Esko, DeLaSalle, Lakeville North Out to Defend State Boys Basketball Titles

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Esko, DeLaSalle and Lakeville North have returned to the boys state basketball tournament to defend titles.

The tournament begins Wednesday at Target Center and Williams Arena, the 19th year of the four-class format.

There will be a new champion in Class 1A, where Rushford-Peterson has the top seed. The Trojans lost to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in last season's final. In Class 2A, Esko has a tough draw. The Eskomos face No. 1 seed St. Croix Lutheran in the quarterfinals.

DeLaSalle has won three straight Class 3A titles, and the Islanders are the top seed. In Class 4A, Lakeville North plays Hopkins in the quarterfinals in a rematch of last year's title game won 84-82 by the Panthers. Undefeated Champlin Park is the No. 1 seed on the other side of that bracket.