North Branch and Chisago Lakes have been in the shadow of Hermantown in Class 3A, Section 7 for several years, but this season may be the one in which one or both shine in the postseason. Both have looked like the class of the section and the Mississippi 8 Conference Red Division with their play.
The Vikings (12-1, 3-0) suffered just one loss this season — a 3-1 defeat to Class 4A Rogers on May 3.
North Branch has benefited from having shortstop Macy Brodin in the lineup. The senior went 2-for-3 with a double and a triple in the No. 2-3A Vikings' 7-5 win against Cambridge-Isanti on May 9.
The No. 9-3A Wildcats' lone loss also came to Rogers — a 2-0 decision on April 26. The Wildcats have been strong again this season after winning 20 games a year ago.
Chisago Lakes (9-1, 4-0) relies on its hitting and is led by junior catcher Kaitlyn Istvanovich, who's picked up some timely hits, including a two-run home run and a RBI double in a 4-3 win against St. Francis on April 28.
--Second game to follow