Spring Grove vs. Browerville
11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3

This small-school bout will likely determine which team remains ranked in the Top 5 of Class 1A.

Browerville lost in the quarterfinals of the state tournament a year ago to end with a 26-3 record -- the same mark it had in the program’s only other state appearance (2012).

The No. 4-1A Tigers (1-0) are poised to be even better this season with the return of their top three scorers in Bryce Irsfeld (27 points per game), Ryan Warwick (13.9 ppg) and Brendan Emery (12.7 ppg). Browerville showed is offensive ability in an 81-45 victory over Bertha-Hewitton Dec. 2.

Spring Grove was on the brink of its first state tournament appearance last season but fell to Goodhue in the Class 1A, Section 1 championship. It wasn't all bad as the Lions posted a school-best 28-1 record.

Chase Grinde (22.3 ppg) returns as the leading scorer for No. 5-1A Spring Grove (2-0), which has a tradition of success. The Lions have posted at least 20 wins in each of the past five seasons and are well on their way to another dominant year after beating Schaeffer Academy 71-31 and Decorah (Iowa) 81-64 last week.