Eastview played well for large segments of Thursday’s Class 4A semifinal at Williams Arena. But the beginning and end of the game? Well, those two segments belonged to the Royals. A

MINNEAPOLIS – The West Central Area girls basketball team made history on Thursday, winning its first-ever state tournament game, beating Crowell-Wright 61-54. The Knights set their sights on making more history on Friday with a win over the defending Class A state champion Goodhue in the state tournament semifinals.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown for the Hopkins Royals. The eight-time state champs have been to the Class 4A state title game 12 times in the past 14 years and will return again Saturday, thanks to their 68-48 semifinal victory Thursday at Williams Arena.