Chisago Lakes at Mahtomedi
7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2

If Mahtomedi isn't out to avenge last year's 55-53 regular-season loss to Chisago Lakes, the No. 7-3A Zyphrs certainly will be eager to face a Wildcats team that reached the Class 3A state tournament a year ago.

Mahtomedi is banking on a 13-man senior class, led by Northern State commit Parker Fox, to guide it to another impressive season, and one that lasts a bit longer. 

The Zephyrs earned the top-seed in last year's Class 3A, Section 4 playoffs but were upset by eight-seeded Hill-Murray in the quarterfinals to end the season with a 19-8 record.

Fox averaged 21.6 ppg while Shayne Frost posted 15 ppg, and the duo aim to lead the Zephyrs to their first state tournament in more than 50 years. 

Chisago Lakes' return to state will likely rest on the shoulders outside sharpshooters Trevin Nelson and Thomas Gilach.

Nelson made team-high 56 three-pointers (42 percent) in the regular season while Gilach converted 24 of 72 shots from behind the three-point line, and their acumen will take pressure of Aron and Noah Johnson, who will provide some size in the paint for a Wildcats team looking to improve on last year’s 22-7 record.

Another asset for Chisago Lakes: an experienced roster that boasts seven seniors.