With players like all-state star Brandon DeBerardinis, Lake Norman has become a state power. The Wildcats aim for a seventh state championship appearance this year.

The Wolverines are in first place in the Big Ten, while the Spartans are a half-game back entering Friday's showdown.

Additionally, there will be at least one fewer automatic qualifier this season, as the Ivy League's decision to forgo the 2020-21 season reduces the number of AQ entries to 31 for this season.

Coming into Saturday’s game, Villanova entered after suffering a 5–15 blow in its Feb. 9 season opener to Penn State. The Wildcats sought to rebound after losing to the Nittany Lions. In last year’s ...