Anoka at Totino-Grace
4:15 p.m., Monday, April 13

The race for the Northwest Suburban Conference title should be a real dogfight this spring, and two of the top contenders collide early when Anoka visits Totino-Grace.

It’s been 20 years since Anoka last made the state tournament, but it might not be much longer. The Tornadoes have quietly been building an impressive pitching rotation, led by the 1-2 punch of Alex Glick (8-1, 1.02 ERA in 53 innings) and Alex Pribyl (3-0, 0.90 ERA in 36 innings). They combined for 98 strikeouts in 89 innings a year ago.

Another Alex, Alex Farley, is one of the best left-handed power hitters in the state, hitting .385 with four homers as a junior. Keep an eye on sophomore third baseman Trent Palmer, who looks like one of the top players in his age group.

Totino-Grace has its own dynamic duo in senior third baseman Max Meyer (.405 with three homers) and speedy senior center fielder Ben Mezzenga (.539, 17 steals). Meyer will also anchor the pitching staff after going 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA in 19 innings last year. Mezzenga has committed to the University of Minnesota and is considered one of the top defensive outfielders in the state.