Hulne: Sports can strengthen deep bonds
By Rocky Hulne
Published 6:02 pm Monday, March 12, 2018
There are times when sports go far beyond the final score and push us to think of the deeper impact competition can have. This weekend was one of those times.
It all started with what was a bittersweet 24 hours for Lyle-Pacelli.
Lyle-Pacelli’s Olivia Christianson is interrupted off the break by Hayfield’s Emma Holst during the second half in the Section 1A championship Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
State Preview: Lyle-Pacelli girls are aiming high
By Rocky Hulne
Published 9:36 pm Tuesday, March 13, 2018
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team is rolling into the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament on a high note, and it’s hoping it can push to even greater levels when it begins play on Thursday.
Lyle-Pacelli head coach Justin Morris speaks during a send-off Wednesday at Pacelli High School for the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament Wednesday.
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kayla Johnson, from left, Olivia Christianson and Kendal Truckenmiller along with the rest of the team wait to be introduced.
Pacelli Elementary students greet Lyle-Pacelli players as they are introduced during the send-off.
Students from Lyle and Pacelli schools line the street as the Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team leaves Wednesday morning for the Minnesota State Class A Girls Basketball Tournament that kicks off Thursday at 11 a.m. when they face Heritage Christian at Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
Photos: Pepped for the road
By Eric Johnson
Published 8:20 am Thursday, March 15, 2018
LP girls basketball team gets royal sendoff for state
Lyle-Pacelli’s Brooke Walter drives off the wing on Hertitage Christian’s Jordyn Allen during the first half Thursday in the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kristi Fett grabs a rebound against Heritage Christian in the quarterfinals the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kendal Truckenmiller dumps a pass down low against Heritage Christian in the first half in the quarterfinals the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
State basketball: Walter controls the tempo as LP tops Heritage Academy
By Rocky Hulne
Published 3:19 pm Thursday, March 15, 2018
Lyle-Pacelli’s Abby Bollingberg pushes down the court in the second half against Heritage Christian in the quarterfinals of the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team celebrates their win in the quarterfinals of the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament over Heritage Christian in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Olivia Christianson passes off the dribble against Heritage Christian during first half play in the quarterfinals the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kendal Truckenmiller with a three from the corner in the quarterfinals of the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament against Heritage Christian in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Brooke Walter works against Heritage Christian’s Taylie Scott during the second half in the quarterfinals of the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kristi Fett looks for two against Heritage Christian during the second half in the quarterfinals the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament in Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Moving on: Lyle-Pacelli girls lock down on Heritage Christian
By Rocky Hulne
Published 3:42 pm Thursday, March 15, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS – The No. 1 seeded Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team opened up with a strong defensive effort as it knocked off Heritage Christian Academy of Maple Grove 59-43 in the Minnesota Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament quarterfinals in Williams Arena Thursday.
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team celebrates its victory of Minneota in the Minnesota Class A state semifinals in Target Center Thursday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Abby Bollingberg and Minneota’s Abby Hennen fight for a rebound in the Minnesota Class A state semifinals in Target Center Friday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli girls keep the faith in win over Minneota
By Rocky Hulne
Published 4:52 pm Friday, March 16, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS – The No. 1 seeded Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team went through some ups and downs, but in the end it was the faith the team has in each other that carried it through to a 53-41 win over Minneota in the Minnesota State Class A Girls Basketball Tournament semifinals in Target Center Friday.
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team poses for a team photo after claiming the Minnesota Class A title Saturday afternoon in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli head coach Justin Morris raises his fists to the crowd after LP wrapped up the Class A title against Sleepy Eye Saturday afternoon in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team huddles together following their win in the Class A title game at the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center Saturday. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Heartbreak to Celebration: LP girls lock up first ever state title
By Rocky Hulne
Published 5:34 pm Saturday, March 17, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS – The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team shook off three years of frustration and heartbreak when they finally got over the hump to win its first Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball title in program history in Target Center Saturday. The Athletics took home the hardware after they beat Sleepy Eye 57-33.
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team celebrates after claiming the Class A state title with a win over Sleepy Eye Saturday at the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Brooke Walter and Kristi Fett celebrate LP”s Class A title Saturday at the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Abby Bollingberg drives the lane during the second half of the Class A title game of the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kristi Fett reaches past Sleepy Eye’s McKenzie Cselovszki for a rebound in the second half of the Class A title game of the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament at Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Olivia Christianson dribbles out of trouble during the second half against Sleepy Eye in the Class A title game of the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Early second-half action Saturday in the Class A title game between Sleepy Eye and Lyle-Pacelli in the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kendal Truckenmiller dribbles past Sleepy Eye’s Brianna Polesky during the second half Saturday in the Class A title game of the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament at Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team is applauded by the fans as they near wrapping up the Class A state title at the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Athletics power their way to a state title
By Rocky Hulne
Published 6:11 pm Saturday, March 17, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS – Lyle-Pacelli senior Kristi Fett has been double and triple teamed over the past three days. She’s taken elbows, pushes and been shoved. She couldn’t be any happier about it.
