No. 3 seed Winona returns to the Class 3A title game after dethroning defending champion and No. 2 seed Academy of Holy Angels (26-4) in the semifinals.

The 58-43 victory meant Winona (26-4) avenged last’s year title-game loss to the Stars. Perhaps too amped at times, a driven, senior-laden Winona team missed a few shots and a few passes early.

“It’s Brett Favre-like, the first five passes that go over somebody’s head,” Winona coach Tim Gleason said.

Settling in, Winona spent much of the second half holding a double-digit lead. Guards Justine Schultz (14 points), Eden Nibbelink (12) and Maria Appicelli (10) provided balanced scoring. Nibbelink hit from behind the three-point arc twice in each half.

“We have a lot of depth,” Schultz said. “We don’t just have to rely on one person. Everyone knows their role.”

Holy Angels, located in Richfield, got 15 points and 13 rebounds from forward Destinee Oberg but no other Stars player scored more than six points. For the game, the Stars shot a paltry 23 percent.

“When we’re us, not many teams can keep up with us,” senior guard Megan Thompson said. “But today just wasn’t our day.”

Oberg, a 6-2 sophomore, considered Winona’s front line among the best she’s seen. The Winhawks return the compliment.

“She knows how to use her body, square up and take smart shots,” senior forward Danneka Voegeli said.

Winona returns to the Class 3A girls’ basketball title game after dethroning defending champion Holy Angels 58-43 in the semifinals Thursday at Williams Arena.

With the victory, No. 3 seed Winona (26-4) also avenged last’s year title-game loss to the Stars.

Winona led No. 2 seed Academy of Holy Angels (26-4) by a score of 24-15 at halftime.

The Winhawks take on No. 1 seed Orono at 6 p.m. Saturday at Williams Arena.

Check back later for more on the game