The Crimson knew they were in for a battle against the Pirates, ranked No. 1 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News. They were able to match the physical style of Park Center and control the pace of the game. Maple Grove coach Nick Schroeder knew if the No. 18-4A Crimson were going to win, it would have to be a bit ugly, and that proved to be the key to victory.

“It was defensive rebounds and loose balls and second opportunities and extra possessions,” Schroeder said. “We just fought really hard for those tonight and I think that was the difference.”

Schroeder wanted his team to control the paint against a Park Center team that thrives off driving to the basket. They were able to do that in large part due to the play of Lincoln Palbicki, as the 6-foot-9 center caused problems for the Pirates on both ends.

“(Palbicki’s) really focusing on going and getting rebounds and taking a backseat of trying to score,” Schroeder said. “And because he’s doing that, his scoring is coming a little easier. I’m really proud of him and his mindset of being a great rebounder.”

That mindset led to Palbicki finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

The other key to victory for the Crimson was Vaidya and fellow guard Henry Stang handling the relentless press the Pirates’ guards put on them for 36 minutes.

“I think both of our guards, they went through it, man,” Schroeder said. “Park Center’s guards are big and strong and long, and they’re hard to see around. I thought our guys were gritty.”

Vaidya and Stang were prepared for the test of dealing with the constant defensive pressure from the Pirates (23-2, 17-2). Vaidya focused on making the right decisions for his team and not trying to go after home run plays.

While this win over the Pirates—who started the season 22-0 before losing two of their last three games of the regular season—was incredibly exciting for the Crimson (20-6, 15-4) and their fans, Schroeder wants to make sure it doesn’t become the highlight of his team’s season.

“This is an awesome win, an exciting win, but in the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t mean much other than giving us some confidence,” Schroeder said.

With sections looming, he hopes this game will be something the Crimson can look back on to help them in the do-or-die games to come.

“You can learn a lot from losing a game and you can learn a lot from winning a game and how you did it,” Schroeder said. “That’s the message: What did we do well and how can we repeat it? What did we not do well and how can we eliminate it?”