SISSETON- They are back, they are the top seed, and the Sisseton Redmen are motivated to win a state championship.

After a third-place finish a year ago, Sisseton heads into today’s Class A State Girls’ Basketball Tournament with unfinished business.

“They really want it this year. They kind of didn’t know what to expect I think last year,” said Sisseton coach Sara Lincoln. “But last year I think they got a little taste of it and now they want to win it all.”

The Redmen, 21-1 on the season, take on Mount Vernon-Plankinton in the tournament’s first game at noon today in Brookings. While her team is the top seed, Lincoln doesn’t necessarily consider Sisseton the overwhelming favorite.

“We don’t really see it like that. We still feel like we’re the underdogs, like we’re not the ones that people are watching out for,” Lincoln said. “We’ve struggled a few games, but they’ve always come out together by the end of the game.”

Lincoln believes that despite a stellar season, her team still hasn’t performed to its peak level, yet.

The Redmen are led inside by sisters Chloe and Krista Langager. Krista averages 20.5 points per game, while Chloe averages 9.3. Both grab nearly seven rebounds per contest.

“I think that’s what good about having Chloe and Krista,” Lincoln said, “if one is struggling, or one just isn’t in it one night, the other one will step up. They really keep each other focused and wanting to go to the next step.”

Hannah Leverson handles the point guard position. She averages 11.3 points and almost 5 assists per game, and orchestrates the Sisseton offense.

“She’s the one that kind of gets people to where they need to get. She makes passes that I can’t even believe sometimes,” Lincoln said. “I don’t even know how they get to Chloe and Krista. It’s really amazing to have her on the team and just for her to keep everybody moving out there.”

Emmalee Nielsen is another key contributor and averages 9.3 points per contest.

The Redmen have plenty of other options that help with offense and defense. That group includes Rylie Huff, Alexia Quinn, Ruby Rice, and Tara Nelson.

“Every little piece that these guys bring is so huge for this team,” Lincoln said.

The Redmen will face a Mount Vernon-Plankinton squad which eliminated last year’s state runner-up Wagner in regional action. The Titans are led by South Dakota State recruit Emilee Fox, who is averaging 21.4 points per game and has unlimited range.

“We’re not taking anybody lightly. Everybody that’s in the state tournament is going to be a tough draw,” Lincoln said. “We’ve watched them numerous games and they’re pretty tough.”

That said, Lincoln likes her team’s matchup inside against MVP and also her guards’ defensive ability to help contain Fox.

“We think Hannah is going to do a great job. She obviously is going to be picking her up everywhere,” Lincoln said. “I have all the trust in their defense. Ruby Rice can defend the ball really well. We’re ready for the challenge.”

Lincoln said her team will need to value the basketball during the tournament, but believes that the Redman have a real chance to come away with the state championship.

“I think every team is going to be a tough draw, but we’re going in and we’re hoping that we’re walking out of this as state champion,” Lincoln said. “I think if we all play the game we know we can play, if we all play within our roles, I think that’s it’s going to be tough to stop us.”