Sports

St. Michael-Albertville Winter Sports Break out of the Gate

The Knights and RiverHawks are rolling through the early season with several teams riding winning streaks.

The winter sports season is very young, but the programs look like they’ll be contending in almost everything this season.

From the girls’ basketball team’s 2-0 start up in St. Cloud, to the RiverHawks bouncing back with some big wins, we’ll break it down.

Girls’ Hockey

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The North Wright County RiverHawks split at the Thanksgiving Turkey Tourney in Buffalo, drubbing Section 8-AA opponent Brainerd Little Falls 12-3 before falling to Lakeville North 3-1 in the Turkey Trot.

North turned back 21 shots, while the RiverHawks’ Amanda Koep of St. Michael stopped 34 of 38. A slow start gave the Cougars the advantage.

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The Hawks rebounded versus Spring Lake Park, in a big way. On parents’ night in at St. Michael-Albertville Arena, the Hawks piled on with a 7-2 victory, led by two goals from freshman Paige Voight and a trio of assists from Maddi Sjelin.

The Hawks sake vs. Alexandria at the Moose Ice Arena in Monticello Saturday, Dec. 3.

Girls’ Basketball

St. Michael-Albertville opened the season Tuesday night in Sartell and rolled to a big win over a 56-45 win on the road. Christine Thorn led the way with 17 points, and Natalie Van Wyhe had a solid game in her first full start at the point.

The Knights kept it rolling Thursday night in St. Cloud, rolling to a win over a Section 8 opponent on the Tigers’ home floor.

Again, it was Thorn leading the way, this time pouring in 23 points. Guard McKenzie Bebo added 10 as the Knights overcame a 3-point halftime deficit (40-37) en route to a 64-54 win.

“We’re going to go a long way with defense if we can pick up our intensity and make the game 90 feet,” said head coach Kent Hamre of his club.

The Knights responded to that Thursday, using pressure defense to hold Tech to just 14 points in the second half.

Boys’ Hockey

Coach Jerr Johnson’s team busted out of the gate with an 8-0 rout of Robbinsdale Cooper Thursday at the New Hope Ice Arena.

The Knights scored five times in the opening period, despite committing three penalties to but the Hawks on the attack.

David Anderson had to scores in the first period, and Jake Larson had a trio of assists and a goal to lead the Knights in points.

STMA travels to Forest Lake for a tilt Tuesday night.

Look for a full preview of the boys’ season next week on Patch.

Boys’ Basketball

The St. Michael-Albertville boys rolled out the 2011-2012 season with a statement, as Max Babb, Mike Weise and Mike Mooney led the Knights to a 58-56 upset over Class 3A defending champion Orono.

Babb scored 17, Weise added 11, and Mooney had 12 as the Knights overcame a four-point halftime deficit to pull out the victory on the road.

Brady Wohler had 23 of Orono’s 56 points, leading all scorers.

Tim Anfinson’s club will take on Maple Grove, the team that knocked them out of the 2011 postseason, Monday night on the road.

STMA hosts St. Cloud Tech, a Section 8-4A opponent, Thursday, Dec. 8 for its home opener.

Look for a full preview of the boys’ hoops season next week on Patch.


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