ESPN RISE

Girls' Basketball - Totino-Grace

Defense, defense, defense. The message couldn't be clearer for the Totino-Grace girls' basketball team. It's the same message that helped the team win the Class AAA title last year, and it's what coach Shannon Hartinger preaches every chance she gets. "We strive for defense first," she says. "We're not so worried about (offense). We're looking to wear down opposing teams." For a team that gave up the fewest points of anyone at last year's state tourney, offense is usually an afterthought, but senior Lizzi Naumann will help in the scoring column. "She's such an inside force," Hartinger says. "She dominates the boards offensively and defensively, and she's got a knack for finding a way to the hoop." Naumann, who committed to Drake, averaged 10.5 points per game last season. Senior Lauren Soukup is a defensive star but knows how to score as well. "She's got a great shot from the outside," Hartinger says. "She's a very smart player who thinks the game through. She's a great vocal leader." Senior Jackie Meyer was the backup point guard last year but will contribute as a starter this year, and senior Emily King should add depth. A successful JV program will help the team, and one of those call-ups, sophomore Kaelie Kraska, could contribute immediately. "We have a core of girls who balance each other out," Hartinger says. "We're not interested in creating superstars."

Boys' Nordic Skiing - Forest Lake

In a senior-heavy pursuit race at last year's state championship, Forest Lake edged challengers from Minneapolis Southwest and Wayzata to earn the crown. While most of the state's top teams have since lost their best skiers, the Rangers bring back senior Ryan White, who was fourth overall and second among underclassmen. Junior Mike Howe, a classical specialist who could finish in the top 20 this year, also returns. The duo makes the Rangers the favorites to repeat.

Girls' Alpine Skiing - Edina

The Hornets surprised many teams in the state by taking the runner-up spot at last year's state alpine championships, helped largely by two freshmen who finished in the top 15. Those two competitors, Kiltie Finsand and Taylor Johnson, are sophomores this year and are expected to bolster an already talented team. Senior Meredith Finsand, who was seventh at state last year, is one of the top six returning skiers in the state and should contend for the state title.

Wrestling - Simley

One of the state's deepest teams hopes to defend its title at the Class AA state meet. Simley boasted a young but resilient roster last season, including five wrestlers who earned wins at the state meet, and two of them finished in the top five in their respective weight classes. Junior Tommy Glenn, wrestling at 119 pounds, finished fifth in the individual tournament, while senior Jack Barnes, wrestling at 145 pounds, placed fourth.

BREAK OUT TEAMS

BOYS' ICE HOCKEY  ROSEAU
The best in the state between the pipes may be senior Mike Lee.

GIRLS' ICE HOCKEY  EAGAN
All-State defensive star Lisa Berreman is a multi-dimensional threat.

BOYS' SWIMMING  FARIBAULT
Senior Joey Clapp should contend to be the state's fastest swimmer.

GIRLS' NORDIC SKIING  LITTLE FALLS
Kayla Meyer and Molly Binger, both seniors, hope to help the Flyers contend.