1. '70s revisited
Melrose, the No. 4 seed with a 26-5 record, enters the state tournament for the first time since 1974. The last time the school was in the tournament, former Gophers and NBA forward Mark Olberding led the Dutchmen to a state title.
2. Guard-turned-coach
Caledonia coach Josh Diersen knows a thing or two about the state tournament. The coach was the starting point guard in 1997 when the school won its only title. Assistant coach Jeremy Leis played alongside Diersen on the team. The Warriors are making their second consecutive appearance in the state tournament and placed third last year.
3. Leaving on top
Whether he leaves with a title this year or not, Nate Lorenz has made his mark on the Breckenridge basketball program. The senior, who has signed with the University of Minnesota-Crookston, is averaging 17.6 points and 11 rebounds per game. He also became the program's leading scorer and has etched his name atop the career rebounds list, too.
Betsy Helfand
