1 BACK TO DEFEND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Perham's program has experienced plenty of highs and lows in the past two seasons. Now its senior class has the opportunity to go out with back-to-back state championships. The Yellowjackets (27-2) were the No. 1 defensive team in all of Class 2A last year, and are second this season. They allow only 42.4 points per game. Senior guard Zach Gabbard is back on the bench providing inspiration. He nearly died on the court last season after suffering a heart attack during a game.

2 BRAHAM RETURNS TO FAMILIAR TERRITORY

The Bombers have been represented by either the boys' or girls' squad in the past nine state tournaments. This year they both made it, with the girls' team losing in the quarterfinals. Braham won three consecutive boys' titles from 2004-06. The Bombers are led by senior guard Tyler Vaughan, the son of coach Bob Vaughan.

3 CRUSADERS' NEW TREND CONTINUES

St. Croix Lutheran made its first state tournament appearance in school history in football in the fall. Now, it's in the basketball tournament with many of the same characters. Four of the Crusaders' top five scorers were instrumental in the football team winning the Class 3A championship: quarterback Matt Olson, running backs Jackson Goplen and Wesley Tucker and wide receiver Cody Sticha.

RON HAGGSTROM