Apple Valley at Lakeville North
7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20

Both teams boast a top-5 ranking in Class 4A, and both are aiming for a win in this season's South Suburban Conference debut.

Apple Valley posted a stalwart defensive effort against Cretin-Derham Hall in a 79-51 victory on Dec. 13 and routed Owatonna 95-51 on Dec. 15.

It’ll take another strong defensive performance from the No. 5 Eagles (4-1) to stop 6-foot-10 Wisconsin commit Nathan Reuvers (26 ppg). 

The No. 2 Panthers (3-0) are battle tested after grinding out a 48-46 victory against Chaska on Dec. 13 and earning an 82-74 overtime win against Cretin-Derham Hall on Dec. 10.

Apple Valley won both regular-season meetings last season, and Tre Jones (24 ppg) will have to shoulder the scoring load this year for the Eagles to repeat that performance. He had 34 points at Lakeville North a year ago.