Mountain Iron-Buhl Falls in Class A State Championship

Final high school game for Zubich, Savela

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain-Iron Buhl girls basketball team’s road to their second-straight state title fell one win short, losing to Goodhue 70-65 in the Class A State Championship.

The Rangers got off to a rocky start as they trailed 9-0 with 15:18 remaining in the first half. What’s more is Jordan Zubich was called for a pair of quick fouls, though Coach Jeff Buffetta opted to keep his star in the game.

In the final seconds of the first half, Goodhue’s Elisabeth Gadient banked in a layup at the buzzer, putting the Wildcats ahead 39-29 at halftime. Gadient led Goodhue with 20 points while Hali Savela tallied 12 points for MIB.

In the second half, MIB was able to close on the Wildcats’ lead 55-52, but Goodhue responded with a 7-0 run with six minutes remaining. After missing a handful of late-game field goals, the Rangers were unable to catch up with Goodhue as the Wildcats claimed the Class A State Championship 70-65.

Senior Gabby Lira led the Rangers with 24 points to go with nine rebounds. Hali Savela scored 14 points and 9 rebounds while Zubich finished with 12 points, eight assists and five rebounds. All three were selected to the Class A All-Tournament Team.