After winning back-to-back Class 3A championships, Park Center will return to the girls’ basketball state tournament next week but this time in Class 4A.

The Pirates, who moved up to Class 4A this season, defeated Champlin 65-41 in the Section 5 championship on Thursday at Anoka High School.

“A lot of people doubted us when we came to 4A,” said junior Mikayla Hayes, who led the Pirates with 13 points. 

“To prove that we are as good as them is a really good feeling.”

The Pirates (22-7) were forced to adjust their offense when Hayes picked up three fouls early in the game.

Sophomore Meghan DuBois came off the bench and led the Pirates with seven points in the second half.

“I knew I had to go in and be confident; I knew I had to fill the big shoes of Mikayla Hayes,” DuBois said. 

Pirates coach Chris VanderHyde is proud of his team’s accomplishment: “We knew it was going to be difficult ride, but we earn the right to be there,” he said.

Juniors Mikayla Hayes and Feyisayo Ayobamidele each led Park Center with 13 points to help the No. 1 seeded Pirates to a 65-41 victory against third-seed Champlin to claim the Class 4A, Section 5 championship.

Junior Ann Simonet added 11 points for the Pirates, who moved up to Class 4A this season after winning the last two Class 3A state titles.

Senior Hannah Crymble led the Rebels (19-8) with 15 points.

Check back later for more on the game.