I haven't had the cahnce to see either team play (since I don't live there anymore
) but have read up on both teams from various websites (thank God for the internet these days!!!) I like both of these teams. Hibbing has some real solid talent and has done well against some decent clubs including Hastings and Warroad.
Duluth Denfeld has also done well agaisnt some big teams, even in their losses to Hermantown and Cloquet, and have put up some impressive numbers in goals scored.
The biggest difference in this matchup is depth and Hibbing has more. Their varsity lineup almsot doubles that of Denfeld's. Thats not to say that the Hunters won't produce, nor can't win this one, but when it comes down to it, Hibbing has the ability to outlast Denfeld in the long run.
This one is more than likely going to come down to who wants it more.
This game is bigger than most people think and you have to look at both teams schedules to understand why:
Both of these schools are ranked in the state top 10 class A, with Hibbing (who is 12-1) ranked 4th and Duluth Denfeld (12-3) ranked 9th. But from there, things get real hairy for both of these teams and here's why:
Hibbings upcoming schedule includes Virgina(#14-A), Benilde-St. Margaret, Grand Rapids (AA), Cloquet (AA), Hermantown (#1-A), Grand Rapids AGAIN, and Virginia AGAIN, before the end of the season and the playoffs begin. That 12-1 record could get battered up for the Jackets before the playoffs start.
Duluth Denfeld is in the same boat. Ya, they are 12-3 now, but they also have a tough schedule down the road:
Superior (#6 WI), Warroad (#11-A), Duluth Marshall (#2-A), Grand Rapids.
This game is a big one. And not having seen either one play, I can't really comment on who looks truly better than the other. Ya, Denfeld is my alma mater and I'd like to see them win, but either one of these teams could win this one. It's all going to come down to who wants it the most.