DES MOINES — Bishop Garrigan and West Fork are separated by some 60 miles in the northeast part of the state.

The two share membership in the Top of Iowa Conference, and even claimed their respective division titles this past winter.

But on Wednesday afternoon, they meet for even more: a spot in the Class 1A state championship.

The second-seed Golden Bears (23-2 overall) and sixth-seeded Warhawks (23-2) tip at 3:45 p.m. after the first semifinal between Montezuma (24-2) and Wapsie Valley (18-7).

Angelo Winkel led Bishop Garrigan to a thrilling 55-52 victory over Springville this past Monday, advancing to the final four for the first time since 1993. Winkel, a junior, tallied 22 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks, none more important than his game-ending one.

John Joyce added 13 points, four steals and three assists, with Cade Winkel chipping in 11 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

Despite turning the ball over 21 times and shooting just 21 percent from the 3-point line, Garrigan was able to rally from a third quarter deficit.

In the final quarterfinal, West Fork topped Remsen St. Mary’s, 55-53, as Brayden Vold sank a jumper with three seconds left. Jakob Washington had 12 points, with both Ian Latham and Kayden Ames adding 10.

The offense numbers by the Golden Bears and Warhawks are striking similar. Bishop Garrigan averages 71.9 points per game, with West Fork at 68.8. BGHS has made 682 field goals to 687 by West Fork.

Garrigan shoots the ball at a 52 percent clip from the field and the Warhawks are just under 51.

Unlike most 1A programs, West Fork — the former home of University of Northern Iowa standout Seth Tuttle — can compete with the size of the Golden Bears.

The Warhawk roster features four players standing 6-foot-5, with Garrigan boasting the four key regulars over 6-foot-4 led by the 6-9 Angelo Winkel.

While they did not meet during the year, West Fork did post a 72-68 victory in the last contest between the two. That was in 2018 in the postseason.

The championship game is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday. West Fork won its only state title in 2011, placing second in 2013 and ’14.