Class 2A boys' basketball tournament

1The three top-ranked teams in Class 2A -- No. 1 Pelican Rapids (30-0), No. 2 Plainview/Elgin-Millville (29-1) and No. 3 St. Bernard's (26-3) -- all have a chance to make the semifinals. Pelican Rapids is on one side of the bracket while Plainview/Elgin-Millville and St. Bernard's are on the opposite side.

2Defending state champion New London-Spicer (23-8) lost four starters from a veteran team a year ago, and wasn't expected to be back. After a 7-5 start, the Wildcats won 16 of their final 19 to reach the field of eight. They will be making their third appearance in the past four years.

3Plainview/Elgin-Millville (29-1) is unbeaten against Minnesota teams. Its only loss came at the hands of Manitowoc (Wis.) Roncalli 91-83 in four overtimes. The Bulldogs won the Rochester Rotary Classic, beating Class 4A tournament entrant Apple Valley 65-60 in the finals.

4Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted has been working overtime. The Lakers won their section semifinal and championship games in overtime, edging Pierz 60-57 and Norwood-Young America 64-62. They are 3-1 in overtime games this season.

5It has been a long time coming for Virginia as well as coach Rich Odell. The Blue Devils are making their 12th state tournament trip, but their first since 1965. For Odell, he will be making his first state tournament appearance in 32 years of coaching.

6Triton is the only squad in the field making its first state tournament appearance. However, don't think this group lacks state tournament experience. The Cobras have appeared in the state football tournament for the past three years and were in the state baseball tournament in 2007.

7Pelican Rapids seniors Tydan Storrusten and Eric Shulstad have combined for more than 3,700 career points. Storrusten also owns the school record for assists with more than 700 while Shulstad holds the mark for rebounds with 920-plus. Storrusten was a finalist for Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball.

8St. Bernard's beefed up its schedule, hoping it pays off this time of year. The Bulldogs gave Class 4A power Hopkins its toughest test of the season in a 63-55 loss.

9Half of the teams weren't ranked in the final Top 10 poll at the end of the season. They are Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (22-7), Montevideo (21-7), New London-Spicer (23-8) and Triton (24-6).

10History lesson: Three schools in the field made their initial state tournament appearances back in the 19-teens. They are Plainview (1913), Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (1914) and Virginia (1915).