Orono coach Lavesa Glover smiled at the scoreboard after the Class 3A, Section 6 championship game Thursday at Chanhassen High School.

It wasn’t just because of her team’s 66-62 victory over rival and top section seed Hutchinson.

All five starters scored in double figures, including some who average just a few points a game. It was something the first-year coach proudly pointed out.

“You can’t dream of a better stat line,” Glover said. “I’m just so proud of these girls. They’ve worked so hard.”

Senior Tori Andrew led the Spartans with 18 points and junior Madeline Loder scored the go-ahead layup with about a minute left as second-seeded Orono (24-4) rallied to defeat the Tigers (22-6).

“This game means the world to us,” Loder said. “We weren’t supposed to be here. It’s just such an awesome experience to be here with this team.”

Orono lost six seniors from last year’s team, including three starters. The team started the season 7-4 but won of 16 of 17 games heading into Thursday, losing only to Hutchinson in that stretch.

The Tigers took a second-half lead Thursday with an 11-0 run, spurred by seven points from MaKenzie Rensch. Orono tied the score with less than three minutes left before Loder’s game-winning layup.

Tori Wortz led Hutchinson with 16 points. Gabby Hahn added 15 points and Rensch scored 14. The Tigers had won 16 consecutive games before Thursday and were looking for a second consecutive state tournament appearance.

NATE GOTLIEB

Madeline Loder hit a go-ahead layup and Natalie Smaron hit two late free throws as Orono defeated top-seeded Hutchinson on Thursday in the Class 3A, Section 6 championship at Chanhassen High School.

Tori Andrew led Orono (24-4) with 18 points, as the Spartans avenged last season's section-championship loss to the rival Tigers (22-6). Smaron and forward Mattea Rice each scored 12 points for Orono

Tori Wortz scored 16 points for Hutchinson and Gabby Hahn added 15. The Tigers, ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, had won 16 consecutive coming into the game, including a victory over Orono on Feb. 3.

Check back later for more on the game.