Basketball Title Games: Rushford-Peterson Claims Crown and DeLaSalle’s Reign Continues

Rushford-Peterson captured the third boys basketball title for their community. Minneapolis DeLaSalle won its fourth straight title. Melrose and Apple Valley also won.

Watch the final seconds tick off and the celebration begin as Rushford-Peterson captures the Class A state basketball championship at Target Center. You will enjoy No. 55 Kyler Paulson as he leaps around the court in elation.

Class A: Rushford-Peterson 51, Maranatha Christian Academy, Brooklyn Center 44

The Trojans opened the parade of championship games by playing great defense in holding Maranatha Christian Academy nearly 40 points below their season average in a 51-44 victory. No. 1 Rushford-Peterson forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 20 points. Alex Vix scored 23 points. Charlie Krambeer added 17. The Trojans brought home the third state basketball title trophy for the area. R-P also won the 2006 title, while Rushford won state in 1989. This was the 15th appearance at state for coach Tom Mix, which is tied for tops all-time with Ken Novak Jr.

Class AAA: Minneapolis DeLaSalle 82, St. Paul Johnson 64

Minneapolis DeLaSalle won its fourth straight state AAA title. That has only been accomplished by two other schools. Southwest Minnesota Christian won four in a row from 1999-02. Minneapolis Patrick Henry took home four straight titles from 2000-03. For DeLaSalle it was their eighth overall state basketball title in their 20th appearance in the state tournament. Sacar Anim scored 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Joshua Collins also added a double-double with 17 points and 13 boards.

Class AA: Melrose Area 63, Caledonia 51

Melrose Area wore the glass slippers at this year's tournament. The Dutchmen were appearing at state for the first time since winning a title in 1974. They were not ranked in the final poll of the season and were No. 4 in the tournament. Melrose upset the top seeds from St. Croix Lutheran in the semifinals and beat No. 2-ranked Caledonia 63-51 in the AA title game.

Class AAAA: Apple Valley 64, Champlin Park 61

The Eagles prevented the Rebels from completing a perfect season winning a tight back-and-forth game. Apple Valley had lost a close decision to Champlin Park in December. The Rebels ended their season with a 31-1 record.