Chaska guard Kayla Hendrickson (4) attempted a 3-pointer in the first half as she was defended by Minnetonka guard Desiree Ware (3). Photo: AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
As mementos go, the snippets of netting that Chaska teammates Mallory Heyer and Kennedy Sanders clutched in their hands Thursday after the Hawks’ Class 4A, Section 2 final victory aren’t all that much.
Until you consider the meaning of their 61-43 victory over Minnetonka on their home floor.
It kept the Hawks undefeated at 15-0, sent them to their first state tournament since 2010 and avenged last year’s section-final loss to Eden Prairie, on that same floor.
“We’re very thankful we made it here,” said Sanders, a sophomore point guard.
It also came after COVID-19 canceled their final five regular-season games. The Hawks returned for a playoff run in which they never really were threatened in victories over Bloomington Jefferson, Shakopee and now the Skippers.