It could be a battle of wills in the match-up between Buffalo and Marshall in the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic at Minnetonka. Both teams feature coaches who are among the best in their field, Nick Guida at Buffalo and Tom Critchley Jr. at Marshall. But both have different ideas on the strengths of their teams this winter. Guida is expecting his team to play a grinding defense that keeps the opposition uncomfortable all game long. Meanwhile, Critchley is implementing an aggressive, up-tempo game.

Despite the conflicting styles, both have had plenty of success. 

Expectations again run high in Buffalo (7-3), which has been just one victory shy of returning to the state tournament each of the last two years, losing to St. Cloud Tech in the Section 8AAAA finals both years. The Bison were the last team from the section to win a state title, however, surprising many by claiming the 2007 championship in the school’s first appearance at state in 76 years.

With the talent and coaching of Guida, it won’t be 76 years before the Bison are back at state. Guida has a 137-68 record in seven seasons with the Bison, including four straight 20-win seasons. He admitted that his program lost a great senior class to graduation last spring, but he’s looking forward to the process of building another contender.

Buffalo led the state in scoring defense last year and should be stingy again this year behind players such as 5-foot-11 senior guard Andy Ortmann (16.6 ppg), a terrific competitor who won’t be outworked by anyone. He epitomizes the Bison teams under Guida. Sophomore Ethan Freer (9.7 ppg) is the only other returning starter from last year. He’s a very talented player who is tough, smart and skilled. Guida expects a big sophomore campaign from the 6-foot-1 guard. Junior Caleb Ruter (6.6 ppg), another 6-foot-1 guard, should take on a big role, as well. He’s an athletic player who can really fill it up, as can 6-foot-4 junior forward Dominic Gilmer, a lefty whose length will help balance the Bison’s otherwise small lineup. Senior Josh High (10.4 ppg) adds good toughness and skill.

Marshall (7-3) should be plenty of fun to watch this winter, as longtime coach Critchley implements an aggressive, quick and up-tempo game. He knows how to play into his team’s strengths and for the Tigers, that means guards, guards and more guards.

Four starters return from a 17-10 season, all athletic and talented guards. Senior Caleb Johnson is a hard-nosed guard who is among the best players in the area, junior Lee Christianson has good length at 6-foot-4 and can really play anywhere on the court, junior Ben Sanders is extremely quick with the ball and can get his shot off any time, and junior Beau Bofferding has game-changing speed at both ends of the court.

The quartet needs a player to get them the ball and that looks to be newcomers Austin Saugstad, a sophomore point guard who “plays the game the right way.” He has great skills and should grow into one of the best point guards in the region.

Ortmann, a 5-foot-11 guard, is a tireless worker who will never give in, no matter what. He epitomizes the Bison under coach Nick Guida and his withering defensive system. Very competitive player who can also score.

A hard-nosed guard, Johnson is one of the best players in the southwest corner of the state. The 6-foot-2 senior averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game last year while earning All-Southwest honors.