Section 1A Girls Basketball Championship Preview Pt. 2: Grand Meadow looking to pull off the upset

ROCHESTER (KAAL TV) – It’s hard to beat a team twice. It’s almost impossible to beat a team three times.

In Saturday’s Section 1A semifinal game, the Grand Meadow Superlarks were looking to get the monkey off their back and avoid a third loss to their arch-rivals Kingsland.

Big plays from River Landers, Sydney Cotten, and the Queenslands – Kendyl and Lauren – helped Grand Meadow pull away in the second half and eke out the 46-37 victory.

The quartet accounted for 35 of Grand Meadow’s points.

"I think the most important thing for us was just the mental aspect of it, not giving up, playing as a team, keeping our composure throughout the whole game and I think we did a really good job of that," Landers said.

"I cannot be more proud of my team for holding it together and fighting for the win and we just got it done. I’m really proud."

The team understands they have a big challenge as they will attempt to knock off the undefeated Hayfield Vikings.

However, crazy things happen in March with it being "March Madness"

The Superlarks believe they can be the one to end the undefeated streak and advance to the state tournament.

"Hayfield has had a tremendous season," Grand Meadow girls basketball coach Ryan Queensland said.

"They’ve got a heck of a squad, good coaching staff, and we’re going to have to be on our A-game. We’re going to enjoy this one tonight but then we’ll start prepping and you know it’ll be what it will be. We’ll play hard, we’ll play our best and you know lay our hearts on the line."

Tip-off for the Section 1A title game is set for Thursday at 6 pm at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

The quarterfinal round of the section boys basketball tournament is set to begin Monday at the Civic Center:

Section 1A

#1 Hayfield will take on #8 Randolph at 6 pm.

#4 Spring Grove will face #5 Kenyon-Wanamingo at 7:30 pm.

Both games will take place in the auditorium of the Civic Center.

Section 1AA

#1 Caledonia vs. #8 Triton at 6 pm

#4 La Crescent-Hokah vs. #5 Lewiston-Altura at 7:30 pm

Both games will take place in the arena of the Civic Center