Blake has won the last four girls' state championships and is the favorite again this year. Photo by Brian Nelson

Long live the champs

The Eden Prairie boys and Blake girls return loaded lineups and appear capable of defending their state championships. Blake, winner of the last four state titles, already is the state’s preeminent girls’ program. Eden Prairie could make the same claim on the boys’ side (the Eagles were runner-up four times before finally breaking through last year) with another championship.