By Greg Grabianowski

Sports Editor

MASON CITY—Top-ranked Bishop Garrigan earned the right to defend their Class 1A state title on Thursday, Feb. 23 with a 76-41 win over No. 11 Riceville in the Region No. 1 championship contest.

The black-and-gold scored the first seven points of the game before building a double-digit lead. The Wildcats battled hard throughout the contest but could not get closer than 11 points at any point in the game.