Pine City might be peaking at the right time. Heading into the week with a 17-game winning streak, the Dragons (23-1, 13-0) haven't lost since a 63-43 defeat to Hutchinson on Dec. 26.
The No. 6-2A Dragons will need to harness all that success, and more, if they're to survive their gauntlet of probable section tournament foes, which includes Friday's opponent, No. 1-2A Sauk Centre, as well as No. 7-2A Albany.
Pine City has had a dominant regular season by putting up impressive numbers on both ends of the court, winning by an average of 33 points. Junior guard Ellie Hasz has been the team's offensive leader, averaging more than 18 points per game. Lily Wilson (13.8 ppg) and Sophie Lahti (13.3 ppg) are also key contributors.
Sauk Centre (22-2, 14-0) is coming off a roller coaster weekend against state-ranked opponents. Its ride included a 58-56 loss at Albany on Friday and a 52-48 triumph over No. 2-2A Fergus Falls the next day.
Tori Peschel and Michaela Dammann did their best to pull out a win at Albany on Friday. Each scored 14 points in the loss.