2A STORY LINES

1 GUNNING FOR THE BOMBERS

Providence Academy and coach Ray Finley have been looking forward to another shot at defending state champion Braham. That possibility could come to fruition in the championship, with No. 1- ranked Providence Academy and No. 3 Braham on opposite sides of the bracket. The Bombers beat the Lions 59-50 in the state semifinals a year ago en route to the title.

2 PESCHEL BACK AFTER KNEE INJURY

Sauk Centre, which finished third in the state tournament a year ago, saw its chances of returning diminish when senior guard Kali Peschel tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee last summer. She missed the volleyball season before returning to the hardwood in the middle of February. Despite not being 100 percent, the Iowa recruit provides valuable leadership for the Mainstreeters.

3 FUTURE STAR TO WATCH

Unbeaten New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva has an outstanding guard in sophomore Carlie Wagner. She averages more than 28 points per game, yet plays unselfishly for the second-rated Panthers. Wagner dishes out five assists per game and is also disruptive on defense.

RON HAGGSTROM