KAITY McKENZIE
South St. Paul • hockey
The Packers, ranked No. 7 in Class 1A, are off to good start this season with a 12-3-1 record. McKenzie is a primary reason behind the Packers' success.
The senior goaltender, who has committed to play for Cornell, has four shutouts in the past five games. Last week she allowed just one goal in three games to lead the Packers to the championship of the Kaposia Classic.
"She has five shutouts this season and has been a real backbone to the team's start," said Packers coach David Palmquist.
In the Packers' 2-0 victory over Lakeville South in the tournament final, she had 38 saves. She has stopped 114 of the last 115 shots she's faced.
In the Packers' tourney opener, she had 24 saves in a 1-1 tie with Hibbing/Chisholm (which the Packers won in a shootout). The next night, she had 22 saves in a the Packers' 6-0 victory over Roseville.
"She moves really well and has great angles," said Palmquist. "She doesn't allow much of the net for the shooter. She competes hard and wants to be great."
TYLER BUESGENS
Scott West • wrestling
The senior won the 182-pound championship — winning the title match by pin — to lead the Panthers to the championship of the 30-team Rumble on the Red in Fargo, N.D. Buesgens, who finished third at 182 pounds at last year's Class 2A state tournament, was Scott West's lone individual champion.
MORGAN GASSER
Bloomington Jefferson • Alpine skiing
The senior took medalist honors on Wednesday to help the Jaguars go 4-4 at an eight-team meet at Hyland Ski Area with a combined time of 39.23. Gasser was 19th at last year's state meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik.
MCKENNA HOFSCHILD
Prior Lake • basketball
The 5-3 junior scored 83 points to lead the Lakers to a 2-1 record in the St. Olaf tournament. She had 51 points in victories over Hastings and Providence Academy, then scored 32 in the Lakers' 67-55 loss to unbeaten Northfield, which is ranked No. 3 in Class 3A.
EMMANUEL JONES
Prairie Seeds • basketball
The 6-2 senior scored 67 points to lead the Lycans to two victories in the Mike Miller Classic in Mitchell, S.D. Jones had 32 points and four steals in a 64-55 over Mitchell Christian (S.D.) and 35 in a 74-66 victory over Lower Brule (S.D.)
SYDNEY LANGSETH
Eden Prairie • hockey
The sophomore forward had six goals (two hat tricks) and three assists to lead the Eagles to two victories in three games. On the season, Langseth has 33 points (20 goals and 13 assists) in 17 games.
MEGAN WALSTAD
Eastview • basketball
The 6-2 senior, who has committed to Wis.-Milwaukee, had 50 points and 33 rebounds to lead the Lightning, ranked No. 2 in Class 4A, to three victories at the St. Olaf tournament. She had 15 points and 11 rebounds in the Lightning's 66-56 victory over No. 1-ranked Hopkins on Friday.
JOEL RIPPEL
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