Bayside Chatter: Nov. 16

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Silver Bay sports mourns Zupancich

Silver Bay athletics lost a huge benefactor and fan with the passing of Bernie Zupancich. He helped out many many times, missed few home games and made most of the important away games regardless of the sport. Last year he received the second annual John Crego Award as the M Club Fan of the year.

Alicia Nopola of the Mariners was named to the Polar League All Conference volleyball second team and selected to play in the Polar League All Star game. Rebecca Dilley and Kari Smerud received honorable mentions.

Eleven teams remain unbeaten in the state football playoffs with 32 teams remaining. There were 3 in section AA, 2 in 5A, 4A and 3A and one each in A and nine- man. Number one ranked teams still in play include Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley in nine- man, Mahnomen in section A, Caledonia in AA, Rochester Lourdes in 3A and Totino-Grace in 5A.Local teams still playing are South Ridge and Moose Lake.

The Silver Bay girls’ high school hockey season begins tonight as they host the Internationasl Falls Broncos. Tomorrow afternoon they host No.7 Orono and Tuesday they play Eveleth-Gilbert in town. The Broncos are No. 20 in the preseason state rankings and return four players-- Amy Auran, Hilary Fox, Sydney Raboin and Jordan Bright who all scored in double figures last season along with junior goaltender Keanna Carlson who has been in the nets since seventh grade.

The Orono Spartans are loaded as they return seven players who made double figures plus an All- State goalie in Casey Hartfield. They were 20-5-1 last season. Eveleth-Gilbert went 3-22-1 last season and are still very young. They have a new goaltender in Kora Bonacatto who replaces long time net-minder Vicky Fossland.

The North Shore boys’ hockey program began practice with their co- head coaches Steve Wasko and Shawn Bartlette on Nov. 12. They have their first game on Nov. 27 at Lake County Arena in Two Harbors versus Proctor.

There were no surprises at the state volleyball tournament as the number one ranked teams Lakeville North, Marshall and Bethlehem Academy all won titles.

Tags: silver bay, sports, hockey