As the Minnesota State baseball tournament draws near, Northland teams are preparing for one last stand on the 2025 season.

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For Class AAA Section 7 representative Grand Rapids, their experience down at the state tournament gives them an extra drive to go deep into the tournament.

“It feels pretty cool. It’ll be the fourth year I played in it. So, I’m excited and hopefully we can get a little further than last year,” said senior center fielder Klous Jones.

“It’s just so much fun down there, the atmosphere, the games, and most importantly, winning the state championship,” said senior pitcher Sam Dick.

The Thunderhawks will be returning to the state tournament with a purpose and a plan.

“It’s just little things, like when it matters, get a bunt down, make the simple plays, have good pitching and have clutch hitting,” said senior shortstop Caleb Gunderson.

For South Ridge baseball, their younger players stepped up to the plate this season to help earn them a trip back to the state tournament.

“I think some teams, including maybe our coaching staff, were thinking this might not be our year. But we started clicking at the right time. We have a good group of kids, they work hard, they’re really together, they’re like a family, more so than any other team I’ve had. So, things are going well at the right time,” said head coach Aaron Weber.

The tournament will be a new experience for many on the team, including senior pitcher Zyere Alexander.

“I’ve never been to state myself, but it feels pretty good,” said Alexander.

Those younger players are putting their best foot forward, in hopes of sending the four seniors off on a win.

“I can’t wait for the experience to have with these fellows, you know. Hopefully, the seniors end up with the W, so that’s what we’re really looking for. Just play our game. If something goes wrong, just shake it off and go get them the next time,” said sophomore pitcher Gavin Wileck.

Grand Rapids was awarded the #5 seed for the Class AAA state tournament and begins their state run against #4 seeded Delano on Wednesday, June 11th at 5:30pm. Click here to view the full tournament bracket.

South Ridge was awarded the #3 seed for the Class A state tournament and begins their state run against #6 seeded Hayfield on Wednesday, June 11th at 1pm. Click here to view the full tournament bracket.