Third try’s the charm. On Crosby-Ironton’s third consecutive trip to state, the Rangers made it to their first championship game, and in style. They’re undefeated, 32-0.

That doesn’t mean it was effortless. Their leading scorer — and rebounder, and assister — future Gopher Tori Oerhlein debriefed the Rangers’ semifinal win with ice wrapped on her back.

The No. 2 seed Rangers leaned on a physical, energetic start to hold off Minnehaha Academy 85-72 in Friday’s Class 2A semifinal game at Williams Arena.

For more on the Rangers' victory, click here to read the story on startribune.com.

Providence Academy 88, Minnewaska Area 43

The Minnewaska Area girls thought they were prepared. They did their diligence before they played Providence Academy in the Class 2A semifinals. They watched tape, the tried to imitate the Lions’ ridiculously fast-paced style, they even had their starters practice against six defenders at a time.

For more on the Lions' victory, click here to read the story on startribune.com.

Class 2A bracket