Normally a team’s home court is an oasis but it hasn’t been for the Albert Lea boys’ and girls’ basketball team at the Tiger Classic recently.

Last year both teams went 1-1 at the tournament and failed to reach the championship game. The last time either team won the championship came in 2006 when the girls claimed the title. It was the first time in five years. The boys last claimed the title in 2004.

The path to the title won’t be easy for the girls this time as they face Hayfield, the fourth-ranked team in Class 2A. The Vikings (8-0) have a 1,000-point scorer in Kiley Severson and another threat in Jordyn Krekling. Albert Lea (3-3) will try to counter with its one-two punch of seniors Abbey Arends and Morgan Stadheim. Arends is averaging 18.5 points per game and Stadheim 12.2. The Tigers are undefeated at home this season.

Albert Lea and Hayfield tip off at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

The winner will face the winner of Cannon Falls (0-7) and Concordia Academy-Roseville (4-2) for the championship at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The losers will play at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The boys’ team picked up its lone victories at the Tiger Classic the last two seasons against Murray County Central, but the Rebels are no longer in the tournament.

Albert Lea (1-3) will have to contend with the likes of Hayfield (3-2) to open the tournament at 7:30 p.m. Monday and face either Richfield (2-2) or West Salem, Wis., on Tuesday.

If the Tigers win they will play for the championship at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, if they lose they will play at 3:30 p.m.