This game has no conference implications, but it might be the two best teams in the state going head-to-head, as No. 1-4A Hopkins has No. 2-4A Eastview nipping at its heels.
The Royals have shown they haven't had much trouble with ranked opponents, beating No. 4-4A Centennial 84-68 on Dec. 2 and crushing No. 1-3A Robbinsdale Cooper 95-68 last Tuesday. Against Cooper, sophomore guard Paige Bueckers scored 20 points and teammate Raena Suggs added 18.
In the Royals' seven wins this season, they’ve won by an average of 25.4 points.
Eastview, at home, aims to spoil Hopkins' perfect season and supplant the Royals at the top of the Class 4A poll. The Lightning have had their own success against ranked opponents this season, beating No. 8-4A St. Michael-Albertville 60-43 on Dec. 2 and No. 6-4A Lakeville North 62-59 on Dec. 12.
The Lightning have won six games by an average of 20.5 points — almost as dominant as the Royals. Senior forward Megan Walstad leads Eastview with 14.2 ppg.