Fett and the No. 1 seeded Athletics locked up the first state title in program history when LP beat Sleepy Eye in the Minnesota Class A Girls State Tournament championship in Target Center Friday.
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team is applauded by the fans as they near wrapping up the Class A state title at the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team poses for a team photo after claiming the Minnesota Class A title Saturday afternoon in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team is applauded by the fans as they near wrapping up the Class A state title at the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team is applauded by the fans as they near wrapping up the Class A state title at the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Target Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Our opinion: LP girls bring schools, communities together
By Daily Herald
Published 8:27 am Monday, March 19, 2018
Congratulations are in order.
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team on Saturday claimed its first-ever state title, defeating Sleepy Eye, 57-33 in the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in Minneapolis’ Target Center.
It was the first girls state title in Pacelli’s history and the first state title ever for the school of Lyle.
Lyle-Pacelli head coach Justin Morris reacts to the LP crowd after the Athletics won in the Minnesota Class A semifinals in Target Center Thursday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli coaches Justin Morris, Terry Nelsen and Brad Walter have all done their part to finally bring a state title to LP. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Hulne: Athletics deserved their spot in the winner’s circle
By Rocky Hulne
Published 9:12 pm Monday, March 19, 2018
When the Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team finally had its moment in the winner’s circle on the biggest stage, there was most likely a sense of awe and relief. But mostly there was jubilation.
Photos: Lyle/Pacelli, Minneota girls basketball State Class A semifinal
Joe Ahlquist Mar 16, 2018 Updated Mar 20, 2018
Members of the Lyle/Pacelli girls basketball team celebrate after knocking off Minneota 53-41 during the Class A state semifinals Friday at Target Center. The Athletics play Sleepy Eye for the Class A state title at noon today.
Minneota's Abby Hennen (14) goes up for a shot as Lyle/Pacelli's Kristi Fett (50) defends during a girls basketball State Class A semifinal game Friday, March 16, 2018, at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Lyle/Pacelli head coach Justin Morris reacts after his team’s 53-41 win over Minneota in the Class A girls basketball semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Joe Ahlquist / @jahlquist@postbulletin.com
Girls basketball: All for one, one for all
By Pat Ruff pruff@postbulletin.com Mar 16, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Morris didn’t waste any time.
The Lyle/Pacelli girls basketball coach hadn’t yet sat all the way down for a post-game press conference when, without prompting, he offered up: “We are so excited to have won this game.”
Class A girls basketball: Coach commuted from Nebraska to coach team to state title
By JACE FREDERICK | jfrederick@pioneerpress.com | Pioneer Press
PUBLISHED: March 17, 2018 at 4:17 pm | UPDATED: March 17, 2018 at 4:17 pm
A teary-eyed Kristi Fett made a plea to her coach following Lyle-Pacelli’s Class A, Section 1 final loss to Goodhue last season in Rochester.
Lyle/Pacelli's Abby Bollingberg (21) goes up for a shot over Minneota's Morgan Kockelman (2) during the Class A state semifinals at Target Center on Friday.
Joe Ahlquist / jahlquist@postbulletin.com
Members of the Lyle/Pacelli girls basketball team celebrate after knocking off Minneota 53-41 during the Class A state semifinals Friday at Target Center. The Athletics play Sleepy Eye for the Class A state title at noon today.
Joe Ahlquist / jahlquist@postbulletin.com
Lyle/Pacelli's Olivia Christianson (4) drives past Minneota's Abby Hennen (14) on Friday at Target Center. Christianson finished with 13 points in the Athletics' 53-41 victory. Top-ranked L/P will play for the Class A state title today.
Joe Ahlquist / jahlquist@postbulletin.com
Girls basketball: L/P pushes into state title game
By Pat Ruff pruff@postbulletin.com Mar 16, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS — Lyle/Pacelli has performed like a bunch of ax-wielding lumberjacks in this girls basketball state tournament.
The Athletics keep chip, chip, chipping away until finally — finally — their subject is felled.
It’s happened in both the quarterfinals and semifinals, the latter a 53-41 win over No. 4 seed Minneota on Friday afternoon at Target Center.
Photos: Lyle/Pacelli, Minnesota girls basketball State Class A final
Elizabeth Nida Obert Mar 17, 2018 Updated Mar 20, 2018
Lyle/Pacelli competes against Sleepy Eye during the Class A girls basketball finals Saturday at Target Center in Minneapolis. LP won the championship game 57-33.
Lyle/Pacelli star center Kristi Fett embraces a teammate after the Athletics beat Sleepy Eye 57-33 on Saturday in the Class A state championship at Target Center. Fett finished with 30 points, 16 rebounds and five blocked shots.
Lyle/Pacelli teammates celebrate their 57-33 victory over Sleepy Eye on Saturday at Target Center in the Class A state championship game.
