1. Sauk Centre of attention The Mainstreeters have been in a class of their own the past four years. They have won at least 30 games each season during that span, compiling a record of 122-7 with four of those losses come in the state tournament. The only problem: no state championships. They have two second-place and one fourth-place since 2015. The Mainstreeters are a perfect 30-0 this year and ranked No. 1 by Minnesota Basketball News. They were also the favorite in 2015 when they wound up the runner-up. It will be their eighth state tournament appearance in the past nine years, and the swan song for nine seniors.
2. Business as usual for No. 2 Mustangs Maranatha had become a fixture in the Class 1A field. A move up in classification before this season didn't prevent the Mustangs from making the field, once again. They will be making their ninth consecutive state tournament appearance, tying the state tournament record for consecutive appearances held by Minneapolis North from 1997-2005. Forward Jaclyn Jarnot and guard Kylie Post, both seniors, have won more than 100 games playing together. Jarnot is the school's all-time leading scorer with over 2,000 career points.
3. Keep an eye on Byron star center The Bears possess a Division I recruit in senior Ayoka Lee. The 6-5 center is Kansas State bound. She averages 28.5 points, thanks to 79 percent shooting from the field, and 16.3 rebounds per game. Lee, who has scored 2,270 career points, has been hampered by ankle injuries this season. Byron (19-10) is 17-1 when the team is at full strength.
Ron Haggstrom
