the better of the servicemen 23 - 14. Back at home, the women's Basketball team hosted Milwaukee and lead late but came up a three point shot short of a win. As with the guys, the gals are missing some key players yet still managed to compete. Hopefully it means that they are starting to turn a corner!
Dragons
The Christmas break pace began for the Dragons this week. On Thursday Wrestling hit the mat against Augsburg and was pinned 9 - 28.
Friday included an appearance by the Track & Field at the Dakota Classic, with a variety of results. The Basketball teams meanwhile, hit the court in Crookston. The women only had six scorers in the game, lead by Megan Hintz (18) who also wrangled 17 rebounds but managed to run away with a 16 point win. The men continued their run of very effective offense but their defense was not as successful. Crookston's Harrison Cleary scored 47 points to pace the way to a 108 - 88 final score. Both teams followed up against Bemidji State on Saturday.
It was a similar day by the guys. The Beavers scored 97 but the Dragons hit their free throws at the end of the game to squeak out a three point victory. Gavin Baumgartner lead the way for Moorhead with 28 points who also had a breakout game from Siman Sem (19). The women on the other hand, kept right on going. Their 25 point win proved to be a great opportunity for more players to see time than normally would, to the tune of 13 players getting in the game. Kiley Borowicz lead the way with 22 points and eight rebounds.
A short week but it was a successful one.
Cobbers
The Cobbers had a compact week of play in which all the games happened in three days.
Thursday saw the men's and women's Basketball teams travel to Saint Mary's & get defeated. 71 - 64 for the guys, 66 - 55 for the gals. The wrestling team wasn't any better as they fell to the U of Mary by 33 points. The men's Hockey team managed to prevent a total loss with a 5 - 3 win over the Milwaukee School of Engineering. They had to rally from an early 0-2 hole but got goals from five different players to win in regulation.
They kept their momentum going two days later as they skated a shutout against Hamline while getting 2 1/3's worth of hat tricks. Aaron Herdt came the closest to getting a real HT while the other five goals again came from five other puck heads. The women's team got into the action against Northland and gave up four goals, but got that many from Amanda Flemming & Megan Dondelinger while their teammates chipped in another three goals. Meanwhile the Track & Field contingent was participating in the Dakota Classic. You can take a peek at the men's and women's results at your leisure.
Then Saturday brought a five spot of games. Both Basketball teams went against Augsburg but were unsuccessful once again. The women's team similarly stumbled in a rematch against Northland while the men beat up on Hamline again 5 - 1, with diverse offense again being their advantage. Fifth and finally, the Wrestling team finished in third place in the North Central Invite.
Timberwolves
They had a disappointing loss last night against Portland without their defensive stalwart. They also continue to ascend with the cohesion that has come without the guy from Marquette. With every passing my confidence that they will not only make the playoffs but win a series grows more solid. Injuries will have to not happen but eve if they do, to anyone other than KAT & RoCo, the team has the depth to overcome them, within reason.
High School Sports
In one of the first games of the week, Davies hosted South in boys Basketball that was a tale of two halves.
Then on Friday night Sheyenne hosted Grand Forks Central in one of the most lopsided nights of Basketball that there will be this year!