Metro West: Player-Focused Matchups

The Metro West Conference has been a battleground for regular season clashes and has forged rivalries among the schools. For example,  Bloomington Kennedy High School often turns up their game when playing their rival Bloomington Jefferson High School.       Here’s a look at the most meaningful matchups.

 

  Benilde-St. Margaret’s @ Chaska (Mariucci Arena) January 14th, 2021 7 P.M. (CST)

Player vs. player matchup

 

Carter Wishart G (So. Chaska H.S.) VS.

Adam Marshall F (Jr., Benilde-St. Margaret’s) 

This matchup features two high-octane offenses with both schools having a  reputation for playing discipline, two-way  hockey.
At just 15 years of age, Wishart’s opponents now see him as a tremendous threat to steal games; as his year ended with a record of (14-9), and posted an uncompromising 2.47 GAA (goals against average) and .884 SV% (Save percentage).

Wishart is skilled beyond his years, adding four shutouts as well. Wishart’s abilities stem from  his skating ability inside his own crease and his post-to-post push helps him shut down forwards looking for tip-ins or wrap-around shots. In addition, his communication skills help his defenseman know which position he likes them in before odd-man rushes.

He’ll undoubtedly have his hands full when he faces another rising young star in Adam Marshall. Marshall burst onto the scene in the Metro West Conference as a sophomore last season with a phenomenal 25 points (16 goals, 9 assists) during the season  followed by a pair of wins which included: 6-4, and 2-1 win versus Academy of Holy Angels and Cretin Durham-Hall High School, respectively. Marshall added a goal and assist in each game before his team met their demise in the Section championship to favored Blake High School by a score of 3-4.

Academy of Holy Angels H.S. vs. St. Louis Park High School Dec. 9th, 2020 7 P.M. (cst.)

Player vs. Player Matchup to watch: 

Noah Griswold F (Sr., Academy of Holy Angels H.S. VS.

Sam Berry Sr., St. Louis Park High School) 

   In many ways, Griswold is a coach’s dream. With an extremely hard shot, he shoots the puck often and most importantly accurately. Last season as he put up an outstanding 50 points (18 goals, 32 assists). He can play all three forward positions and will look continue to bless his teammates with his strong work-ethic and sharp shot. 

   Berry brings a feisty element to St. Louis Park. He doesn’t miss an opportunity to knock you on the ice with a strong hip-check or leave you reeling with quick passing and breakouts. Last season Berry proved to be one of Park’s leaders by contributing heavily on special teams. He helped his team greatly from the back-end and helped with 29 points (6 goals, 23 assists). When called upon, he will have the job of trying to shut down opposing top lines. He will look to corral Griswold and limit his score chances when their two teams face each other this season. These matchups will surely bring great anticipation and fireworks to the Metro-West Conference.