Happy Holiday Returns for Local Prep Teams

The No. 8-ranked Owatonna High School wrestlers closed out The Clash National Duals with a 41-20 win over Hastings to finish third in their bracket and match last year's 19th place overall finish. The wrestlers were just one of several OHS teams that had a strong showing in holiday tournaments.

The wrestlers were competitive each match against top teams from around the state and country. Saturday opened with a 36-20 loss to Kaukauna, WI. The Huskies also dropped a 48-29 decision to Post Falls, ID before the victory over Hastings. OHS split their matches on Friday. The Huskies go to Winona Thursday, January 4. The countdown to the annual Big Nine showdown can now begin. The Huskies will host Albert Lea Area Thursday, January 11. OHS won last year on criteria to capture the conference crown. Those teams are also back together in Section 1AAA, with the Tigers jumping back up to AAA.

Montini Catholic, IL won The Clash title. St. Edward, OH was second with Apple Valley taking third place.

OHS girls' hockey took home the third place trophy from the Schwan Cup American Open Division with a 7-2 victory over Northern Lakes. The Huskies blew things open with a five-goal second period. Margo Achterkirch had four goals in Saturday's win at the Super Rink in Blaine. The Huskies opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Marshall. Sydney Hunst scored twice. OHS lost 4-3 to Rochester Mayo in overtime in the semifinals. The Huskies return to Big Nine play Tuesday at Austin at 7PM on KRFO AM1390. Owatonna remains in the thick of the conference race with a 5-2 league mark.

The OHS boys' hockey squad came up on the short end of a 6-3 final against Denfeld at the Duluth Heritage Tournament but scored a nice 2-1 win over Mankato West in the semifinal round. Owatonna lost to top-ten Class A team Mound-Westonka 6-1 in the opening round. The boys continue to have their sights set on contending for the Big Nine title. At 3-0 in league play, the Huskies host Rochester JM Tuesday, January 2 at Four Seasons at 7PM.

Owatonna's basketball teams both ended holiday tournament appearances with victories on Thursday. The boys took third in the Federated Tournament with a dominating win over Chisago Lakes, while the girls topped No. 12 Alexandria. Conference action resumes Tuesday, January 2. The boys host No. 9-rated John Marshall and Division I-recruit Matthew Hurt. The OHS girls go to JM Tuesday with coverage on Kat Kountry 105FM.

The NRHEG girls' basketball team won their own holiday tournament, while the boys took the consolation honors at the Bethany Lutheran Tournament. Triton girls' hoops split games at the Randolph Tournament. The Cobra boys beat Glenville-Emmons on Thursday.