1. Redhawks can shut revolving door

There has been eight champions in Class 2A in the past eight years. If anybody other then No. 1-ranked Minnehaha Academy is crowned champion, the streak will be extended to nine. The problem with the streak continuing is that the Redhawks (23-5), who won the title in their last state tournament appearance in 2013, are the big favorites. Their top four scorers are two juniors and two freshmen, led by ninth-grade phenom Jalen Suggs (21.7 points per game).

2. Panthers stingy on defense

No. 8-ranked New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva (28-2) brings its top-ranked defense (43.7 points per game) into its initial state tournament appearance. The Panthers' victory total is the most in a single season in school history. They have kept opponents below 43.7 points in seven of their past games 10 games. They open the tournament against one of top offenses in the class, St. Cloud Cathedral. The Crusaders average 74.8 points per game.

3. Lots of success, still no crown

Crosby-Ironton, one of the most successful programs in all classes in state history, is still in search of that elusive championship. In 20 previous state tournament trips starting in 1932, the Rangers have been the runner-up five times (1944, 1947, 1987, 2008 and 2010. Current coach Dave Galovich ranks fifth on the all-time winningest boys' coaches list with 694 victories. His squad concluded the regular season ranked No. 4.

RON HAGGSTROM