1. Soothing a two-year ache

For many of the Champlin Park players, the rancid taste of the Rebels' 2015 loss to Apple Valley in the Class 4A championship game has barely faded. The similarities to this year are numerous: They were undefeated then, as now, and feature a Metro Player of the Year. "I remember it like it was yesterday," senior guard McKinley Wright said. There is one difference, Wright said. "Our plan this year is to win."

2. It's been a long time

The last time Wayzata was in the state tournament, cellphones and electric cars were the stuff of sci-fi comics, not every day life. That was 1959, when the Trojans beat Carlton 55-41 for the one-class title. Wayzata is back for the first time in 58 years, paced by a three-guard attack (Gavin Baumgartner, Ryan Lindberg and Jacob Beeninga) with a penchant for three-pointers.

3. Enjoying the moment

Andover entered the postseason with a 8-18 record, having paid its dues in the rugged Northwest Suburban Conference. The Huskies were more competitive than given credit for, losing nine games by five or fewer points. Senior guard Logan Rezac averages 22.8 points per game. No one thinks Andover will beat Maple Grove in the quarterfinals, but that same thing was said during the Section 7 playoffs and look who's still standing.

Jim Paulsen