Ely at Legacy Christian Academy
11 a.m., Saturday, April 22

In one of the toughest Class 1A stretches this season, 2016 state qualifier No. 11-1A Ely travels to fellow state qualifiers No. 8-1A Hinckley-Finlayson and No. 3-1A Legacy Christian Academy during a two-day span.

It will be a difficult test to see if the Timberwolves (1-1) can make another state run despite losing five starters, including pitcher Pat Huisman, who struck out 44 batters in the Class 1A, Section 7 tournament last year. Senior Mark Killoran will be one of the leaders for an inexperienced team that has eight underclassmen, including leadoff-hitter Nils Deremee, on the roster.

Legacy Christian (3-1, 1-0) returns almost its entire team after completing a consolation championship run last season. Eight starters and every pitcher return for the Lions, who have their sights set on the state championship.

Josh Peterson has played a big role in the hot start, pitching 17.2 innings with 17 strikeouts and 1.21 earned run average, while also posting a .600 batting average.