A Local Hoops Classic: Apollo vs. Little Falls

If you are a fan of basketball in the central Minnesota area, you might want to visit Halenback Hall at 2pm today (Saturday).  At first glance, one might say, "It's just a section semi-final game, what's the big deal?"  Well, there is quite the recent history between St. Cloud Apollo and Little Falls.  It is, in fact, a very big deal.

The story goes like this - Little Falls is the three time defending section champ.  But in each of those three years, they beat Apollo for the championship, even though Apollo was clearly the favored team in each of the three match-ups.

The most heart-breaking aspect, though, if you're an Apollo fan - all three games were won by Little Falls on a LAST SECOND, BUZZER BEATING SHOT!

I was at the game last season.  It was at St. Cloud Cathedral, and it was a game that felt like it belonged to Apollo throughout, until about the three minute mark in the second half.  Apollo tightened up, as if they could feel what was happening to them.  I, as an athlete, have been there.  It is a terribly helpless feeling.

The funny thing is, if you saw these two teams in the park playing a pick-up game, you'd SWEAR that Apollo would KILL the Flyers.  The Eagles are much bigger, and seemingly more athletic.  But basketball is a game, played in large part, by the brain.  Little Falls is very well coached, very confident, and a very good three point shooting team.

That said - I think this may be Apollo's year to exact some revenge.  The Eagles have no weaknesses, and have already handily beaten the Flyers twice this season.

So, my pick is Apollo - but if it's a close game late in the 2nd half - Little Falls will be right in there comfort zone.  Prediction, 70-63 Apollo wins.

Check out last year's match-up -

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