Section 7 looks like it could be the most difficult to win in Class 1A this season. A week before the postseason begins, Tuesday’s contest between Cromwell-Wright and Cherry will be an important test for two members of the loaded section.
Cherry (18-5, 4-1) hit a rough patch recently. It was defeated by No. 5-1A Mountain Iron-Buhl (60-42 on Feb. 6) and Mesabi East (66-47 on Feb. 13) before the Tigers pulled out a 65-61 victory over Duluth East last Saturday to end a two-game skid.
The Tigers know just how difficult the Section 7 road is after losing to Mountain Iron-Buhl 52-48 in a section semifinal last season. Tuesday's opponent, Cromwell-Wright, also hit a pothole last year as it fell short of winning the section title with a 50-31 loss to Mountain Iron-Buhl last March.
Junior Jessa Schroetter has helped drive the Tigers' offense this season. She scored 24 points in a 69-50 win at Eveleth-Gilbert on Dec. 28.
Cromwell-Wright (21-2, 8-0) has pieced together a seven-game winning streak that includes a 59-46 victory over Mountain Iron-Buhl on Feb. 8.
Cousins Taya and Shaily Hakamaki have continued to provide a boost for the No. 2-1A Cardinals. Each has the ability to routinely provide double-digit scoring totals.