Mountain Iron-Buhl is looking to continue its excellence that has endured this decade. The Rangers have made the state tournament seven consecutive years.
Despite the frequent state tournament appearances, Mountain Iron-Buhl has never been crowned champion. In the past seven trips, the Rangers have lost both times they've reached the title game. From 2013-15, they exited the tournament in the first round.
The No. 3-1A Rangers (11-1, 1-0) is amid another successful season behind the play of Mary Burke, who is averaging 26.6 points per game, good for sixth-best in the state. If Burke and Mountain Iron-Buhl continue to dominate, this could be the year the Rangers take home the state title.
Hayfield is looking to replicate Mountain Iron-Buhl's success, since the Vikings have not been to a state tournament the past seven years.
And this may be the season Hayfield ends the drought. The team won the Hiawatha Valley League Blue Division last season, and the No. 5-1A Vikings (10-2) are off to a 4-0 start in division play this season.
They’re led by the combination of Olivia Matti, Maggie Streightiff and Carrie Rutledge, who have combined to average 47.8 points per game.