SAM BRANCALE Eden Prairie, wrestling
You wouldn't think there's much a 103-pound high school sophomore could do to stand out at a school as big and successful as Eden Prairie.
But then, Sam Brancale is not your garden variety sophomore.
He completed an undefeated season (39-0) with a 7-2 victory over Nick Scheffert of Owatonna in the Class 3A final, marking only the fourth time Eden Prairie has had an individual state champion and the first since 1998, when Nick Ledin and Dave Redinius won championships.
His success, Brancale admitted, has translated into a higher profile at the state's largest high school.
"Yeah, I get recognized a little bit more," Brancale said Friday, moments after winning his semifinal match. "It's kind of nice. When you win, people notice you."
Not that attention is his motive. Brancale is dedicated to improving himself. Winning championships and getting noticed are just the rewards.
"I'm just doing what I do," he said. "It's all about hard work. It you work hard enough, good things happen."
BROOKE BROWN Chaska, basketball
The Hawks will play for the Section 2, 4A championship this week thanks to a pair of great games from the senior guard. She had 20 points and seven steals in a victory over Shakopee and a season-high 29 points in a victory over No. 5, Class 4A Eden Prairie.