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Class 3A championship preview: Lakeville North vs. Chanhassen

By Star Tribune, 06/14/15, 10:02PM CDT

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Class 3A: No. 5 Lakeville North (19-7) vs. No. 2 Chanhassen (25-4), 6 p.m.

Class 3A: No. 5 Lakeville North (19-7) vs. No. 2 Chanhassen (25-4), 6 p.m.

 

Why Lakeville North will win: This is a group of athletes accustomed to state tournament settings. The team is making its third straight tourney appearance. Shortstop Angelo Altavilla, a Nebraska recruit, was one of the top defensemen for Lakeville North’s undefeated Class 2A champion hockey team. Center fielder Drew Stewart is making his seventh straight state tournament appearance across three sports (baseball, football, basketball).

Why Chanhassen will win: The Storm is the tournament’s most complete offensive team. There are no weak spots in the batting order, which puts extra pressure on opposing pitchers. It’s an extremely cohesive group, many of whom have played for a half-dozen years, and equally confident.

Key to watch: Lakeville North’s starting pitching. The Panthers are expected to start soft-throwing junior Billy Riach, who has an 8-1 record by relying on precision and moxie. He will have his hands full trying to outfox Chanhassen’s heavy hitters.

Did you know? The Storm is the first team in Chanhassen High School’s seven-year history to play in a state title game.

JIM PAULSEN

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