The Coon Rapids High School boys basketball team is making a long-awaited return to the state tournament, with eyes on the prize at the Target Center tomorrow. The Cardinals, basking in the glow of school history, will go head-to-head with Minnetonka in the Class AAAA quarterfinals at 4 p.m., a matchup that has everyone in Coon Rapids buzzing with excitement. Their journey will not be televised live, but CTN Coon Rapids will start showing the game for playback starting at the witching hour on Wednesday, for all you nocturnal sports fans.
This occasion marks a significant milestone for Coon Rapids, as it's only the second time the Cardinals' boys basketball team has soared into the state tournament since their last appearance way back in 1983. That's not just a dry spell, it's a veritable drought, folks, and the community is parched for success. The anticipation is palpable, "This is only the second time in school history that the CRHS Boys Basketball team has made it to state, and the first time since 1983!" a message of support proclaimed on the City of Coon Rapids' official Facebook page.
The support for the basketball team is surging like a tide through the city. At every corner, one can sense the pride and hope vested in these young athletes who have become the beacon for a community united by hoops. The Coon Rapids faithful are ready to rally behind their team, packing the stands with a sea of cardinal red, willing their cagers to victory in what promises to be a thrilling encounter on the hardwood.
While the lights will shine bright in the Target Center tomorrow, the hopeful stars are the Cardinals players, who will strive to etch their names in local lore and bring back some much-needed cheer to their high school's trophy case. "Go Cardinals... we are all rooting for you!" cheers from the corridors of Coon Rapids High School to the bustling streets enveloping it, ringing loud and clear, as the town readies itself for a game that's been decades in the making. As the clock counts down to tip-off, one thing's for certain – win or, lose, the Coon Rapids Cardinals have already scored a victory in the hearts of their supporters.
