Turns out the Hopkins boys’ basketball team can play a little defense, too.

The Royals, ranked No. 1 and owner of the top seed in the state tournament, faced a Tartan team allowing the fewest points per game in Class 4A. After feeling out Tartan’s schemes for a portion of the first half, the Royals took control in a 70-58 victory.

Hopkins shot above its season averages in field goal and three-pointer percentage in the first half. The Royals caused 11 Tartan turnovers and committed only five.

“The problem is we turned it over too much from the top of the key to the half court area, which I call the red zone,” Tartan coach Mark Klingsporn said. “And they’ll make you pay in the open court. They are good at that.”

Tartan’s tendency to pressure some Hopkins ball-handlers and not others made the Royals struggle in transition and “for a second it got us thinking,” said Hopkins coach Ken Novak Jr. But Hopkins switched rolls. Trailing 19-18, the Royals became the aggressors, going on a 10-0 run and forcing four Tartan turnovers.

Hopkins senior guard Kamali Chambers gave his team a lift, throwing a pair of nice passes that led to easy layups and leading all players with 21 points. He finished 5-of-7 from the three point arc.

“He’s a very good point guard and a very good shooter,” Novak Jr. said. “Kamali is a kid that sparks us.”

DAVID LA VAQUE

First report

No. 1 season Hopkins needed to time to solve Tartan’s strong defense but the Royals’ boys’ basketball team pulled away for a 70-58 victory in Wednesday’s Class 4A quarterfinal game at Target Center.

Hopkins guard Kamali Chambers led all scorers with 21 points.

Check back later for more on the game.


Photo gallery: Hopkins vs. Tartan


VIDEO: Hopkins guard Kamali Chambers