Grand Rapids vs. Chisago Lakes
2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7

Heaven Hamling has Grand Rapids flying high. Hamling is averaging 19 points and 7.7 assists per game for the No. 5-3A Thunderhawks (8-2, 1-0) who are seeking a return trip to the Class 3A state tournament this season. Hannah DeMars is adding 12.5 ppg and Meara Beighley averages 11.4 ppg.

Since opening the year with seven straight wins, the Thunderhawks have won only once it their last three games -- a 78-52 victory over Sauk Rapids-Rice on Dec. 27 -- losing to Robbinsdale Cooper (71-68) on Dec. 22 and to No. 3-2A Sauk Centre (72-57) on Dec. 28.

Class 3A, Section 7 rival Chisago Lakes is off to an impressive 5-1 start and welcomes the challenge against Grand Rapids, which defeated the Wildcats in the opening round of last year’s section tournament.

Carmen Backes (28.2 points per game) led Chisago Lakes with 27 points and 10 rebounds in a 73-54 win over Becker on Dec. 29 at the Monticello Invitational. Alyssa Bjelland added 13 points while Anna Peters had 11 and Heather Elfering added 10.