When the Boys U-19 tournament kicked off, it was pretty clear that four teams were a level higher than everyone else. Colorado, New England, Baltimore and Ohio have all left their mark on Vail as the teams to beat over the past 10 years. In Wednesday’s quarterfinal contests, only Ohio was tested, but Arizona did not have enough in the tank in the fourth quarter to pull the upset. Colorado, New England and Baltimore all “mercy-ruled” their opponents to move through to the semifinals eaily.

Scouting tomorrow’s Division I semifinals, it appears at first glance to be two evenly matched games. Baltimore should have the overall talent edge over Ohio, but the Midwestern boys have some serious size at the long pole position. Baltimore’s attack combined for 17 points against Moose Jaw on Wednesday and will be a handful for whoever they play. Colorado does not have the superstars they have had in the past, but they are continuing to play a team game that will give them a chance to return to the finals. They are matched up with a fiery New England team that wins seemingly every face-off and scraps hard for every loose ball. The Colorado/New England match-up will be a rematch of last year’s semifinals. Colorado won that game on the way to their second ever Vail championship.

Wednesday’s Results
Division I Quarterfinals
Team Colorado 23, Minnesota Elite 8
Team New England 19, Southeast All-Stars 3
Team Ohio 10, Arizona 6
Baltimore Crabs 20, Moosejaw 2

Division II Quarterfinals
FLC 16, Westlake/Austin 3
Chowdaheads 14, Indiana 4
Utah 13, Southern Cal 8
Idaho 17, Winnepeg 9

NorCal 13, Local Favorites 5