3 of 4 seeds advance in Class A
By Marc Hugunin
Posted On: 03/16/18 3:00 PM
The Class A quarter-finals at Williams Arena on Thursday went almost according to Hoyle, which is to say that 3 of the 4 seeds advanced to Friday’s semi-finals at Target Center. Underdogs Menahga and Stephen-Argyle were able to throw a big scare into favorites Minneota and Mountain Iron-Buhl, but only unseeded Sleepy Eye had enough tricks up its sleeve to pull an upset.
Best of Thursday at Williams
By Marc Hugunin
Posted On: 03/17/18 1:30 PM
On Thursday, we saw 4 Class A quarter-finals. Here are some of the best individual performances we saw.
Center—Kristi Fett, Lyle-Pacelli, 6-5, senior
No more “Unfinished Business” for Lyle/Pacelli
By Marc Hugunin
Posted On: 03/18/18 10:15 AM
There were a variety of different themes expressed in the thousands of green Lyle/Pacelli T-shirts in Target Center Saturday afternoon. One of them was “Unfinished Business.” Well, there’s no more unfinished business for the Athletics and their loyal fans, as they methodically picked apart Sleepy Eye 57-33 in the Class A championship game.
Class A Team Rankings–the final cut for 2018, and the first cut for 2019
By Marc Hugunin
Posted On: 03/21/18 7:30 PM
Our final top 25 Class A team rankings for 2018 have now been posted under the High School pull-down menu. And, along with that, our 1st cut at our top 30 Class A teams for next season (2019) are also up. Just scroll down below the final rankings for 2018 and there they are.
Final 2018
Northstar Girls Hoops All-State Tournament Team
By Marc Hugunin
Posted On: 03/19/18 11:15 AM
Prep Girls Hoops Minnesota: All-State Selections
By Marc Hugunin
Posted On: 03/27/18 10:22 AM
First Team
Center—Yokie Lee, Byron, 6-6, senior, 27 ppg (Kansas State)
Class A State Tournament Preview
By Marc Hugunin
Posted On: 03/13/18 4:45 AM
Like the other classes, the Class A tournament will feature a lot of familiar teams and players this year. And, wouldn’t you know, in every one of the 4 1st round matchups, the team that has been in the tournament the most often and the most recently is the one that is seeded and favored.
Sleepy Eye wears the glass slipper to a berth in the big dance
By Grant McGinnis
Posted On: 03/17/18 1:45 PM
I'm not certain if there is even a local shoe store left in Sleepy Eye, but if there is you can be sure they carry some mighty fine glass slippers. They may need to stock up on that particular item if their girls basketball team continues its Cinderella story at the state tournament on Saturday. For the second night in a row, Sleepy Eye pulled off a stunning upset to defeat heavily-favored Mountain Iron-Buhl 63-48 in the semifinal game.
Old Dutch Foods
High School Athlete of the Week
Kristi Fett - Friday, March 23, 2018
Sport - Basketball
High School - Lyle-Pacelli
Class - Senior
Kristi was the star of the Class 1A state tournament, leading the Athletics to their first state championship. She averaged 24 points and 16 rebounds in three games at state, including 24 points and 16 rebounds in Lyle-Pacelli’s 57-33 victory over Sleepy Eye in the championship game.
Lyle-Pacelli’s Brooke Walter looks to Kendal Truckenmiller after the Athletics wrapped up the Section 1A title with a win over Hayfield Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kristi Fett reaches for a rebound during the second half of the Section 1A championship Friday night against Hayfield in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Kendal Truckenmiller brings the ball up-court agianst Hayfield during the second half of the Section 1A championship Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Hayfield’s Maggie Streightiff works against Lyle-Pacelli’s Kristi Fett during the first half in the Section 1A championship Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Hayfield’s Kate Kruger leans in to jump on a loose ball against Lyle-Pacelli in the Section 1A championship Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Hayfield’s Elecia Brown leans into Lyle-Pacelli Kristi Fett during the first half in the Section 1A championship Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Hayfield’s Carrie Rutledge shoots early in the first half against Lyle-Pacelli in the Section 1A championship Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli girls hold off Vikings to advance to Class A State Tournament
By Rocky Hulne
Published 9:11 pm Friday, March 9, 2018
Lyle-Pacelli’s Brooke Walter, from left, Kendal Truckenmiller and Abby Bollingberg embrace after the Athletics claimed the Section 1A title with a 75-63 win over Hayfield Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team holds up the Section 1A championship trophy after they defeated Hayfield Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Lyle-Pacelli’s Abby Bollingberg pulls up off the corner against Hayfield in the Section 1A championship Friday night in Rochester. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Getting over the hump: Athletics clinch a trip to state
By Rocky Hulne
Published 9:12 pm Friday, March 9, 2018
ROCHESTER — After two straight years of heartbreak, the top-seeded Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team was able to get back to the top of Section 1A when it beat No. 2 Hayfield (25-5 overall) 75-63 to clinch a trip to the Minnesota Class A state tournament in Mayo Civic Center Friday.
The Athletics used a 14-2 run in the first half to go up 24-9 and Hayfield never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.
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.
