No. 8-A North Woods at No. 2-A Mt. Iron-Buhl
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16

Northeastern Minnesota’s two best small school programs — and arguably two of the best in the state — renew their annual rivalry on Thursday. Last year they combined for just six losses, splitting their two games against each other. North Woods claimed the regular season tilt at home, 52-50, but Mt. Iron-Buhl ended the Grizzlies season in the Section 7A final in Hibbing, 48-44. Both have terrific backcourts, with North Woods’ veteran size in Darby Youngstrom, Destinie Villebrun and Tessa Mankus and Mt. Iron-Buhl’s underclass quickness in May Buffetta, Chelsea Mason and Lissy McCulloch.