Amir Coffey and John Warren understand Hopkins must improve on defense if the Royals are to vie for another Class 4A state title.
“We can score the ball, that’s not really a problem for us,” Coffey said. “But if we can get down and get stops on defense, I think we can win a state championship.”
The need to shore up the defense was apparent to Coffey and Warren following a 94-51 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the opening round of the Hopkins Early Bird Invitational Friday at Hopkins High School.
Coffey scored 24 points and Warren had 22, but both guards said the Royals' offense is not the area of the game that will prevent the team from being successful this season.
“(The defense) was a little sloppy today,” Warren said. “That’s a key of the game we need to work on to win, and that’s what it’s going to take to win.”
Hopkins went 30-2 and held opponents to 63.5 points per game last season but struggled to stop Lakeville North from scoring in the state title game, losing 84-82.
Royals coach Ken Novak Jr. said his team is inexperienced after graduating eight seniors.
Coffey, however, said Hopkins has better team chemistry this year.
“Even before basketball, we knew each other and we’re always together,” Coffey said. “The previous team had a little team chemistry, but not as strong as this team.”
Warren and Coffey also have a strong bond. The pair are not only the Royals’ top returning scorers, but also best friends.
Coffey, a junior, averaged 15.0 points per game in the regular season, while Warren, a senior, averaged 12.2. But they don’t always spend their time together talking about basketball.
“We’re like brothers, basically,” Warren said. “We talk about the game a little bit, but just to pick each other up. But most of the time, it’s like school and stuff.”
