Throw the Class 1A rankings out the window. The Rangers (27-3) made it three in a row for the unranked teams, knocking off the No. 7 Freeze (28-2).

Mountain Iron-Buhl, making its first state tournament appearance since 1994, held off a frantic comeback effort by the Freeze. The Rangers led 45-30 with 12:45 left and looked like they were en route to an easy victory.

“We knew they were going to make a run,” Rangers coach Jeff Buffetta said. “Our girls showed a lot of character.”

The Freeze took a 59-58 lead on two free throws by a hobbled Liza Hoglo with 2:53 left. The senior guard, who finished with 21 points, wasn’t as explosive down the stretch after injuring her left ankle on a drive with 6:14 remaining.

The Rangers regained the lead on Dakotah Winans’ two free throws with 2:27 left. Teammate Allie Knuti made two more a minute later to wrap it up.

“People have made runs at us a few times this year,” said Rangers senior guard Charlotte Overbye, who finished with a game-high 25 points. “We are used to it.”  

MOUNTAIN IRON-BUHL

NORTHERN FREEZE

Northern Freeze stats not available