The Packer boys have gathered most of the local sports attention this winter as they have rolled to a so-far undefeated season, but a couple of other local teams also deserve mention and congratulations.

The Lyle-Pacelli girls have worked their way to a 15-2 record on the season, building that success on a stifling defense that has held its opponent to fewer than 30 points eight times so far this season. The Austin gymnasts have also had a very good season, winning all of their Big Nine duals this year and threatening to unseat Owatonna as the reigning conference champion.

Winning is not the only important part of high school athletics. Win or lose, student athletes learn valuable lessons. Still, it is well worth recognizing teams that have achieved at a particularly high level, as have the Packer boys basketball team, Austin gymnasts and Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team.