Elizabeth Nida Obert / enida@postbulletin.com
Lyle/Pacelli's Brooke Walter drives during the Class A championship game Saturday at Target Center. For more photos from this game, go to postbulletin.com/gallery
Elizabeth Nida Obert / enida@postbulletin.com
Lyle/Pacelli fans cheer on their team during Saturday's game.
Elizabeth Nida Obert / enida@postbulletin.com
Girls basketball: Complete domination and a state title
By Pat Ruff pruff@postbulletin.com Mar 18, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS — Sleepy Eye was attempting to become the first unseeded team in Minnesota girls basketball state tournament history to go 3-2-1.
It beat Class A No. 3 seed Ada-Borup in the quarterfinals, downed No. 2 Mountain Iron-Buhl in the semifinals, then had its eyes on No. 1 Lyle/Pacelli as the teams met in Saturday’s Class A championship at Target Center.
JOHN'S JOURNAL
The Team? The Experience? It’s Everything
Posted by John Millea(jmillea@mshsl.org)- Updated 3/17/2018 11:44:28 PM
This weekend was remarkable for several reasons, most of them – but not all of them -- having to do with high school girls basketball in Minnesota. Let’s start, however, with what took place Friday evening far away in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Minneota's Lydia Sussner fought 6-5 Kristi Fett of Lyle-Pacelli, but it ended up being a losing battle and the Athletics won, 53-41. Lizzy Gillingham also fought for the ball against the 6-5 Fett.
TOO MUCH BIG GAL FOR VIKINGS
Sat, 03/17/2018 - 9:28am admin
Lyle-Pacelli's 6-5 Kristi Fett dominates Vikings. Minneota thrust into third place game.
BY BYRON HIGGIN MASCOT SPORTS EDITOR
Lydia Sussner sat down after the game looking exhausted.
"I am exhuasted," she said.
"Lyida is very frustrated about her her offense," said Coach Chad Johnston. "But in all fairness, she played a great game against a very tough opponent.
Lyle-Pacelli vs Sleepy Eye (3/17/18 at Target Center)
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A first-time champion emerged in the Class A field when top-seeded Lyle/Paceill recorded a 57-33 victory over Sleepy Eye in the Class A championship game on Saturday, March 17 at Target Center.
Kristi Fett, a 6-foot-5 senior center, was a dominant force in the low post with 30 points and 16 rebounds to power the Athletics (32-1) to the first championship in program history. In 1980 as Austin Pacelli, the team had a runner-up finish to Albany in the Class A field in the two-class tournament format.
LYLEPAC vs MINNEOTA (03/16/18 at Minneapolis, MN (Target Center))
Box Score
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MINNEAPOLIS --- Top-seeded Lyle/Pacelli made its way into a Class A championship game berth with a 53-41 victory over No. 4 Minneota in the semifinals on Friday, March 16 at Target Center.
It will be the first state championship game berth for the Lyle/Pacelli co-op, which made its first state tournament appearance in 2015. In 1980, Austin Pacellli was the Class A runner-up to Albany.
Heritage Christian Academy (19-10)
3/15/2018 11 AM
Score: 59-43
Williams Arena
#1 Lyle H.S. (29-1) (H)
#1 Lyle/Pacelli
3/16/2018 12 PM
Score: 53-41
Target Center
Minneota H.S. (H)
#1 * Lyle/Pacelli
3/17/2018 12 PM
Score: 57-33
Target Center
Sleepy Eye H.S. (H)
#1 * Lyle/Pacelli
#5 Menahga H.S. (30-0)
3/15/2018 1 PM
Score: 74-69
Williams Arena
#4 Minneota H.S. (25-4) (H)
Brianna Polesky pulls up for a shot in the second half of the Class A title game against Lyle/Pacelli Saturday.
Staff photos by Travis Rosenau Madi Heiderscheidt looks on in the closing moments of the Class A championship game at Target Center in Minneapolis on Saturday as Lyle/Pacelli players begin to huddle together in celebration.
Madison Krueger attempts a shot over Lyle/Pacelli’s 6-foot-5 Kristi Fett on Saturday at Target Center in the Class A title game.
Sleepy Eye falls to Lyle/Pacelli in finals
Fett’s 30-point, 16-rebound game too much for Indians to handle
LOCAL SPORTS
MAR 18, 2018
TRAVIS ROSENAU
Sports Writer
trosenau@nujournal.com
MINNEAPOLIS — The Sleepy Eye girls’ basketball team saw a historic season come to a close on Saturday after falling to Lyle/Pacelli 57-33 in the Class A state title game at Target Center.
For Lyle-Pacelli, The Road To State Began In Nebraska
Posted by John Millea(jmillea@mshsl.org)- Updated 3/15/2018 8:19:21 PM
Justin Morris has added up the miles he has driven during this basketball season. The grand total is right around 23,000 miles on the road between his home in Omaha, Nebraska, and the team he coaches in southern Minnesota.
