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Tip Off Classic preview: St. Peter vs. Pelican Rapids

By Ryan James, Breakdown Sports USA, 12/04/12, 9:00AM CST

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12:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 at Minnetonka East gym

Preview

Pelican Rapids is ranked second in the Breakdown poll, St. Peter is third in Class AA. These are two teams expected to compete for the wide-open Class AA championship.

The Saints have one of the best front courts in the state of Minnesota but inexperienced guard play. The Vikings have an elite Minnesota point guard in Ryan Bruggeman but need to replace two all conference front court players. Something has to give.

Key Matchup

Peter Kruize vs Tucker Forsgren: With Kollin Bartlett likely out Kruize will have to handle a big share of the scoring load. Defending him from that production will likely be Forsgren, an experienced 6-foot-5 big who has been fortunate to learn under the guidance of previous Viking bigs. If Forsgren can slow Kruize down than the Saints may really struggle.

Prediction

Why St. Peter will win:

  • Peter Kruize will easily be the biggest force on the floor at a strong and physical 6-foot-7. He should help St. Peter take control of the paint.
  • The Saints are a deep team with two starters back in Kruize and Josh Perryman. They have several capable reserves as well.

Why Pelican Rapids will win:

  • Ryan Bruggeman should be able to fly around the court without much in his way. He’s one of the elite junior guards in the state and he’s going against a St. Peter team that is short on experienced guards.
  • Pelican Rapids comes into the game healthier than St. Peter who has list Kollin Bartlett to a knee injury.

Our Prediction: Pelican Rapids

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Tip Off Classic previews