Conference races are starting to take shape across the state — contenders are beginning to pull away from the pack, crucial games are crystalizing on the schedule — and that includes a high-leverage contest when North St. Paul and a resurgent Henry Sibley square off Tuesday. The Polars and Warriors are tied for the top spot in the Metro East Conference, and either team has a chance to take a definitive league lead by taking home a victory in our featured Top Game of the Week.
The Polars (5-2, 3-0) have mostly controlled their games this season, allowing only two opponents to score twice in a game. Both of North St. Paul’s losses came after failing to score more than once.
After falling 2-1 in overtime Sept. 8 to Duluth East, ranked No. 3 in the Class 2A coaches' poll from Sept. 9, North St. Paul rebounded by sewing up conference victories against Hill-Murray (4-1 on Sept. 11) and No. 6-1A Mahtomedi (3-1 on Sept. 13). If the Polars are going to keep the win streak alive on Tuesday, they will likely look to Jebril Mohammed and Ahmad Jalloh, who have each scored three goals, for offensive production.
After three consecutive sub-.500 seasons, the Warriors (5-2, 3-0) have already equaled their total wins from 2015-17 and stormed into the Metro East race this year. One of the keys for Henry Sibley has been an emphasis on defense, like league leader North St. Paul, as the Warriors have let in more than one goal in only three games this season.
Henry Sibley, however, is coming off a 2-1 loss to Rosemount on Saturday and will need to regroup quickly for a crucial conference game against a stingy opposition defense. If the Warriors want to break through that defense, they'll look to goals leader Oliver McEllistrem (3 goals) and joint assist leaders Ben Church and Joey Shirk, who both have two assists on the season.