With just one previous state wrestling tournament appearance and no individual champions to boast of, Maple Grove still is trying to establish itself as a wrestling power.

The Crimson took a few lumps during the regular season, finishing 5-5 in the Northwest Suburban Conference and 16-14 overall.

But the postseason is where hope is reborn. Maple Grove, aiming to make the most of its second season, defeated Rogers 38-28 in the Class 3A, Section 5 final to advance to next week's state wrestling tournament.

Nowhere were the strides made by Maple Grove more evident than in the finals. The Crimson had lost to Rogers 42-23 in an early December dual meet but turned the tables on the Royals by taking a 27-0 lead, extending it to 38-9 and holding on for the victory despite losing the last four matches.

Junior Jebah Doe clinched the victory with a 3-1 decision over Jeff McClay at 170 pounds.

Knights make it 16 in a row

Its strength at the middle weights lifted defending Class 3A co-champion St. Michael-Albertville to a 32-25 victory over Cambridge-Isanti in the Class 3A, Section 7 team finals.

The Knights won six of seven matches between 138 and 195, stretching an 11-10 lead into an insurmountable 32-16 advantage.

St. Michael-Albertville will be making it 16th consecutive state tournament appearance and 24th overall.

Building for next year

Things are looking up for the Breck girls' hockey team.

The youthful Mustangs struggled during the regular season, suffering through a monthlong 0-7-1 stretch. They were improving and gaining much-needed experience, however, and finished the regular season winning six out of their past seven games.

Breck carried that momentum into the Class 1A, Section 5 playoffs and nearly upset Blake in the finals. The Mustangs tied the score 4-4 early in the third period before falling 6-4.

Freshman forward Grace Zumwinkle was the face of Breck's growth. Of her 23 goals, 10 of them were scored in the Mustangs' last four games, including eight in three playoff games.

More Mustangs

Behind a solid all-around performances from senior captains Nicole Lee and Niara Hill, Breck won the Class 1A, Section 5 gymnastics championship, slipping by runner-up Delano 134.125 to 132.7. Lee won the all-around with a score of 35.8 while Hill finished third with a 34.725.

Jim Paulsen • 612-673-7737