Coach Chuck Schneider's Sacred Heart Scarlets overcame an early 8-0 deficit to capture the Region 7 championship before a standing room only crowd at the Waseca Central gym Sunday afternoon. The Scarlets bounced New Ulm Cathedral 66-50 to capture their fourth regional title and first trip to state since 1956.

SH took an 18-10 lead after one quarter, led 31 to 26 at the intermission and opened up a 53 to 41 advantage after three quarters.

The Scarlets had four players in double digits, led by Leo Nissen's 23 points. Don Kelly pumped in 13 points, Al Miller scored 11 and Don Szyszka added 10 for the winners. Nissen, Kelly and Leo Hayunga were named to the all-region team.

Hayunga's 13 rebounds paced the Scarlets to a 39 to 23 advantage on the boards.

SH, sporting a 13-8 overall record, will battle Duluth Cathedral in its opening round game at state.

Waseca ran its winning streak to 24 games as coach Manny Beckmann's Bluejays blasted Goodhue 88-47 to repeat as District Four champions Saturday at St. Olaf College. It was Waseca's seventh district title and the fifth for Beckmann.

Goodhue held one early lead but it was all Bluejays after that. Waseca led 16 to 10 after one quarter, 44 to 27 at the break and 65 to 37 after three quarters.

Gene Glynn sparked the Jays with 29 points and nine assists. He scored 20 points in the first half. Steve Cunningham had a double-double with 25 points and 19 rebounds. Dean Landkammer chipped in with 12 points for the Bluejays.

Despite a 37-point final quarter by Grand Meadow, NRHEG earned a chance to defend its District 2A title with a 79-69 triumph over the Super Larks in Austin Tuesday. Ted Pelzl's Panthers improved to 17-4 for the year.

NRHEG, which held a 60-30 lead near the end of the third quarter, saw GM battle back within eight points with two minutes remaining in the game. The Panthers cashed 12 of 15 free throws in the final quarter to clinch the win.

Tyler Peterson fired in 26 points, Jason Rud scored a career high 23 and Steve Johnson added 10 for the winners. Johnson and Mike Truebenbach ripped down 14 rebounds apiece.

NRHEG will tangle with Austin Pacelli for the district title Friday.