This blog represents the personal views of sports blogger Ben Segelbaum.  Segelbaum’s views do not necessarily reflect those of The Royal Page staff as a whole.

For the 14th time in the Ken Novak Jr., Social Studies and head coach, era the boys basketball team is headed back to the Target Center and the state tournament.

On Saturday March 7, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) announced the seedings for all four classes participating in the state tournament.

The Royals were given the third seed in class 4A and will open the state tournament with a game against the Lakeville North Panthers on Wednesday March 11 at 4 pm.

The Panthers beat the Royals in last years state championship game 84-82. They haven’t played each other since.

Representing section 1AAAA, the Panthers come in with an 18-11 regular season record and a section championship win over Rochester John Marshall.

Last year the Panthers were led by J.P. Macura, senior guard, who scored 43 points in the 2014 state title game.

This year, the player who poses the greatest threat from the Panthers this season is Connor Flack, senior, who averages 18.4 points per game.

The key for the Royals is rebounding, a problem that has plagued them all season. In this game, I believe talent alone can give the Royals the first round victory.

The winner of this matchup will play the winner of second-seeded Apple Valley and St. Michael-Albertville.

On the other side of the bracket, undefeated and first-seeded Champlin Park will play St. Francis. Fourth-seeded Shakopee will play fifth-seeded Roseville in the always competitive 4-5 seed game.

Below is the Class 4A bracket: