NORMAL — Annawan didn’t bring home the trophy they wanted to from the IHSA 1A State Girls’ Basketball Tournament, but they laid the ground work for another potential state championship run next year.

The Bravettes defeated Cowden Herrick-Beecher City 47-37 to claim third place, after playing the defending and repeat champion Freeport Aquin to a one-point loss Friday. They also made a statement, that by returning seven of their top eight players, they will be major players for the 1A state championship once again in 2014.

“Hopefully, we feel we have seven starters coming back. We feel like we’re going to be really strong,” third year AHS coach Jason Burkiewicz said.