Should DeLaSalle be playing 4A?

A third consecutive Class 3A state championship intensifies the discussion of whether DeLaSalle, a metro-area private school, should opt up to Class 4A. Senior Geno Crandall acknowledged the challenge of playing Class 4A, the state's largest schools by enrollment, "would have been really fun. That's all we hear after every season, 'Oh you won 3A but could you do it if you were playing three 4A teams in a row?' With this group of guys I think we could get through everything." Asked if the Islanders should opt up, Austin coach Kris Fadness said, "Their school enrollment is 600 and they play in 3A. Rules are the rules. We just gotta beat them."

Lakeville North's school colors are red and white, so fans were curious why the Panthers chose to wear baby blue socks.

The team has been wearing the socks for nearly three months to honor Lakeville North student Alyssa Ettl, who was killed in a car crash in early January. Light blue was Ettl's favorite color.

Rushford-Peterson coach Tom Vix has built one of the best Class 1A programs in the state. The Trojans have reached the state tournament nine times since 2000, but have only won the title once (2006).

This year's runner-up finish to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa — losing 52-40 in the championship — was their second during that time period. The Trojans also were the runner-up to Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in 2005.

"It's hard enough to get here, much less win a state championship," Vix said. The Trojans edged Ellsworth 55-52 for the crown in 2006. "You have to have some luck, too."

Class 1A: Neither team had trouble scoring. Josh Goldschmidt put in 45 points as Maranatha defeated Fond du Lac Ojibwe 103-87. Goldschmidt went 19-for-31 from the floor. The Mustangs scored 57 first-half points.

Class 3A: Holy Family limited Orono to 25 percent shooting from the floor en route to a 56-35 victory in the Wright County Conference matchup. Brent Hentges paced a balanced Fire attack with 13 points.

Class 4A: Shakopee, behind a double-double from forward Tyler Weiss (22 points, 15 rebounds), bounced back from Thursday's heartbreaking loss to Hopkins in the semifinals to beat Cretin-Derham Hall 62-56. Three other Sabers scored in double figures: Evan Hagen had 13 points, Booker Coplin 12 and Steffon Mitchell 10.