The Warriors won’t participate in the third-place game this year. Instead, it’ll be playing for a Class 2A title.

The Warriors defeated Maple River 74-58 to advance to the championship game. They finished third last year and were determined not to lose in the semifinals for a second consecutive season.

“More businesslike,” said Caledonia coach Josh Diersen, describing this year’s run. “I think any team that’s been to state [has experienced] just not executing; our guys are executing better and there’s still one more game here.”

Caledonia led the entire game as both teams got off to a slow start. The Warriors found their touch after the first five minutes, jumping out to a 40-19 lead at halftime.

Freshman Owen King led the Warriors (28-4) with 18 points, shooting four of seven on three-pointers. Senior guard Kyle Sorenson added 17 points and nine rebounds.

“Defense started it all,” King said. “Once we got defensive stops, we pushed it as fast as we can. That gave us open looks.”

Maple River (28-4), based in Mapleton, couldn’t overcome its early woes, shooting 29.2 percent in the first half and committing 11 turnovers. They shot 36.7 percent in the game.

Senior guard Jonah Breiter led Maple River with 18 points and six rebounds. Sophomore guard Jeff Lewis also had 15 points.

Caledonia will get a shot at its second state title, and first since 1997, when it faces Melrose on Saturday in the championship game. Diersen was part of the 1997 state title team.

“Two different teams,” Diersen said. “These guys are so skilled — shooting-wise, passing-wise. … It’s a fun group to watch with the tempo we play.”

Caledonia won’t participate in the consolation game this year. Instead, it’ll be playing for a boys’ state title.

The Warriors defeated Maple River, 74-58, in the 2A state semifinal on Friday to advance to the championship game. They finished third last year and were determined not to lose in the semifinals for a second straight season.

Caledonia led the entire game, shooting 53.2 percent from the floor. Both teams got off to a slow start, but the Warriors found their touch after the first five minutes in the game. They jumped out to a 40-19 lead at halftime, finishing the first half shooting 48.3 percent.

Freshman Owen King led the Warriors with 18 points, shooting 4 of 7 on three pointers. Senior guard Kyle Sorenson added 17 points and nine rebounds.

Maple River couldn’t overcome its early woes, shooting 29.2 percent in the first half. The Eagles shot 2 of 11 from three pointers and committed 11 turnovers. They shot 36.7 percent in the game.

Senior guard Jonah Breiter led Maple River with 18 points and six rebounds. Sophomore guard Jeff Lewis also had 15 points.

Caledonia will get a shot at its second state title, and first since 1997, when it faces Melrose on Saturday in the championship game.