Only one tournament entrant, St. Agnes, has won the state title. The St. Paul-based Aggies, who are 20-6 this year, captured the Class 1A crown in 2001. None of the eight teams in the quarterfinals has a winning percentage above .500 in state tournament play.
Perfection and experience
New York Mills is the only undefeated team (23-0) in the Class 1A field, and brought back eight starters from last year's state tournament squad. The team lost both of its state tournament games in 2011. Will the players benefit from an extra year of experience?
New kids on the block
There are three first-time entrants in the field: BOLD (Bird Island, Olivia and Lake Lillian), Blackduck and Lac qui Parle Valley in Madison. BOLD and Blackduck meet in the opening round, so one of the schools is at least guaranteed a spot in the semifinals.
RON HAGGSTROM