GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Maranatha wins, will defend 1A crown CLASS 1A

• SECTION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP: Maranatha Christian defeated Prairie Seeds 72-48 on Friday at Hamline University, earning its third straight trip to the state tournament and a chance to defend its 2011 Class 1A championship. Center Onye Osemenam, Maranatha's leading scorer, did not make her first field-goal attempt until the three-minute mark of the first half, but her offense wasn't needed as the Mustangs put on a strong defensive performance, jumping out to a 23-4 lead and taking a 41-15 advantage into halftime. Senior guard Alexi Long led the way for the Maranatha with a game-high 19 points, and Osemenam finished with 16 points.

CALVIN SWANSON

CLASS 4A

• SECTION 8 CHAMPIONSHIP: This time, the cliche fit. After having lost to Buffalo twice during the regular season, St. Michael-Albertville showed that it can be tough to beat a team three times, downing the Bison 58-55 on overtime. Christine Thorn scored 23 points for St. Michael, including two clutch free throws in final seconds of overtime. Buffalo's Alexa Thielman, who hit a game-tying three-pointer at the end of regulation, led all scorers with 25 points.

• SECTION 1 CHAMPIONSHIP: Lakeville North got 17 points from Simone Kolander and 16 from Taylor Stewart en route to a 56-41 victory over Rochester Mayo. Lakeville North, which will be making its third straight state tournament appearance, pulled away with a 13-0 run midway through the first half.

• SECTION 5 CHAMPIONSHIP: Top-seeded Osseo had three players in score in double figures, led by Mikayla Bailey's 17 points, to defeat Centennial 60-48. Phyllis Webb scored 13 points and Halyey Swanson added 12 for the Orioles.

CLASS 2A

• SECTION 1 CHAMPIONSHIP: Despite losing its top two scorers from its 2011 Class 2A state runners-up, Minnehaha Academy secured a return trip to the state tournament by beating Minneapolis Washburn 68-53. Nicole Nipper scored 28 points to lead the Redhawks.