With last year's Class 2A, Section 7 winner Crosby-Ironton having a down year, the door is open for a new team to capture a state bid. Friday's showdown between Virginia and Esko -- two of the legitimate contenders in the section -- may give either the edge it needs for a successful postseason run. And both will be eager to test themselves against a quality foe in the regular-season finale.
Virgina has wrapped up another Iron Range Conference title and is looking to reach the state tournament for the first time since the 2010-11 season. If the Blue Devils (20-4, 10-1) perform well while visiting Esko, they should be confident the drought can end.
A mix of experience and youth drives Virginia's offense, a group led by of senior Ethan Youso (18.1 ppg) and sophomore Jayden Bernard (14.6 ppg). However, the Blue Devils' best chance at a victory may be determined by their defense.
Virginia has not allowed more than 69 points in any game this season -- a mark the Eskomos have eclipsed 13 times this season. If the Blue Devils can keep control of the game, they will have a good shot at heading into section play on a winning note.
Esko made four straight state tournament appearances before the streak was broken last season. With an experienced roster led by Adam Trapp (16.8 ppg), Quinn Fischer (14.5 ppg) and Ryan Pantsar (11.6 ppg), the Eskomos are poised to make another run through the section playoffs.
After a rough patch in the middle of January, Esko (20-4, 5-0) brings a 10-game winning streak into the week and seems to have plenty of momentum heading into the postseason. With a game against Crosby-Ironton on Tuesday and the meeting with Virginia on Friday, the Eskomos will end the week with a good idea of how they stack up against section opponents.