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Top Games: Patrick Henry, Orono duel for postseason positioning

By Trevor Squire, SportsEngine, 12/19/16, 5:00PM CST

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Dec. 22: The Patriots and Spartans look for a win to strengthen their seeds for the Class 3A, Section 6 playoffs.


Patrick Henry coach Jeremy Miller seeks to help his Patriots make a resurgence in the Class 3A poll with a win over Section 6 foe Orono on Thursday. Photo by Drew Herron, SportsEngine

Minneapolis Patrick Henry and Orono reached the Class 3A, Section 6 semifinals a year ago after recording what were considered upsets in the quarterfinals of a playoff bracket considered to be one of the most competitive in the state. At the start of the postseason, the top six seeds all had at least 17 wins. 

This season should be no different with three teams currently holding spots in the top 5 in Minnesota Basketball News' Class 3A rankings, lead by powerhouse DeLaSalle at No. 1.

Delano is No. 2 and Orono is No. 4, and this year, both could provide challenge to the Islanders, who have emerged as section champions each of the past five years en route to five straight state titles.

After a 74-42 drubbing at the hands of No. 5-3A Marshall on Dec. 10, the Patriots (4-1) dropped from the rankings but are still a team that can climb back into the poll with a couple key wins, including one on Thursday when they face the Spartans (4-1).

Orono upset No. 6-3A Fergus Falls 81-64 on Dec. 10 and look to ride the momentum through the season as it eyes its first state title since 2011, the last year a team other than the Islanders won the championship.

With a possible top-four seed in the section playoffs at stake, Patrick Henry's showdown with Orono in the Joe Hutton Classic is our Top Game of the Week.

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