News Summary

The Minnesota State High School League has announced significant changes to the postseason section alignments for various high school sports. Notable shifts include Moorhead moving up to Class 6A in football, new hockey rivalries, and a groundbreaking third classification for girls tennis. These realignments are set to create thrilling matchups and heightened competition across Minnesota, promising an exciting season ahead for fans and athletes alike.

Exciting Changes in Minnesota High School Sports Scene!

Hey there, sports enthusiasts! If you’re a fan of high school sports in good ol’ Minnesota, you’re in for a treat with some fresh updates from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). That’s right! The League recently announced some biannual changes that will shuffle the postseason section alignment for various high school sports, creating new matchups that could keep fans on the edge of their seats!

A New Era for Football

Football fans, gather around! We now have some fresh contenders stepping up to compete in Class 6A Section 6. Maple Grove, Minnetonka, and Moorhead will be battling it out this season. It’s worth noting that Moorhead is making a leap from Class 5A to 6A, joining the ranks of schools that bring the heat! Not to be left out, several other schools like Andover, Apple Valley, and Rogers are also moving up to the big leagues of Class 6A.

But what’s even more exciting? For those classics we’ve always loved, Class 6A football will maintain a single bracket showcasing all 32 teams, ensuring that this season’s quarterfinals are fully packed with anticipation, considering them as part of the state tournament!

Big Changes in Hockey as Well

On the icy side of things, we’re lauding a big change for the boys’ hockey scene. Rogers will be joining Edina in the same section, known for their prowess and boasting an impressive streak of 12 state championships. This merger promises to bring even more competition and excitement as these youths lace up their skates and head onto the ice!

Understanding the Realignment Logic

Now, you might be wondering how the MSHSL decides on these alignments. It’s all about size and geography, with schools segmented into eight sections based on size classifications for each sport. The League grabs enrollment data from the Department of Education for grades 9-12 and adjusts it downwards by 40% to account for educational benefits, such as free and reduced lunches. Schools can even appeal for adjustments to their classification if they feel the need!

Changes Across Various Sports

The adjustments aren’t just limited to football and hockey; they cover a wide variety of sports! For example, after winning back-to-back state titles in Class 3A, Stewartville will move back up into Class 4A Section 1. Additionally, Andover is shifting gears from Class 2A to Section 5, setting up for some compelling showdowns against several metro-area rivals!

There are also some shake-ups in the lower classifications. Schools such as St. Louis Park and Blake are headed down to Class 1A, while Goodhue’s talented boys and girls basketball teams, fresh off their Class 1A state title, will advance to Class 2A Section 1.

What’s New in Girls Tennis?

And hold your horses! There’s fantastic news for girls tennis, as this season will introduce an exciting new classification, creating a third size classification for the first time since 1978! Previously, it was all about Classes 1A and 2A, but this new addition will compact sections that have had more than 15 teams into a manageable size of eight schools, ensuring fairer competition.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, these changes from the MSHSL signal an exciting shift for Minnesota high school sports. Fans and students alike can look forward to a thrilling season filled with new rivalries, intense competition, and hopefully, plenty of unforgettable moments both on the field and the ice. Get ready, Minnesota – it’s time to cheer on your teams!

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