East Grand Forks and Roseau met in a surprising Class 2A, Section 8 final last season, when the Green Wave was a six-seed and Roseau the No. 4 seed. The teams' improbable postseason run ended with a 72-66 Roseau win that helped propel the Rams to the Class 2A championship game, where they lost to Sauk Centre.
Both teams have built off last year's success and carried similar momentum into this season, making for a zesty Northwest Conference and section title race. Fans and foes on Tuesday will get a taste of what's potentially in store in the rivalry as the Green Wave meets the Rams for the first time since their section game.
East Grand Forks' McKenna Aitchison and Kadynn Melquist combined for 33 points in a 70-61 loss to Grand Rapids on Jan. 11, yet defense will be key as the Green Wave (11-3, 2-0) aim to make a splash by defeating Roseau, a team they split their regular-season series with last year.
Northwest Conference wins have come easily for the high-scoring Rams, who have won by an average of 52.7 points. And it's no wonder why with sisters Kacie and Katie Borowicz each averaging more than 20 points a game. The duo can find the hoop quickly and consistently for No. 2-2A Roseau (12-2, 3-0).