For the first time since 2007, when Buffalo edged Robbinsdale Armstrong 67-65, a non-Lake Conference team will be crowned basketball champion of Class 4A.

 

In fact, since the state tournament format switched to a four-class system in 1997, the Lake Conference has accounted for eight of the 15 champions. Minnetonka has won twice, while Hopkins has dominated with six titles since 2002.

 

Osseo owns one Class 4A title – a 73-48 thumping of Duluth East in 2001 – and has twice been the runner-up. The Orioles lost to Minneapolis North in 2003 and Hopkins in 2009.

 

Lakeville North is making its first ever appearance in the state title game. Its only other state tournament appearance in its short history came in 2006.

 

For either the Panthers or Orioles the wait to bring home a state championship ends Saturday, March 24. Here is a look at how both teams have fared this season: