ROCHESTER, Minn. – With just two thee-pointers the whole game, the Winona Winhawks lost the Section 1AAA boys basketball playoffs to Austin 46-39. The Packers advance to the state tournament. Austin Coach Kris Fadness credits his Packers’ defense:  “We contested most of their shots. We had a lot of blocked shots. This was all about defense tonight.” The Packers used a 12-0 run over six minutes to take a 14-5 lead in the first half. The Winhawks managed to get within 16-13 but were repressed by the Austin defense. Austin iced the game with 6-for-17 on free throws in the final two minutes.

Recent history

Austin and Winona met twice during the regular season. The Packers won both games on a strong defense. They go to state with a 17-12 overall record. The Winhawks ended 18-11.

Past history

The Section 1AAA title gives the Austin Packers their first trip to state since 2019. No one from the 2019 team is still on board.

Winhawks coach. Kyle Martin: “Some nights, shots just don’t fall and that was one of them tonight.”