MADISON -- When schools host holiday sports tournaments, the objective is to get the home team into the championship, and more likely, to win.
But that won't work this year for the Lac qui Parle Valley girls basketball team, which will host its annual two-day Invite starting Thursday.
Trying to find losses among the four teams -- the Eagles, Hancock, Minneota and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton -- is like trying to find snow on the ground this winter.
Hancock and RTR are undefeated at 7-0 and the Owls are ranked No. 6 in the most recent Class A poll. Minneota is 6-1, with its only loss to the Knights Dec. 19. LQPV is 4-2.
"It's going to be a great venue for girls basketball. We're very excited to host this," said LQPV coach Ryan Giles.
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Minneota and RTR battle in the first game at 3 p.m., followed by LQPV vs. Hancock at 6 p.m. The losers play at 3 p.m. Friday for third place and winners meet in the championship game at 6 p.m. that evening.
"It sets up like a section final atmosphere," Giles said. "These teams have proven themselves year after year."
Either RTR or Minneota has won the last three titles, with the Knights capturing crowns in 2003 and 2005.
- T.J. Bartelt
