This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first championship season for girls high school basketball in Minnesota. However, this milestone does not coincide with the anniversary of the first girls state tournament. In February 1974, teams from private high schools participated in the Minnesota State Independent Girls Tournament held at Concordia College (now Concordia University) in St. Paul. The participating schools included St. Margaret’s, Holy Angels, Rochester Lourdes, Winsted Holy Trinity, St. Bernard’s, Edgerton Southwest Christian, Hill-Murray, and Mayer Lutheran, with St. Margaret’s emerging victorious in the championship game against St. Bernard’s.
Following the tournament, in May 1974, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) approved the inclusion of 34 private schools as members of the league, with their membership set to commence in the 1975-76 school year. This decision expanded opportunities for girls in private schools to participate in MSHSL-sanctioned athletic events, including future state tournaments.
As Minnesota celebrates the 50th anniversary of girls high school basketball championships, it is important to recognize the history and progression of the sport in the state. The inclusion of private schools in the MSHSL further solidified the growth and development of girls basketball, paving the way for increased participation and competitiveness in the years to come. Despite not being the anniversary of the first girls state tournament, the 1974 Minnesota State Independent Girls Tournament remains a significant event in the history of girls high school basketball in the state.
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