Section 1 Boys Basketball Champions Crowned

Lakeville North continued their dominance of Section 1AAAA boys basketball Friday night with a 60-58 win over Rochester JM, the Panthers' fifth straight title.

The game was close throughout but the result the same. For the fourth straight year, Lakeville North earned a trip to state by eliminating the Rockets in their own backyard, at the Mayo Civic Center Arena. Nathan Reuvers led North with 21 points. Matthew Hurt led JM with 17 points.

Red Wing won the 1AAA title Friday 67-51 over Northfield. It is the Wingers' first state tournament appearance since 2004. It was the Raiders' first section finals game after a 16-year absence. Red Wing was led by Travis Toivonen's 19 points. The Wingers limited Luke Harris to eight points.

On Thursday the Section 1A title went to Goodhue, who beat Spring Grove 58-44, breaking a four-year run of Rushford-Peterson representing the section. In 1AA Caledonia won its third straight championship, beating St. Charles 92-71. The Warriors finished second at the state tournament last year. Caledonia has also appeared at the state wrestling tournament this winter and won the Prep Bowl in the fall.

State tournament brackets will be released by the Minnesota State High School League this weekend with the boys state tournament beginning Wednesday, March 9. Listen to KDHL radio for baseline-to-baseline coverage of the event.