Friday Night Predictions
The Friday Night Predictions gives you our predictions on what we think the best games of the night are across the state of Minnesota. Have a look! Did we just overhype you? Or overlook you?
Mpls Henry at Mpls North. So far this year Henry has beaten the teams they should but has had trouble with the top opponents (Orono, Marshall). North is 9-1 and they’ve been on a roll every since giving up that lead to Apple Valley and falling in the opener. North beat Henry both games a year ago and based on what’s happened so far this year should get them by about eight tonight. I say 90-82.
Cass Lake-Bena at Red Lake. Believe it or not this fantastic rivalry is being played for the third time this year. Red Lake won in the Northland CTC event 80-63, they beat the Panthers 85-73 three days before Christmas, and the teams often see each other in the playoffs so it’s a four game set. Last year Cass Lake-Bena won the third game but this year we think Red Lake gets the sweep.
Rosemount at Lakeville North. Rosemount has already matched last year’s win total but they are coming off losses to Lake City and Rochester JM in the holiday event. The Irish just don’t have the depth that the Panthers do so North wins 83-64.
Armstrong at Park Center. The Falcons are in the middle of a ridiculous stretch (Lakeville North, St. Louis Park, Park Center, Osseo) and after beating the Orioles (of StLP) maybe tonight they pull off the upset. I say close game, Park Center by two foul shots, 67-65.
St Charles at Caledonia. The Fighting Saints are 7-1, the Warriors of Caledonia are 6-1. This is a game that will bring out the crowd but without a fully ready to roll Justin Ruhberg our thoughts think back to last year’s double figure Caledonia wins and expect the same tonight.
Lake City at Rochester Lourdes. Lake City’s Tigers won their first seven including an upset over Rosemount before Cooper crushed them 70-38. Lourdes is not Cooper by any stretch of the imagination but they are good. This will be a battle, low scoring. Eagles win 56-55.
Eden Prairie at Chaska. I think this is a huge game. EP is 6-3 and wants to avoid being in that .500 area like last year, Chaska is 4-3 and does not want another loss (they only lost 6 all of last year). Very important for both. I’ll go home team by five.
Blaine at Maple Grove. Guess who is 6-2? That would be Blaine! They are at Maple Grove tonight coming off a four game winning streak. Maple Grove recently earned a #22 national ranking from USA Today (Wayzata is thinking “we are undefeated and we beat Park Center who beat Maple Grove). The Crimson win by 24.
Coon Rapids at Champlin Park. The 6-2 Cardinals are at undefeated Champlin Park and they will take in that “shock the world mentality” but it will likely be a 89-60 game (CP of course)
Mankato East at Rochester JM. The Rockets have had frustrating losses but not to Big Nine teams. For example, the Cougars lost to Faribault by a one while JM hammered the Falcons 71-44. East wasn’t even close last year losing 19 the first game and 35 the next. JM Rockets by 24.
Sleeper Pick for Game of the NIGHT
When it comes to most exciting I think Robbinsdale Cooper versus Columbia Heights will deliver the most excitement. The Cooper Hawks are only playing their sixth game but they played great in Rochester over the holiday. The Hylanders are 7-2 on the season having won six in a row including a win last night over Mahtomedi that will make us all think….time for the Hylanders to be ranked! If they win tonight they likely will be..