Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Jack McElroy shoots for St. Edmond last Friday night against top-ranked Clear Lake.

The St. Edmond boys found out their postseason path on Monday as they prepare to conclude the regular season this week.

Along with moving up two spots to fifth in the latest IHSAA rankings to No. 5 in Class 1A, the Gaels (17-3 overall, 10-3 in the North Central Conference) were given the No. 1 seed in Class 1A, District 4, where they will face either AGWSR or South Hamilton on Monday to tip off the tournament.

The district has Mason City Newman as the No. 2 seed, Janesville No. 3 and Nashua-Plainfield at 4. On the opposite side awaiting for a potential substate final could be a rematch with Bishop Garrigan, as the Golden Bears are No. 1 in District 3.

As the top seed, St. Edmond would host until the district final, which would be held at a neutral site. The substate final would also be held at a neutral site.

Before that, the Gaels look to secure at least a share of the runner-up spot in the league with a win over Webster City (7-11, 6-6) in the regular season finale on Tuesday. They will also honor lone senior Andrew Clavey.

St. Edmond had its 11-game win streak snapped last Friday night by top-ranked and undefeated (3A) Clear Lake, 69-54.

Junior Hunter Horn is averaging 24 points and nine rebounds per game, with classmates Jakob Koopman (12 points, eight rebounds, three assists) and Carson Bargfrede (nine points) providing offensive support.

Jack McElroy, another 11th-grader, averages a team-high six assists.

For the Lynx, Cole Miller is their leading scorer at 11 points per game. He is shooting 34 percent from the 3-point line.

Conner Peck and Carter Mickelson each average 7.8 points.

St. Edmond has won two of the last three in the series, including a 68-47 victory in January.

The Gael girls (5-14, 1-10) have lost their last seven decisions, but three of those have been by eight points or less — including a 49-43 setback to Clear Lake last Friday.

Chloe Palmer leads the team at 10 points per game, followed by seniors Josie Harvey and Payton Bradley, who average 9.9 and 8.1, respectively.

Anna Lursen, who eclipsed 500 career rebounds earlier this year as just a junior, averages almost 12 boards.

Harvey, Bradley and Braelynn Rees will all be honored as part of Senior Night.

The St. Edmond girls have known its postseason path for a while now, as they open Class 1A, Region 3 play at home on Thursday vs. Paton-Churdan.

Webster City (3-16, 1-10) is paced by senior Olivia Gallentine, leads the team in points, rebounds and assists.